f10k_032312.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

                                                                                   

(Mark One)

FORM 10-K               

 

(X)  

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

or

( )  

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

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

 

Commission file number:

 0-10394 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Washington

91-0864123

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

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

(425) 881-6444

(Address, including zip code, of registrant’s principle executive offices and telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock (No Par Value)

Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act

None

 

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” ”accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 Large accelerated filer __  Accelerated filer __  Non-accelerated filer __  Smaller reporting company

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

 

Aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held

by non-affiliates on the registrant as of June 30, 2011:

$50,968,410

 

Shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding as of March 12, 2012:

8,510,897

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its May 10, 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

1


 

 

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

INDEX

Part I

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

3

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

16

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Properties

16

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

16

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

16

 

 

 

 

Part II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

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

17

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

17

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7.

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

18

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

23

 

 

 

 

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

23

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

43

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

43

 

 

 

 

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

43

 

 

 

 

Part III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

44

 

 

 

 

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

44

 

 

 

 

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

44

 

 

 

 

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

45

 

 

 

 

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

45

 

 

 

 

Part IV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

46

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

50

 

2


 

 

PART I

 

Item 1.  Business

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Data I/O ® Corporation’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward Looking Statements.”

 

General

 

Data I/O Corporation (“Data I/O”) is the global market leader for advanced programming and intellectual property management solutions used in the manufacturing of flash and flash-based intelligent devices.  Data I/O designs, manufactures and sells programming systems for electronic device manufacturers, specifically targeting high growth areas such as high-volume users of flash memory and microcontrollers.  Virtually every electronic product today incorporates one or more programmable semiconductor devices that contain data and operating instructions essential for the proper operation of the product.

 

Data I/O’s mission is to deliver high-value systems, software and services to the rapidly expanding programmable semiconductor market by providing a software-rich programming platform for content delivery.  These programmable solutions are used in devices such as smart phones, MP3 players, gaming systems and automobile electronics.  These solutions, some of which include intellectual property management, secure content management and process control capabilities, enable Data I/O to address the demanding requirements for the electronic device market, where applications and intellectual property protection are essential to our customer’s success.  Data I/O’s largest customers are heavy users of programmable semiconductor devices and include original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in wireless and consumer electronics and automotive electronics, and their electronic manufacturing service (“EMS”) contract manufacturers.

 

Data I/O was incorporated in the State of Washington in 1969 and its business was founded in 1972.

 

Industry Background

                         

Data I/O enables companies to improve productivity and reduce costs by providing device programming solutions that allow our customers to take intellectual property (large design and data files) and protect and program it into memory, microcontroller and logic devices quickly and cost-effectively.  Data I/O also provides services related to hardware support, system installation and repair, and device programming.  Companies that design and manufacture products ranging from cell phones to automobiles, that utilize programmable electronic devices, purchase these solutions from us.  The trends of increasing device densities and customers increasing their software content file sizes, combined with the increasing numbers of intelligent devices such as smartphones and tablets, are driving demand for our solutions.

Our automated programming systems integrate both programming and handling functions into a single product solution.  Quality conscious customers, particularly those in the field of high-volume manufacturing and programming, continue to drive this portion of our business.

 

Traditionally, our programming market opportunity focused on the number of semiconductor devices to be programmed, but because of the rapid increase in the density of devices, the focus is shifting to the number of bits per device to be programmed as described in the following table:

 

Market Characteristics

Data I/O’s Traditional Market Model

Data I/O’s New Market Model

Primary driver of demand

Number of semiconductor devices

Number of bits per device

Primary measure of performance

Devices programmed per hour

Bits programmed per hour

Primary device type

Microcontrollers: ~60% of devices

NAND Flash: ~71% of content

DAIO business focus

Device programming

Content programming and management

Demand growth

~12% growth in devices

~90% growth in content

 

Products

 

In order to accommodate the expanding variety and quantities of programmable devices being manufactured today, Data I/O offers multiple solutions for the numerous types of device mix and volume usage by our customers in the various market segments and applications.  We work closely with leading manufacturers of programmable devices to develop our products to meet the requirements of a particular device.

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Our products are positioned and viewed as the “gold standard” for advanced programming equipment and intellectual property management solutions.  Our new RoadRunner3 with Factory Integration Software received the Circuits Assembly NPI Award in February of 2012, and a year ago our FlashCORE III programming technology resulted in industry awards including:

 

·         SMT Vision Award

·         Circuits Assembly NPI Award

·         EMAsia Innovation Award

·         Global SMT Technology Award

 

Data I/O’s programming solutions include a broad range of products, systems, modules and accessories, grouped into two general categories: automated programming systems and manual programming systems.  We provide two main categories of automated programming systems: off-line and in-line.  Data I/O’s common programming platform, FlashCORE™, and Data I/O’s universal job setup tool, Tasklink™ for Windows®, are available in each family of our automated programming systems and FlashPAK™.  In addition, we provide device support and service on all of our products.  Device support is a critical aspect of our business and consists of writing software algorithms for devices and developing socket adapters to hold and connect to the device for programming.

 

Data I/O’s products have both an upfront solution sale and recurring revenue elements.  Adapters are a consumable item and software and maintenance are typically under annual subscription contracts.

 

2011 Sales Percentage Breakdown by Type

Sales Type

Percent of Total Sales

Drivers

Equipment Sales

61%

Capacity, Process improvement, Technology

Adapter Sales

27%

Capacity utilization, New customer products

Software and Maintenance Sales

12%

Installed base, Added capabilities

Total

100%

 

 

The table below presents Data I/O’s main products and the key features that benefit our customers:

Products

Key Features

Customer Benefits

RoadRunner and RoadRunner3 Series:

In-line,

(Automated)

 

·         Just-in-time in-line programming

·         Direct integration with placement machine supporting SIPLACE, Fuji NXT, Panasonic, Assembleon, Universal and MYDATA Parallel Programming

·         Factory Integration Software

·         List Selling Price (“List”) of $79,900 to $127,100

·         Dramatic reduction in inventory carrying and rework costs

·         “Zero” footprint

·         Rapid return on investment (“ROI”) realized in a matter of months

·         Integration with factory systems

PS Series: Off-line Medium/High Volume, High Mix

(Automated)

·         Fast program and verify speeds of less than 0.19 sec/ Mbit

·         Up to 48 programming sites

·         Supports multiple media types

·         Factory Integration Software

·         List of $185,000 to $560,000

·         High throughput for high density Flash programming

·         High flexibility with respect to I/O options (tube, tray, tape), marking/labeling and vision for coplanarity inspection

FLX500 & FLXHD: Off-line, Moderate Volume

(Automated)

·         Fast changeover times

·         Self-learning “plug-and-play” operation

·         Language-independent graphic user interface

·         FLXHD supports 40 duplication sites

·         List of $50,000 to $119,880

·         Affordable automation

·         Modular, easy to configure

·         Intuitive, easy to use graphical user interface

·         Small footprint

 

4


 

Products

Key Features

Customer Benefits

FlashPAK II/III: Off-line, Low Mix, Low Volume

(Non-Automated)

·         Scalability 

·         Network control via Ethernet

·         Stand-alone operation or PC compatible

·         Parallel programming

·         List of $9,500

·         Validate designs before moving down the firmware supply chain

·         Unmatched ease of use in manual production systems

Sprint/Unifamily: Off-line, Low Volume and Engineering

(Non-Automated)

·         Breadth of device coverage

·         List of $1,118 to $32,400

·         Universal programmer

 

 

Customers

 

Data I/O sells our solutions to customers worldwide, many of whom are world-class manufacturers of electronic devices used in a broad range of industries, as described in the following table:  

 

Customer Types

 

OEMs

EMS

Programming Centers

Wireless & Consumer Electronics

Automotive Electronics

Industrial & Process Control Electronics

Contract Manufacturers

Notable end customers

LG, Motorola, RIM, Sony, HTC, Microsoft

TRW, Lear, Delphi, Bosch, Blaupunkt, Continental,

Johnson Controls

Allen-Bradley, Square D, ABB, Trane, Grundig, Danfoss, Philips

Pegatron, Flextronics, Celestica, Elcoteq, Jabil, Wistron, Foxconn

Arrow, Avnet, BTV, MSC, HTV, CPS

Business drivers

GPS, Digital Rights Management, security, flash media, video, 3G/4G networks, applications, features & functionality of converged devices

Safety, navigation and infotainment devices, drive-by-wire

Higher functionality driven by increasing electronic content

Acquisition of OEM factories, production contract wins

Value-added services, logistics

Programming equipment drivers

Rollout of new products that incorporate higher functionality, more memory and new technology, e.g. eSD, e-MMC

Process improvement and simplification, new product rollouts, growing file sizes, and quality control

Process improvement and simplification as well as new product rollouts

New contracts from OEMs, programming solutions specified by OEMs

Capacity utilization of their installed base of equipment

Buying criteria

Throughput, technical capability to support evolving technology, global support, intellectual property protection, robust algorithms

Quality, reliability, configuration control, traceability, global support, intellectual property protection

Quality, reliability, configuration control, traceability

Lowest equipment procurement cost, global support

Flexibility, lowest life-cycle cost-per programmed-part, low changeover time; use of multiple vendors provides negotiating leverage

 

 

 

5


 

Data I/O’s solutions address the programming of devices, a large, growing market, both in terms of devices and bits programmed.   Semiconductor device shipments started the year with strong growth, but experienced declines later in the year and as a result were relatively flat for the full year 2011 compared to 2010.  For 2012, 4% growth is forecast according to market research firm Gartner Inc.  Markets that are expected to be key growth drivers include smart phones, tablet computers, e-readers, portable media players, set top boxes, televisions, automotive electronics, and new household appliances filled with electronics.  The world’s appetite for electronics grows despite global economic stress, and this growth is driving the semiconductor industry.

 

We believe that our sales are driven by the same forces that propel the semiconductor industry.  We sell to the same firms that buy the semiconductors.  When their business grows, they buy more semiconductors which, in turn, require additional programming equipment to maintain production speeds or program new device technologies, driving demand for our products.

 

Addressing High Growth, High Volume Markets.  Data I/O’s device programming solutions currently target two high growth, high volume markets: flash for mobile devices and microcontrollers for automotive electronics. 

 

Growth drivers of NAND flash in Mobile Devices

·         Flash unit volume experiencing explosive growth

·         Increasing usage of NAND, especially managed NAND like e-MMC, replacing NOR due to its lower cost per bit

·         Densities continue to increase, driving the need for more advanced and secure programming capabilities

·         Higher densities driving new usage models such as tablet computers.

·         The shift to the iPhone, Android, Blackberry and other smart phones

 

Growth drivers of microcontrollers and flash in Automotive

·         Consumers desire advanced car features requiring higher levels of sophistication including infotainment products (audio, radio, satellite, navigation and wireless connectivity) as well as increased safety features and optimized engine functionality

·         ~60 microcontrollers per vehicle

·         Proliferation of programmable microcontrollers to support the next-generation electronic car systems

·         Increasing use of high-density flash to provide memory for advanced applications that require programming

 

Increasingly, OEMs are outsourcing their device programming needs to EMS contract manufacturers to reduce capital expense and maximize profit margins.  At the same time, these OEMs are also increasing their proprietary software content to accelerate new product introductions with more feature-rich, application-specific versions.  While the outsourcing of manufacturing processes is essential to maximizing an OEM’s profit margin, maintaining the integrity and control of the software, the OEM’s core intellectual property, is increasingly complex in this outsourced environment, especially given the global nature of the manufacturing supply chain.  Data I/O, with its comprehensive programming solution, provides OEM’s with the ability to manage, monitor, audit and secure the software supply chain. 

