FG Group Holdings Inc. - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Ballantyne Strong, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (402) 453-4444

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports filed pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

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

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

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 the definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

The aggregate market value of the Company’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates, based upon the closing price of the stock on the NYSE MKT on June 30, 2014 was $58,846,579. The Company does not have any non-voting common equity. As of March 3, 2015, 14,092,129 shares of common stock of Ballantyne Strong, Inc., were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2015 are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K 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. In addition, forward-looking statements may be made in press releases, orally, at conferences, on the Company’s worldwide web site, or otherwise, by or on behalf of the Company. 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. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements 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 the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

PART I

Item 1. Business

General Description of Business

General 

Ballantyne Strong Inc. (“BTN”, “Ballantyne”, “ the Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us”) designs, integrates, and installs technology solutions for a broad range of applications; develops and delivers out-of-home messaging, advertising and communications; manufactures projection screens and lighting products; and provides managed services including monitoring of networked equipment to our customers. We add value through our design, engineering, manufacturing excellence and customer service. We focus on the retail, financial, government and cinema markets.

Ballantyne is a Delaware corporation founded in 1932 and became a designer and manufacturer of film projectors. Over the past 80 years, we have expanded our product lines and services to meet the needs of the ever-changing and technologically-advancing theatre exhibition industry. We broadened our offerings through acquisitions in the lighting sector to serve the needs of architectural, entertainment and commercial customers. Most recently, we entered the digital media distribution sector through an acquisition which enables us to serve the advertising, education and communication needs of retail, corporate, and government sectors. Ballantyne went public in 1995; our shares are traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol BTN.

On October 1, 2013, we acquired Convergent Corporation (formerly a subsidiary of Sony Electronics Inc.) and its wholly owned subsidiary Convergent Media Systems (“Convergent”, “CMS”), a managed solutions provider to blue chip organizations that require design, installation, operation and maintenance of enterprise media networks. Convergent allows the Company to leverage its core assets and strengthen its platform for our strategic business focus of providing technology solutions to customers in support of their business, marketing and branding needs.

We conduct our operations through two primary business segments: Managed Services and Systems Integration. Approximately 67%, 82%, and 91% of our sales were from the Systems Integration segment for the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively. 

Strategy

Our strategy combines the following key elements:

Build Upon Digital Media Capabilities Added in the Convergent Acquisition to Generate a Growing Stream of Recurring Revenue. With the acquisition of Convergent, Ballantyne has established a strong foundation as a leading provider of digital media solutions. Through the Convergent subsidiary, the Company can offer end-to-end digital solutions that help our clients communicate more effectively with their customers. Our comprehensive service offerings span the entire lifecycle of a digital media campaign, from strategy and content development to systems installation and support. The back-end maintenance, monitoring and support functions in our digital media programs will provide a recurring source of revenue that is expected to reduce volatility in the Company’s earnings.

Expand Managed Services and Network Operations Center Within the Cinema Market and Penetrate Other Strategic Growth Markets. We have made significant investments in capital and technical resources over the past several years in strengthening our core service capabilities which include systems and network monitoring, installation and repair of equipment, cabling, and wiring. These strengths along with our strong customer relationships, will allow us to expand our core service offerings in a variety of vertical markets including the theater industry, retail, banking, and government installations through the utilization of the latest technologies. In addition, the technical capabilities within our Network Operations Center (“NOC”) allow us to meet industry demands for remote systems monitoring for digital equipment and back room operations into other adjacent markets.

Expand Product Sales Opportunities Through Multi-Pronged Approach. We offer cloud based video security solutions to enterprise customers in North America as a valued added reseller (“VAR”)for multiple manufacturers. We will capitalize on our strong customer relationships within the cinema market to sell digital solutions obtained through the acquisition of Convergent. We will bundle and aggressively cross sell all product and service offerings to existing market channels tapping into our solid customer relationships. We continue to look for new product offerings either through distribution channels or via in-house development that fit with our current product portfolio and markets.

Leverage Engineering and Project Management Expertise. We will leverage our engineering capabilities across all businesses to deliver user-friendly solutions to complex projects and products within the cinema and digital media markets. This strategy utilizes the growing strength of our technical expertise as a solution provider to our customers. As firmware and software increase in complexity, we see opportunity to simplify the existing and emerging technologies for our customers from deployment through daily operational management and servicing.

Pursue Strategic Acquisitions. We are focused on identifying and completing acquisitions within areas where we can effectively leverage our strong competencies as an organization, including operations management, distribution and channel management, as well as our skillsets in integrating, installing and supporting advanced electronic components and software applications.

Operating Segments

Systems Integration  

Overview

We provide a full range of product solutions primarily for the theatre exhibition industry including a wide spectrum of premier audio-visual products and accessories such as digital projectors, state of the art projection screens, servers, library management systems, and audio systems. We also sell lighting solutions for the architectural and entertainment lighting industry.

Theatre Exhibition — We provide a full range of products and services to the theatre exhibition industry from the design and installation of new theatre exhibition systems and related equipment to complete film-to-digital theatre conversion services. The systems include a wide spectrum of premier audio-visual products and accessories such as: digital projectors, state of the art projection screens, servers and library management systems, menu boards, flat panel displays, and sound systems.

We market and sell directly to theatre exhibitors, as well as through certain domestic and international VAR’s. Over the course of our 80-year history, we have developed ongoing customer relationships with a large portion of the theatre owners in the United States and a number of the major theatre owners internationally. Our sales and marketing staff principally develop business by maintaining regular personal contact with our established customer relationships including conducting site visits. In our sales and marketing efforts, we emphasize our value proposition of providing the broadest range of products and services delivered by one of the industry’s largest technical service teams, which provides a significant resource to our clients in managing the complexities of digital technology in the cinema exhibition industry. Our sales and marketing professionals have extensive experience with the Company’s product lines and have long-term relationships throughout the industry.

Lighting — Under the trademark Strong^®, we design, engineer, manufacture, and supply long-range followspots, as well as other lighting products for architectural, theatrical, promotional, stage and studio purposes. Our products include a line of LED lighting, which are more effective and efficient than traditional lighting products. We provide installation and maintenance services for our lighting product lines for both permanent and touring applications. While the majority of our lighting products are manufactured to stock, many lighting works are fitted to our clients’ projects and property needs, such as commissioned work for one-of-a-kind lighting needs. For these projects, we can provide project management services, including design, engineering, manufacture, installation, and continued service.

Products

Screens — We manufacture multiple standard and large format 2D and 3D screens for cinema and special venue applications through our ISO-certified manufacturing facility in Canada. There are certain digital 3D applications, such as the technology by RealD, that require unique “silver” screens that we manufacture. In addition, we purchased Peintures Elite, Inc. in 2013, the manufacturer of coatings that have been exclusive to our Company in the manufacture of our screens. This relatively small acquisition positioned us to retain the exclusive rights to this coating and continue producing our unique screens. We are constantly innovating to set new standards within the screen industry, and in 2013 we developed the new Premium HGA screen that diffuses light evenly over its entire surface, thereby reducing the formation of so-called “hot spots.”

Projectors — Through distribution agreements with NEC and BARCO, we distribute DLP Cinema projectors in the Americas and Asia. Both manufacturers of the projectors use the DLP cinema technology from Texas Instruments. NEC offers DLP Cinema projectors ranging from their NC900 projector for screens up to 31 feet wide to the NC3240S which is a 4K projector designed for screens up to 105 feet wide. BARCO offers DLP Cinema projectors ranging from their DP2K-10SX projector for screens up to 33 feet to the DP4K-32B cinema projector which is an ultra-bright enhanced 4K cinema projector for screens up to 105 feet.

