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Daktronics, Inc.

dakt · NASDAQ Technology
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Industry Hardware, Equipment & Parts
Employees 2520
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FY2013 Annual Report · Daktronics, Inc.
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2013 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS 

We  entered fiscal 2013  with  a  relatively light backlog, but  with a  very strong pipeline  of imminent orders.  We  capitalized on this 
strong pipeline by generating record orders in the first quarter, which led to a strong first and second quarter for revenues as well as 
profitability.  It turned out to be a year of two halves, with the first and second quarter, our typical busy season, accounting for most of 
our profit for the year.  This is indicative of how our business can be subject to variation and seasonality. 

Our Commercial business unit sales declined on a year over year basis in fiscal 2013 because of lower order volume in our billboard 
market and timing of orders in large video display projects, partially offset by growth in the on-premise advertising market and service 
sales.  We were able to improve our gross profit margins despite the price pressure in the marketplace through ongoing cost reduction 
initiatives, despite unexpected warranty issues and through  sales mix. We were also successful in keeping selling expenses flat as a 
percentage of revenue from cost containment initiatives resulting in improved profitability. 

Our Live Events business unit ended the year with sales slightly lower than fiscal 2012, though we were able to gain approximately 
four  percentage  points  in  gross  profit  margin  due  to  plant  utilization    and  a  higher  volume  of  smaller  projects  with  better  margins 
compared to fiscal 2012.  We continue to work hard to improve our products and services while honing our execution to drive costs 
out  of  our  processes  and  out  of  our  products.    We  differentiate  ourselves  in  the  market  by  offering  an  integrated  solution  which 
provides a single point of accountability for system operation and integrity.  

Our Schools and Theatres business unit sales were up approximately 11 percent based on a strong interest in video display systems.  
This business unit picked up a couple percentage points in gross profit driven by higher plant utilization and cost reduction initiatives.  
We were also successful in reducing selling expense as a percent of sales by a couple percentage points driven by expense reduction 
initiatives.  We continue to see interest in larger, more capable display systems from high schools as a key market driver. 

Our Transportation business unit realized 51 percent revenue growth this fiscal year.  This growth was spurred by two large projects 
which contributed significant revenue.  The first was a multi-faceted display system for the Los Angeles International Airport(LAX).  
The second was the completion of a three year project delivering full color displays to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.  Our gross 
profit  margin  improved  by  a  few  percentage  points  over  fiscal  2012  primarily  as  the  result  of  our  successful  execution  on  cost 
reduction  initiatives.    Currently  we  do  not  have  another  large  contract  like  LAX  on  the  horizon  for  fiscal  2014  and  anticpate  sales 
levels  to  be  approximately  at  the  levels  of  fiscal  2012.    We  released  a  20mm  high  resolution  full-color  product  in  fiscal  2013  to 
support the intentions of many state departments of transportation to deply full color signage in their future projects.   

Our International business unit sales were up by approximately five percent.  Australia was particularly active for us.  During 2013, 
we  opened  offices  in  Spain  and  Brazil  and  agreed  to  purchase  a  company  in  Belgium.    We  continue  to  focus  on  leveraging  our 
investments that we have made in international development to increase our market penetration and drive improved profitability.  

Throughout  fiscal  2013  we  continued  our  investment  in  key  initiatives  which  are  vital  to  our  future  including  product  and  market 
development.  We have an ongoing focus in developing new products and improving existing products to offer improved performance 
at a reduced price  point.    Major product development accomplishments  for the  year include the completion of the 20mm full-color 
transportation  products  and  our  common  digit  platform  to  be  used  across  commercial  and  sports  applications.  We  also  made  great 
progress on a new family of outdoor surface mount LED displays that we plan to start shipping in summer of fiscal 2014.    

Our  strategic  focus  is  to  be  the  industry  leader  in  providing  value  to  our  customers  through  understanding  their  needs  and 
expectations;  we  leverage  our  experience  and  technical  knowledge  through  product  innovation  to  create  robust  and  configurable 
product platforms that meet or exceed customer expectations in performance, ease of use, quality and reliability.  We strive to excel in 
customer satisfaction by being easy to do business with and to drive continuous improvement in productivity company-wide, with the 
overriding goal of continuously improving our operating margin.   

We  issued  a  special  dividend  in  December,  in  addition  to  semiannual  dividends,  issuing  a  total  of  $31  million  in  dividends 
($0.73/share) during fiscal 2013.   

In closing, we want to thank all of our employees for their efforts over this past year. We also want to thank our shareholders for their 
loyal support during our challenging times and their continued support in our future. We look forward to a successful fiscal 2014.   

Aelred J. Kurtenbach 
Chairman of the Board 

James B. Morgan 
Chief Executive Officer 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

Daktronics is the world’s largest supplier of large screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, LED text and graphics displays, and 
related control systems, services and products. We excel in the control of display systems, including those that require integration of 
multiple complex displays showing real-time information,  graphics, animation and video. We  design,  manufacture, sell and  service 
display  systems  for  customers  around  the  world  through  five  business  units:  Live  Events,  Commercial,  Schools  and  Theatres, 
Transportation and International.  Our customers value our products for their customer and fan experience, and the ability to generate 
revenues and inform their audiences.  Our products have been installed in venues from grade school gyms to premier sports facilities, 
destination sites and in over 100 countries throughout the world.  We serve our customers through a network of offices in the United 
States,  Canada,  United Kingdom, Germany, France, United  Arab Emirates,  Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Singapore, 
Brazil, Australia, Belgium and Macau.   

We employ approximately 2,600 full-time and part-time employees. As a manufacturer and technical contractor, Daktronics markets 
standard display products and customized displays and sound systems. We believe our engineering capabilities are second to none in 
the industry. We are committed to on-going product development to find new applications for our products and expand the markets we 
serve. Daktronics stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol DAKT. 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share and share price data.) 

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 FY2009  FY2010  FY2011  FY2012  FY2013 Net sales$580,681$393,185$441,676$489,526$518,322Gross profit155,35894,556111,484113,437133,894Operating expenses112,741101,28691,957103,162103,294Operating income (loss)42,617(6,730)19,52710,27530,600Net income (loss)26,428(6,989)14,2448,48922,779Earnings per share (diluted)0.64          (0.17)        0.34          0.20          0.53          Cash dividend per share0.09          0.10          0.60          0.62          0.73          Working capital$104,543$118,625$128,160$119,833$126,978Total assets324,876305,851327,847315,967321,586Shareholders' equity211,911207,053203,102190,805188,246Weighted average shares outstanding41,15240,90842,27742,30442,621Capital expenditures$22,888$16,121$9,386$16,524$9,674Product design and development21,61921,92018,94923,50723,131Backlog131,000127,000131,000123,000141,000Cash flow from operations48,73143,78441,34620,08850,749Gross profit percentage26.7%24.0%25.2%23.2%25.8%Operating margin percentage7.3%(1.7%)4.4%2.1%5.9%Return on beginning shareholder's equity11.6%(3.3%)6.9%4.2%11.9%Return on average assets8.1%(2.2%)4.5%2.6%7.1%Employees as of year-end:Full-time2,527        2,093        2,141        2,300        2,213        Part-time and students856           404           481           519           404           Stock price during fiscal year:High21.32$     9.88$        17.30$     11.61$     12.40$     Low5.69          7.00          7.30          7.99          6.39          Stock price at fiscal year end8.96          8.37          10.72        8.46          9.57           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historical 
and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this report that are not 
purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 
21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies 
for the future. These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements 
of fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: our financing plans; trends affecting our 
financial condition or results of operations; our growth strategy and operating strategy; our competition; our business outside of the 
United States; our large contracts with significant customers; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; excess production 
capacity  or  capacity  needs;  our  involvement  in  litigation;  difficult  conditions  in  the  economy;  and  the  declaration  and  payment  of 
dividends. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plans” and similar 
expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-
looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability 
to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various 
factors discussed herein, including those discussed in the section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” 
and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and those factors discussed in 
detail in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PART I. 

Item 1.  BUSINESS

General Development of Business

Company Background and Overview.  Daktronics, Inc. was founded by Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach and Dr. Duane Sander in 1968 while they 
were professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University (“SDSU”) in Brookings, South Dakota.  Our relationship with 
SDSU and other colleges and universities is a key factor contributing to our leadership in the industry.  We have been able to experience 
sustained long-term growth due in part to the capability of the local universities and colleges to provide an important source of highly 
educated full-time and student employees.

Over the years, our products have evolved significantly from scoreboards and matrix displays and related software applications to complex, 
integrated visual display systems which include full color video, text and graphics displays located on a local or remote network and are 
tied together through sophisticated control systems.  In the mid-nineties, as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) became available in red, blue 
and green colors with outdoor brightness, we pioneered the development of full color LED video displays capable of replicating trillions 
of colors, thereby producing large format video systems with excellent color, brightness, energy efficiency and lifetime.  Due to our 
foundation of developing scoring and graphics display systems, in which we were already a leader, we were able to add video capabilities 
so all of our customer’s large format display needs could be met in a complete, integrated system.  This has proven to be a key factor in 
Daktronics becoming a leader in large electronic displays.  Over the years, we have invested in product development to add complementary 
products  and  services,  such  as  production  services,  control  systems,  liquid  crystal  display  (“LCD”)  networks,  architectural  lighting 
solutions, sound systems, marketing services, maintenance and support and other products and services for our customers.

Business Developments. As a result of our line of LED display systems and software applications, we gained significant market share 
through designing and manufacturing quality products and providing technical expertise and services.  Our products are in use throughout 
the world, as we are the world’s leader in all large format LED display product categories, according to independent research.

In  the  sports  and  live  events  markets,  our  integrated  video,  scoring,  and  control  systems,  have  been  installed  at  many  professional, 
collegiate and high school facilities, in North America, and at international multi-purpose sports venues around the world.  

With commercial applications, our video displays can be seen in major destination sites, such as Las Vegas and Times Square, while our 
digital billboards and message displays can be seen along roadsides, at retail establishments, and at many other locations.

In the transportation market, our Vanguard® displays are in use in numerous jurisdictions across North America. Our customers include 
many state departments of transportation, mass transit systems and airports.