 

During 2011, we sold products to over 650 customers throughout the world. The following customers represented greater than 10% of sales in the applicable year:

 

2011 – Data Copy Limited, a distributor in China, accounted for approximately 11% of 2011 net sales.

2010 – No customer accounted for greater than 10% of 2010 net sales.

2009 – Flextronics accounted for approximately 12% of 2009 net sales.

  

The following customers represented greater than 10% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance as of December 31 of the applicable year:

 

2011 - Panasonic accounted for approximately 10% of our consolidated accounts receivable.

2010 - No customers accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated accounts receivable.

2009 - Flextronics accounted for approximately 23% of our consolidated accounts receivable.

 

Geographic Markets and Distribution

 

Data I/O markets and sells our products through a combination of direct sales, internal telesales and indirect sales representatives and distributors.  We continually evaluate our sales channels against our evolving markets and customers and realign them as necessary to ensure that we reach our existing and potential customers in the most effective and efficient manner possible.

6


 

U.S. Sales

 

We market our products throughout the U.S. using a variety of sales channels, including our own field sales management personnel, independent sales representatives and a direct telesales organization.  Our U.S. independent sales representatives obtain orders on an agency basis, with shipments made directly to the customer by Data I/O.  Net sales in the United States for 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $2,724,000, $3,145,000 and $2,268,000, respectively.

 

International Sales

 

International sales represented approximately 90%, 88% and 88% of net sales in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We make foreign sales through our wholly-owned subsidiaries in Germany and China, as well as through independent distributors and sales representatives located in 44 other countries.  Our independent foreign distributors purchase Data I/O products in U.S. Dollars for resale and we recognize the sale at the time of shipment to the distributor.  As with U.S. sales representatives, sales made by international sales representatives are on an agency basis, with shipments made directly to the customer by us. 

 

Net foreign sales for 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $23,942,000, $23,251,000 and $16,281,000, respectively.  We determine total foreign sales by the international geographic area into which the products are sold and delivered, and include not only sales by foreign subsidiaries but also export sales from the U.S. to our foreign distributors and to our representatives’ customers.  Foreign sales do not include transfers between Data I/O and our foreign subsidiaries.  Export sales are subject to U.S. Department of Commerce regulations.  We have not, however, experienced difficulties to date as a result of these requirements.

 

Fluctuating exchange rates and other factors beyond our control, such as international monetary stability, tariff and trade policies and U.S. and foreign tax and economic policies, affect the level and profitability of foreign sales.  We cannot predict the effect of such factors on our business, but we try to consider and respond to changes in these factors, particularly as the majority of our costs are U.S.-based while the vast majority of our sales are international. 

 

Competition

 

The competition in the programming systems market is highly fragmented with a large number of smaller organizations offering inexpensive solutions.  While we are not aware of any published industry market information covering the programming systems market, according to our internal analysis of competitors we estimate that for 2009, 2010 and 2011, Data I/O revenues were at least twice the size of the next largest direct competitor and approximately four times the size of the second largest direct competitor. 

 

Data I/O primarily focuses on automated programming solutions and believes our solutions offer numerous advantages over alternative solutions as described in the following table:

 

Benefit Comparison

Data I/O

Automated Solutions

Alternative Solutions

In-System Programming with ATE

Outsourced Programming

Manual Programming*

Eliminates production bottlenecks

x

 

x

 

Requires few internal engineering resources

x

 

x

x

Programs large files quickly

x

 

x

 

Supports multiple devices per board easily

x

 

x

x

Supports multiple boards per panel easily

x

 

x

x

Ensures minimum yield loss

x

x

 

 

Enables intellectual property protections

x

x

 

 

Automates quality tracking

x

x

 

 

Ensures traceability and configuration control

x

x

 

 

Minimize risk of human error

x

x

 

 

No inventory at risk from software changes

x

x

 

 

Just-in-time programming

x

x

 

 

Integrates with factory software systems

x

x

 

 

 

* Data I/O also offers manual programming solutions.

7


 

Manufacturing, Raw Materials and Backlog

 

Data I/O strives to manufacture and provide the best solutions for advanced programming.  We received the “Manufacturer of the Year” Award in the category of small manufacturers from the Association of Washington Business in 2010.  Data I/O primarily assembles and tests our products at our principal facility in Redmond, Washington and we outsource our circuit board manufacturing and fabrication.  We have transferred most of our FlashCORE adapter production to China.  We use a combination of standard components, proprietary custom ICs and fabricated parts manufactured to Data I/O specifications.  Two significant outside suppliers of Data I/O proprietary products are located in Germany:  Yamaichi manufactures our specialty sockets and Haberer Electronic manufactures our Sprint non-automated programming systems.  Most components used are available from a number of different suppliers and subcontractors but certain items, such as some handler and programmer subassemblies, custom integrated circuits, hybrid circuits and connectors, are purchased from single sources.  We believe that additional sources can be developed for present single-source components without significant difficulties in obtaining supplies.  We cannot be sure that single-source components will always continue to be readily available.  If we cannot develop alternative sources for these components, or if we experience deterioration in relationships with these suppliers, there may be delays or reductions in product introductions or shipments, which may materially adversely affect our operating results. 

 

In accordance with industry practices, generally all orders are subject to cancellation prior to shipment without penalty, except for contracts calling for custom configuration.  To date, such cancellations have not had a material effect on our sales volume.  To meet customers’ delivery requirements, we manufacture certain products based upon a combination of backlog and anticipated orders.  Most orders are scheduled for delivery within 1 to 60 days after receipt of the order.  Our backlog of pending orders was approximately $800,000, $1.6 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The size of backlog at any particular date is not necessarily a meaningful indicator of the trend of our business.

 

Research and Development

 

Data I/O believes that continued investment in research and development is critical to our future success.  We continue to develop new technologies and products and enhance existing products.  Future growth is to a large extent dependent upon the timely development and introduction of new products, as well as the development of algorithms to support the latest programmable devices.  We are currently focusing our research and development efforts on strategic growth markets, namely new programming technology and automated handling systems for the manufacturing environment, including new programmer technologies, support for the latest FLASH memories and microcontrollers, additional platforms and improvements for ProLINE-RoadRunner, and new software capabilities.  We also continue to focus on increasing our capacity and responsiveness for new device support requests from customers and programmable integrated circuit manufacturers by revising and enhancing our internal processes and tools.  During this past year, our research and development efforts resulted in the release of RoadRunner3, Factory Integration Software and additional enhancements to our FlashCORE III programming architecture, as well as the release of the new FLXHD in February 2012.

 

During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we made expenditures for research and development of $5,470,000 $4,159,000 and $4,128,000, respectively, representing 20.5%, 15.8% and 22.3% of net sales, respectively.  Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. 

 

Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks and Licenses

 

Data I/O relies on a combination of patents, copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks to protect our intellectual property, as well as product development and marketing skill, to establish and protect our market position.  We have continued to add new patents to our patent portfolio over the past few years as we developed strategic new technologies.

 

On April 29, 2011, Data I/O acquired software technology consisting of patents, software source code, and other intellectual property which we now call Azido.  This software technology is used in our internal development efforts, is expected to be incorporated into new products currently in development, and is expected to be the basis for new software offerings in adjacent market spaces.

 

We attempt to protect our rights in proprietary software products, including TaskLink and other software products, by retaining the title to and copyright of the software and documentation, by including appropriate contractual restrictions on use and disclosure in our licenses, and by requiring our employees to execute non-disclosure agreements.  Our software products are not typically sold separately from sales of programming systems.  However, on those occasions where software is sold separately, revenue is recognized when a sales agreement exists,

 

 

8


 

delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable.  For certain contract software development projects, revenue is recognized using the percentage-of-completion methodology.

 

Because of the rapidly changing technology in the semiconductor, electronic equipment and software industries, portions of our products might possibly infringe upon existing patents or copyrights, and we may be required to obtain licenses or discontinue the use of the infringing technology.  We believe that any exposure we may have regarding possible infringement claims is a reasonable business risk similar to that assumed by other companies in the electronic equipment and software industries.  However, any claim of infringement, with or without merit, could be costly and a diversion of management’s attention, and an adverse determination could adversely affect our reputation, preclude us from offering certain products, and subject us to substantial liability.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had a total of 100 employees, of which 43 were located outside the U.S. and 7 of which are part time.  We also utilize independent contractors for specialty work, primarily in research and development, and utilize temporary workers to adjust capacity to fluctuating demand and for special projects.  Many of our employees are highly skilled and our continued success will depend in part upon our ability to attract and retain employees who can be in great demand within the industry.  None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit and we believe relations with our employees are favorable.  In foreign countries we have employment agreements or, in China, the Shanghai Foreign Services Co., Ltd. (“FSCO”) labor agreement.

 

Environmental Compliance

 

Our facilities are subject to numerous laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials or otherwise relating to the environment.  Compliance with environmental laws has not had, nor is it expected to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, financial position, results of operations or competitive position.  See Item 3, Legal Proceedings, regarding the Rowley Properties, Inc. claim.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Set forth below is certain information concerning the executive officers of Data I/O as of March 12, 2012:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frederick R. Hume

 

69

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joel S. Hatlen

 

53

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Secretary and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gordon B. Bluechel

 

49

 

Vice President, Operations and Administration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frederick R. Hume joined Data I/O as President and Chief Executive Officer in February 1999.  He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Data I/O in January 1999.  From 1988 until his retirement in 1998, Mr. Hume served as Vice President and General Manager of Keithley Instruments in Cleveland, Ohio.  From 1972 to 1988, he held various management positions at Fluke Corporation, including Group Vice President for Manufacturing and Research and Development.

 

Joel S. Hatlen joined Data I/O in September 1991 and became Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller in February 1997.  In January 1998, he was promoted to Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer.  He began his career at Data I/O as a Senior Tax Accountant and became Tax Manager in December 1992 and Corporate Controller in December 1993.  From September 1981 until joining Data I/O, Mr. Hatlen was employed by Ernst & Young LLP as a Certified Public Accountant, where his most recent position was Senior Manager. 

 

Gordon B. Bluechel joined Data I/O in November 1992 and was named an executive officer in November 2008.  He currently serves as the Vice President of Operations and Administration.  Prior to his current role, he served as Vice President/Director of Operations beginning in 2007, Director of Operations from 2005 to 2007, General Manager of In-System Programming from 2004 to 2005, Director of Americas Sales and Service from 2002 to 2004, Director of Worldwide Service from 2001 to 2002, General Manager of Sprint Operations in Germany

9


 

from 2000 to 2001.  Prior to being named General Manager of Sprint Operations, Mr. Bluechel held various management and staff positions with Data I/O Corporation.

 

Data I/O is implementing a Chief Executive Officer succession plan after Frederick R. Hume, its President and CEO, advised the Board of Directors on March 1, 2012 that he plans to retire on or before the end of the fiscal year on December 31, 2012, or at such time as a suitable successor President and Chief Executive Officer can be identified and appointed by the our Board.  Data I/O has retained a search firm to assist in this process. Frederick R. Hume and Data I/O Corporation entered into a Separation Agreement on March 1, 2012.  To help Data I/O by remaining in his present positions and to assist in the CEO succession search and transition process, the Separation Agreement terms include: a release of claims; Mr. Hume agreeing to a 2 year non-competition and non-solicitation period; termination of his current Amended and Restated Executive Agreement for Data I/O Corporation (“change-in-control” arrangement) and his rights under the employee severance arrangement; payments totaling $350,000; and vesting in the 2012 incentive amount, under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan (MICP), determined as of his Retirement Date with pro-rata calculations for time employed in 2012.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

Data I/O’s disclosure and analysis in this Annual Report contains some forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements include our current expectations or forecasts of future events.  The reader can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.  In particular, these include statements relating to future action, prospective products, new technologies, establishing foreign operations, future performance or results of current and anticipated products, sales efforts, expenses, outsourcing of functions, outcome of contingencies, impact of regulatory requirements, restructure actions and financial results.

Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report or in any other public statement made may turn out to be wrong.  They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make, or known or unknown risks and uncertainties can affect these forward-looking statements.  Many factors -- for example, product competition and product development -- will be important in determining future results.  Moreover, neither Data I/O nor anyone else assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements.  Actual future results may materially vary.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  The reader should not unduly rely on our forward-looking statements.  The reader is advised, however, to consult any future disclosures Data I/O makes on related subjects in our 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the SEC and press releases.  Also, note that Data I/O provides the following cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possible inaccurate assumptions relevant to our business.  These are factors that we think could cause Data I/O’s actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results.  Other factors besides those listed here could also adversely affect Data I/O.  This discussion is permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

RISK FACTORS

A decline in economic and market conditions may result in decreased capital spending and delayed or defaulted payments from our customers.

Our business is highly impacted by capital spending plans and other economic cycles that affect the users and manufacturers of integrated circuits.  These industries are highly cyclical and are characterized by rapid technological change, short product life cycles and fluctuations in manufacturing capacity and pricing and gross margin pressures.  As we experienced in recent years and are currently experiencing, our operations may in the future reflect substantial fluctuations from period-to-period as a consequence of these industry patterns, general economic conditions affecting the timing of orders from major customers, and other factors affecting capital spending.  In a difficult economic climate it may take us longer to receive payments from our customers and some of our customers’ business may fail, resulting in non-payment.  These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Delays in development, introduction and shipment of new products or services may result in a decline in sales.

Data I/O develops new engineering and automated programming systems and services.  Significant technological, supplier, manufacturing or other problems may delay the development, introduction or production of these products or services.

For example, we may encounter these problems:

·         technical problems in the development of a new programming system platform or the robotics for new automated handing systems

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·         inability to hire qualified personnel

·         delays or failures to perform by third parties involved in our development projects

·         development of new services that are not accepted by the market

Delays in the development, completion and shipment of new products or services, or customers not accepting new products, may result in a decline in sales.

Quarterly fluctuations in our operating results may adversely affect our stock price.

Data I/O’s operating results tend to vary from quarter to quarter.  Our revenue in each quarter substantially depends upon orders received within that quarter.  Conversely, our expenditures are based on investment plans and estimates of future revenues.  We may, therefore, be unable to quickly reduce our spending if our revenues decline in a given quarter.  As a result, operating results for that quarter will suffer.  Our results of operations for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future periods.

Other factors, which may cause our quarterly operating results to fluctuate, include:

·         increased competition

·         timing of new product announcements and timing of development expenditures

·         product or service releases and pricing changes by us or our competitors

·         market acceptance or delays in the introduction of new products or services

·         production constraints

·         quality issues

·         labor or material shortages (such as supply chain disruptions from the earthquake in Japan)

·         the timing of significant orders

·         the sales channel mix of direct vs. indirect distribution

·         civil unrest, war or terrorism

·         health issues (such as the outbreak of a virus)

·         customers’ budgets

·         adverse movements in exchange rates, interest rates or tax rates

·         cyclical and seasonal nature of demand for our customers’ products

·         general economic conditions in the countries where we sell products

·         expenses and obtaining authorizations in setting up new operations or locations

Due to all of the foregoing factors, it is possible that in some future quarters, our operating results will be below expectations of analysts and investors.

Failure to adapt to technology trends in our industry may hinder our competitiveness and financial results.

Product and service technology in Data I/O’s industry evolves rapidly, making timely product innovation essential to success in the marketplace.  Introducing products and services with improved technologies or features may render our existing products obsolete and unmarketable.  Technological advances that may negatively impact our business include: 

·         new device package types, densities and technologies requiring hardware and software changes in order to be programmed by our products

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·         electronics equipment manufacturing practices, such as widespread use of in-circuit programming

·         customer software platform preferences different from those on which our products operate

·         more rigid industry standards, which would decrease the value-added element of our products and support services

If we cannot develop products or services in a timely manner in response to industry changes, or if our products or services do not perform well, our business and financial condition may be adversely affected.  Also, our new products or services may contain defects or errors that give rise to product liability claims against us or cause our products to fail to gain market acceptance.  Our future success depends on our ability to successfully compete with other technology firms in attracting and retaining key technical personnel.

We have a history of recent operating losses and may be unable to generate enough revenue to achieve and maintain profitability.

We have incurred operating losses in one of the last five years and four of the last ten years.  We operate in a cyclical industry.  We will continue to examine our level of operating expense based upon our projected revenues.  Any planned increases in operating expenses may result in losses in future periods if projected revenues are not achieved.  As a result, we may need to generate greater revenues than we have recently to achieve and maintain profitability.  However, we cannot provide assurance that our revenues will increase and our strategy may not be successful, resulting in future losses.

We may need to raise additional capital and our future access to capital is uncertain.

Our past revenues have occasionally been, and our future revenues may again be insufficient to support the expense of our operations and any expansion of our business.  We may therefore need additional equity or debt capital to finance our operations.  If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or to obtain funds through additional debt or equity financing, we may have to reduce some or all of our development and sales and marketing efforts and limit the expansion of our business. 

We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.  Thereafter, depending on the development of our business, we may need to raise additional cash for working capital or other expenses.  We may also encounter opportunities for acquisitions or other business initiatives that require significant cash commitments, or unanticipated problems or expenses that could result in a requirement for additional cash before that time.

Therefore, we may seek additional funding through public or private debt or equity financing or from other sources.  We have no commitments for additional financing, and given the current economic climate may experience difficulty in obtaining funding on favorable terms, if at all.  Any financing we obtain may contain covenants that restrict our freedom to operate our business or may require us to issue securities that have rights, preferences or privileges senior to our Common Stock and may dilute your ownership interest.

We may face increased competition and may not be able to compete successfully with current and future competitors.

Technological advances have reduced the barriers of entry into the programming systems market.  We expect competition to increase from both established and emerging companies.  If we fail to compete successfully against current and future sources of competition, our profitability and financial performance will be adversely impacted.

If our relationship with semiconductor manufacturers deteriorates, our business may be adversely affected

 

We work closely with most semiconductor manufacturers to ensure that our programming systems comply with their requirements.  In addition, many semiconductor manufacturers recommend our programming systems for use by users of their programmable devices.  These working relationships enable us to keep our programming systems product lines up to date and provide end-users with broad and current programmable device support.  Our business may be adversely affected if our relationships with semiconductor manufacturers deteriorate.

Our reliance on a small number of suppliers may result in a shortage of key components, which may adversely affect our business, and our suppliers may experience financial difficulties which could effect their ability to service Data I/O’s needs.

Certain parts used in our products are currently available from either a single supplier or from a limited number of suppliers.  If we cannot develop alternative sources of these components, if sales of parts are discontinued by the supplier, if we experience deterioration

 

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in our relationship with these suppliers, or if these suppliers require financing which is not available there may be delays or reductions in product introductions or shipments, which may materially adversely affect our operating results.

Because we rely on a small number of suppliers for certain parts, we are subject to possible price increases by these suppliers.  Also, we may be unable to accurately forecast our production schedule.  If we underestimate our production schedule, suppliers may be unable to meet our demand for components.  This delay in the supply of key components may materially adversely affect our business.  Over estimation of demand will lead to excess inventories that may become obsolete.

Certain of our programming system products are currently manufactured to our specifications by a third-party foreign contract manufacturers.  We may not be able to obtain a sufficient quantity of these products if and when needed, which may result in lost sales.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified third-party distributors and representatives, our business may be adversely affected.

Data I/O has an internal sales force and also utilizes third-party distributors and representatives.  Therefore, the financial stability of these distributors and representatives is important.  Their ability to timely pay Data I/O and to acquire any necessary financing may be affected by the current economic climate.  Highly skilled professional engineers use most of our products.  To be effective, third-party distributors and representatives must possess significant technical, marketing and sales resources and must devote their resources to sales efforts, customer education, training and support.  These required qualities limit the number of potential third-party distributors and representatives.  Our business will suffer if we cannot attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified third-party distributors and representatives to market our products.

Our international operations may expose us to additional risks that may adversely affect our business.

International sales represented approximately 90%, 88% and 88% of our net revenue for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We expect that international sales will continue to be a significant portion of our net revenue.  International sales may fluctuate due to various factors, including:

·         migration of manufacturing to low cost geographies

·         unexpected changes in regulatory requirements

·         tariffs and taxes

·         difficulties in establishing, staffing and managing foreign operations

·         longer average payment cycles and difficulty in collecting accounts receivable

·         fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates

·         compliance with applicable export licensing requirements

·         product safety and other certification requirements

·         difficulties in integrating foreign and outsourced operations

·         civil unrest, political and economic instability

Because we have customers located throughout the world, we have significant foreign receivables.  We may experience difficulties in collecting these amounts as a result of payment practices of certain foreign customers, the availability and reliability of foreign credit information, and potential difficulties in enforcing collection terms. 

The European Community and European Free Trade Association (“EU”) has established certain electronic emission and product safety requirements (“CE”).  As applicable, our products currently meet these requirements, however, failure to obtain either a CE certification or a waiver for any product may prevent us from marketing that product in Europe.  The EU also has directives concerning the Reduction of Hazardous Substances (“RoHS”) from which Data I/O is relying on an exemption for test and measurement companies.  China is implementing similar requirements.  Failure to meet applicable directives or qualifying exemptions may prevent us from marketing certain products in Europe or other territories with similar requirements. 

 

 

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We have subsidiaries in Germany, China, Hong Kong, Brazil and Canada.  Our business and financial condition is sensitive to currency exchange rates or any other restrictions imposed on their currencies.  Currency exchange fluctuations in these countries may adversely affect our investment in our subsidiaries.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, we may not be able to compete effectively or operate profitably.

 

Data I/O relies on patents, copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks to protect our intellectual property, as well as product development and marketing skill to establish and protect our market position.  We attempt to protect our rights in proprietary software products, including TaskLink, our intellectual property software, and other software products by retaining the title to and copyright of the software and documentation, by including appropriate contractual restrictions on use and disclosure in our licenses, and by requiring our employees to execute non-disclosure agreements.

 

Because of the rapidly changing technology in the semiconductor, electronic equipment and software industries, portions of our products might possibly infringe upon existing patents or copyrights, and we may be required to obtain licenses or discontinue the use of the infringing technology.  We believe that any exposure we may have regarding possible infringement claims is a reasonable business risk similar to that assumed by other companies in the electronic equipment and software industries.  However, any claim of infringement, with or without merit, could be costly and a diversion of management’s attention, and an adverse determination could adversely affect our reputation, preclude us from offering certain products, and subject us to substantial liability.

 

We may pursue business acquisitions that could impair our financial position and profitability.