Servers — Through a formal distribution agreement with GDC Technology (USA), LLC, we distribute GDC’s line of digital cinema servers in North and South America. We also distribute their servers in certain other areas of the world under less formal arrangements. In addition, we distribute servers for other server manufacturers including those manufactured by Doremi and Dolby. Digital servers and the related integrated media block are used by our customers for the storage and delivery of digital content.

Audio Systems — We distribute a range of state of the art digital audio systems, including surround and 3D sound technologies from the following manufacturers: Dolby, Barco USL, JBL and QSC. Our technicians are certified by each manufacturer to install, service and maintain these and other audio systems.

Additional Projection Products — We also manufacture or distribute certain third-party accessories, which coupled with the cinema projector, server and integrated media block, can fully outfit and automate a projection booth. The significant accessories include, but are not limited to library management systems, automation products, pedestals, 3D accessories, lenses and lamps.

Followspots — We have designed, engineered, manufactured and distributed long-range followspots since 1950. Our followspots are primarily marketed under the Strong^® trademark and include recognized trademarked models such as Super Trouper^® and Gladiator^®. Our long-range followspots are high-intensity general-use illumination products designed for both permanent and touring installations. Lower wattage models are appropriate for small venues and truss mounting; high-intensity xenon models are appropriate for large theatres, arenas and stadiums.

Signature Commissioned Lighting — Our Company designs and engineers signature, one-of-a-kind lighting solutions on commissioned, case-by-case basis for architectural sites, entertainment, and various other purposes. Our most recent signature piece is the beacon light atop the new One World Trade Center. We’ve also produced unique lighting solutions for the NASA Space Shuttle lighting, as well as the beacon light atop the iconic pyramid-shaped Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

LED Specification Grade Accent Lighting — We design and manufacture a controlled beam LED floodlight with highly refined optics for illuminating extremely distant targets, and Strong distributes specialty lighting products from an Italian manufacturing company, DTS (D.T.S. illuminazione srl).  This specialty line utilizes the latest in lighting and LED technology to serve specialty markets including houses of worship, decorative façade and accent lighting.

Moving Head and Specialty Lighting — The Company also distributes specialty lighting products from an Italian manufacturing company, DTS. This specialty line utilizes the latest in lighting and LED technology to serve specialty markets including houses of worship, arenas, nightclubs, TV production sets, casinos and touring concert applications.

Markets

Cinema — Our non-exclusive distribution agreements with NEC and BARCO allow us to market digital projectors in North and South America, including the Caribbean. In China we have distribution rights to sell NEC and BARCO and can distribute NEC products in Hong Kong and certain other areas of Asia. We do not have any territorial restrictions for any of our other products and services.

Lighting — We sell our lighting products through a combination of a small direct sales force, dealer network and commissioned sales representatives to arenas, stadiums, theme parks, theatres, auditoriums, houses of worship, equipment rental companies, entertainers, and managers and owners of premier architectural sites worldwide. Our followspot products are marketed using the Strong^® trademark and are used in over 100 major arenas throughout the world.

Competition

Digital Projection Equipment — The markets for our products in the theatre segment have been highly competitive during the analog-to-digital cinema conversion. The primary competitive factors are price, product quality, features and customer support. Competition in the digital cinema equipment market includes one other licensed OEM of the Texas Instruments’ DLP cinema technology besides our partners NEC and BARCO: Christie Digital Systems. We also compete with SONY, which uses its own 4K digital cinema technology.

Screens — While there are numerous screen manufacturing companies in the world, the primary competitor in the worldwide cinema screen market is Harkness Screens. Competitive factors include product performance characteristics, quality, availability and price.

Lighting — The markets for our lighting products are highly competitive and highly fragmented with no dominant players. We compete in the lighting industry primarily on the basis of quality, price, branding, and product line variety, as well as through engineering solutions for specialty and signature applications.

Managed Services

Overview

The Company delivers solutions and services across two primary markets: digital out-of-home and cinema. These markets are served through the capabilities it has gained from the acquisition of Convergent in 2013 and from Strong Technical Services (“STS”) respectively. While there is digital signage equipment sold within this segment, the primary focus of this organization is providing solutions and services to our customers.

Solutions

Digital Signage — End-to-end digital signage solutions are at the core of our managed services offering, which include media strategy, application development, content creation, system integration, hardware, software, content distribution, management, network monitoring and field services. We primarily market our solutions to large businesses in North America and Latin America that do not have the resources or expertise to create, manage and maintain their digital signage system internally. These customers typically have complex solution requirements or require deployment across many locations. Customers utilize digital signage to increase product sales, improve the consumer experience, enhance their brand or inform their audience.

Enterprise Video — We provide video communication services and solutions including design, integration, monitoring, maintenance and installation for the government and corporate markets. These solutions provide enterprises with the infrastructure necessary to communicate, collaborate, train and educate employees. We also provide monitoring and technical services that support free-to-guest solutions (such as in-room television) for customers in the hospitality, healthcare, and other industries involving multi-dwelling units and communication solutions.

Content Creation — We provide creative services to digital signage clients that include media strategy, content design and production. Our creative services team develops custom content to support the branding and marketing initiatives of each client.

Content Management and Distribution — Content management is required to ensure accurate playback at the right place and at the right time based on a number of factors such as geography, site characteristics, location within a site or consumer demographics. We utilize both third-party and proprietary software platforms for the management and distribution of content. Content is prepared, scheduled and centrally distributed from our facility. We utilize secure virtual private network (“VPN”) connections across the Internet or the client network in accordance to specifications set by the client’s IT department.

Network Operations Centers — Our NOCs, staffed by software engineers and systems techs, operate 24/7/365 and provide IT solutions to our customers to meet Service Level Agreements (“SLA”). We are able to monitor our customers’ networked equipment remotely through a VPN, often providing proactive solutions to systems issues before they cause system failures. Our remote services include systems monitoring and maintenance, software upgrades, and system repairs. By utilizing NOC personnel to solve customer issues whenever possible, we eliminate travel time and expenses normally incurred by sending a technician onsite for repairs. Many issues that don’t involve parts replacements or physical contact with the hardware can be handled remotely using our remote assistance technologies.

Service & Maintenance — We supply digital installations and after-sale maintenance services. Our onsite technicians work closely with our NOC staff to resolve systems issues that cannot be fixed remotely; they are certified to install and service digital and audio equipment for all manufacturers including the equipment of our competitors. We offer cabling, wiring, installation and maintenance services for digital menu boards and other digital equipment on ad hoc, as-needed basis. We also offer long-term contractual service packages for maintenance and repairs to a wide range of installed digital equipment for customers including equipment originally installed by our competitors. These long-term service packages provide our Company with recurring revenue.

Markets

Digital Out-of-Home – The Digital Out-of-Home (“DOOH”) advertising market is a subset of the overall OOH advertising market that includes in-store digital displays and interactive promotion kiosks. DOOH marketing campaigns consist of a network of digital displays that are centrally managed and target both mobile and captive customers outside the home. We are primarily focused on pursuing DOOH communication opportunities within the retail, banking, entertainment, healthcare and corporate markets.

Enterprise Video Solutions – The Enterprise Video Solutions (“EVS”) market consists of customers seeking corporate video communications, employee training and system monitoring solutions. We are primarily focused on pursuing EVS opportunities within the hospitality, government, banking, healthcare and corporate markets.