One of our core growth strategies has been to enter geographic markets by developing regional sales and service presence providing 
after-sale support to our entire product line and sales of our products.  We currently have regional offices in the United States as well as 
internationally that support our field sales and service people, many of whom today work out of their homes.

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We occasionally acquire businesses providing access to new markets or complement our existing products.  Although these acquisitions 
have  increased  the  scope  of  services  and  technology  we  are  able  to  provide,  our  primary  growth  objective  is  to  increase  sales  and 
profitability through organic growth.

We manufacture most of our products in South Dakota and Minnesota.  We also invested in facilities in Shanghai, China, where we 
manufacture our architectural lighting products and perform final assembly for video displays for the Chinese market.  We also have a 
plant in Victor, New York which produces our rigging products.  In May of 2013 we completed the acquisition of a small manufacturing 
operation in Belgium, primarily serving the third party advertising market.

Description of Business

We are the world’s leading supplier of electronic scoreboards, large electronic display systems, digital messaging solutions, software and 
services for sporting, commercial and transportation applications.  We serve our customers by providing superior products, integration 
and services providing dynamic, reliable and unique visual communication solutions.  We offer a complete line of products, from small 
indoor and outdoor scoreboards and electronic displays to large multi-million dollar video display systems as well as related control, 
timing, sound and hoist systems and related professional services.  We are recognized worldwide as a technical leader with the capabilities 
to design, market, manufacture, install and service complete integrated systems displaying real-time data, graphics, animation and video.

We  are  engaged  in  a  full  range  of  activities:  marketing  and  sales,  engineering  and  product  development,  manufacturing,  technical 
contracting, professional services and customer service and support.  Each of those activities is described below.

Marketing and Sales.  Our products have been sold throughout the United States and other countries through a combination of direct 
sales personnel and resellers.  In the United States and Canada, we use primarily a direct sales force for professional sports, colleges and 
universities, convention centers and smaller sports facilities, including high schools and transportation applications.  In smaller commercial 
applications, we rely primarily on resellers.  We also utilize resellers outside North America on large video system projects where we do 
not have a direct sales presence.  Sales to resellers generally have terms consistent with sales directly to end users.

The majority of the products sold by resellers in North America are standard catalog products.  These are typically moderately priced 
and relatively easy to install.  A limited number of models are built to inventory and available for quick delivery.  We support our resellers 
through direct mail advertising, trade journal advertising, trade show exhibitions and our sales force support in the field.  We believe we 
can expand sales and, in some niches, market share, by expanding both our direct sales force and resellers.  Resellers outside North 
America focus on large integrated system sales.  

Our sales force is comprised of sales staff located throughout the world supporting all customer types in both sales and service.  In addition 
to supporting resellers as described above, the direct sales staff sells the entire range of our standard products and substantially all of the 
large video display systems.  Our sales staff is structured in a way to maximize cross-selling opportunities across segments.

We have organized our business into five business units which have a primary focus on particular markets or customer segments.  There 
are four domestic business units (United States and Canada) – Commercial, Live Events, Schools and Theatres and Transportation. The 
fifth business unit identified as International is for all operations outside the United States and Canada.  This structure allows us to focus 
on serving the unique needs of each of these customer groups.  Live Events customers usually have a large variety of products tied into 
a system in a single location involving creative production services, design and event support.  The Commercial business unit serves the 
needs created by large and remote networks of displays connected through various modes of communication.  The Transportation business 
unit  focuses  on  the  unique  needs  of  governmental  contractors  and  ties  into  integrated  systems  managing  the  flow  of  travelers  and 
vehicles.  Finally, the Schools and Theatre business unit focuses on providing information displays to high schools for both sports and 
marquee applications and automated rigging for theatres. The International business unit comprises all of these areas outside of North 
America.

When we target a potential customer for sales opportunities, the prospect is contacted either directly or through a reseller.  Frequently, 
on larger sales opportunities, engineers, technicians and sales personnel jointly participate in site visits to assess site conditions, evaluate 
the customer’s requirements and present proposals.  Proposals to prospective customers include business and technical presentations as 
well as product demonstrations and visits to existing installations.  We also regularly host customers at our various manufacturing facilities 
to demonstrate product quality, manufacturing and design capabilities.

International sales can fluctuate from year to year based on the timing of large system projects.  A typical term of sale for international 
projects  includes  a  letter  of  credit,  bank  guarantee  or  partial  payment  in  advance.  We  believe  in  addition  to  the  growth  we  expect 
domestically, we will also achieve growth in the international markets.  During fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, approximately 17 
percent, 17 percent and 16 percent of our net sales, respectively, were derived from international sales.  Since 2000, we have acquired or 
opened international offices in Canada, China, France, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Spain, Singapore, 
Macau, Hong Kong, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

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Much of our marketing and sales success in the past was based on our ability to create new products and product enhancements for 
customers by understanding their needs and opportunities.  We have developed and continue to develop this understanding through active 
participation in the sales cycle by engineers and other personnel. We attend trade shows, conventions, seminars and foster a culture of 
teamwork throughout the organization.

Engineering and Product Development.  The large format electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product innovations 
and developments in technology and complementary services.  To remain competitive, we must continue to anticipate and respond to 
changes and developments in the industry.  We will continue our tradition of applying engineering resources throughout our business to 
help achieve more effective product development by investing approximately four percent of our net sales over the long-term into product 
design and development.

We employ engineers and technicians in the areas of mechanical and electrical design, applications engineering, software design and 
customer and product support.  We use primarily in-house engineering to anticipate and respond rapidly to the product development needs 
of customers and the marketplace.  We assign product managers to each product or product family to assist our sales staff in training and 
implementing product improvements and to ensure each product is designed for maximum reliability and serviceability.  We also invest 
in new creative technologies and in companies developing new technologies.

Our product development staff consists of four groups – Sports, Video, Commercial and Transportation.  The Sports product development 
group is aligned with the Schools and Theatres business unit; the Video group is aligned with the Live Events, International and Commercial 
business  units;  and  the  Commercial  and Transportation  groups  are  aligned  with  the  Commercial  and Transportation  business  units, 
respectively.  These groups leverage common technology, concepts and platforms through various knowledge centers spanning across 
all  groups.   This  alignment  has  driven  improved  product  reliability,  lower  costs  and  better  functionality  for  our  customers.  The 
development of these knowledge centers and various other practices within product development are modeled after best practices for 
lean product development.

Manufacturing. As a vertically integrated manufacturer of display systems, we perform most sub-assembly and substantially all final 
assembly of our products.

Our manufacturing operations include component manufacturing and system manufacturing (metal fabrication, electronic assembly, sub-
assembly and final assembly).  We flex our production capacity through varying work hours and strategic outsourcing.

We use a modular approach for manufacturing displays.  Standard product modules are designed to be used in a variety of different 
products.  This modular approach reduces parts inventory and improves manufacturing efficiency.  We inventory a limited supply of 
finished  standard  products.  Custom  projects  are  built  according  to  the  customer’s  specifications  through  the  use  of  common 
components.  Product modules are designed so a custom product may include a significant percentage of standard components to maximize 
reliability and ease of service.  A key strategy of ours is to increase standardization and commonality of parts and manufacturing processes 
across product lines through product platform strategies.  

Our order entry, production, customer service and many other functions are also consolidated through an enterprise resource planning 
system and a service operations system to facilitate the sales, design, production and delivery process.

Our plants are loosely aligned with the five business units described above.  This alignment has been critical to allow us to respond to 
the different types of customers in the different business units in areas such as lead times and product consolidation.  Furthermore, we 
have decentralized to these plants certain functions such as materials planning and scheduling.  Our goal was to generally align sales, 
marketing, engineering and manufacturing into a cohesive business unit with a focus on customers while not giving up the synergies of 
shared resources.  On the other hand, given the cyclical nature of some parts of our business, we also needed to balance and maintain our 
ability to manufacture the same products across our plants so we can smooth out the peaks and valleys of customer demand of the various 
business units.

Our manufacturing facilities have embraced lean manufacturing techniques throughout all areas.  We have also placed significant emphasis 
on lean techniques in the non-manufacturing areas.  Although there are direct costs associated with implementing lean techniques, the 
goal of doing so is to eliminate waste and deliver products to a customer timely, while maintaining minimal inventory and eliminating 
non-value added tasks.

Technical Contracting.  We serve as a technical contractor for larger display system installations requiring custom designs and innovative 
product solutions.  The purchase of display systems typically involves competitive proposals.  As part of our response to a proposal 
request,  we  may  suggest  additional  products  or  features  to  assist  the  prospective  customer  in  analyzing  the  optimal  type  of  display 
system.  We usually include in our proposal site preparation and installation services related to the display system.  In these cases, we 
serve  as  a  contractor  and  may  retain  subcontractors.  We  are  licensed  in  a  number  of  domestic  jurisdictions  as  a  general 
contractor.  Typically, we outsource all related electrical, steel and installation labor to qualified subcontractors.  We have developed 

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relationships with many subcontractors throughout the United States overtime, which is advantageous for us in bidding and delivering 
on these projects.

Professional Services. Our professional services are essential to continued market penetration and growth.  Professional services we 
provide in addition to technical contracting include event support, content creation, product maintenance, marketing assistance, training 
on hardware and software, control room design,  and continuing technical support for operators of complicated display systems.

Our  sports  marketing  division  assists  customers  with  marketing  and  ad  sales  for  sports  facilities  to  fund  display  system 
purchases.  Typically, we render these services to facilities which do not have in-house marketing programs and staff.

Customer Service and Support.  We offer limited warranties on our products against failure due to defective parts or workmanship for 
periods generally ranging from one to five years after the first sale or installation, depending on the product or type of customer.  In 
addition, we offer service agreements of various scopes.  To serve our customers we provide help-desk access, parts repair and replacement 
and programming support for video, animation and other displays.  We staff our technical help desk with experienced technicians who 
are on-call 24 hours a day to support events and sites.

Our  repair  centers,  located  in  the  United  States,  Germany  and  Shanghai,  are  staffed  with  trained  technicians  who  repair  and  return 
components requiring service.  We also offer a component exchange program for same-day shipment of replacement parts.