We may pursue acquisitions of complementary technologies, product lines or businesses.  Future acquisitions may include risks, such as:

·         burdening management and our operating teams during the integration of the acquired entity

·         diverting management’s attention from other business concerns

·         failing to successfully integrate the acquired products

·         lack of acceptance of the acquired products by our sales channels or customers

·         entering markets where we have no or limited prior experience

·         potential loss of key employees of the acquired company

·         additional burden of support for an acquired programmer architecture

Future acquisitions may also impact Data I/O’s financial position.  For example, we may use significant cash or incur additional debt, which would weaken our balance sheet.  We may also capitalize goodwill and intangible assets acquired, the impairment of which would reduce our profitability.  We cannot guarantee that future acquisitions will improve our business or operating results.

The loss of key employees may adversely affect our operations.

 

We have employees located in the U.S., Germany and China.  We also utilize independent contractors for specialty work, primarily in research and development, and utilize temporary workers to adjust capacity to fluctuating demand.  Many of our employees are highly skilled and our continued success will depend in part upon our ability to attract and retain employees who can be in great demand within the industry.  None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit and we believe relations with our employees are favorable, though no assurance can be made that this will be the case in the future.  In China, our workers are “leased” with the arrangements made under the Shanghai Foreign Services Co., Ltd.  (“FSCO”) labor agreement and we could be adversely affected if we were unable to continue that arrangement.

Our Chief Executive Officer succession plan implementation, search process and transition involves significant costs and risks that may adversely affect our business.

 

Mr. Hume, Data I/O’s Chief Executive Officer or CEO, announced his planned retirement by the end of 2012. We are implementing our CEO succession plan.  Our ability to select, attract and hire a new CEO may prove difficult, take more time than anticipated, and be costly.  This may require other senior management to divert part of their attention from their primary duties, which could have a material adverse effect on

 

 

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our business or operations.  In addition, the new CEO transition could be disruptive to the organization, business plans, and retention of other team members.

 

Failure to comply with regulatory requirements may adversely affect our stock price and business.

As a public company, we are subject to numerous governmental and stock exchange requirements, with which we believe we are in compliance.  Our failure to meet regulatory requirements and exchange listing standards may result in actions such as: the delisting of our stock, impacting our stock’s liquidity; SEC enforcement actions; and securities claims and litigation.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have requirements that we may fail to meet by the required deadlines or we may fall out of compliance with, such as the internal controls auditor attestation required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, with which we are not currently required to comply as we are a smaller reporting company.  Data I/O assumes it will continue to have the status of a smaller reporting company based on the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting shares held as of June 30, 2011.  If we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Moreover, effective internal controls, particularly those related to revenue recognition, are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent financial fraud.  If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our stock could drop significantly. 

While we have policies and procedures in place designed to prevent corruption and bribery, because our business is 90% international, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) could have a significant adverse effect on our business due to the disruption and distraction of an investigation, financial penalties and criminal penalties.

Government regulations regarding the use of "conflict" minerals could adversely affect our prospects and results of operations.

Proposed regulatory developments regarding the use of “conflict” minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries could affect the sourcing and availability of minerals used in the manufacture of certain products. Although we do not buy raw materials, manufacture, or produce any electronic equipment using conflict minerals directly, the proposed regulation may affect some of our suppliers.  As a result, there may only be a limited pool of suppliers who provide conflict free metals, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain products in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices.  Also, because our supply chain is complex, we may face reputational challenges with our customers and other stakeholders if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all metals used in the products that we sell.  Further, if we are unable to comply with the new laws or regulations or if our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us.  We may need to incur additional costs and invest additional resources, including management’s time, in order to comply with the new regulations and anticipated additional reporting and disclosure obligations.

Our stock price may be volatile and, as a result, you may lose some or all of your investment.

The stock prices of technology companies tend to fluctuate significantly.  We believe factors such as announcements of new products or services by us or our competitors and quarterly variations in financial results may cause the market price of Data I/O’s Common Stock to fluctuate substantially.  In addition, overall volatility in the stock market, particularly in the technology company sector, is often unrelated to the operating performance of companies.  If these market fluctuations continue in the future, they may adversely affect the price of Data I/O’s Common Stock. 

Cyber security breaches or terrorism could result in liabilities or costs as well damage to our data or customer access to our website and information systems.  The collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of user data and personal information could give rise to liabilities or additional costs as a result of laws, governmental regulations and evolving views of personal privacy rights.  

Cyber security breaches or terrorism could result in the exposure or theft of private or confidential information as well as interrupt our business, including denying customer access to website and our information systems. We transmit, and in some cases store, end-user data, including personal information. In jurisdictions around the world, personal information is becoming increasingly subject to legislation and regulations intended to protect consumers’ privacy and security. The interpretation of privacy and data protection laws and regulations regarding the collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of such information in some jurisdictions is unclear and evolving.

 

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These laws may be interpreted and applied in conflicting ways from country to country and in a manner that is not consistent with our current data protection practices. Complying with these varying international requirements could cause us to incur additional costs and change our business practices. Because our services are accessible in many foreign jurisdictions, some of these jurisdictions may claim that we are required to comply with their laws, even where we have no local entity, employees or infrastructure. We could be forced to incur significant expenses if we were required to modify our products, our services or our existing security and privacy procedures in order to comply with new or expanded regulations.

 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.  Properties

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Data I/O amended it’s lease agreement for the Redmond, Washington headquarters facility effective February 1, 2011, extending the term to August 2016, lowering the square footage to 32,646 and lowering the rental rate.  The lease square footage increases to 33,676 effective February 1, 2014.  The lease base annual rental payments during 2011, 2010 and 2009 were approximately $326,000, $587,000 and $570,000, respectively.

                                                

In addition to the Redmond facility, approximately 13,000 square feet is leased at three foreign locations, including our German sales, service and engineering operations located in Munich, Germany, under a five-year lease starting in 2010, a sales, service, operations and engineering office located in Shanghai, China under a two-year lease starting in 2011 and a logistics office located in Hong Kong under a one-year lease starting in 2011.

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

 

As of December 31, 2011, Data I/O was not a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which in management’s opinion, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. 

 

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. 

 

As previously disclosed, on January 22, 2008, our former landlord, (now known as Rowley Properties, Inc.), filed a Complaint in the Superior Court of Washington for King County (No. 08-2-03518-2 SEA) against Data I/O, Robert/Barbara Hiester and Steven/Jane Doe Hiester.  The claims against Data I/O include breach of agreement, waste and an environmental remediation claim for contribution under RCW 70.105D.080.  No claim amount was specified in the Complaint.  The claims relate to a former circuit board fabrication business that Data I/O operated from 1978 to October 1988.  We sold that business to Circuit Partners whose officers and principal shareholders were Robert and Barbara Hiester.  We agreed to settle this case with Rowley Properties, Inc. with the settlement amount paid by our insurer.  In April of 2009, Rowley Properties, Inc. and Data I/O entered into a mutual release and settlement agreement in which they released each other from claims related to this case and Rowley Properties, Inc. indemnified Data I/O against any claims from the other defendants related to this case.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable.

 

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PART II

 

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

 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low price information for Data I/O’s Common Stock as reported by the NASDAQ Capital Market (NASDAQ symbol is DAIO).  The closing price was $3.74 on December 30, 2011. 

 

 

Period

High

 

Low

 

 

 

 

 

2011

Fourth Quarter

$4.79

 

$3.32

 

Third Quarter

6.19

 

4.14

 

Second Quarter

6.25

 

5.56

 

First Quarter

6.24

 

5.01

 

 

 

 

 

2010

Fourth Quarter

$6.05

 

$4.86

 

Third Quarter

5.44

 

3.90

 

Second Quarter

5.35

 

3.75

 

First Quarter

4.73

 

3.67

 

The approximate number of shareholders of record as of March 12, 2012 was 563.

 

Except for special cash dividend of $4.15 per share paid on March 8, 1989, Data I/O has not paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and does not anticipate paying regular cash dividends in the foreseeable future. 

 

No sales of unregistered securities were made by Data I/O during the periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 except for the issuance of 163,934 shares ($1 Million) in connection with the software technology acquisition on April 29, 2011.

 

See Item 12 for the Equity Compensation Plan Information.

 

iSSUER  pURCHASES  O eQUITY  sECURITIES 

 

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Repurchase Program

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Program (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 1, 2011-November 30, 2011

 

32,068

 

$3.88

 

32,068

 

$874,328

December 1, 2011-December 31, 2011

 

30,848

 

$4.07

 

30,848

 

$747,463

Total

 

62,916

 

$3.97

 

62,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) On October 20, 2011, we announced a stock repurchase program to buy back up to $1 million dollars of stock over four quarters.  Through December 31, 2011, Data I/O repurchased 62,916 shares of stock at an average price of $3.97 for a total repurchase amount of $249,986 plus $2,517 in commissions.  Events subsequent to year end are not reflected in the above table.  On January 9, 2012, our board of directors approved a new and expanded 2012 share repurchase program with provisions to buy back up to $6 million dollars of stock.  The program included establishing a Rule 10b5-1 plan under the Exchange Act to provide flexibility to make purchases at any time.  The 10b5-1 trading plan allows us to repurchase our common stock in the open market during periods in which stock trading is otherwise closed for us.  On January 13, 2012, the October 2011 stock repurchase program was terminated and the new expanded program went into effect.  During 2012, approximately 1.5 million shares have been repurchased for approximately $6.0 million.

 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

 

Not applicable.

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

 

Forward-Looking  Statements  

 

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

 

OVERVIEW   

 

We continued to focus on our primary goal of managing the business to grow profits while developing, launching and enhancing products to drive revenue and earnings growth.  Our challenge continues to be operating in a cyclical and rapidly evolving industry environment.  We are continuing our efforts to balance business geography shifts, increasing costs and strategic investments in our business with the level of demand and mix of business we expect. 

 

Frederick R. Hume, our President and CEO, advised the Board of Directors on March 1, 2012 that he plans to retire on or before December 31, 2012, or at such time as a suitable successor President and Chief Executive Officer can be identified and appointed by our Board.  Data I/O has retained a search firm to assist in this process. Mr. Hume and Data I/O entered into a Separation Agreement on March 1, 2012.  See Note 15 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information on this subsequent event.

 

From January through July 2011, we retained TM Capital as a financial advisor to assist with developing and pursuing a range of strategic options for Data I/O.  These strategic options included acquisitions, marketing and sale of Data I/O, uses of cash, and execution of the Data I/O’s current development strategies.  Following a detailed review of the available options, we determined that continued execution of the current development strategies, as well as implementation of share repurchase programs, were the best alternatives to pursue.

 

We are focusing our research and development efforts in our strategic growth markets, namely new programming technology, automated programming systems for the manufacturing environment and software tools for design engineers.  We continue to focus on extending the capabilities and support for our FlashCORE architecture, and the RoadRunner, FLX, PS and FlashPAK product lines.  Our applications innovation strategy provides complete solutions to target customer’s business problems.  These solutions generally have a larger software element, may involve third-party components, and in many cases will be developed or customized to address the specific requirements of individual customers.  We believe by adding these features to our strategic product platforms, we will continue to set ourselves apart from other product suppliers and elevate our relationships with our customers to a partner level.  Our acquisition of software technology in April of 2011, which we now call Azido, was considered a foundational technology for Data I/O, as we use the software in the development of our programming technology to combine with other solutions and for potential commercialization as a tool itself.

 

Our customer focus has been on strategic high volume manufacturers in key market segments like wireless, automotive, industrial controls and programming centers and supporting NAND Flash, like e-MMC, and microcontrollers on our newer products to gain new accounts.  We continued to expand our China operations to take advantage of the growth of manufacturing in China and to operate close to our customers.