Cinema – The cinema market consists of theatre exhibitors both domestically and internationally. Ballantyne’s foundation was built in the cinema exhibition industry and this market remains a key focus of our Company. We market and sell our services directly to theatre owners and through dealers or Value Added Resellers networks. Our sales and marketing staff principally develop business by maintaining regular personal customer contact including conducting site visits, while customer service and technical support functions are dispatched when needed. We believe the expanded product and service offerings obtained through the acquisition of Convergent will provide significant value to the service we provide to our customer base in the cinema industry.

Competition

There are many players in the Digital Out-of-Home market who have expertise in integration. Some of the key players include Diversified Media Group and Christie Digital.

The competition in the cinema service industry for installation, after-sale maintenance, and NOC services is primarily driven by the two largest cinema service companies, Ballantyne and Christie Digital Cinema, although there are several other smaller scale providers in the cinema market.

Subsidiaries

As of December 31, 2014 we have six wholly-owned operational subsidiaries: Strong Technical Services, Inc., Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc., Strong Westrex, Inc., Strong Westrex (Beijing) Trading Inc., Convergent Corporation and Convergent Media Systems Corporation

Manufacturing

We manufacture cinema screens through Strong/MDI, our screen subsidiary in Joliette, Quebec, Canada. These manufacturing operations consist of a 75,000 square-foot facility for the manufacture of cinema screen systems. These facilities include expanded PVC welding operations with programmable automations, as well as two 90-foot high screen coating towers with state of the art precision coating application software and painting systems. This world class ISO certified operation has the capability of manufacturing multiple standard screens simultaneously to large format 2D and 3D screens for cinema and special venue applications. We are one of the only screen manufacturers in the world with Silver Screen technologies capable of supporting RealD projections.

We manufacture the following lighting products at our facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia: Strong^®, Sky-Tracker^®, Super Trouper^®, Gladiator^® and Solutions™.

Quality Control

We believe that our quality control procedures and the quality standards for the products we manufacture, distribute or service have contributed significantly to our reputation for high performance and reliability. The inspection of incoming materials and components as well as the testing of all of our products during various stages of the sales and service cycle are key elements of this program.

Trademarks

We own or otherwise have rights to various trademarks and trade names used in conjunction with the sale of our products. We believe our success will not be dependent upon trademark protection, but rather upon our scientific and engineering capabilities and research and production techniques. We consider the following trademarks to be of value to our business: Strong^®, Sky-Tracker^®, Super Trouper^®, Gladiator^®, Solutions™, Convergent™ and PRODOKOL™.

Employees

We employed 325 persons on a full-time basis at December 31, 2014. Of these employees, 93 were considered manufacturing, 128 were service related and 104 were considered sales and administrative. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement.

Executive Officers of the Company

Gary L. Cavey, age 65, has been our President, CEO and a member of the Board of Directors since November of 2010.

Christopher D. Stark, age 54, assumed the responsibilities of VP-Operations in May of 2007 and is currently Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Ray F. Boegner, age 65, has been Senior Vice President since 1997. Mr. Boegner joined us in 1985 and has acted in various sales roles for our Company.

Nathan D. Legband, age 35, has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September of 2014. Mr. Legband joined us in 2012 as the Corporate Controller. 

David G. Anderson, age 60, serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Anderson assumed the roles in November of 2012.

Information available on Ballantyne Website

We make available free of charge on our website (www.strong-world.com) through a link to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. However, information posted on our website is not part of the Form 10-K. The Board of Directors has adopted the following governance documents which are also posted on our website:

These corporate governance documents are also available in print to any stockholder upon request by writing to:

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

The information called for by this item is included in Note 22 of our consolidated financial statements in this report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following risk factors and other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before investing in shares of our common stock. Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. If any of the following risk factors actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or the occurrence of unanticipated events. Also refer to the note regarding Forward-Looking Statements in Item 7 of Part II of this Form 10-K.

New and expanded lines of business are a part of our strategy to compensate for the lower demand for our digital cinema products and installation services.

A significant portion of our revenue in recent years has been generated from the theatre exhibition industry’s need for digital cinema equipment and service to support the industries transformation from film to digital equipment. This required the Company to commit substantial resources to the process of retrofitting existing theatre complexes by removing the film equipment and replacing it with digital equipment, and experienced significant financial gains from this work. With the completion of this digital conversion by North America theatre exhibitors, we will no longer be able to rely on that income as a major source of our earnings. If we are unable to expand our revenue streams with other products and services, our future growth would be significantly curtailed.

Growth through acquisition is part of our business plan and can inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties.

We continually review acquisition opportunities that will enhance our market position, expand our product lines and provide sufficient synergies. Any of the following risks associated with our past acquisitions or future acquisitions, individually or in aggregate, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or stock price:

Interruptions of, or higher prices of components from our suppliers may affect our results of operations and financial performance.

A portion of our revenues are dependent on the distribution of products supplied by various key suppliers. We believe we have good supplier relationships and that we are generally able to obtain adequate pricing and other terms from our suppliers. However, if we fail to maintain satisfactory relationships with them or if our suppliers experience significant financial problems, we could experience difficulty in obtaining needed goods and services. Some suppliers could also decide to reduce inventories or raise prices to increase cash flow. The loss of any one or more of our suppliers could have an adverse effect on our business unless alternative manufacturing arrangements are secured.

The markets for our cinema products are highly competitive and if market share is lost, we may be unable to lower our cost structure quickly enough to offset the loss of revenue.

Within the cinema market, the domestic and international markets for our product lines are highly competitive, evolving and subject to rapid technological and other changes. We expect the intensity of competition in each of these areas to continue in the future due to a number of reasons including:

If we are not able to develop and introduce enhancements and new features that achieve market acceptance or that keep pace with technological developments, our business could be harmed.

We operate in a dynamic environment characterized by rapidly changing technologies and industry and legal standards. The introduction of new software solutions by our competitors, the market acceptance of solutions based on new or alternative technologies, or the emergence of new industry standards could render our platform obsolete. Our ability to compete successfully, attract new customers and increase revenues from existing customers depends in part on our ability to enhance and improve our existing software platform, identify new software partners which will allow us to continually introduce or acquire new features that are in demand by the market we serve. The success of any enhancement or new solution depends on several factors, including timely completion and integration, adequate quality testing, introduction and market acceptance. Any new platform or feature that we develop or acquire may not be introduced in a timely or cost-effective manner, may contain defects or may not achieve the broad market acceptance necessary to generate significant revenues. If we are unable to anticipate or timely and successfully develop or acquire new offerings or features or enhance our existing platform to meet customer requirements, our business and operating results will be adversely affected. Additionally, for technologies that are acquired, we may not be able to successfully integrate or monetize the acquired technology at a rate that is consistent with the market’s expectations.

Our sales cycle can be long and unpredictable, particularly with respect to large enterprises, which could harm our business and operating results.

The timing of our sales is difficult to predict. Our sales efforts involve educating our customers, frequently at an executive level, about the use, potential return on investment, technical capabilities, security and other benefits of our solution. Customers often undertake a prolonged product-evaluation process which frequently involves not only our solutions but also those of our competitors. As we continue to target our sales efforts at large enterprise customers, we will face greater costs, long sales cycles and less predictability in completing some of our sales. In this market segment, the customer’s decision to subscribe to our solution is often an enterprise-wide decision and, may require us to provide even greater levels of education regarding the use and benefits of our solution and obtain support from multiple departments. In addition, prospective enterprise customers may require customized features and functions unique to their business process that may need acceptance testing related to those unique features. As a result of these factors, these sales opportunities may require us to devote greater sales support, operational support and professional services resources to individual customers, increasing costs and time required to complete sales and diverting our own sales and professional services resources to a smaller number of larger transactions.