We also have a staff of field service personnel trained across product lines and business units allowing us to better focus on the commonality 
of the products rather than the unique needs of each customer.  We also  use  third party service partners to improve the overall utilization 
of our field service staff as the needs of the customer fluctuate greatly during the fiscal year.  This allows us to respond to changes in 
volume of service, which peaks in the late summer and early fall.

General Description of Our Products and Technologies

Our range of products spans from message displays, to scoreboards, to audio systems, to large complex systems.  The two principal 
components of our systems are the display and the controller.  We produce displays varying in complexity, size and resolution.  The 
physical dimensions of a display depend on the size of the viewing area, the distance from the viewer to the display, and the amount and 
type of information to be displayed.  Generally, for longer distance viewing, the light sources, or pixels, are larger and spaced farther 
apart.  The type of the display may also depend on the location of the viewing audience.  For example, arena scoreboards may have a 
viewing angle nearly as wide as 180 degrees, compared with roadside displays, which typically are viewed from a passing vehicle only 
within  a  narrow  angle  from  the  display.  We  customize  our  products  according  to  the  design  specifications  of  the  customer  and  the 
conditions of the environment in which our products function.

The controller uses computer hardware and our software products to process information provided by the operator and other integrated 
sources and then compiles the information, graphics or animation to be presented on the displays.  

Product Families and Technologies

Our products are comprised of the following primary product families, all of which include control systems and software:

Scoring and timing systems 

ITS dynamic message signs 

•  Video display systems
• 
•  Message displays
• 
•  Audio systems
•  Digital billboards
•  Digit and price displays
•  Automated rigging and hoists

Each of these product families is described below.

Video Display Systems.  This group consists primarily of displays comprised of a large number of full-color pixels capable of showing 
various levels of video, graphics and animation plus controllers which manage the operation of the display. Video displays are comprised 
of red, green and blue LEDs arranged in various combinations to form pixels (picture elements).  The electronic circuitry which controls 
the pixels allows for variances in the relative brightness of each LED to provide a full color spectrum, thereby displaying video images 
in striking, vibrant colors.

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We offer a wide range of video display systems for different applications and budgets.  Variables in video displays include the spacing 
of the pixels (pixel pitch), the resolution of the displays (number of pixels), the brightness of the displays (nits), the number of discrete 
colors the display is able to produce (color depth), and the viewing angles.  In addition, modular design allows the product to be readily 
configured in custom sizes to meet each customer’s specific requirements, with virtually no limit to the size a display can be built.

We offer a wide range of pixel spacing, ranging from four millimeter to 26 millimeter.  The four millimeter application provides the user 
with the greatest pixel density and shortest viewing distance, while the 26 millimeter is the most cost effective for physically large displays 
with longer viewing distances.  In addition, the uniformity of colors across the display is important to the quality of the video image.  Our 
unique display control circuitry, along with our proprietary manufacturing and calibration procedures, provide uniform colors across the 
display.

In addition to traditional rectangular video displays, we have adapted LED video technology into ribbon board displays and modular 
display systems.  Our ribbon board display systems are configured in different height-to-width ratios to give arenas and stadiums the 
ability  to  install  long,  narrower  bands  of  displays  in  the  facility.  For  new  construction  projects,  our  ProRail®  attachment  system  is 
combined  with  ribbon  board  technology  to  provide  improved  sight  lines  for  fans  and  reduce  construction  costs  for  the  facility’s 
owner.  Digital ribbon boards generally serve as a revenue generation source for teams and facilities through advertising as well as another 
location to display information such as scoring and statistics.

Our transportable display systems are comprised of lightweight individual LED video panels less than a square meter in size are assembled 
together to form a display in a customizable height and width.  These panels are used in what we refer to as mobile and modular applications, 
such as touring shows and the events market.

Our  video  systems  may  use  a  network  of  displays  to  deliver  a  pre-programmed  schedule  of  advertisements,  relevant  entertainment 
information and sports scores, including video, audio, graphics and live data to viewers in the concourses and club areas.  The network 
can be integrated with the main video displays through the control system, providing complete control.  Daktronics digital display networks 
can incorporate flat-panel screens, LED message displays, LED video screens and even numeric scoreboards to provide an even better 
game day experience. 

Our GKD MediaMesh® product can turn any building facade into a dynamic communications medium while not concealing the architecture 
behind it.  This display can be mounted over a solid facade or in front of windows knowing the finished solution is free from visible 
cabling, and it delivers a clean, semi-transparent viewing experience for those within the building. The stainless steel, textile-like mesh 
provides a modern, urban feel while the thin-profile design – less than one inch in depth – provides an elegant, refined structural appearance.

Our  line  of  ProPixel®  LED  architectural  lighting  and  display  products  include  our  freeform  video  elements,  which  are  available  as 
individual  pixels  or  strips  of  pixels,  assembled  and  interconnected  to  transform  structures  into  stunning  visual  landmarks.  Flexible 
mounting platforms allow designers to transform structures into full-motion video displays and to create various effects. These elements 
can be structured in various resolutions depending on the application.  The freeform video elements are managed by our various controllers, 
depending on the specific application.

The primary control components for video displays in live event applications are Show Control, proprietary digital media players and 
proprietary video processors. These control components provide advanced capability for the display of live video and real time content 
on our displays.

Our Show Control Software Suite is an integrated display control system enabling flexible, intuitive display control and event management 
for large video applications.  The Show Control Software Suite can operate entire networks of displays from a single, intuitive control 
interface. Features such as smart buttons allow users to instantly deliver media clips, camera feeds, and streaming information to any 
display in a network.

Daktronics digital media players store recorded video clips and can function as a still store and character generator. Managed through 
our Show Control Software Suite, the digital media player provides instant access to any video, animation, graphic or real-time data files 
on a player. It also controls the overall picture settings of any Daktronics LED display, making it the most feature-rich product of its kind 
in the live events industry.

We also provide a proprietary video processing system developed specifically for LED display technology.  For larger venues hosting 
live events, the Show Control Software Suite, digital media player and video processor are typically part of a larger system with cameras, 
switchers and other components.  These systems provide the ability to show instant replays, live action video, prerecorded video clips, 
and overlays of scoring, timing and statistical information.  We occasionally package our components with control components from 
other suppliers to provide a complete video production solution.

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Scoring and Timing Systems.  Our line of scoring and timing products include indoor and outdoor scoreboards for many different sports, 
digit displays, scoring and timing controllers, statistics software and other related products.  Indoor systems range in complexity from 
two-digit shot clocks and small scoreboards to large, center-hung scoreboards incorporating video displays, message centers, advertising 
panels, hoist systems and control software.  Outdoor scoreboards range in complexity from two-digit game timers and small scoreboards 
to larger systems incorporating scoring, timing, video, message centers, advertising panels and control software.

We expect LED technology will remain the technology of choice for scoreboards and displays due to its lower power consumption, longer 
life and resulting lower maintenance costs as compared to other technologies.  Because most of the scoreboards and display products 
within this group have significant standardization, we have been able to make progress on our goal of efficiently delivering high quality 
products.

We offer a variety of internally developed controllers complementing our scoreboards and displays.  These controllers vary in price and 
complexity from the All Sport® 100, a handheld controller for portable scoreboards, to the All Sport® 5000 series, designed for more 
sophisticated scoring systems and allowing for more user-defined options.  These controllers communicate with scoreboards through 
radio frequencies, fiber optic connections or other means.

We also offer timing systems for sports events, primarily aquatics and track competitions.  A primary component of these systems is our 
OmniSport® 2000 timing console.  The system has the capability to not only time and rank the competitors but also to interface with 
event management software created by third parties to facilitate the administration of the sporting event.  Other timing system components 
include swimming touchpads, race start systems, and relay take-off platforms.

As a key component of an integrated system, we market sports statistics and results software under the DakStats® trademark.  The software 
allows entry and display of sports statistics and other information.  It is one of the leading applications of its type in collegiate and high 
school sports.

Message Displays.  The key product lines in this group are marketed under the names Galaxy® and GalaxyPro® and are generally controlled 
with our Venus® 1500 display controller.

Galaxy® full-matrix displays, available in both indoor and outdoor models, are our leading product line for commercial applications and 
are expected to be a key product line for growth in the future.  Galaxy® displays are full color, monochrome, or tri-color, with pixel 
spacing ranging from six millimeter to 46 millimeter depending on color, size and viewing distance.  They are used primarily as message 
centers to convey information and advertising to consumers.  The modular design of the product allows us to configure a display to readily 
meet the size requirements of each customer.  We offer various price points for displays within the Galaxy® line.

GalaxyPro® displays are full-matrix outdoor displays capable of displaying text, graphics and animation, as well as prerecorded video 
clips.  The product was developed to meet the video needs of the commercial market, primarily large retail market applications such as 
auto  dealerships  and  shopping  centers.  GalaxyPro®  displays  are  offered  in  full  color  with  pixel  spacing  ranging  from  16  to  26 
millimeter.  GalaxyPro® displays are capable of producing 68 billion colors, have excellent color uniformity across the display and are 
fully compatible with our Venus® 1500 display control software.  The modular design of the product allows us to configure a display to 
readily meet the size requirements of each customer.

Galaxy® and GalaxyPro® series displays utilize our proprietary Venus® 1500 display control software to control the creation of messages 
and graphic sequences for downloading to the display.  This software is designed to be usable without any special training, and it is 
applicable to all general advertising or message presentation applications.  We also provide software allowing system integrators to write 
their own software using the Venus® 1500 software developer’s kit to communicate to displays supplied by us.  Several system integrators 
have implemented the Venus® 1500 protocol into their specific applications, resulting in additional display sales.

ITS Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). DMS products include a wide range of LED-based displays for road management, parking, mass 
transit and aviation applications.  The Vanguard® family of dynamic message displays are typically used to direct traffic and inform 
motorists.  These displays are used over freeways, on arterial roads, near bridges, at toll booths and in other locations.  We have also 
developed a control system for these displays to help transportation agencies manage large networks of displays.

Our digit and directional displays are primarily marketed and sold for use in parking facilities.  They include multi-line displays delivered 
in vertical cabinets or drop-in digit panels designed to be mounted in existing structures or signs.