 

We continued to address the effectiveness of our sales and marketing organization and sales channels by adding and changing channels and by providing all of our channel partners with extensive product and sales training.  We recognized the need to diversify our customer base and

 

 

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are continuing to take steps to broaden and improve our channels of distribution and representation to reach a greater number of customers.  We believe these channel changes will help us grow our business more rapidly, both by adding new customers and increasing penetration of existing accounts.

 

BUSINESS  RESTRUCTURING PROGRESS 

 

As a result of the business down turn we were experiencing in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the uncertain business outlook at that time, restructuring actions were taken to reduce expenses.  This resulted in restructuring charges, primarily related to severance, of $542,000 for the year 2008.  We took additional actions in 2009 totaling $203,000 to flatten and streamline the organization as well as reduce costs by decreasing the size of our Board and abandoning a portion of our building space.  At December 31, 2010, restructure costs of $58,000 remained accrued, which in February 2011 were incorporated in a lease amendment.  No restructure amounts remain accrued at December 31, 2011.

   

cRITICAL aCCOUNTING pOLICY jUDGMENTS AND eSTIMATES 

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that we make estimates and judgments, which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an on-going basis, Data I/O evaluates our estimates, including those related to sales returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, restructuring charges, contingencies such as litigation and contract terms that have multiple elements and other complexities typical in the capital equipment industry.  We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. 

 

Data I/O believes the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements:

 

Revenue Recognition:  Sales of Data I/O’s semiconductor programming equipment are recognized at the time of shipment.  We have determined that our automated products have reached a point of maturity and stability such that product acceptance can be assured by testing at the factory prior to shipment and that the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element.  These systems are standard products with published product specifications and are configurable with standard options.  The evidence that these systems could be accepted was based upon having standardized factory production of the units, results from batteries of tests of product performance to our published specifications, quality inspections and installation standardization, as well as past product operation validation with customers and the history provided by our installed base of products upon which the current versions were based.   When arrangements include multiple elements, we recognize revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition have been met for each element individually.  Effective January 1, 2011, under the provision of ASU 2009-13 Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), the allocation of revenue among multiple elements is done on a pro-rata versus residual basis for the recognized revenue.  This change did not materially affect our financial statements.  The amount of revenue recognized is affected by our judgments as to the collectability of the transaction or whether an arrangement includes multiple elements and if so, whether specific objective evidence of selling price exists for those elements.  The measure of standalone selling price of the product versus the service installation value component is determined by the amount Data I/O pays to independent representative service groups or the amount of additional discount given to independent distributors, to provide the service installation.  Changes to the elements in an arrangement and the ability to establish specific objective evidence for those elements could affect the timing of the revenue recognition.  These conditions could be subjective and actual results could vary from the estimated outcome. 

 

Installation that is considered perfunctory includes any installation that can be performed by other parties, such as distributors, other vendors, or in most cases the customer themselves.  This takes into account the complexity, skill, and training needed as well as customer expectations regarding installation.  The revenue related to products requiring installation that is perfunctory is recognized at the time of shipment provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

We record revenue from the sale of service and update contracts as deferred revenue and we recognize it on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, which is typically one year.  Service revenue from time and materials contracts and training services is recognized as services are performed.  We recognize software revenue upon shipment provided that no significant obligations remain on our part, substantive acceptance conditions, if any, have been met and when the fee is fixed and determinable and when collection is deemed probable.

 

Certain fixed-price engineering service contracts that require significant production, modification, or customization of software, are

19


 

accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method.  We use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting because it is the most accurate method to recognize revenue based on the nature and scope of our fixed-price professional engineering service contracts; it is a better measure of periodic income results than other methods and it better matches revenue recognized with the costs incurred.  Percentage of completion is measured based primarily on input measures such as hours incurred to date compared to total estimated hours to complete, with consideration given to output measures, such as contract milestones, when applicable.  Significant judgment is required when estimating total hours and progress to completion on these arrangements, which determines the amount of revenue we recognize as well as whether a loss is recognized if one is expected to be incurred upon project completion.  Revisions to hour and cost estimates are incorporated in the period the amounts are recognized if the results of the period have not been reported; otherwise, the revision of estimates are recognized in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

 

We establish a reserve for sales returns based on historical trends in product returns and estimates for new items.  Data I/O has a stated return policy that customers can return standard products for any reason within 30 days after delivery provided that the returned product is received in its original condition, including all packaging materials, for a refund of the price paid less a restocking charge of 30% of the total amount invoiced for the product returned, unless such restocking charge is waived by Data I/O.  For us to recognize revenue, the price is fixed or determinable at the date of the sale, the buyer has paid or is obligated to pay and the obligation is not contingent on resale of the product, the buyer’s obligation would not be changed in the event of theft, physical destruction or damage to the product, the buyer acquiring the product for resale has economic substance apart from Data I/O and we have  no contractual obligations for future performance to directly bring about the resale of the product by the buyer. 

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: We base the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of accounts receivable.  If there is deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness or actual defaults are higher than historical experience, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be adversely affected. 

 

Inventory: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Adjustments are made to standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis.  We estimate reductions to inventory for obsolete, slow-moving, excess and non-salable inventory by reviewing current transactions and forecasted product demand.  We evaluate our inventories on an item by item basis and record inventory adjustments accordingly.  If there is a significant decrease in demand for our products or there is a higher risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements, Data I/O may be required to increase our inventory adjustments and our gross margin could be adversely affected. 

 

Warranty Accruals: Data I/O accrues for warranty costs based on the expected material and labor costs to fulfill our warranty obligations.  If we experience an increase in warranty claims, which are higher than our historical experience, our gross margin could be adversely affected. 

 

Tax Valuation Allowances:  Given the uncertainty created by our loss history, as well as the current uncertain economic outlook for our industry and capital spending, Data I/O expects to continue to limit the recognition of net deferred tax assets and accounting for uncertain tax positions and to maintain the tax valuation allowances.  We expect, therefore, that reversals of the tax valuation allowance will take place only as we are able to take advantage of the underlying tax loss or other attributes in carry forward.  The transfer pricing and expense or cost sharing arrangements are complex areas where judgments, such as the determination of arms-length arrangements, can be subject to challenges by different tax jurisdictions. 

 

Share-based Compensation:  We account for share-based awards made to our employees and directors, including employee stock option awards and restricted and performance share awards, using the estimated grant date fair value method of accounting.  We estimate the fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock.  The expected stock price volatility assumption was determined using the historical volatility of our common stock.  Changes in the subjective assumptions required in the valuation model may significantly affect the estimated value of the awards, the related stock-based compensation expense and, consequently, our results of operations.  Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP) shares were issued under provisions that do not require us to record any equity compensation expense.

 

 

20


 

Results of Operations

 

Net Sales 

 

Net sales by product line

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Automated programming systems

 

$17,274

 

2.8% 

 

$16,798

Non-automated programming systems

 

9,392

 

(2.1%)

 

9,598

Total programming systems

 

$26,666

 

1.0%

 

$26,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales by location

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$2,724

 

(13.4%)

 

$3,145

% of total

 

10.2%

 

 

 

11.9%

International

 

$23,942

 

3.0% 

 

$23,251

% of total

 

89.8%

 

 

 

88.1%

 

Revenues increased 1% to $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, from $26.4 million for 2010.  The year started with stronger revenue growth, especially in Asia, but declined beginning in September of 2011 through the end the year resulting in 2011 revenue being flat overall. The fourth quarter of 2011 decline in revenue compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 was in all regions.  Europe was believed to be impacted by the current European economic uncertainty and did not have a typical year end spending bulge.  The Americas had less wireless business and wireless software development projects, as well as a continued decline of business in Mexico. Asia revenues grew 19% for 2011 overall, but the fourth quarter 5% decline was attributed to excess inventories and capacity in the supply chain causing reductions in capital spending.  We believe the weak demand trend is continuing in the first quarter of 2012.

 

On a product basis, we had higher revenues for the year 2011 in our FLX, FlashPAK and PS families, of 27%, 16%, and 3% respectively, offset by declines in our automated Roadrunner and other non-automated product families compared to 2010.  Smartphones, tablets and mobile devices, especially those incorporating e-MMC flash memories, and automotive electronics using flash memories and microcontrollers were key business drivers in 2011.

 

International sales as a percent of total sales increased by 2 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 89.8% compared to the same period in 2010.  By geographic region, sales in Asia increased 19%, while sales in Europe and the Americas declined 1% and 18% respectively, compared to 2010.  The backlog at December 31, 2011 was $800,000 compared to $1.6 million at December 31, 2010.  Deferred revenue at December 31, 2011 was $1.5 million compared to $1.6 million at December 31, 2010.

 

Gross Margin 

 

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

$15,235

 

(0.7%)

 

$15,344

Percentage of net sales

 

57.1%

 

 

 

58.1%

 

 

Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 57.1% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared with 58.1% in 2010.  The change in gross margin percentage was primarily due to higher service expense of $285,000, product mix-related higher materials cost of $184,000, and increased factory variances of $148,000, offset in part by lower engineering costs associated with software development contracts compared to 2010.

 

Research and Development 

 

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

$5,470

 

31.5%

 

$4,159

Percentage of net sales

 

20.5%

 

 

 

15.8%

 

21


 

Research and development (“R&D”) spending for the year ended December 31, 2011, increased by $1,311,000 compared to the same period in 2010.  We increased our spending on R&D primarily to accelerate new product initiatives including development efforts and amortization related to our software technology acquisition called Azido.  This increase includes $519,000 higher personnel costs, $318,000 less engineering costs absorbed by operations on custom software development contracts, and $295,000 of Azido amortization expense.  During the fourth quarter of 2011, we scaled back our R&D spending as certain new product initiatives were adjusted or completed and launched.

 

Our R&D spending also fluctuates based on the number and the development stage of projects.  New products introduced in 2011 included RoadRunner3, Factory Integration Software, and enhancements to FlashCORE III.  The new FLXHD, an automated system for duplicating e-MMC NAND devices was introduced in February 2012.

 

We believe it is essential to invest in R&D to significantly enhance our existing products and to create new products as markets develop and technologies change.  In addition to product development, a significant part of R&D spending is on creating software and support for new devices introduced by the semiconductor companies.  We are focusing our R&D efforts on solutions for strategic growth markets, including new programming technology, automated programming systems for the manufacturing environment, extending the capabilities and support for our FlashCORE programmer architecture, automated handling solutions and developing software tools for design engineers.

 

Selling, General and Administrative 

 

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general & administrative

 

$8,304

 

8.1%

 

$7,685

Percentage of net sales

 

31.1%

 

 

 

29.1%

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were up $619,000 or 8.1% for the year 2011 compared with 2010.  The primary items comprising this increase include $393,000 higher compensation related costs, $392,000 related to increased use of outside professional consultants, $309,000 of added Azido marketing costs associated with the software technology acquisition, $70,000 higher rent, offset in part by $422,000 lower incentive compensation and $139,000 lower channel commissions.  We completed information system, marketing and strategy projects in the third and fourth quarter of 2011 and have since scaled back our use of outside consultants.

 

Interest 

 

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$97 

 

86.5% 

 

$52 

Interest expense

 

($14)

 

(27.3%)

 

($11)

 

Interest income increased by $45,000 for the twelve month period ending December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to higher amounts of cash invested.

 

Income Taxes 

 

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

($233)

 

(15.0%)

 

($274)

 

Income tax expense for 2011 and 2010 relates to foreign and state income taxes and the federal alternative minimum tax.  