We are substantially dependent upon significant customers who could cease purchasing our products at any time.

The Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 38% of 2014 consolidated net revenues and were from the systems integration and managed services segments. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 38% of net consolidated receivables at December 31, 2014. 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 has recorded deferred tax assets that are subject to annual valuation testing.

At December 31, 2014, we have recorded net deferred tax assets of $7.7 million. In assessing the ability to realize the 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. If it would be determined that some or all of these assets would not be realized, valuation reserves would be required which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business is subject to the economic and political risks of selling products in foreign countries.

Sales outside the United States (mainly cinema) continue to be significant, accounting for approximately 35% of consolidated sales in fiscal 2014, which include $14.0 million of sales in China. This compared to 35% in 2013 of which $16.6 were generated in China. Foreign sales are subject to political and economic risks, including political instability, currency controls, fluctuating exchange rates with respect to sales not denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in import/export regulations, tariffs and freight rates. A significant amount of our foreign sales are denominated in foreign currencies and amounted to $21.9 million in 2014. To the extent that orders are denominated in foreign currencies, our reported sales and earnings are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations. In addition, there can be no assurance that our remaining international customers will continue to accept orders denominated in U.S. dollars. For those sales which are denominated in U.S. dollars, a weakening in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse impact on us by increasing the effective price of our products in international markets. Certain areas of the world are also more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced higher than local manufacturers. We are also exposed to foreign currency fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollar due to our screen manufacturing facility in Canada where a majority of their sales are denominated in the U.S. dollar while their expenses are denominated in Canadian currency. We cannot assure that these factors will not adversely affect our foreign activities in the future.

The risk of non-compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations applicable to our international operations could have a significant impact on our results of operations, financial condition or strategic objectives.

Our global operations subject us to regulation by U.S. federal and state laws and multiple foreign laws, regulations and policies, which could result in conflicting legal requirements. These laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, have tended to become more stringent over time and increase our cost of doing business. These laws and regulations include import and export control, environmental, health and safety regulations, data privacy requirements, international labor laws and work councils and anti-corruption and bribery laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.N. Convention Against Bribery and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials. We are subject to the risk that we, our employees, our affiliated entities, contractors, agents or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take action determined to be in violation of any of these laws, particularly as we expand our operations through organic growth and acquisitions. An actual or alleged violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil or criminal penalties, and debarment from government contracts, curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, competitive or reputational harm, litigation or regulatory action and other consequences that might adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or strategic objectives.

A challenging global economic environment or a downturn in the markets we serve could adversely affect our operating results and stock price in a material manner.

The current issues in the global credit markets and weak worldwide economies may continue to negatively impact the markets we serve. This environment could serve to reduce demand for our products and adversely affect our operating results. These economic conditions may also impact the financial condition of one or more of our key suppliers which could affect our ability to secure product to meet our customers’ demand. 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.

We rely extensively on our information technology systems and are vulnerable to damage and interruption.

We rely on our information technology systems and infrastructure to process transactions, summarize results, and manage our business, including maintaining client information. Our information technology systems are potentially vulnerable to outages and deliberate intrusion. Likewise, data security incidents and breaches by employees and others with or without permitted access to our systems pose a risk that sensitive data may be exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public. Additionally, we utilize third parties, including cloud providers, to store, transfer and process data. While we have taken measures to protect our data and information technology systems, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent outages or security breaches in our systems that could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows, as well as our business reputation.

If we fail to retain key members of management, our business may be materially harmed.

Our success depends, in substantial part, on the efforts and abilities of our current management team. Many of these individuals have acquired specialized knowledge and skills with respect to Ballantyne and its operations. If certain of these individuals were to leave unexpectedly, we could face difficulty in hiring qualified successors and could experience a loss in productivity while any successor obtains the necessary training and experience.

Our stock price is vulnerable to significant fluctuations.

The trading price of our common stock has been highly volatile in the past and could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in quarterly operating results, general conditions in the industries in which we operate and other factors. In addition, the stock market is subject to price and volume fluctuations affecting the market price for the stock of many companies generally, which fluctuations often are unrelated to operating performance.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

The Company has no unresolved staff comments to report pursuant to this item.

Item 2. Properties

Our headquarters and NOC are located at 13710 FNB Parkway, Omaha, Nebraska, where we lease office space. The premises are used for offices and operating the NOC. The lease expires in April 2023. In addition, our subsidiaries owned or leased the following facilities as of December 31, 2014.

We do not anticipate any difficulty in retaining occupancy of any leased facilities, either by renewing leases prior to expiration or replacing them with equivalent leased facilities.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of our business operations, we are involved, from time to time, in certain legal disputes. No such disputes, individually or in the aggregate, are expected to have a material effect on our business or financial condition.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol “BTN”. The following table sets forth the high and low per share sale price for the common stock as reported by the NYSE MKT.

According to the records of our transfer agent, we had 144 stockholders of record of our common stock on March 3, 2015. Because brokers and other institutions hold many of our shares on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders. The last reported per share sale price for the common stock on March 3, 2015 was $4.67. We had 14,092,129 shares of common stock outstanding on March 3, 2015.

Dividend Policy

We intend to retain our earnings to assist in financing our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of dividends by the Company are also subject to the discretion of the Board. Any determination by the Board as to the payment of dividends in the future will depend upon, among other things, business conditions, our financial condition and capital requirements, as well as any other factors deemed relevant by the Board. We have not paid cash dividends since we went public in 1995.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information regarding our Stock Option, Restricted Stock and Stock Purchase Plan Agreements as of December 31, 2014.

(1)           Includes 241,800 securities for our 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares Ballantyne’s cumulative total stockholder return over the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total returns of the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index (“NYSE”), the Russell 2000 Index and the Research Data Group, Inc. (“RDG”) SmallCap Technology Index. The graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2009, and assumes reinvestment of all dividends.

Copyright © 2014 2014 Russell Investment Group. All rights reserved.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The selected statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and the selected balance sheet data at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The selected statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the balance sheet data at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included herein.  The Company has made acquisitions during the five years covered by the selected statement financial data.  See Note 3 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the 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. 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 as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Overview

The Company designs, integrates, and installs technology solutions for a broad range of applications; develops and delivers out-of-home messaging, advertising and communications; manufactures projection screens and lighting products; and provides managed services including monitoring of networked equipment to our customers. We add value through our design, engineering, manufacturing excellence and customer service. We focus on the retail, financial, government and cinema markets. We have two primary operating segments: Systems Integration and Managed Services. The Systems Integration Segment provides a full range of product solutions primarily for the theatre exhibition industry including a wide spectrum of premier audio-visual products and accessories such as digital projectors, state of the art projection screens, servers, library management systems, and audio systems. We also sell lighting solutions for the architectural and entertainment lighting industry. The Managed Service Segment delivers solutions and services across two primary markets: digital out-of-home and cinema. These markets are served through the capabilities the Company has gained from the acquisition of Convergent in 2013 and from Strong Technical Services (“STS”) respectively. While there is digital signage equipment sold within this segment, the primary focus of this segment is providing solutions and services to our customers.