Most of the transportation products are designed and tested to rigorous transportation industry standards.  Our personnel routinely work 
with standard development organizations to assist in writing standards to benefit the public and take advantage of the latest display 
technologies.

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Audio Systems.  The audio system offerings include both standard and custom options.  Standard audio systems are designed to meet the 
needs of a wide variety of outdoor sports venues based on the size and configuration of the facility.  Each of the standard outdoor systems 
include control systems featuring digital signal processing for improved sound quality reproduction.  Custom indoor and outdoor systems 
are also offered for larger venues and venues with unique seating configurations.  Our sound systems are often integrated into an overall 
venue solution for scoring, timing, message display and/or video capability.

Digital Billboards.  Our line of digital billboards offers a unique digital display solution for the outdoor advertising industry.  The products, 
developed based on our experience with other full-color LED display technologies, are used primarily to display static images which 
change at regular intervals.  Digital billboard systems include many features unique to the outdoor advertising market, such as our patented 
mounting system, self-adjusting brightness, improved energy consumption and enhanced network security.

The Visiconn® system is the primary software application for controlling content and playback loops for digital billboard applications.  The 
Visiconn® display management solution can transform any Internet-ready computer into a secure, global control center for multiple LED 
displays, flat panel monitors (such as LCDs) and other display technologies.  A rights-based control environment allows users to grant 
advertisers access to powerful content management tools while also providing detailed ad tracking and proof-of-play reports.  These 
features, combined with instant content deployment and the ability to sync with trusted real-time data providers, allow for incorporation 
of live information into any presentation.

Digit and Price Displays.  Other product lines marketed primarily to Commercial customers include our DataTime® and Fuelight™ display 
systems.  The DataTime® product line consists of outdoor time and temperature displays which use a remote sensor for temperature data 
and are available in red or amber in various character sizes.  Fuelight™ digit displays are specifically designed for the petroleum industry, 
offering high visibility and quick fuel price updates using the Fuelink™ control software.  The product easily retrofits into existing structures 
and is also available in single-face or double-face (on certain models) configurations.

Automated Rigging and Hoist Products.  The automated rigging and hoist product family includes our Vortek® automated hoists which 
complement our arena center-hung scoreboard/display systems for both small and large sporting facilities.  The hoist is an important part 
of an integrated solution for indoor venues having center-hung, suspended displays.  Many of these hoist systems are customized based 
on the weight and design of the equipment being suspended, along with the load capacity of the building structure and attachment points 
within the facility.

Additionally, we provide automated rigging for theatre applications, primarily in high schools and similar venues.  The strengths of our 
automated rigging systems include safety and ease of operation.  The theatre rigging control system includes intuitive touch screens and 
menus to control the integrated hoist systems for added safety and enhanced operation of a theatre production, allowing changes in 
scenery, lighting and sound preprogrammed, timed and easy to control. 

Financial Information About Segments and Geographic Areas

Our operations in countries outside the U.S. are accompanied by various risks, including financial risks.  Relationships with customers 
and terms of sale vary by country, often with longer-term receivables than are typical in the U.S.  Currency exchange rate fluctuations 
can affect net sales from, and the profitability of, operations outside the U.S.  We attempt to hedge these exposures to reduce the effects 
of foreign currency fluctuations on net earnings.  In addition, although we do not have the intention to do so, the repatriation of certain 
earnings of our foreign subsidiaries may result in substantial U.S. tax cost.

See  Note  2  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  financial  information  pertaining  to  our  business  segments  and  geographic 
operations.

Sources of Raw Materials

We source some of our materials, such as LEDs, power supplies, from a limited number of suppliers, primarily due to the proprietary 
nature of the material.  The loss of one of these key suppliers could have an adverse impact on our business and operations.  However, 
our sourcing group works to implement strategies to mitigate the associated risks.  For additional information, refer to “Item 1A – Risk 
Factors.”  From time to time, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum 
amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year.

Intellectual Property

We continually assess the cost or benefit of filing patents related to new products.  We apply for patents to document our rights to the 
technology so other parties cannot later claim ownership (a defensive strategy) and to also allow us to pursue infringement claims against 
competitors for protection due to patent violations (an offensive strategy).

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We rely on trademarks, in addition to patents, to help establish and preserve proprietary protection for our products.  Our trademarks are 
registered in the United States and other countries.  These trademarks are used to establish brand recognition and distinction in our various 
markets.

Product drawings, software, training and product manuals and other works of authorship are also subject to applicable copyright law 
protections.  We provide software to our customers in object code to help preserve our intellectual property rights.  We also rely on 
nondisclosure  and  license  agreements  with  our  employees  to  protect  our  intellectual  property.  Despite  these  intellectual  property 
protections, there can be no assurance a competitor will not copy the functions or features of our products.

Seasonal Nature of the Business

Our sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the seasonality of our business and variability due to the impact of large 
product orders, such as display systems for facilities where professional, major college, or international sports events take place and large 
commercial display systems.    As a result of the seasonality of the business, primarily due to the sports market, net sales and net income 
tend to be lower in the third quarter of a fiscal year.

The seasonality of the sports business is caused by sales related to facilities for football, basketball and hockey in the summer and fall 
and for baseball in the early to late spring, leaving a slower time in the winter.  This seasonal effect can be compounded by large product 
orders in the sports markets and by the effects of holidays during our third fiscal quarter.  The effects of seasonality are generally not as 
great in our Commercial, International and Transportation business units, although the impact of large orders in those markets and the 
implications of weather during the winter months of the northern hemisphere can cause fluctuations in net sales and profits.  

Gross margins on large orders tend to fluctuate more than the gross margins on smaller orders.  Large product orders with competitive 
bidding  and  substantial  subcontract  work  for  product  installation  generally  have  lower  gross  margins  with  greater  variability  in 
margins.  Although we follow the percentage-of-completion method of recognizing revenues on the majority of these larger orders, we 
nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations will be subject to similar 
fluctuations.

Working Capital Items

On large product orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to and exceed 18 months depending 
on the amount of custom work and the customer’s delivery needs.  We often receive down payments or progress payments on these 
orders.  To the extent these payments are not sufficient to fund the costs and expenses associated with these orders, we use working capital 
and bank borrowings to finance these cash requirements.

Customers

The primary markets we serve, along with primary types of customers, are as follows:

Markets

Live Events

Schools and Theatres

Commercial

Transportation

Types of Customers

Large colleges and universities, professional sports teams and facilities, national and international 
sports games and federations, civic arenas and convention centers, live entertainment venues, staging 
and rental, and motor racing.
Elementary  and  secondary  schools,  small  colleges  and  universities,  local  recreation  centers  and 
theatres.
Retailers and outdoor advertisers, auto dealers, gaming facilities, petroleum retailers, restaurants 
and quick-serve restaurants, shopping centers, worship venues, and spectaculars.
State  and  local  departments  of  transportation,  airlines,  airports  and  related  industries,  parking 
facilities and transit authorities.

We have a large and diverse worldwide customer base and are not economically dependent on any single customer, however, there are 
important customers within each of our business units and the loss of one or more customers could have an adverse effect on us.  Within 
our Commercial business unit, two major customers account for more than 50 percent of our digital billboard sales niche.

Backlog

Our backlog consists of customer sales agreements or purchase orders we expect to fill within the next 24 months and was approximately 
$141.3 million as of April 27, 2013 and $122.8 million as of April 28, 2012.  Because sales agreements and purchase orders may be 
subject to extended delivery schedules our backlog is not necessarily indicative of future net sales or net income.  Although orders for 

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many of our products may be shipped within 90 days, other orders may take longer depending on the customer’s project schedule or other 
factors.  Contracts related to new construction projects generally tend to have the longest lead times.

Government and Other Regulation

In the United States and other countries, various laws and regulations, including zoning ordinances, restrict the installation of outdoor 
signs and displays, particularly in the commercial market.  These laws and regulations impose greater restrictions on electronic displays 
versus non-electronic displays such as traditional billboards due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety if a display is located 
near a road or highway.  These factors may prevent or inhibit us from selling products to some prospective customers.

Some of our products are tested to safety standards developed by Underwriters Laboratories in the United States, as well as similar 
standards in other countries.  We design and produce our products in accordance with these standards.

Our  manufacturing  operations  use  certain  chemical  products  and  chemical  processes  subject  to  various  environmental  rules  and 
regulations.  Our manufacturing operations must also meet numerous safety related rules and regulations.  We believe we are in material 
compliance with applicable governmental laws and regulations.

In some countries in which we operate, such as China, there are various laws and regulations which may affect our operations.  These 
include restrictions or limitations on our ability to withdraw our capital investment, undeveloped legal frameworks to enforce our rights 
including payment collections, and different levels of enforcement and consistency of laws.

Competition

The large electronic display industry is highly fragmented and characterized by intense competition from a variety of sources.  There are 
a number of established suppliers of competing products which may have greater market penetration in certain of our market niches or 
greater financial, marketing and other resources.  Competitors also attempt to copy our products or product features.  Because a customer’s 
budget for the purchase of a large screen electronic display is often part of their advertising budget, we may also compete with other 
forms of advertising, such as television, print media or fixed display signs.

There are generally more competitors in product categories and applications requiring less complicated display systems, such as the high 
school scoreboard market, the text and graphics display market and the market for less customized video displays.  As the needs of 
customers increase and the display systems become more complex, there are generally fewer competitors.  However, due to the high 
profile nature of larger complex display systems, the competition is intense on those projects. 

Within our standard product business, which includes our Galaxy® display lines, our digital billboard product, and scoreboard products, 
there are a large number of competitors, none of which we consider to be dominant.  In addition, there are a significant number of Asian 
competitors attempting to sell in the marketplace, which generally compete on the basis of price.  We generally compete based on our 
local presence, our depth of service, and the wide range of our product offerings.

Within our large video system business, across all segments, there are various competitors with different levels of strength in individual 
niches, but none have a dominant position overall.  For example, a single competitor may have strength in the mobile video business but 
very little in the fixed installation business.  Another competitor may have strength in the billboard display business but very little strength 
in any other large display applications.  In addition, our large display business has competitors in a narrow niche which were significant 
at one time and then substantially decreased their presence in the niche.  These changes seem to happen as a result of the complexities 
of the marketplace and the failures experienced on installations which receive a great deal of visibility.  Our video systems, especially 
those  systems  comprised  of  many  displays  networked  together,  are  highly  complex  and  visible  and  thus  require  a  high  standard  of 
performance  difficult  for  other  industry  participants  to  maintain  over  the  long-term.    There  are  a  growing  number  of Asian-based 
competitors expanding their presence beyond Asia to compete more directly with us.  These competitors generally offer products and 
solutions at a lower price.  