 

For financial reporting purposes, Data I/O established tax valuation reserves against our deferred tax assets because of the uncertainty relating to the realization of such asset values.  We had valuation allowances of $8.9 million and $9.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010 respectively.  Given the uncertainty created by our past loss history and the cyclical nature of the industry in which we operate, we expect to continue to limit the recognition of net deferred tax assets and maintain the tax valuation allowances.

 

Inflation  and  changes in Foreign currency exchange rates 

 
Sales and expenses incurred by foreign subsidiaries are denominated in the subsidiary’s local currency and translated into U.S. Dollar amounts at average rates of exchange during the year.  We recognized foreign currency transaction gains and (losses) of ($248,000) and ($268,000) in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The transaction gains or losses resulted primarily from translation adjustments to foreign inter-company accounts and US dollar accounts held by foreign subsidiaries; sales by our German subsidiary to certain customers, which were invoiced in US dollars; and Brazilian intercompany balances. 

22


 

Financial Condition

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

 

2011

 

Change

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$22,355

 

($248)

 

$22,603

 

At December 31, 2011, Data I/O’s principal sources of liquidity consisted of existing cash and cash equivalents.  Our working capital decreased by $248,000 and our current ratio was 5.8 for 2011 and 5.2 for 2010.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $822,000, with $2.8 million of cash provided by operating activities offset primarily by $1.4 million of capital spending and $2 million for the purchased intangible software technology, and $253,000 used for share repurchases.

 

We expect that we will continue to make capital expenditures to support our business and anticipate that present working capital will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements.  Capital expenditures are expected to be funded by existing and internally generated funds or lease financing.

 

As a result of our significant product development, customer support, international expansion and selling and marketing efforts, we require substantial working capital to fund our operations.  Over the last several years, we restructured our operations to lower our costs and operating expenditures in certain geographic regions and to lower the level of revenue required for our net income breakeven point, to preserve our cash position and to focus on profitable operations.  Offsetting these actions are our investments in expanded operations in China, equipment and hiring new personnel.  Given our cash position of $18 million as of December 31, 2011, we believe that we have sufficient working capital available under our operating plan to fund our operations, share repurchase program, business investment and capital requirements through at least December 31, 2012.  Any substantial inability to achieve our current business plan could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations and may require us to reduce expenditures and/or seek additional financing.

 

OFF-balance sheet arrangements 

 

Except as noted in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in Note 8, “Operating Lease Commitments” and Note 9, “Other Commitments”, Data I/O had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Share repurchase program 

 

On October 20, 2011 we announced a stock repurchase program to buy back up to $1 million dollars of stock over four quarters.  Through December 31, 2011, Data I/O repurchased 62,916 shares of stock at an average price of $3.97 for a total repurchase amount of $249,986 plus $2,517 in commissions.  See accompanying consolidated financial statements Note 15 “Subsequent Events” for termination of this program and establishment of a new expanded program.

 

NEW  ACCOUNTING  PRONOUNCEMENTS  

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”).  This ASU amends requirements for the presentation of other comprehensive income (OCI), requiring presentation of comprehensive income in either, a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or on separate but consecutive statements, the statement of operations and the statement of OCI.  We have adopted this amendment effective for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and only impacts the presentation of OCI on the financial statements.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement  (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in US GAAP and International Reporting Standards (“ASU No. 2011-04”)  which amended the guidance regarding fair value measurement and disclosure. The amended guidance clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. The amendment is effective for us at the beginning of January 2012, with early adoption prohibited. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to materially affect our financial statements.

 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

See pages 25 through 43.

 

23


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

report of Independent REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Data I/O Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Data I/O Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the consolidated financial statement schedule (Schedule II).  These consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and consolidated 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.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 Data I/O Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/S/GRANT THORNTON LLP

Seattle, Washington
March 27, 2012

 

 

 

24


 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$18,120

 

$18,942

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for
               doubtful accounts of $115 and $138

4,351

 

4,975

Inventories

3,964

 

3,570

Other current assets

543

 

528

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

26,978

 

28,015

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment – net

1,489

 

1,256

Intangible software technology – net

2,793

 

-

Other assets

85

 

153

TOTAL ASSETS

$31,345

 

$29,424

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$1,122

 

$1,234

Accrued compensation

1,255

 

1,578

Deferred revenue

1,464

 

1,572

Other accrued liabilities

710

 

770

Accrued costs of business restructuring

-

 

58

Income taxes payable

72

 

108

Current portion long-term debt

-

 

92

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

4,623

 

5,412

 

 

 

 

Long-term other payables

253

 

47

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Preferred stock -

 

 

 

Authorized, 5,000,000 shares, including
                                   200,000 shares of Series A Junior Participating

 

 

 

Issued and outstanding, none

-

 

-

Common stock, at stated value -

 

 

 

Authorized, 30,000,000 shares

 

 

 

Issued and outstanding, 9,207,730
                                   and 9,027,867 shares

23,414

 

22,172

Accumulated earnings

1,963

 

900

Accumulated other comprehensive income

1,092

 

893

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

26,469

 

23,965

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$31,345

 

$29,424

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

25


 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended
December 31,

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$26,666 

 

$26,396 

Cost of goods sold

 

11,431 

 

11,052 

Gross margin

 

15,235 

 

15,344 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

5,470 

 

4,159 

Selling, general and administrative

 

8,304 

 

7,685 

Total operating expenses

 

13,774 

 

11,844 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

13 

Operating income

 

1,461 

 

3,513 

Non-operating income (expense):

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

97 

 

52 

Interest expense

 

(14)

 

(11)

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

 

(248)

 

(268)

Total non-operating income (loss)

 

(165)

 

(227)

Income before income taxes

 

1,296 

 

3,286 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

(233)

 

(274)

Net income

 

$1,063 

 

$3,012 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$0.12

 

$0.33

Diluted earnings per share

 

$0.11

 

$0.33

Weighted-average basic shares

 

9,181

 

8,997

Weighted-average diluted shares

 

9,320

 

9,122

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

26


 

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended
December 31,

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$1,063

 

$3,012

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation gain (loss)

199

 

41

Comprehensive income (loss)

$1,262

 

$3,053

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 

 

27


 

 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Retained

 

and Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings

 

Comprehensive

 

Stockholders'

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

(Deficit)

 

Income (Loss)

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

 

8,955,885 

 

$21,758 

 

($2,112)

 

$852

 

$20,498 

Stock options exercised

 

60,551 

 

74 

 

 

 

 

 

74 

Stock awards issued, net of tax
withholding

 

6,689 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of stock through
   Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

4,742 

 

21 

 

 

 

 

 

21 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

319 

 

 

 

 

 

319 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

3,012 

 

 

 

3,012 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

 

41 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

9,027,867 

 

$22,172 

 

$900 

 

$893

 

$23,965 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options exercised

 

67,655 

 

18 

 

 

 

 

 

18 

Repurchased shares

 

(62,916)

 

(253)

 

 

 

 

 

(253)

Stock awards issued, net of tax
withholding

 

7,172 

 

(23)

 

 

 

 

 

(23)

Issuance of stock through:
   Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

4,018 

 

23 

 

 

 

 

 

23 

   Purchase of Software Technology

 

163,934 

 

1,000 

 

 

 

 

 

1,000 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

477 

 

 

 

 

 

477 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

1,063 

 

 

 

1,063 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

199

 

199 

Balance at December 31, 2011

 

9,207,730 

 

$23,414 

 

$1,963 

 

$1,092

 

$26,469 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28


 

DATA I/O CORPORATION  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended
December 31,

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$1,063  

 

$3,012 

Adjustments to reconcile income
      to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,170 

 

1,117 

Gain on sale of assets

 

 

(13)

Equipment transferred to cost of goods sold

 

298 

 

516 

Share-based compensation

 

477 

 

319 

Net change in:

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

636 

 

(1,810)

Inventories

 

(380)

 

333 

Other current assets

 

(9)

 

(101)

Accrued cost of business restructuring

 

-

 

(100)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(543)

 

929 

Deferred revenue

 

(126)

 

182 

Other long-term liabilities

 

169 

 

Deposits and other long-term assets

 

72 

 

(54)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

2,827 

 

4,330 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(1,406)

 

(1,070)

Net proceeds from sale of assets

 

-

 

13 

Purchase of software technology

 

(2,089)

 

-

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(3,495)

 

(1,057)

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

18 

 

95 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(253)

 

-

Payment of capital lease obligation

 

(92)

 

(130)

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(327)

 

(35)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(995)

 

3,238 

 

 

 

 

 

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash

 

173 

 

62 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

18,942 

 

15,642 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$18,120 

 

$18,942 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

Issuance of common stock for consideration in asset purchase:

 

 

 

 

    163,934 shares

 

$1,000 

 

$ - 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

    Interest

 

$4 

 

$13 

    Income Taxes

 

$303 

 

$305 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 

29


 

DATA I/O CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

 

Data I/O Corporation (“Data I/O”) designs, manufactures and sells programming systems used by designers and manufacturers of electronic products.  Our programming system products are used to program integrated circuits (“ICs” or “devices” or “semiconductors”) with the specific unique data necessary for the ICs contained in various products, and are an important tool for the electronics industry experiencing growing use of programmable ICs.  Customers for our programming system products are located around the world, primarily in the Far East, Europe and the United States.  Our manufacturing operations are currently located in the United States, with most of our FlashCORE adapters manufactured in China.  An outside supplier located in Germany currently manufactures our Sprint non-automated programming systems.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Data I/O Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) 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 financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Significant estimates include:

·         Revenue Recognition

·         Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

·         Inventory 

·         Warranty Accruals

·         Tax Valuation Allowances

·         Share-based Compensation

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date.  Revenues, costs and expenses of foreign subsidiaries are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.  Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to stockholders’ equity, net of taxes recognized.  Realized and unrealized gains and losses resulting from the effects of changes in exchange rates on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are included in non-operating expense as foreign currency transaction gains and losses.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less are considered cash equivalents.  Data I/O maintains its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions in the United States of America, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and foreign jurisdictions.  Deposits in U.S. banks exceed the FDIC insurance limit.  We have not experienced any losses on its cash and cash equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign bank accounts totaled $8,276,113 at December 31, 2011.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Certain financial instruments are carried at cost on the consolidated balance sheets, which approximates fair value due to their short-term, highly liquid nature.  These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, other short-term liabilities and capital lease obligations.

 

30


 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The majority of Data I/O’s accounts receivable are due from companies in the electronics manufacturing industries.  Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required.  Accounts receivable are typically due within 30 to 60 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due.  Data I/O determines the allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the industry and geographic payment practices involved, Data I/O’s previous bad debt experience, the customer’s current ability to pay their obligation to Data I/O, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole.  Data I/O writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Interest may be accrued, at the discretion of management and according to our standard sales terms, beginning on the day after the due date of the receivable.  However, interest income is subsequently recognized on these accounts either to the extent cash is received, or when the future collection of interest and the receivable balance is considered probable by management.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being the currently adjusted standard cost, which approximates cost on a first-in, first-out basis.  We estimate changes to inventory for obsolete, slow-moving, excess and non-salable inventory by reviewing current transactions and forecasted product demand.  We evaluate our inventories on an item by item basis and record  an adjustment (lower of cost or market) accordingly.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost and depreciation is calculated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets or lease terms on the straight-line basis.  We depreciate substantially all manufacturing and office equipment over periods of three to seven years.  We depreciate leasehold improvements over the remaining portion of the lease or over the expected life of the asset if less than the remaining term of the lease.