Our segments were determined based on the manner in which management organizes segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Approximately 67% of fiscal year 2014 revenues were from systems integration and approximately 33% were from managed services. Additional information related to our reporting segments can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

On October 1, 2013, the Company acquired CMS for approximately $17.4 million in cash. CMS provides digital technologies for out-of-home messaging, advertising and communication (the Digital Out-of-Home or DOOH market) and Enterprise Video Solutions (EVS), which provides enterprises with the infrastructure necessary for communication, collaboration, training and education of employees. CMS operates from its offices in the United States and Canada and has customers in North America. Approximately $0.2 million of the purchase price was allocated to amortizable other intangibles.

On September 13, 2013, the Company acquired Peintures Elite, Inc. for $1.7 million in cash. Elite is a manufacturer of paint and lacquer products and has been the primary provider of paint for our screen manufacturing business. Approximately $1.2 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and $0.6 million was allocated to amortizable other intangibles.

Results of Operations:

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net revenues represented by certain items reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.

Restructuring Activities

In connection with the integration of the 2013 CMS acquisition, as well as the Company’s ongoing plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, the Company initiated plans in the fourth quarter of 2013 to reduce headcount and move the Company’s warehouse from Omaha, Nebraska to Lawrenceville, Georgia. In 2013, the Company recorded $1.5 million in severance costs it expected to incur as part of the integration of CMS and for site closure of the Omaha warehouse. The restructuring initiative is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2015.

2014 Compared to 2013

Revenues

Net revenues during the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased 8.2% to $95.1 million from $103.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2013.

Systems Integration

Sales of systems integration products and services decreased 25.4% to $63.8 million in 2014 from $85.5 million in 2013. Sales of digital cinema products and services decreased by $22.8 million as the industry conversion to digital projection equipment continues to wind down as expected. In addition sales of lighting products decreased $2.7 million. This was partially offset by an increase in screen sales of $3.0 million.

Managed Services

Sales of managed services products and services increased 70.2% to $32.5 million in 2014 from $19.1 million in 2013. This reflects twelve months of ownership of Convergent in 2014 versus three months in 2013, accounting for $11.2 million of the increase. In addition we had an increase of $2.2 million in digital cinema service due to increased on-demand service and NOC contract revenue.

Foreign Revenues

Sales outside the United States (primarily from the systems integration segment) decreased to $32.9 million in 2014 from $36.3 million in 2013. This was driven by decreased sales in China and South America offset by increased sales in Canada and Mexico.  Export sales fluctuations in these markets are reflective of highly competitive environments combined with sensitivity to the timing of the digital cinema rollout in these countries as well as diminishing film equipment sales.  Export sales are also sensitive to worldwide economic and political conditions that lead to volatility in the market.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit increased 8.3% to $18.2 million in 2014 from $16.8 million in 2013 and as a percent of total revenue increased to 19.1% in 2014 from 16.3% in 2013.

Gross profit in the systems integration segment decreased to $12.2 million from $12.7 million in 2013 but increased as a percentage of systems integration revenues to 19.1% from 14.8% a year-ago. The decrease in gross profit was driven by lower revenues in digital equipment sales as the digital roll out continued to wind down as expected. However, gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased as digital equipment sales, which carry lower margins, declined to make up a smaller percentage of total sales.

Gross profit in the managed services segment amounted to $6.0 million or 18.4% as a percentage of revenues in 2014 compared to $4.2 million or 21.9% as a percentage of revenues in 2013. Twelve months of ownership of CMS in 2014 versus three months of ownership in 2013 caused the increase, which was partially offset by decreases in lower revenues for cinema service. However, gross margin as a percentage of managed services revenues decreased primarily due to the CMS acquisition as CMS media solutions carry a lower gross margin than other offerings in the managed services segment as the revenue stream includes sale of equipment that carries lower margin.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses increased 82.5% to $7.2 million in 2014 from $4.0 million in 2013 and as a percentage of revenues increased to 7.6% from 3.8% a year-ago. The increase in selling expenses is due to the ownership of CMS for 12 months in 2014 versus the three months of ownership in 2013. In addition the company has invested in growing and developing the sales and business development functions that were not in place at the date of acquisition of CMS.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses decreased 0.3% to $12.7 million in 2014 from $12.8 million in 2013 and amounted to 13.4% and 12.3% of revenues, respectively. Excluding the restructuring charges of $1.5 million in 2013, general and administrative expenses increased to $12.7 million or 13.4% of revenues from $11.3 million or 10.9% of revenues. The increase is due to the ownership of CMS for 12 months in 2014 versus the three months of ownership in 2013, coupled with the decrease in revenue. The increase was partially offset by a reduction in incentive based compensation in 2014.

Segment Operating Income

We generated operating income in the systems integration segment of $6.1 million in 2014 compared to $7.9 million in 2013. This decrease was driven by the revenues from the sale of digital cinema products and services as the digital roll-out continued to wind down as expected.

The managed services segment generated minimal operating income in 2014 compared to operating income of $1.1 million in 2013. The decrease is due to increased costs associated with the ownership of CMS for 12 months in 2014 versus three months of ownership in 2013.

Other Financial Items

Interest income increased $0.3 million in 2014 to $0.7 million compared to $0.4 million in 2013. This increase is primarily due to a $0.2 million increase in interest income from the notes receivable. Additionally interest income on the lease receivables acquired as part of the acquisition of CMS increased $0.1 million compared to 2013 due to the ownership of CMS for 12 months in 2014 versus the 3 months of ownership in 2013. Other income of $0.6 million in 2014 and $0.5 million in 2013 reflects the impact of exchange gains and losses due primarily to the U.S. dollar fluctuating against the Canadian dollar from year-to-year.

We recorded income tax benefit of approximately $0.5 million in 2014 compared to income tax expense of $0.8 million in 2013. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment income (losses)) was approximately 99.1% for 2014 and 82.9% for 2013. During 2014, the Company had accumulated earnings of $4.8 million in excess of what was determined to be permanently reinvested in Canada resulting in income taxes of $0.4 million. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rates primarily as a result of differing foreign and U.S. tax rates applied to respective pre-tax earnings by tax jurisdiction.

For the reasons outlined herein, we were essentially break even with and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.00 in 2014, compared to net earnings of $0.2 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.01 in 2013.

2013 Compared to 2012

Revenues

Net revenues during the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased 38.7% to $103.6 million from $169.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2012.

Systems Integration

Sales of systems integration products and services decreased 44.8% to $85.5 million in 2013 from $154.7 million in 2012. Sales of digital and analog cinema products and services decreased by $72.8 million as the industry changed to digital projection equipment continues to wind down as expected. This was partially offset by an increase in screen sales of $1.8 million and lighting products of $1.8 million with the completion of the beacon and uplights on the One World Trade Center.

Managed Services

Sales of managed services products and services increased 18.7% to $19.1 million in 2013 from $16.1 million in 2012. Sales of products and services related to digital signage were $7.1 million in 2013 from the acquisition of Convergent. These sales were driven through the distribution of digital signage equipment as well as content creation, management and distribution. Convergent was acquired October 1, 2013. This was partially offset by a $4.1 million decrease in digital cinema service due to non-recurring installation revenue related to the industry change to digital projection equipment.

Foreign Revenues

Sales outside the United States (primarily from the systems integration segment) increased to $36.3 million in 2013 from $32.0 million in 2012. This was driven by increased sales in South America.  Export sales fluctuations in these markets are reflective of highly competitive environments combined with sensitivity to the timing of the digital cinema rollout in these countries as well as diminishing film equipment sales.  Export sales are also sensitive to worldwide economic and political conditions that lead to volatility in the market.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit decreased 25.4% to $16.8 million from $22.6 million in 2012 and as a percent of total revenue increased to 16.3% from 13.4% in 2012.