Each of our business units tends to have a different set of competitors.  Some competitors only compete in our transportation business 
and some primarily compete in the high school market, for example.  Video display competitors compete for our live events, international, 
and commercial video business.

Overall, we compete based on our broad range of products and features, complementary services, advanced technology, prompt delivery, 
and reliable and readily available customer service and support.  We also strive to provide cost-effective products and solutions for our 
customers.  Contrary to our focus on technologically advanced products and customer support, some of our competitors compete in some 
markets by providing lower-cost display systems, which are of a lesser quality with lower product performance or less customer support.  If 
a customer focuses principally on price, we are less likely to obtain the sale.  To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance our 
existing products, introduce new products and product features, and provide customers with cost-effective solutions to their display needs.

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Research and Development

We believe our engineering and product development capability and experience will continue to be a very important factor to continue 
to develop the most up-to-date digital displays and control system solutions desired by the market.  Product development expenses for 
fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $23.1 million, $23.5 million and $18.9 million, respectively.

Environmental Concerns

Our  products  and  production  processes  require  the  storage,  use  and  disposal  of  a  variety  of  chemicals  considered  hazardous  under 
applicable federal and state laws.  Accordingly, we are subject to a variety of regulatory requirements for the handling and disposal of 
such materials.  We do not anticipate any material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position due to compliance 
with government regulations involving environmental matters.

Employees

As  of  April 27,  2013,  we  employed  approximately  2,210  full-time  employees  and  approximately  410  part-time  and  temporary 
employees.  Of these employees, approximately 960 were in manufacturing, 550 were in sales and marketing, 500 were in customer 
service, 370 were in engineering and 240 were in general and administrative.  None of our employees are represented by a collective 
bargaining agreement.  We believe employee relations are good.

Available Information

We make available, free of charge, on or through our website (http://investor.daktronics.com), our annual, quarterly and current reports 
and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The reports are also available through a link to the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.  Information 
contained on our website or linked through it is not part of this report.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

A number of risks and uncertainties exist which could impact our future operating results.  These uncertainties include, but are not limited 
to,  general  economic  conditions,  competition,  our  success  in  developing  new  products  and  technologies,  market  acceptance of  new 
products and other factors, including those set forth below.

We engage in a highly competitive business.  If we are unable to compete effectively, we could lose market share and our results of 
operations could be negatively impacted.  We operate in highly competitive markets, some of which are highly fragmented.  We also 
compete against products produced in Asia and other parts of the world, including the U.S., which in some cases are of lower quality or 
performance and lower cost. In addition, because a customer’s budget for the purchase of an electronic display is often part of their 
advertising  budget,  our  products  often  compete  with  other  forms  of  advertising,  such  as  television,  print  media  or  fixed  display 
signs.  Competition could result in not only a reduction in net sales but also in the prices charged by us for our products.  To remain 
competitive, we must be able to not only anticipate and respond quickly to our customers’ needs and enhance our existing products and 
services to meet those needs, but also continue to price our products competitively.  Our competitors may develop cheaper, more efficient 
products, or they may be willing to charge lower prices for strategic marketing or to increase market share.  Some competitors have more 
capital and other resources and may be better able to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in 
customer requirements, which could negatively affect our ability to compete effectively.

Our results of operations can be substantially affected by whether we are awarded large contracts and the size and timing of large 
contracts.  The amounts of our orders and net sales and our financial results will be substantially affected by whether we are awarded 
large  contracts,  primarily  in  the  professional  and  major  college  sports  facilities  market,  the  outdoor  advertising  niche  and  for  large 
spectaculars around the world and the amounts and timing of these contracts.  When awarded large contracts, the timing and amount 
could cause material fluctuations in our net sales and earnings.  Awards of large contracts and their timing and amount are difficult to 
predict and are outside of our control.

Our  products  are  covered  by  warranties,  and  fulfilling  these  warranties  could  adversely  affect  our  financial  results.  Unanticipated 
warranty and other costs for defective products could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and reputation.  We 
provide warranties on our products generally for terms of five years or less.  In addition, in response to customer needs, we regularly 
offer extended warranties.  These warranties require us to repair or replace faulty products and meet certain performance standards, among 
other customary warranty provisions.  Although we continually monitor our warranty claims and provide a reserve for estimated warranty 
issues on an on-going basis, an unanticipated claim could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.  In some cases, we may 
be able to subrogate a claim back to a subcontractor or supplier if the subcontractor or supplier supplied the defective product or performed 

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the service, but this may not always be possible.  The need to repair or replace products with design or manufacturing defects could 
temporarily delay the sale of new products, reduce profits and adversely affect our reputation.

Our quarterly operating results may vary significantly, which could have a material effect on the price of our common stock.  Our quarterly 
revenues and earnings have varied in the past and are likely to vary in the future.  Contracts we enter into generally stipulate customer-
specific delivery terms and may have contract cycles of a year or more, which subjects the timing of revenue recognition to many factors 
beyond  our  control.  In  addition,  the  timing  and  size  of  large  contract  orders  and  delivery  may  not  be  predictable  or  repeatable.    
Furthermore, because significant portions of our operating costs are fixed, an unanticipated delay or cancellation of orders in backlog 
may have a significant negative impact on our quarterly operating results.  Factors causing our operating results to vary may include new 
product introductions, variations in product and project mix and delivery due date changes.  Therefore, quarterly operating results may 
be subject to significant variations, and operating results in one quarter may not be indicative of future operating results.

We enter into fixed-priced contracts on a regular basis, which could reduce our profits.  The majority of our contracts we enter into to 
sell our products are on a fixed-price basis.  If our actual costs exceed original estimates on fixed-price contracts, our profits will be 
reduced. Although we benefit from cost savings, we have a limited ability to recover cost overruns.  Because of the large scale and long 
duration of some contracts, unanticipated cost increases may occur as a result of several factors including, but not limited to, increases 
in the cost or shortages of components, materials or labor; unanticipated technical problems; required project modifications not initiated 
by the customer; and suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform or a delay in performing their obligations.  These factors could delay 
delivery of products, and contracts may provide for liquidated damages for late delivery.  Unanticipated costs unable to be passed on to 
customers or the payment of liquidated damages under fixed contracts would negatively impact our profits.

Backlog  may  not  be  indicative  of  future  revenue  or  profitability.  Customers  may  cancel  or  delay  projects  for  reasons  beyond  our 
control.  Orders normally contain cancellation provisions to permit our recovery of costs expended and a portion of the anticipated profit 
if a customer cancels an order.  If a customer elects to cancel, we may not realize the full amount of revenues included in our backlog.  If 
projects  are  delayed,  the  timing  of  revenues  could  be  affected,  and  projects  may  remain  in  the  backlog  for  extended  periods  of 
time.  Revenue recognition occurs over longer periods of time and is subject to unanticipated delays and cost changes.  If we receive 
relatively large orders in any given quarter, fluctuations in the levels of the quarterly backlog can result because the backlog  may reach 
levels which may not be sustained in subsequent quarters.  For these reasons, backlog may not be indicative of future revenues.

Large contracts with significant customers represent a significant portion of our accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings 
in excess of billings.  We closely monitor the credit worthiness of our customers and have not, to date, experienced significant credit 
losses.  Significant portions of our sales are to customers who place large orders for custom products.  We mitigate our exposure to credit 
risk, to some extent, by requiring deposits, payments prior to shipment, progress payments and letters of credit.  However, because some 
of the exposure is outside of our control, unanticipated events could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

General price increases or significant shortages of raw materials and components could adversely affect our operating margin.  We 
purchase large quantities of raw materials and components, including, but not limited to, aluminum, LEDs, power supplies, circuit boards 
and various other electronic components.  Materials comprise the largest component in our cost of goods sold. Unless, to the extent 
described above, we have multiple sources of supply for many of our raw materials, significant shortages could disrupt the supply of raw 
materials. Further increases in the price of these raw materials and components could further increase our product costs and materially 
adversely affect margins. Although we attempt to pass along increased costs in the form of price increases to customers, we may decide 
not to do so for competitive reasons. Even when our price increases are successful, the timing of such price increases may lag significantly 
behind the incurrence of higher costs. As of the date of this report, there were no material parts shortages in the market place impacting 
our business.

We depend on single-source suppliers for some of the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products.  We obtain some of our 
raw materials, including, but not limited to, LEDs, power supplies, circuit boards and plastics, from a limited number of suppliers.  If we 
cannot obtain key raw materials from our suppliers, the raw materials may not be readily available from other suppliers, other suppliers 
may not agree to supply the materials to us on terms as favorable as the terms we currently receive, or the raw materials from any other 
suppliers may not be of adequate and consistent quality.  Although we believe our supply of raw materials currently is adequate for the 
needs of our business, we cannot assure that new sources of supply will be available when needed.  Any interruption in our supply of 
raw materials could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manufacture our products until a new source of supply is located and, 
therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

is  characterized  by  ongoing  product 

Our business may suffer if we are not successful in our efforts to keep up with a rapidly changing product market.  The electronic display 
industry 
in  display  and  controller 
technology.  Competitors could develop new or superior products to increase their share of the markets.  Our future success in addressing 
the needs of our customers will depend in part on our ability to continue to understand their needs and to make timely and cost-effective 
product improvements, innovations and developments.

innovations  and  developments 

improvement, 

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Our international operations are exposed to additional risk and uncertainties, including unfavorable political developments, weak foreign 
economies, and compliance with foreign governmental requirements, which may impact our results of operations.  For fiscal years 2013, 
2012 and 2011, revenue outside the United States represented approximately 17 percent, 17 percent and 16 percent of our consolidated 
net sales, respectively.  Our operations and earnings throughout the world have been and may in the future be adversely affected from 
time to time in varying degrees by war, political developments, foreign laws and regulations,  regional economic uncertainty, recessions, 
or other economic crises, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, including logistical and communication challenges, 
political instability, restrictions, customs and tariffs, changing regulatory environments, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, 
longer accounts receivable cycles in certain foreign countries (whether due to cultural, exchange rate or other factors), lack of developed 
legal systems to enforce contractual rights, renegotiation or nullification of our existing contracts, compliance with import/export laws, 
U.S. government policy and foreign tax laws with potential increased costs associated with overlapping tax structures.  The likelihood 
of such occurrences and their overall effect on us vary greatly from country to country and are not predictable.  These factors may result 
in a decline in net sales or profitability and could adversely affect our ability to expand our business outside of the United States.