 

Data I/O regularly reviews all of its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the total of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of these assets, an impairment loss, if any, based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recorded.  Based on this evaluation, no impairment was noted for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets include capitalized costs, technical and product rights, patent, trademarks and other intellectual property.  Intangible assets are stated at cost and amortized to operations over their estimated useful lives or statutory lives, whichever is shorter.  Capitalized intangible assets are included in other long term assets on the balance sheet.  We evaluate our intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable using a fair value approach.  No such impairment was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

Patent Costs

 

We expense external costs, such as filing fees and associated attorney fees, incurred to obtain patents. We also expense costs associated with maintaining and defending patents subsequent to their issuance.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are computed at current enacted tax rates, less tax credits using the asset and liability method.  Deferred taxes are adjusted both for items that do not have tax consequences and for the cumulative effect of any changes in tax rates from those previously used to determine deferred tax assets or liabilities.  Tax provisions include amounts that are currently payable, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities that arise because of temporary differences between the timing of when items of income and expense are recognized for financial reporting and income tax purposes, and any changes in the valuation allowance caused by a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax assets.  A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. 

31


 

 

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

All stock-based compensation awards are measured based on estimated fair values on the date of grant and recognized as compensation expense on the straight-line single-option method.  Our share-based compensation is reduced for estimated forfeitures at the time of grant and revised as necessary in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Data I/O recognizes revenue at the time the product is shipped.  We have determined that our programming equipment has reached a point of maturity and stability such that product acceptance can be assured by testing at the factory prior to shipment and that the installation meets the criteria to be considered a separate element.  These systems are standard products with published product specifications and are configurable with standard options.  The evidence that these systems could be deemed as accepted was based upon having standardized factory production of the units, results from batteries of tests of product performance to our published specifications, quality inspections and installation standardization, as well as past product operation validation with the customer and the history provided by our installed base of products upon which the current versions were based.  When arrangements include multiple elements, we recognize revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition have been met for each element individually.  Effective January 1, 2011, under the provision of ASU 2009-13 Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), the allocation of revenue among multiple elements is done on a pro-rata versus residual basis for the recognized revenue.  This change did not materially affect our financial statements.    The amount of revenue recognized is affected by our judgments as to the collectability of the transaction or whether an arrangement includes multiple elements and if so, whether specific objective evidence of fair value exists for those elements.  The measure of standalone fair value of the product versus the service installation value component is by the amount we pay to independent representative service groups or the amount of additional discount given to independent distributors to provide the service installation (published price).

 

Installation that is considered perfunctory includes any installation that can be performed by other parties, such as distributors, other vendors, or in most cases the customers themselves.  This takes into account the complexity, skill and training needed as well as customer expectations regarding installation.  The revenue related to products requiring installation that is perfunctory is recognized at the time of shipment provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

We record revenue from the sale of service and update contracts as deferred revenue and we recognize it on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, which is typically one year.  We establish a reserve for sales returns based on historical trends in product returns and estimates for new items.  We have a stated return policy that customers can return standard products for any reason within 30 days after delivery provided that the returned product is received in its original condition, including all packaging materials, for a refund of the price paid less a restocking charge of 30% of the total amount invoiced for the product returned, unless such restocking charge is waived by us. We recognize revenue when, the price is fixed or determinable, the buyer has paid or is obligated to pay and the obligation is not contingent on resale of the product, the buyer’s obligation would not be changed in the event of theft, physical destruction or damage to the product, the buyer acquiring the product for resale has economic substance apart from Data I/O and we do not have significant obligations for future performance to directly bring about the resale of the product by the buyer. 

 

Sales were recorded net of actual sales returns and changes to the associated sales return reserve.  Sales return reserves were $81,000 and $66,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

 

When we sell software separately, we recognize software revenue upon shipment provided that no significant obligations remain on our part, substantive acceptance conditions, if any, have been met and when the fee is fixed and determinable and when collection is deemed probable.

 

Certain fixed-price engineering services contracts that require significant production, modification, or customization of software, are accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method.  We use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting because it is the most accurate method to recognize revenue based on the nature and scope of certain of our fixed-price engineering services contracts.  It is a better measure of periodic income results than other methods and it better matches revenue recognized with the cost incurred.  Percentage-of-completion is measured based primarily on input measures such as hours incurred to date compared to estimated total hours at completion, with consideration given to output measures, such as contract milestones, when applicable.  Significant judgment is required when estimating total hours and progress to completion on these arrangements which determines the amount of revenue we recognize as well as whether a loss is recognized if expected to be incurred upon project completion.  Revisions to hour and cost estimates are incorporated

 

 

32


 

in the period the amounts are recognized if the results of the period have not been reported; otherwise, the revision of estimates are recognized in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

 

Data I/O transfers certain products out of service from their internal use and makes them available for sale.  The products transferred are our standard products in one of the following areas: service loaners, rental or test units; engineering test units; or sales demonstration equipment.  Once transferred, the equipment is sold by our regular sales channels as used equipment inventory.  These product units often involve refurbishing and an equipment warranty, and are conducted as sales in our normal and ordinary course of business.  The transfer amount is the product unit’s net book value and the sale transaction is accounted for as revenue and cost of goods sold.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Advertising Expense

 

Data I/O expenses advertising costs as incurred.  Total advertising expenses were approximately $220,000 and $151,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Warranty Expense

 

Data I/O records a liability for an estimate of costs that it expects to incur under our basic limited warranty when product revenue is recognized.  Factors affecting our warranty liability include the number of units sold and historical and anticipated rates of claims and costs per claim.  Data I/O normally provides a warranty for our products against defects for periods ranging from ninety days to one year.  We provide for the estimated cost that may be incurred under our product warranties and periodically assess the adequacy of our warranty liability based on changes in the above factors.  Data I/O records revenues on extended warranties on a straight-line basis over the term of the related warranty contracts.  Service costs are expensed as incurred. 

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share exclude any dilutive effects of stock options.  Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and common stock equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  The common stock equivalent shares from equity awards used in calculating diluted earnings per share were 123,114 and 125,089 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 respectively.  Options to purchase 518,895 and 48,148 shares of common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, but were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the period then ended because the options were anti-dilutive. 

 

Diversification of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject Data I/O to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of trade receivables.  Our trade receivables are geographically dispersed and include customers in many different industries.  As of December 31, 2011, one customer, Panasonic, accounted for approximately 10% of our consolidated accounts receivable balance.  As of December 31, 2010, there were no customers that represented 10% of our total consolidated accounts receivable balance.  We believe that risk of loss is significantly reduced due to the diversity of our end-customers and geographic sales areas.  We perform on-going credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and require collateral, such as letters of credit and bank guarantees, or prepayment whenever deemed necessary.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”).  This ASU amends requirements for the presentation of other comprehensive income (OCI), requiring presentation of comprehensive income in either, a single, continuous statement of comprehensive income or on separate but consecutive statements, the statement of operations and the statement of OCI.  Data I/O has adopted this amendment effective for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and only impacts the presentation of OCI on the financial statements.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement  (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in US GAAP and International Reporting Standards (“ASU No. 2011-04”)  which amended the guidance regarding fair value measurement and disclosure. The amended guidance clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. The amendment is effective for us at the beginning of January 2012, with early adoption prohibited. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to materially affect our financial statements.

33


 

NOTE 2-PROVISION FOR BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING

 

As a result of the business down turn we were experiencing in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the uncertain business outlook at that time, restructuring actions were taken to reduce expenses.  This resulted in restructuring charges, primarily related to severance, of $542,000 for the year 2008.  We took additional actions in 2009 totaling $203,000 to flatten and streamline the organization as well as reduce costs by decreasing the size of our Board and abandoning a portion of our building space.  At December 31, 2010, restructure costs of $58,000 remained accrued, which in February 2011 were incorporated in a lease amendment and no restructure amounts remain accrued at December 31, 2011.

 

An analysis of the restructuring is as follows:

 

Reserve Balance 12/31/09

2010 Expense

2010 Payments/ Write-Offs

Reserve Balance 12/31/10

2011 Expense

2011 Payments/ Write-Offs

Reserve Balance 12/31/11

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downsizing US operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facility & other costs

$158

$ -

$100

$58

$ -

$58

$ -

Total

$158

$ -

$100

$58

$ -

$58

$ -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

Receivables consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

$4,466

 

$5,113

Less allowance for doubtful receivables

 

115

 

138

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

$4,351

 

$4,975

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in Data I/O’s allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$138 

 

$171 

Bad debt expense (reversal)

 

(27)

 

41 

Accounts written-off

 

(1)

 

(74)

Recoveries

 

 

-

Ending balance

 

$115 

 

$138 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES, NET

Net inventories consisted of the following components:

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Raw material

 

$2,498

 

$2,098

Work-in-process

 

985

 

772

Finished goods

 

481

 

700

Inventories, net

 

$3,964

 

$3,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34


 

 

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Leasehold improvements

 

$479

 

$396

Equipment

 

7,515

 

8,264

 

 

7,994

 

8,660

Less accumulated depreciation

 

6,505

 

7,404

Property and equipment, net

 

$1,489

 

$1,256

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total depreciation expense recorded for 2011 and 2010 was $878,000 and $1,130,000 respectively.

 

NOTE 6 – INTANGIBLE SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY, NET

On April 29, 2011, Data I/O purchased software technology for $2 million in cash and issuance of 163,934 shares of Data I/O common stock, valued at $1 million on the date of purchase.  Acquisition costs of $89,000 were capitalized as part of the transaction.  The transaction was accounted for as an asset purchase.

  

For a period of five years Data I/O will pay the seller royalties of 4% of directly associated revenues relating to this acquired software technology.  We will expense the royalty payments when they are incurred as  we cannot reasonably estimate the future royalty payment amount at the time of acquisition.  For the first three years Data I/O will pay an additional royalty of 2.5% of directly associated revenues relating to this acquired software technology to the original developer of the technology.  No royalty expense was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s intangible software technology:

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Intangible software technology

 

$3,089

 

$ -

Less accumulated amortization

 

296

 

-

Intangible software technology, net

 

$2,793

 

$ -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35


 

NOTE 7 – OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following components:

 

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Product warranty

 

$396

 

$376

Sales return reserve

 

81

 

66

Other taxes

 

100

 

109

Other

 

133

 

219

Other accrued liabilities

 

$710

 

$770

 

 

 

 

 

The changes in Data I/O's product warranty liability are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Liability, beginning balance

 

$376 

 

$291 

Net expenses

 

788 

 

751 

Warranty claims

 

(788)

 

(751)

Accrual revisions

 

20 

 

85 

Liability, ending balance

 

$396 

 

$376 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 8 –OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

Data I/O has commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and other agreements, primarily for factory and office space, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as follows:

For the years ending December 31:

 

 

Operating
Leases

(in thousands)

 

 

2012

 

$1,147

2013

 

975

2014

 

851

2015

 

801

2016

 

505

Thereafter

 

-

Total

 

$4,279

 

Lease and rental expense was $1,149,000 and $1,084,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Rent expense is recorded on a straight line basis, over the term of the lease, for leases that contain fixed escalation clauses.  Data I/O amended its lease agreement for the Redmond, Washington headquarters facility effective February 1, 2011, extending the term to August 2016, lowering the square footage to 32,646 and lowering the rental rate.  The lease base annual rental payments during 2011 and 2010 were approximately $326,000 and $587,000, respectively. The lease square footage increases to 33,676 effective February 1, 2014.