Gross profit in the systems integration segment decreased to $12.7 million from $18.9 million in 2012 but increased as a percentage of systems integration revenues to 14.8% from 12.2% a year-ago. The decrease in gross profit was driven by lower revenues in digital equipment sales as the digital roll out continued to wind down. However, gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased as digital equipment sales, which carry lower margins, declined to make up a smaller percentage of total sales.

Gross profit in the managed services segment amounted to $4.2 million or 21.9% as a percentage of revenues in 2013 compared to $3.7 million or 22.8% as a percentage of revenues in 2012. The acquisition of CMS in October 2013 caused the increase, which was partially offset by decreases in lower revenues for cinema service. However, gross margin as a percentage of managed services revenues decreased primarily due to the CMS acquisition as CMS media solutions carry a lower gross margin than other offerings in the managed services segment as the revenue stream includes sale of equipment that carries lower margin.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses decreased 11.2% to $4.0 million from $4.5 million in 2012 and as a percentage of revenues increased to 3.8% from 2.6% a year-ago. The decrease in selling expenses is due to lower travel, consultant and tradeshow expenses. Selling expenses increased as a percentage of revenues due to lower revenue volume in 2013 more than offsetting the reduction in expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased 11.5% to $12.8 million in 2013 from $11.5 million in 2012 and amounted to 12.3% and 6.8% of revenues, respectively. Excluding the restructuring charges of $1.5 million and $0.1 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, general and administrative expenses decreased to $11.3 million or 10.9% of revenues from $11.4 million or 6.7% of revenues. The increase in expenses is primarily due to acquisition related costs and the addition of CMS in October 2013, which added a combined $0.9 million in expenses partially offset by lower spending.

Segment Operating Income

We generated operating income in the systems integration segment of $7.9 million in 2013 compared to $12.0 million in 2012. This decrease was driven by the revenues from the sale of digital cinema products and services as the digital roll-out wound down.

The managed services segment generated operating income of $1.1 million in 2013 compared to $2.5 million in 2012. The decrease is due to lower cinema service revenue due to fewer digital installations and severance costs incurred with the acquisition of CMS.

Other Financial Items

Our results for 2013 reflects a loss of $0.03 million pertaining to our 44.4% share of equity in the income from Digital Link II, LLC compared to income of $0.01 million in 2012.

Interest income increased $0.4 million in 2013 to $0.4 million compared to 2012. This increase is due to interest income from the notes receivable in addition to interest income on the lease receivables acquired as part of the acquisition of CMS. The interest income on the lease receivables represented $0.1 million of the balance. Other income of $0.5 million in 2013 and $0.2 million in 2012 reflects the impact of exchange gains and losses due primarily to the U.S. dollar fluctuating against the Canadian dollar from year-to-year.

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.8 million in 2013 compared to $2.6 million in 2012. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment income (losses)) was approximately 82.9% for 2013 and 32.0% in 2012. During 2013, the Company concluded that $12 million of the cash available in Canada would no longer be considered permanently reinvested and would be used for other corporate purposes, which resulted in additional income tax expense of $1.0 million. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rates primarily as a result of differing foreign and U.S. tax rates applied to respective pre-tax earnings by tax jurisdiction in addition to a reduction of income tax expense of $0.1 million for the reversal of income taxes accrued related to tax positions that are no longer open.

For the reasons outlined herein, we generated net earnings of approximately $0.2 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.01, compared to net earnings of $5.5 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.39 in 2012.

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 fiscal year 2014 with total cash and cash equivalents of $22.5 million compared to $28.8 million at December 31, 2013. The Company believes that our existing sources of liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents, borrowing availability, and operating cash flow will be sufficient to meet our projected capital needs for the foreseeable future.

We are a party to a $20 million Revolving Credit Agreement and Note (collectively, the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”). We may request an increase in the 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 Credit Agreement are to be used for working capital purposes and for other general corporate purposes. Our accounts receivable, general intangibles and inventory secure the Credit Agreement.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 125 basis points (1.41% at December 31, 2014). Interest is paid on a monthly basis. The Company pays a fee of 0.15% per annum on any unused portion. The Credit Agreement expires on June 30, 2015 at which time all unpaid principal and interest is due. Borrowings available under the Credit Agreement were $20.0 million at December 31, 2014. Since the inception of the Credit Agreement, no amounts have been borrowed.

The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants, including those relating to our financial condition. The primary financial condition covenants require the Company maintain a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth of less than 2 to 1, working capital of $20 million and beginning December 31, 2014 net income before taxes of $1 on a rolling 4-quarter basis, as defined in the Credit Agreement. 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 Credit Agreement, including a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Credit Agreement), all amounts due there under may be declared to be immediately due and payable. At December 31, 2014, the Company did not meet the requirement for net income before taxes on a rolling 4-quarter basis to equal or exceed $1. The Company obtained a waiver from Wells Fargo for the December 31, 2014 covenant violation.

As of December 31, 2014, $9.2 million of the $22.5 million in cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries. If these funds are needed for our operations in the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on a portion of these funds when repatriated back to the U.S. During 2013 the Company determined that $12 million of the cash in Canada would no longer be considered permanently reinvested and would be used for other corporate needs. The $12 million of cash was moved from Canada to the U.S. in 2014.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities consist of net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, and the effect of working capital changes.

Net cash used in operating activities was $3.7 million in 2014, which included break even net income, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for gain on assets, deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, reserve provisions and non-cash stock compensation totaling $2.2 million. Changes in working capital decreased cash from operating activities by $1.4 million.  This is primarily due to a decrease in the balance of accounts payable and accrued expenses and an increase in deferred tax assets, partially offset by increases in customer deposits/deferred revenue.  Accounts payable balances decreased $3.7 million due to timing of payment for inventory purchases. Accrued expenses decreased $1.9 million due to the decrease in accruals related to compensation and benefits in addition to severance. This was partially offset by a decrease in customer deposits/deferred revenue of $1.2 million, which is consistent with the decrease in the Company’s revenues in 2014 compared to 2013.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $8.5 million in 2013, which included net income of $0.2 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for gain on assets, deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, reserve provisions and non-cash stock compensation totaling $4.3 million. Changes in working capital benefitted cash from operating activities by $4.0 million.  This is primarily due to a decrease in the balance of accounts receivables and other current assets, as well as accruals and timing of tax deposits partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and customer deposits/deferred revenue.  Accounts receivable balances decreased $8.9 million due to the lower sales volume in the fourth quarter 2013 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. Accounts payable decreased $4.8 million as the Company paid for fourth quarter 2012 inventory purchases.  Customer deposits/deferred revenue decreased $3.3 million, consistent with the decrease in the Company’s revenues in 2013 compared to 2012.

Net cash used in operating activities was $0.4 million in 2012, which included net income of $5.5 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for gain on assets, deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, reserve provisions and non-cash stock compensation totaling $1.1 million. Changes in working capital used cash from operating activities of $7.0 million.  This is primarily due to a decrease in accounts payable, as well as accruals and timing of tax deposits, partially offset by a decrease in the balance of accounts, unbilled and notes receivables and other current assets.  Accounts payable decreased $15.5 million as the Company paid for fourth quarter 2011 inventory purchases.  Accounts receivable balances decreased $6.6 million due to collections of the higher sales volume of the prior fourth quarter 2011 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2012.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $1.9 million in 2014 primarily due to capital expenditures.