We may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain key management and other key employees, which could negatively impact our 
operating results. We depend on the performance of our senior management team and other key employees.  The loss of certain members 
of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer or successor Chief Executive Officer, could negatively impact our 
operating results and ability to execute our business strategy.  Our future success will also depend in part upon our ability to attract, train, 
motivate and retain qualified personnel.  We do not have employment agreements with the executive officers or other employees, but we 
do maintain key person life insurance on the lives of our Chairman of the Board and our Chief Executive Officer.

We may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our 
business and operating results.  We increase our production capacity and the overhead supporting production based on anticipated market 
demand.  Market demand, however, has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level.  The potential underutilization 
risk can decrease our profitability.   

The following factors complicate accurate capacity planning for market demand:

•  Changes in the demand for and mix of products our customers buy
•  Our ability to add and train our manufacturing staff in advance of demand
•  The market’s pace of technological change
•  Variability in our manufacturing productivity
•  Long lead times for our plant and equipment expenditures, requiring major financial commitments well in advance of actual 

production requirements.

A future deterioration of our business could result in further underutilization of our manufacturing capacity, resulting in an impairment 
of certain assets at some point.  Our inability to plan our capacity requirements accurately and efficiently utilize our production capacity, 
or our failure to put in place the technologies and capacity necessary to meet market demand, could adversely affect our business, financial 
condition or results of operations.

Regulations related to the use of conflict-free minerals may increase our costs and cause us to incur additional expenses.  The Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve the transparency and accountability of the use 
by public companies in their products of minerals originating from the conflict zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and 
adjoining countries and to prevent the sourcing of such “conflict” minerals. As a result, the Securities and Exchange Commission enacted 
new annual disclosure and reporting requirements for public companies who use these minerals in their products, which apply to us. 
Under the final rules, we are required to conduct due diligence to determine the source of any conflict minerals used in our products. 
Because our supply chain is broad-based and complex, we may not be able to easily verify the origins for all minerals used in our products. 
We may face reputational challenges with our customers and other stakeholders if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins of all 
minerals used in our products through the due diligence procedures we are implementing. In addition, the new rules could reduce the 
number of suppliers who provide components and products containing conflict-free minerals and thus could increase the cost of the 
components used in manufacturing our products and the costs of our products to us. Any increased costs and expenses could have a 
material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used to prepare our financial statements.  In preparing our financial 
statements, our management is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to make estimates and assumptions 
as of the dates of the financial statements.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported values of assets, liabilities, revenue, and 
expenses  and  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities.   Areas  requiring  significant  estimates  by  our  management  include  the 
recognition of contract revenue, costs, profit or losses in applying the principles of percentage of completion, estimated amounts for 
warranty costs, collectability of billed and unbilled accounts receivable and the amount of any allowance for doubtful accounts, the 
amount of estimated liabilities, valuation of assets acquired plus liabilities, goodwill, and intangible assets assumed in acquisitions, and 

Page | 14

valuation of stock-based compensation.  Our actual results could differ from our estimates of such results, which could have a material 
negative impact on our financial condition and results of operation.    

If our internal control over financial reporting is found to be inadequate, our financial results may not be accurate, raising concerns for 
investors and potentially adversely affecting our stock price.  Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to 
evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.  We have dedicated a significant amount of 
time and resources to ensure compliance with this legislation for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 
and will continue to do so for future periods.  We may encounter problems or delays in completing the review and evaluation, implementing 
improvements, or receiving a positive attestation from our independent registered public accounting firm.  In addition, our assessment 
of internal controls may identify deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting or other matters which may raise concerns 
for investors and therefore adversely affect our stock price.

Our future results may be affected by legal compliance risks related to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery 
laws for the countries in which we operate.  We are required to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which 
prohibits United States companies from engaging in bribery or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of 
obtaining  or  retaining  business.  It  also  requires  us  to  maintain  specific  record-keeping  standards  and  adequate  internal  accounting 
controls.  Foreign companies, including some of our competitors, are not subject to these prohibitions and requirements.  Corruption, 
extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time to time in many jurisdictions, including the Middle East 
and the People's Republic of China ("China").  If our competitors engage in these practices, they may receive preferential treatment from 
companies or governmental agencies, resulting in a competitive advantage for securing business from these companies or government 
officials who might give them priority in obtaining new licenses or permits, which would put us at a disadvantage.  In addition, although 
we inform our personnel through training sessions, policies and other means such practices are illegal, we cannot assure our employees 
or agents will not engage in such conduct for which we may be held responsible even if we are not aware of such conduct.  If our employees 
or agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe fines and penalties.

Product liability claims not covered by insurance could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  We may be 
subject  to  product  liability  claims  involving  claims  of  personal  injury  or  property  damage.  Although  we  maintain  product  liability 
insurance coverage to protect us in the event of such a claim, our coverage may be inadequate to cover litigation and/or the potential 
award.  Also, a well-publicized actual or perceived problem could adversely affect our reputation and reduce the demand for our products.

Our operations in China subject us to risks and uncertainties relating to China's laws and regulations.  We have offices and manufacturing 
facilities and make sales to customers in China which encompass many different activities.  Under its current leadership, the government 
of China has been pursuing economic reform policies, including encouraging of foreign trade and investment and greater economic 
decentralization.  However, the government of China may not continue to pursue such policies.  Despite progress in developing its legal 
system, China does not have a comprehensive and highly developed system of laws, particularly with respect to foreign investment 
activities and foreign trade.  Enforcement of existing and future laws and contracts is uncertain, and the implementation and interpretation 
of them may be inconsistent.  As the Chinese legal system develops, the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws and the 
preemption of local regulations by national laws may adversely affect foreign investors and foreign companies with operations in China, 
such as ours.  In addition, some government policies and rules are not published or communicated in local districts in a timely manner, 
if at all.  If they are published, they may not be followed consistently by local districts.  As a result, we may inadvertently operate our 
business in violation of new rules and policies without having any knowledge of their existence.  These uncertainties could limit the legal 
protections available to us.  Any litigation or other proceeding in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion 
of resources and management attention.  Furthermore, a significant portion of our business in China involves contracts with government 
bodies, which can significantly inhibit our ability to enforce a contract through litigation or similar means.

Circumstances could arise in which our goodwill and intangible assets could become impaired, causing us to recognize substantial non-
cash  impairment  charges,  which  would  adversely  affect  our  financial  results.  We  have  pursued  and  will  continue  to  seek  potential 
acquisitions to complement and expand our existing businesses, increase our revenues and profitability, and expand our markets.  As a 
result of prior acquisitions, we have goodwill and intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet as described in the notes to the consolidated 
financial statements contained elsewhere in this Report.  We will continue to evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of our 
goodwill and intangible assets on an ongoing basis, and we may incur substantial non-cash impairment charges, which would adversely 
affect our financial results.  There can be no assurance the outcome of such reviews in the future will not result in substantial impairment 
charges.  Impairment assessment inherently involves judgment as to assumptions about expected future cash flows and the impact of 
market conditions on those assumptions.  Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to prices, costs, 
holding periods or other factors resulting in changes in our estimates of future cash flows.  Although we believe the assumptions we used 
in testing for impairment are reasonable, significant changes in any one of our assumptions could produce a significantly different result.  A 
decline in our market capitalization or in our estimated forecasted discounted cash flows  could also result in an impairment of our 
goodwill and intangible assets.  A non-cash impairment charge could materially and adversely affect the net income for the reporting 
period in which it is recorded.

Page | 15

The terms and conditions of our credit facility impose restrictions on our operations, and if we default on our credit facility, it could have 
a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  The terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose 
restrictions limiting, among other things, our ability to incur debt, merge, sell assets, make distributions (including cash dividends) and 
create or incur liens.  The availability of credit facilities is also subject to certain covenants as explained in “Item 7 – Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Our ability to comply with the covenants may be affected 
by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure we will achieve operating results and maintain a financial position meeting the 
requirements of the credit facility.  A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the facilities.  In the event of a 
default, the bank could elect to declare any outstanding principal amount of the credit facilities and term debt, any and all accrued interest 
thereon and any or all other amounts payable under the credit facilities to be immediately due and payable, which would have an adverse 
effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  As of April 27, 2013, we were in compliance with all financial and other 
covenants of our credit facilities.

Maintaining adequate bonding and letter of credit capacity is necessary for us to successfully bid on and win some contracts.  In line 
with industry practice, we are often required to provide performance or payment bonds to our customers.  These bonds indemnify the 
customer should we fail to perform our obligations under the contract.  If a bond is required for a particular project, and we are unable 
to obtain an appropriate bond, we cannot pursue that project.  Historically, we have had adequate bonding and letter of credit capacity; 
however, as is typically the case, the issuance of a bond is at the surety's sole discretion and the issuance of the letter of credit is based 
on the company's credit worthiness.  

Prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors could impair our ability to operate our business, satisfy our 
debt obligations, and impact our customers'  and vendors' business.  It is anticipated borrowings from our existing credit facilities and 
cash provided by operating activities should provide sufficient funds to finance our capital expenditures, working capital and otherwise 
meet operating expenses and debt service requirements as they become due.  However, if additional capital is required, there can be no 
assurance we will be able to obtain such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms, if at all.  In addition, market conditions can 
negatively impact our clients' ability to fund their projects and can impact our vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors and may not allow 
them to perform their obligations to us, potentially impacting our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  

We may make future acquisitions, which may be difficult to integrate, divert management resources, result in unanticipated costs or dilute 
our shareholders.  Part of our business strategy is to acquire or invest in companies, businesses, products or technologies complementing 
our current products, enhancing our market coverage or technical capabilities, or offer growth opportunities.  We currently do not have 
any definitive agreements to acquire any company or business, and we may not be able to identify or complete any acquisition in the 
future.  Additional risks potentially associated with acquisitions include the following:

•  Difficulty integrating the purchased company, products, businesses or technologies into our own business
• 
•  Difficult, time-consuming and costly to integrate management information and accounting systems of an acquired business into 

Incurring substantial unanticipated integration costs

our current systems

•  Assimilating  the  acquired  businesses  may  divert  management  attention  and  financial  resources  from  our  other  operations, 

disrupting our ongoing business

•  Entering markets in which we have limited prior experience
•  Loss of key employees, particularly those of the acquired entity
•  Retaining or developing the acquired businesses’ customers
•  Adversely affect our existing business relationships with suppliers 
• 
• 

Failure to effectively analyze our return on investment
Inability to indemnify assumed liabilities for infringement of intellectual property rights or other claims

In connection with these acquisitions or investments, we could incur debt, recognize amortization expenses related to intangible assets, 
recognize large and immediate write-offs, assume liabilities or issue stock diluting our current shareholders’ percentage of ownership.  We 
may not be able to complete acquisitions or integrate the operations, products or personnel gained through any such acquisition without 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We maintain inventory subject to obsolescence and write downs to the extent it is replaced through product enhancements or advances 
in technology.  As a result of our products being subject to continuous enhancements and design changes, inventory held by us is subject 
to the risk of obsolescence, and excess levels may not be salable.  Losses incurred as a result could have an adverse impact on our future 
profits.

We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights.  We rely on a variety of intellectual property rights we use in our products 
and services.  We may not be able to successfully preserve our intellectual property rights in the future, and these rights could be invalidated, 
circumvented or challenged.  In addition, the laws of some foreign countries in which our products and services have been or may be 
sold  do  not  protect  intellectual  property  rights  to  the  same  extent  as  the  laws  of  the  United  States.  A  failure  to  protect  proprietary 

Page | 16

 
information and any successful intellectual property challenges or infringement proceedings against us could materially and adversely 
affect our competitive position.  In addition, even if we are successful in protecting our intellectual property rights or defending ourselves 
against a claim of infringement, any related dispute or litigation could be costly and time-consuming thereby diverting management’s 
attention from business.

We may be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights, which could be costly, time-consuming and limit our 
ability to use certain technologies in the future. As the sizes of our markets increase and our product offerings continue to evolve and 
become more sophisticated, we are more likely to be subject to claims our technologies infringe upon the intellectual property or other 
proprietary rights of third parties. Given the current legal framework associated with infringement claims, any such claims, with or without 
merit, could be time consuming and expensive and could divert our management’s attention away from the execution of our business 
plan. Moreover, any settlement or adverse judgment resulting from a claim could require us to pay substantial amounts, obtain a license 
to continue to use the technology subject to the claim, or otherwise restrict or prohibit our use of the technology. There can be no assurance 
we would be able to obtain a license from the third party asserting the claim on commercially reasonable terms (if at all), we would be 
able to develop alternative technology on a timely basis (if at all) or we would be able to obtain a license to use a suitable alternative 
technology to permit us to continue offering, and our customers to continue using, our affected product. In addition, we may be required 
to indemnify our customers’ partners for third-party intellectual property infringement claims, which would increase the cost to us of an 
adverse ruling in such a claim. An adverse determination could also prevent us from offering our products to others. Infringement claims 
asserted against us or our vendors may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

The outcome of pending and future claims and litigation can have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and 
results of operations.  We can be a party to litigation in the normal course of business.  Litigation and regulatory proceedings are subject 
to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings can and do occur.  Pending or future claims against us could result in professional 
liability, product liability, criminal liability, warranty obligations or other liabilities to the extent we are not insured against a loss or our 
insurance fails to provide adequate coverage and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results 
of operations.  

Our manufacturing would be interrupted if we were unable to use one of our manufacturing facilities.  We manufacture most of our 
products in two locations in South Dakota and one in Minnesota.  In addition, we manufacture certain products in our China facility.  If 
any of these facilities, or a part thereof, were to be destroyed, shut down or unable to be used for its intended purposes, we would be 
limited in our capacity to meet customer demands until a replacement facility and equipment, if necessary, was found.  The replacement 
of the manufacturing facility could take an extended amount of time before manufacturing operations could restart.  The delay engendered 
by, and the potential cost incurred in, these steps could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of 
operations.

Our data systems could fail or their security could be compromised.  Our business operations depend on the reliability of sophisticated 
data systems.  Any failure of these systems, or any breach of our systems’ security measures, could adversely affect our operations, at 
least until our data can be restored and/or the breaches remediated.

Our common stock has at times been thinly traded, which may result in low liquidity and price volatility.  The daily trading volume of 
our common stock has at times been relatively low.  If this were to occur in the future, the liquidity and appreciation of our common 
stock may not meet shareholders’ expectations, and the prices at which our stock trades may be volatile.  The market price of our common 
stock could be adversely impacted as a result of sales by existing shareholders of a large number of shares of common stock in the market 
or by the perception such sales could occur.

The protections we have adopted and to which we are subject may discourage takeover offers favored by our shareholders.  We have 
adopted and are subject to several provisions of the South Dakota Business Corporation Act (SD Act) which could have the effect of 
discouraging takeover offers.  Of the 120,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized in our articles of incorporation, 5,000,000 shares are 
undesignated.  Our Board of Directors may issue the undesignated shares on terms and with the rights, preferences and designations 
determined by the Board without shareholder action, which could be used to discourage takeover attempts.  Our articles of incorporation 
provide for a classified board consisting of three classes of directors.  Our classified board generally makes it more difficult to replace 
directors and to acquire our company.  We have adopted a shareholder rights plan providing for the exercise of preferred share purchase 
rights  when  a  person  becomes  the  beneficial  owner  of  15  percent  or  more  of  our  outstanding  common  stock  (subject  to  certain 
exceptions).  In addition, we are governed by the anti-takeover provisions of the current SD Act, which may deny shareholders the receipt 
of a premium on their common stock, which in turn have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock.  In general, shares 
of a corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition,” as defined in the SD Act, have no voting rights unless voting rights are approved 
in a prescribed manner.  There are also provisions prohibiting a public South Dakota corporation from engaging in a “business combination” 
with an “interested shareholder,” as defined in the SD Act, for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which the person 
became an interested shareholder unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.  The SD Act also limits the voting 
rights of shares acquired in specified types of acquisitions and restricts specified types of business combinations.  The existence or issuance 
of "blank check" stock, the classified Board, the existence of our shareholder rights plan and the effect of the anti-takeover provisions of 

Page | 17

 
the  SD Act,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  may  discourage  potential  takeover  attempts  and  delay,  deter  or  prevent  a  change  in 
control.  They also may make the removal of management more difficult, which could deprive our shareholders of opportunities to sell 
their shares at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Significant changes in the market price of our common stock could result in securities litigation claims against us.  Significant price and 
value fluctuations have occurred with respect to the publicly-traded securities of technology companies generally.  The price of our 
common stock has changed significantly in the past and is likely to continue to experience significant changes in the future.  In the past, 
securities litigation claims have been filed against certain companies following a period of decline in the market price of their publicly-
traded securities.  We may be the target of similar securities litigation claims in the future.  Risks associated with litigation often are 
difficult to assess or quantify, and their existence and magnitude can remain unknown for significant periods of time.  Although we 
maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance, the amount of insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover a claim, and the continued 
availability of this insurance cannot be assured.  Future litigation, if any, may result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention 
and resources, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and the liquidity of our common 
stock.

Our directors and executive officers have substantial influence over us and could limit the ability of our other shareholders to affect the 
outcome of key transactions, including changes of control.  Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach serves as our Chairman of the Board.  His brother, 
Mr. Frank Kurtenbach, served on our Board and in a part-time role within our sales organization until May 23, 2013.  Mr. Reece Kurtenbach, 
Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach's son, serves as our Executive Vice President and is our successor Chief Executive Officer.  In addition, Dr. Aelred 
Kurtenbach has two other children who serve as our Vice President of Human Resources and as our Vice President of Manufacturing.  
Together, these individuals, in the aggregate, beneficially owned 8.9 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June 3, 2013, assuming 
the exercise by them of all of their options that were currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 3, 2013.  In addition, our 
other executive officers and directors, in the aggregate, beneficially owned an additional 4.9 percent of our outstanding common stock 
as of June 3, 2013, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options  currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 3, 2013.  
These Kurtenbach family members and our other executive officers and directors and their affiliated entities, if acting together, thus are 
able to influence significantly all matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election of directors and the approval of 
mergers or other significant corporate transactions. These shareholders may have interests differing from other shareholders and they 
may vote in a way with which other shareholders disagree, unfavorably affecting other shareholders’ interests. The concentration of 
ownership of our common stock may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of control of our company, could 
deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our company, and may 
adversely affect the market price of our common stock. This concentration of ownership of our common stock may also have the effect 
of influencing the completion of a change in control  not necessarily in the best interests of all of our shareholders. 

Our business is partially subject to risks of terrorist acts and, to a lesser degree, acts of war.  Terrorist acts and, to a lesser degree, acts 
of war, may disrupt our operations as well as the operations of our customers.  Such acts have created an interruption of orders and delays 
in orders already booked, primarily in sports facilities and destination sites.  Any future terrorist activities and, to a lesser degree, acts of 
war, could create additional uncertainties, forcing customers to further reduce or delay their spending or cancel or delay already planned 
projects, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results or financial condition.

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

Our principal real estate properties are located in areas we deem necessary to meet sales, service and operating requirements.  We consider 
all of the properties to be both suitable and adequate to meet current and near-term operating requirements.

We  own  various  buildings  used  for  manufacturing,  sales  and  service  space  in  Brookings,  South  Dakota,  totaling  approximately 
1,000,000 square feet and a building in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, totaling approximately 100,000 square feet.  We lease a facility in 
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, comprising approximately 140,000 square feet.  The lease contains an option to purchase the building from 
January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016.  Our China subsidiary leases approximately 90,500 square feet in a building in Shanghai 
for sales, service and manufacturing.  