 

In addition to the Redmond facility, approximately 13,000 square feet is leased at three foreign locations, including our German sales, service and engineering operations located in Munich, Germany, under a five-year lease starting in 2010, a sales, service and engineering office located in Shanghai, China under a two-year lease starting in 2011 and a logistics office located in Hong Kong under a one-year lease starting in 2011.

 

36


 

 

NOTE 9 –OTHER COMMITMENTS

Data I/O has purchase obligations for inventory and production costs as well as other obligations such as capital expenditures, service contracts, marketing, and development agreements.  Arrangements are considered purchase obligations if a contract specifies all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased, a pricing structure and approximate timing of the transaction.  Most arrangements are cancelable without a significant penalty, and with short notice, typically less than 90 days.  At December 31, 2011, the purchase and other obligations totaled $1,211,000 of which all but $10,000 are 2012 commitments.

  

NOTE 10 – CONTINGENCIES

As of December 31, 2011, Data I/O was not a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which in management’s opinion, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. 

 

NOTE 11 – STOCK AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Option Plans

 

At December 31, 2011, there were 1,316,433 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance of which 248,044 shares are available for future grant under Data I/O’s 2000 Stock Compensation Incentive Plan (“2000 Plan”).  Pursuant to this 2000 Plan, options are granted to our officers and key employees with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock at the date of grant and generally vest over four years.  Options granted under the plans have a maximum term of six years from the date of grant.  Stock awards may also be granted under the 2000 Plan.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, eligible employees may purchase shares of Data I/O’s Common Stock at six-month intervals at 95% of the fair market value on the last day of each six-month period.  Employees may purchase shares having a value not exceeding 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period.  During 2011 and 2010, a total of 4,018 and 4,742 shares, respectively, were purchased under the plan at average prices of $5.78 and $4.42 per share, respectively.  At December 31, 2011, a total of 79,452 shares were reserved for future issuance.  The 5% discount allowed under the ESPP is not considered compensatory under authoritative guidance from the FASB. 

 

Stock Appreciation Rights Plan

 

Data I/O has a Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (“SAR”) under which each director, executive officer or holder of 10% or more of Data I/O’s Common Stock has a SAR with respect to each exercisable stock option.  The SAR entitles the SAR holder to receive cash from Data I/O for the difference between the market value of the stock and the exercise price of the option in lieu of exercising the related option.  SARs are only exercisable following a tender offer or exchange offer for Data I/O’s stock, or following approval by shareholders of Data I/O of any merger, consolidation, reorganization or other transaction providing for the conversion or exchange of more than 50% of the common shares outstanding.  As no event has occurred, which would make the SARs exercisable, and no such event is deemed probable, no compensation expense has been recorded under this plan.

 

Director Fee Plan

 

Data I/O has a Director Fee Plan, not currently in use, which had provided for payment to directors who are not employees of Data I/O Corporation by delivery of shares of Data I/O’s Common Stock.  No shares were issued from the plan for 2011 or 2010 board service and 151,332 shares remain available in the plan as of December 31, 2011. 

 

Retirement Savings Plan

 

Data I/O has a savings plan that qualifies as a cash or deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Under the plan, participating U.S. employees may defer their pre-tax salary or post-tax salary if Roth is elected, subject to IRS limitations.  In fiscal years 2011 and 2010, Data I/O contributed one dollar for each dollar contributed by a participant, with a maximum contribution of 4% of a participant’s earnings.  Data I/O’s matching contribution expense for the savings plan was approximately $191,000 and $185,000 in 2011 and 2010.

 

 

 

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Share Repurchase Program

 

On October 20, 2011, we announced a stock repurchase program to buy back up to $1 million dollars of stock over four quarters.  Through December 31, 2011, Data I/O repurchased 62,916 shares of stock at an average price of $3.97 for a total repurchase amount of $249,986 plus $2,517 in commissions.  See Note 15 “Subsequent Events” for termination of this program and establishment of a new expanded program.  The following table presents repurchases of Data I/O’s common stock for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Repurchase Program

 

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 1, 2011-November 30, 2011

 

32,068

 

$3.88

 

32,068

 

$874,328

December 1, 2011-December 31, 2011

 

30,848

 

$4.07

 

30,848

 

$747,463

Total

 

62,916

 

$3.97

 

62,916

 

 

 

NOTE 12– SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

For share-based awards granted, we have recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value method.  For these awards we have recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method and reduced for estimated forfeitures.  The impact on our results of operations of recording share-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended Dec. 31,

 

 

2011

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

$45

 

$33

Research and development

 

84

 

29

Selling, general and administrative

 

348

 

257

Total share-based compensation

 

$477

 

$319

 

 

 

 

 

Impact on net income per share:

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

($0.05)

 

($0.04)

 

Approximately $10,000 and $7,000 of share-based compensation was capitalized into inventory for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The fair values of share-based awards for employee stock option awards were estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  The volatility and expected life of the options used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards may exclude certain periods of historical data that we considered atypical and not likely to occur in future periods.  The following weighted average assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31:

 

 

 

Employee Stock

 

 

Options

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

Risk-free interest rates

 

1.39%

 

1.66%

Volatility factors

 

0.55

 

0.56

Expected life of the option in years

 

4.00

 

4.00

Expected dividend yield

 

None

 

None

38


 

 

 

The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation method is based on the implied yield currently available in U.S. Treasury securities at maturity with an equivalent term.  We have not recently declared or paid any dividends and do not currently expect to do so in the future.  The expected term of options represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined based on historical weighted average holding periods and projected holding periods for the remaining unexercised shares.  Consideration was given to the contractual terms of our stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior.  Expected volatility is based on the annualized daily historical volatility of Data I/O’s stock over a representative period.

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted under our stock option plans for the twelve month period ending December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2.61 and $1.88, respectively.  The following table summarizes stock option activity under our stock option plans for the twelve months ended December 31:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

Options

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years

 

Options

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

 

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

833,841 

 

$3.94

 

 

 

737,308 

 

$3.63

 

 

Granted

 

324,500 

 

6.02

 

 

 

225,000 

 

4.34

 

 

Exercised

 

(111,893)

 

2.55

 

 

 

(120,717)

 

2.85

 

 

Cancelled, Expired or Forfeited

 

(8,437)

 

4.62

 

 

 

(7,750)

 

3.21

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

 

1,038,011 

 

$4.74

 

3.64

 

833,841 

 

$3.94

 

3.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested or expected to vest at the end of the period

 

948,096 

 

$4.68

 

2.65

 

764,398

 

$3.94

 

2.43

Exercisable at end of year

 

551,000 

 

$4.36

 

2.65

 

471,319

 

$3.80

 

2.43

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options is $110,254.  This represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Data I/O’s closing stock price of $3.74 at December 31, 2011, which would have been received by award holders had all award holders exercised their stock options that were in-the-money as of that date.  The aggregate intrinsic value of awards exercised during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2011 was $377,416.

 

Restricted stock award including performance-based stock award activity under our share-based compensation plan was as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

Awards

 

Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value

 

Awards

 

Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

25,235 

 

$4.27

 

24,711 

 

$4.23

Granted

 

15,200 

 

6.02

 

12,500 

 

4.30

Vested

 

(9,485)

 

4.35

 

(9,066)

 

4.25

Cancelled

 

(572)

 

5.16

 

(2,910)

 

4.14

Outstanding at end of year

 

30,378 

 

$5.10

 

25,235 

 

$4.27

 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were $1,181,876 and $737,104, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under our stock option plans.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period 2.65 and 2.58 years as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

39


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 13– INCOME TAXES

Components of income (loss) before taxes:

 

 

Year Ended Dec. 31,

(in thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

U.S. operations

 

($207)

 

$1,948

Foreign operations

 

1,503 

 

1,338

 

 

$1,296 

 

$3,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of:

 

 

 

 

Current tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

U.S. federal

 

$20 

 

$3

State

 

22 

 

9

Foreign

 

191 

 

262

 

 

233 

 

274

Deferred tax expense (benefit) – U.S. federal

 

 

-

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

$233 

 

$274

 

A reconciliation of Data I/O’s effective income tax and the U.S. federal tax rate is as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended Dec. 31,

 

 

2011

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Statutory tax

 

$441 

 

$1,117 

State and foreign income tax, net of federal income tax benefit

 

(323)

 

(446)

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

 

115 

 

(397)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

$233 

 

$274 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets are presented below:

 

 

 

Year Ended Dec. 31,

 

 

2011

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets:

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$28 

 

$33 

Inventory and product return reserves

 

699 

 

671 

Compensation accruals

 

963 

 

756 

Accrued liabilities

 

29 

 

(35)

Book-over-tax depreciation and amortization

 

274 

 

281 

Foreign net operating loss carryforwards

 

704 

 

771 

U.S. net operating loss and credit carryforwards

 

6,209 

 

6,486 

 

 

8,906 

 

8,963 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation Allowance

 

(8,906)

 

(8,963)

Total Deferred Income Tax Assets

 

$ -

 

$ -

 

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets decreased $57,000 during the year ended December 31, 2011, and decreased $314,000 during the year ended December 31, 2010.  The net deferred tax assets have a full valuation allowance provided due to uncertainty regarding Data I/O’s ability to utilize such assets in future years.  Although we have had recent profitable operations, this full valuation allowance evaluation is based upon our volatile history of losses and the cyclical nature of our industry and capital spending.  Credit carryforwards consist primarily of research and experimental and alternative minimum tax credits.  U.S. net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 2020 to 2031.  Utilization of net operating loss and credit carryforwards is subject to certain limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

40


 

The gross changes in uncertain tax positions resulting in unrecognized tax benefits are presented below:

 

 

 

Year Ended Dec. 31,

 

 

2011

 

2010

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance

 

$98

 

$79

Prior period tax position increases

 

5

 

12

Additions based on tax positions related to current year

 

10

 

7

Unrecognized tax benfits, ending balance

 

$113

 

$98

 

Historically, Data I/O has not incurred any interest or penalties associated with tax matters and no interest or penalties were recognized during 2011.  However, we have adopted a policy whereby amounts related to interest and penalties associated with tax matters are classified as general and administrative expense when incurred. 

 

Tax years that remain open for examination include 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in the United States of America.  In addition, tax years from 2000 to 2007 may be subject to examination in the event that Data I/O utilizes the net operating losses and credit carryforwards from those years in its current or future year tax returns. 

 

NOTE 14 – SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

We consider our operations to be a single operating segment, focused on the design, manufacturing and sale of programming systems used by designers and manufacturers of electronic products. 

 

During 2011, there was one customer, Data Copy Limited at 11%, who accounted for greater than 10% of Data I/O’s consolidated net revenues for the year.  During 2010, there were no customers who accounted for more than 10% of Data I/O’s consolidated net revenues for the year.  Major operations outside the U.S. include sales, engineering and service support subsidiaries in Germany and China.  At December 31, 2011, there was one customer, Panasonic, which represented 10% of our total consolidated accounts receivable balance.  At December 31, 2010, there were no customers, which represented 10% or more of our total consolidated accounts receivable balance.

 

The following tables provide summary operating information by geographic area:

 

 

 

Year Ended Dec. 31,

(in thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

Net sales:

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$2,724  

 

$3,145 

Europe

 

11,025  

 

10,843 

Rest of World

 

12,917 

 

12,408 

 

 

$26,666 

 

$26,396 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in Europe and Rest of World net sales are

 

 

 

 

the following significant balances:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany

 

$6,717 

 

$5,196 

China

 

$3,917 

 

$3,424 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):