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $19.3 million in 2013. Cash of $1.7 million and $17.4 million was used for the acquisitions of Elite and CMS, respectively, which was partially offset by $0.4 million of cash acquired. Capital expenditures in 2013 amounted to $0.5 million. 

Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to $3.3 million in 2012. Cash was provided by a $2.5 million distribution from our joint venture investment in Digital Link II and proceeds from the sale of assets of $3.3 million in 2012, including $3.0 million from assets previously classified as available for sale.  Capital expenditures in 2012 amounted to $2.5 million.  The 2012 capital expenditures primarily relate to our new corporate headquarters.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing in 2014 and 2013 was negligible.

Net cash used in financing amounted to $2.7 million in 2012, reflecting $2.8 million for the purchase of treasury stock, offset slightly for proceeds related to the stock purchase plan and certain tax benefits from share-based arrangements.

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates increased (decreased) cash and cash equivalents by $(0.7) million, $(0.6) million, and $0.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Transactions with Related and Certain Other Parties

There were no transactions with related and certain other parties during 2014.

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk Concentrations

The Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 38.4% of 2014 consolidated net revenues and were from the systems integration and managed services segments. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 38.0% of net consolidated receivables at December 31, 2014. 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 us to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of accounts receivable and notes 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.

Hedging and Trading Activities

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 contracts to manage a portion of this risk. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded approximately $0.1 million of realized net losses associated with these contracts in its consolidated statement of operations.

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:

               There were no other material 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.

Legal

See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements, and Item 3 of this report, for a description of legal matters.

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.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”).  ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017 and may be adopted using a full retrospective or a modified cumulative effect approach. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance and has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

General

The following accounting policies involve judgments and estimates used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.

Our accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in this report. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied:

The Company recognizes revenue when these criteria have been met and when title and risk of loss transfers to the customer. If an arrangement involves multiple deliverables, the items are considered separate units of accounting if the items have value on a stand-alone basis and there is objective and reliable evidence of their fair values. Revenues from the arrangement are allocated to the separate units of accounting based on their objectively determined fair value. For services, revenue is recognized when the services have been rendered. Revenues from service and support contracts is deferred and recognized as earned ratably over the service coverage periods. Unbilled revenue represents revenue recognized in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy for which the invoice had not been processed and sent to the customer. Revenue is generally recognized upon shipment of the product, however, there are certain instances where revenue is deferred and recognized upon delivery or customer acceptance of the product as the Company legally retains the risk of loss on these transactions until such time. Estimates used in the recognition of revenues and cost of revenues include, but are not limited to, estimates for product warranties, price allowances and product returns.

Costs related to revenues are recognized in the same period in which the specific revenues are recorded. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are reported in revenue. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of sales. Estimates used in the recognition of revenues and cost of revenues include, but are not limited to, estimates for product warranties, price allowances and product returns.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include appropriate elements of material, labor and overhead. Our policy is to evaluate all inventory quantities for amounts on-hand that are potentially in excess of estimated usage requirements, and to write down any excess quantities to estimated net realizable value. Inherent in the estimates of net realizable values are management’s estimates related to customer demand and the development of new technology, which could make our theatre, lighting, and digital media products obsolete, among other items. Management has managed these risks in the past and believes that it can manage them in the future; however, operating margins may suffer if they are unable to effectively manage these risks.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. We use an estimate of our annual effective rate at each interim period based on the facts and circumstances at the time while the actual effective rate is calculated at year-end. 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 whether the deferred tax assets are realizable management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At December 31, 2014, we have recorded net deferred tax assets of $7.7 million. If it would be determined that some or all of these assets would not be realized, valuation reserves would be required which would have a material adverse affect on our results of operations.

We evaluate uncertain tax positions in a two-step process, whereby 1) we determine 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 that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, we 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. Our uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities.

Business Combinations

The Company uses the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is often required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, particularly intangible assets. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions we normally obtain the assistance of third-party valuation specialists in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. While management believes those expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.

Item 7A. 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. As a majority of our sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the dollar can and sometimes has made our products less competitive in foreign markets.

Interest Rates—We have a variable interest rate credit facility, however, we have no outstanding balances as of December 31, 2014. If we would borrow up to the maximum amount available under these facilities, 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. We currently have long-term notes receivables bearing interest rates of 15% which are recorded at fair value. A change in long-term interest rates for comparable types of instruments would have the effect of us recording changes in fair value through our statement of operations.

Foreign Exchange—Exposures to transactions denominated in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are primarily related to our China and Canadian subsidiaries. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies create exposures, which can adversely affect our results of operations. 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 $0.5 million.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated financial statements of Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries and the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K were prepared by and are the responsibility of management. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and necessarily include amounts based on management’s best estimates and judgments.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, management relies on a system of internal controls, which provide reasonable assurance that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability of assets. Internal controls are designed to reduce the risk that material errors or irregularities in the financial statements may occur and not be timely detected. These systems are augmented by written policies, careful selection and training of qualified personnel, an organizational structure providing for the division of responsibilities and a program of financial, operational and systems reviews.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed of five non-employee directors, is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors the independent accounting firm to be retained each year. The Audit Committee meets regularly and when appropriate separately, with the independent auditors and management to review the Company’s performance. The independent auditors and the Audit Committee have unrestricted access to each other in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ballantyne Strong, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement Schedule II. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 6, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Omaha, Nebraska
March 6, 2015

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ and shares in thousands except par values)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
($ and shares in thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. Basis of Presentation

Business Description

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., Strong Westrex (Beijing) Trading Inc., Convergent Corporation and Convergent Media Systems Corporation designs, integrates, and installs technology solutions for a broad range of applications; develops and delivers out-of-home messaging, advertising and communications; manufactures projection screens and lighting products; and provides managed services including monitoring of networked equipment to our customers. As of January 1, 2014 the legal entity Peintures Elite, Inc. was dissolved and consolidated into Strong/MDI Screen Systems, Inc.

The Company’s products are distributed to the retail, financial, government and cinema markets throughout the world.

Principles of Consolidation

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

Use of Management Estimates

The preparation of 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 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.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied:

The Company recognizes revenue when these criteria have been met and when title and risk of loss transfers to the customer. If an arrangement involves multiple deliverables, the items are considered separate units of accounting if the items have value on a stand-alone basis and there is objective and reliable evidence of their fair values. Revenues from the arrangement are allocated to the separate units of accounting based on their objectively determined fair value. For services, revenue is recognized when the services have been rendered. Revenues from service and support contracts is deferred and recognized as earned ratably over the service coverage periods. Unbilled revenue represents revenue recognized in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy for which the invoice had not been processed and sent to the customer. Revenue is generally recognized upon shipment of the product, however, there are certain instances where revenue is deferred and recognized upon delivery or customer acceptance of the product as the Company legally retains the risk of loss on these transactions until such time. Estimates used in the recognition of revenues and cost of revenues include, but are not limited to, estimates for product warranties, price allowances and product returns.

Costs related to revenues are recognized in the same period in which the specific revenues are recorded. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are reported in revenue. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of sales. Estimates used in the recognition of revenues and cost of revenues include, but are not limited to, estimates for product warranties, price allowances and product returns.

Accounts, Financing and Notes Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on several factors including overall customer credit quality, historical write-off experience and a specific analysis that projects the ultimate collectability of the account. As such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level and bad debt expense to adjust accordingly.

Beginning in October 1, 2013, with our acquisition of CMS in our managed services segment, sales-type lease revenue arrangements are included in services revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The arrangements are primarily related to sales of digital displays and have original lease terms ranging from 3 to 5 years. For sales-type/finance leases, the Company records an asset at lease inception. This asset is recorded at the aggregate future minimum lease payments, estimated residual value of the leased equipment, and deferred incremental direct costs less unearned income. Income is recognized over the life of the lease to approximate a level rate of return on the net investment. Residual values, which are reviewed periodically, represent the estimated amount the Company expects to receive at lease termination from the disposition of the leased equipment. Actual residual values realized could differ from these estimates. Declines in estimated residual value that are deemed other-than-temporary are recognized in the period in which the declines occur. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and provides an allowance for potential credit losses against the portion of financing receivables which is estimated to be uncollectible based on historical experience, current economic conditions, and management’s evaluation of outstanding financing receivables. These factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly. There is currently no allowance for credit losses as management believes the entire balance will be collectible. The effective rate on these is 3.25%.

Notes receivables are recorded at estimated fair value at December 31, 2014 and accrue interest at 15%. The Company estimates allowances for doubtful accounts based on the Company’s best estimates of the amount of probable credit losses pertaining to the notes receivables, based on ongoing monitoring of the counterparty’s financial position and results of operations.

Past due accounts are written off for accounts, financing and notes receivable when our efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting amounts due.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include appropriate elements of material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory balances are net of reserves of slow moving or obsolete inventory based on management’s review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales, technological changes and product pricing.

Digital projection equipment and lighting is provided to potential customers for consignment and demonstration purposes under customer use agreements. Revenues are subsequently recorded in accordance with the Company’s normal revenue recognition policies. Consignment inventory is reviewed for impairment by comparing the inventory to the estimated future usage and sales. Digital and lighting equipment on consignment amounted to approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Business Combinations

The Company uses the acquisition method in accounting for acquired businesses. Under the acquisition method, the financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is often required in estimating the fair value of assets acquired, particularly intangible assets. As a result, in the case of significant acquisitions the Company normally obtains the assistance of third-party valuation specialists in estimating fair values of tangible and intangible assets. The fair value estimates are based on available historical information and on expectations and assumptions about the future, considering the perspective of marketplace participants. While management believes those expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain. Unanticipated market or macroeconomic events and circumstances may occur, which could affect the accuracy or validity of the estimates and assumptions.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s amortizable intangibles consist of trademarks, customer relationships, software and product formulation. The Company evaluates its intangible assets for impairment when there is evidence that events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Significant judgments and assumptions are required in the impairment evaluations.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. Significant judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. The Company may consider indicators such as deterioration in general economic conditions, adverse changes in the markets in which the reporting unit operates, increases in input costs that have negative effects on earnings and cash flows, or a trend of negative or declining cash flows over multiple periods, among others. The fair value that could be realized in an actual transaction may differ from that used to evaluate the impairment of goodwill.

The Company may first review for goodwill impairment by assessing qualitative factors to determine whether any impairment may exist.  If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative two-step test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required.  However, the Company also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. Under the first step of the quantitative test, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill).  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two is not performed.  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and step two of the impairment test (measurement) is performed.  Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill.  The fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.

Goodwill at December 31, 2014 was recorded in connection with the acquisition of Peintures Elite, Inc. in the third quarter of 2013. A qualitative assessment was performed for the year ended December 31, 2014 and it was determined no events had occurred since the acquisition that would indicate an impairment was more likely than not.   

Property, Plant and Equipment

Significant expenditures for the replacement or expansion of property, plant and equipment are capitalized. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. For financial reporting purposes, assets are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of 20 years for buildings and improvements, life of the related lease for leasehold improvements, 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, 7 years for furniture and fixtures and 3 years for computers and accessories. The Company generally uses accelerated methods of depreciation for income tax purposes. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability of property, plant and equipment is based on management’s estimates of future undiscounted cash flows and these estimates may vary due to a number of factors, some of which may be outside of management’s control. To the extent that the Company is unable to achieve management’s forecasts of future income, it may become necessary to record impairment losses for any excess of the net book value of property, plant and equipment over their fair value.

The Company incurs maintenance costs on all of its major equipment. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company uses an estimate of its annual effective rate at each interim period based on the facts and circumstances at the time while the actual effective rate is calculated at year-end. 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 whether the deferred tax assets are realizable management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company’s 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 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 accrues interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the statements of income as income tax expense.

Other Taxes

Sales taxes assessed by governmental authorities including sales, use, and excise taxes are on a net basis and therefore the presentation of these taxes is excluded from revenues and is shown as a liability on the balance sheet until remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities.

Research and Development

Research and development related costs are charged to operations in the period incurred. Such costs amounted to approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.01 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial and Derivative Instruments

The Company follows the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued authoritative guidance, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As defined in the FASB guidance, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The FASB guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refers broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

The following tables present the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Fair Values Measured on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2014:

Fair Values Measured on a Recurring Basis at December 31, 2013:

Quantitative information about the Company's level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 is set forth below:

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's notes receivable are prepayment rates, probability of default and loss severity in the event of default.  Significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.  Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates. 

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance of the Company's Notes Receivable fair value:
   

The fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts is measured based on the total amount of currency to be purchased and forward exchange rates as of the period end. See footnote 17 for additional information on the Company's foreign exchange contracts.

 The carrying values of all other financial assets and liabilities including accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses reported in the consolidated balance sheets equal or approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.  All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes non-financial long-lived assets, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  During 2014, the Company did not have any significant non-recurring measurements of non-financial assets or liabilities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All short-term, highly liquid financial instruments are classified as cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows. Generally, these instruments have maturities of three months or less from date of purchase.

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 certain non-vested shares of restricted stock. The following table provides reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:

 Grants and options to purchase 181,500, 291,000 and 189,025 shares of common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per shares as the option’s exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares for the respective periods. An additional 141,936 options were excluded for the year ended December 31, 2014 as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive, thereby decreasing the net loss per share.

Stock Compensation Plans

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated values on the date of grant. The Company uses the straight-line amortization method over the vesting period of the awards. The Company has historically issued shares upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock from new stock issuances. 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. The fair value of stock options granted and shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. No share-based compensation cost was capitalized as a part of inventory as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Post-Retirement Benefits

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded position of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the balance sheet, measures the plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of December 31, 2014 and recognizes the changes in the funded status through comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur.

Foreign Currency Translation

For foreign subsidiaries, the environment in which the business conducts operations is considered the functional currency, generally the local currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into the United States dollar at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Revenue and expenses of foreign subsidiaries are translated using an average of the foreign exchange rates in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net earnings but are presented in comprehensive income within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses that arise from foreign exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of operations as incurred. Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries totaling $4.8 million are considered to not be permanently reinvested and the applicable portion of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) has been tax effected. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be indefinitely reinvested have not been tax effected.

Warranty Reserves

Historically, the Company has generally granted a warranty to its customers for a one-year period following the sale of manufactured film projection equipment and on selected repaired equipment for a one-year period.  In most instances, the digital products are covered by the manufacturing firm's OEM warranty; however, there are certain customers where the Company may grant warranties in excess of the manufacturer's warranty for digital products.  The Company accrues for these costs at the time of sale.  The following table summarizes warranty activity for the three years ended December 31, 2014.

Contingencies

The Company accrues for contingencies when its assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company’s estimates are based on currently available facts and its estimates of the ultimate outcome or resolution. Actual results may differ from the Company’s estimates resulting in an impact, positive or negative, on earnings.

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