The remaining sales and service offices located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific 
regions are small offices, generally consisting of less than 10,000 square feet leased under operating leases.  These lease obligations 
expire on various dates, with the longest commitment extending to fiscal 2019.  We believe all of our leases will be renewable at market 
terms, at our discretion as they become due or suitable alternative space will be available to lease under similar terms and conditions. 

Page | 18

 
Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in a variety of legal actions relating to various matters during the normal course of business.  Although we are unable 
to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is the opinion of management the disposition of these matters, taken as a whole, 
will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Page | 19

PART II

Item  5.  MARKET  FOR  REGISTRANT’S  COMMON  EQUITY,  RELATED  STOCKHOLDER  MATTERS  AND  ISSUER 
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “DAKT.”  As of June 3, 2013, we had 1,300 
shareholders of record.  Following are the high and low sales prices for our common stock for each quarter within the last two fiscal 
years.

Fiscal Year 2013

Fiscal Year 2012

Sales Price

High

Low

Cash
Dividends
Declared

Sales Price

High

Low

Cash
Dividends
Declared

$

$

8.39
9.91
11.73
12.40

$

6.39
7.36
8.03
9.57

$

0.115
—
0.615
—

$

11.81
10.58
10.16
11.02

$

8.07
8.34
7.68
7.99

0.11
—
0.51
—

1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter

On May 23, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a semi-annual dividend payment of $0.12 per share payable on June 14, 2013 to 
holders of record of our common stock on June 3, 2013.

Although we expect to continue to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, any and all subsequent dividends will be reviewed regularly 
and declared by the Board at its discretion.  In addition, our credit facility imposes limitations on our ability to pay dividends as further 
described in “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital 
Resources.”

Performance Graph

The following graph shows changes during the period from April 26, 2008 to April 27, 2013 in the value of $100 invested in: (1) our 
common stock; (2) The NASDAQ Composite; and (3) the Standard and Poor's 600 Index for Electronic Equipment Manufacturers.  The 
values of each investment as of the dates indicated are based on share prices plus any cash dividends, with the dividends reinvested on 
the date they were paid.  The calculations exclude trading commissions and taxes.

Page | 20

 
 
 
Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (in thousands, except per share data)

The table below provides selected historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements, which are included in Items 7 and 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The statement of operations data for the 
fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 and the balance sheet data at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012 are 
derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.  The 
statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009 and the balance sheet data at April 30, 2011, May 1, 
2010 and May 2, 2009 are derived from audited financial statements that are not included in this report. 

Statement of Operations Data:

Net sales
Gross profit
Gross profit margin
Operating income (loss)
Operating margin
Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital
Total assets
Total long-term liabilities
Total shareholders' equity
Cash dividends per share

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

$ 518,322
133,894

$ 489,526
113,437

$ 441,676
111,484

$ 393,185
94,556

$ 580,681
155,358

25.8%

30,600

5.9%

22,779
0.53
42,621

23.2%

10,275

2.1%

8,489
0.20
42,304

25.2%

19,527

4.4%

14,244
0.34
42,277

24.0 %

(6,730)

(1.7)%

(6,989)
(0.17)
40,908

26.8%

42,617

7.3%

26,428
0.64
41,152

$ 125,456
319,418
16,480
188,246
0.73

$ 119,833
315,967
15,989
190,805
0.62

$ 128,160
327,847
15,083
203,102
0.60

$ 118,625
305,851
14,358
207,053
0.10

$ 104,542
324,876
10,536
211,911
0.09

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

The following discussion highlights the principal factors affecting changes in our financial condition and results of operations.  This 
discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

OVERVIEW

We design, manufacture and sell a wide range of display systems to customers throughout the world.  We focus our sales and marketing 
efforts  on  markets,  geographical  regions  and  products.  Our  five  business  segments  consist  of  four  domestic  business  units  and  an 
International  business  unit.  The  four  domestic  business  units  consist  of  Live  Events,  Commercial,  Schools  and  Theatres,  and 
Transportation, which include the geographic territories of the United States and Canada.

Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of large project orders, such as display systems for professional 
sports facilities and colleges and universities or spectacular projects in the commercial area, as well as the seasonality of the sports market.  
Large project orders can include a number of displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds all of which can occur on variable 
schedule according to the customer's needs.  Net sales and gross profit percentages also have fluctuated due to other seasonal factors, 
including the impact of holidays, which primarily affects our third quarter.  Our gross margins on large custom and standard orders tend 
to fluctuate more than small standard orders.  Large product orders involving competitive bidding and substantial subcontract work for 
product installation generally have lower gross margins.  Although we follow the percentage of completion method of recognizing revenues 
for large custom orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations 
will be subject to similar fluctuations.

Orders are booked and included in backlog only upon receipt of a firm contract and after receipt of any required deposits.  As a result, 
certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be booked until all required contractual documents 
and deposits are received.  In addition, order bookings can vary significantly on a quarterly basis as a result of the timing of large orders.

Page | 21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GENERAL

Our business, especially the large video display business in all of our business units, is very competitive, and generally our margins on 
these large contracts are similar across the business units over the long-term.  There are, however, differences in the short term among 
the business units, which are discussed more fully in the following analysis.

Overall, our business growth is driven by the market demand for large format electronic displays with the depth and quality of our 
products, including related control systems, and the depth of our service offerings and our technology serving these market demands.  This 
growth, however, is partially offset by declines in product prices caused by increasing competition.  Each business unit also has unique 
key growth drivers.

Commercial Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Commercial business unit will result from a number of factors, 
including:

•  The growing interest in our standard display products used in many different retail-type establishments, among other types of 
applications.  The demand in this area is driven by retailers' and other types of commercial establishments' desire to attract the 
attention  of  motorists  and  others  into  their  storefronts.  It  is  also  driven  by  the  need  to  communicate  messages  to  the 
public.  National accounts may replace their displays reaching end of life, which could lead to increased sales.  Furthermore, 
we believe in the future there will be increased demand from national accounts, including retailers, quick serve restaurants and 
other types of nationwide organizations, which could lead to increasing sales.
Increasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment 
venues such as casinos, amusement parks and Times Square type locations.

• 

•  The introduction of architectural lighting products for commercial buildings, which real estate owners use to add accents or 

effects to an entire side or circumference of a building to communicate messages or to decorate the building.

•  The continued deployment of digital billboards as billboard companies continue developing new sites for these and start to 
replace digital billboards which are reaching end of life.  This is dependent on there being no adverse changes in the digital 
billboard regulatory environment, which could restrict future deployments of billboards, as well as maintaining our current 
market share of the business concentrated in a few large billboard companies.

Live Events Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Live Events business unit will result from a number of factors, 
including:

Facilities spending more on larger display systems

• 
•  Lower product costs, which are driving an expansion of the marketplace
•  Our product and service offerings, which remain the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry
•  The competitive nature of sports teams, which strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems
•  The desire for high-definition video displays, which typically drives larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which 

increase the average transaction size

Schools and Theatres Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Schools and Theatres business unit will result from 
a number of factors, including:

• 

• 

Increased demand for video systems in high schools as school districts realize the revenue generating potential of these displays 
versus traditional scoreboards
Increased demand for different types of displays, such as message centers at schools to communicate to students, parents and 
the broader community

•  The use of more sophisticated displays in more athletic venues, such as aquatics in schools

Transportation Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Transportation business unit will result from increasing 
applications  of  electronic  displays  to  manage  transportation  systems,  including  roadway,  airport,  parking,  transit  and  other 
applications.  This growth is highly dependent on government spending, primarily by the federal government.

International Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the International business unit will result from achieving greater 
penetration in various geographies, building products more suited to individual markets, third party advertising market opportunities, 
and the reasons listed in each of the other business units to the extent they apply outside the United States and Canada.

Each of our business units is impacted by adverse economic conditions in different ways and to different degrees.  The effects of an 
adverse economy are generally less severe on our sports related business as compared to our other businesses, although in severe economic 
downturns, the sports business also can be severely impacted.  Our Commercial and International business units are highly dependent 
on economic conditions in general.  

Page | 22

The cost and selling prices of our products have decreased over time and are expected to continue to decrease in the future.  As a result, 
each year we must sell more products to generate the same or greater level of net sales as in previous fiscal years. This price decline has 
been significant as a result of increased competition across all business units.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, 
which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation 
of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments which affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues 
and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  On a regular basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those 
related to total costs on long-term construction-type contracts, costs to be incurred for product warranties and extended maintenance 
contracts, bad debts, excess and obsolete inventory, income taxes, share-based compensation and contingencies.  Our estimates are based 
on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form 
the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results 
may differ from these estimates.

We believe the following critical accounting policies require significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated 
financial statements:

Revenue recognition on long-term construction-type contracts. Earnings on construction-type contracts are recognized on the percentage-
of-completion method, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract.  Contract costs 
include all direct material and labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance.  Indirect costs include charges for such 
items as facilities, engineering and project management.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period 
such losses are capable of being estimated.  Generally, construction-type contracts we enter into have fixed prices established, and to the 
extent the actual costs to complete construction-type contracts are higher than the amounts estimated as of the date of the financial 
statements, the resulting gross margin would be negatively affected in future quarters when we revise our estimates.  Our practice is to 
revise estimates as soon as such changes in estimates are known.  We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material 
change in future estimates or assumptions we use to determine these estimates.  We combine contracts for accounting purposes when 
they are negotiated as a package with an overall profit margin objective, essentially represent an agreement to do a single project for a 
customer,  involve  interrelated  construction  activities,  and  are  performed  concurrently  or  sequentially.  When  a  group  of  contracts  is 
combined,  revenue  and  profit  are  recognized  uniformly  over  the  performance  of  the  combined  projects.  We  segment  revenues  in 
accordance  with  the  contract  segmenting  criteria  in  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  650-35,  Construction-Type  and 
Production-Type Contracts.

Allowance for doubtful accounts.  We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of 
our customers to make required payments.  If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of 
their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.  To identify impairment in customers’ ability to pay, we review 
aging reports, contact customers in connection with collection efforts and review other available information.  Although we consider our 
allowance for doubtful accounts adequate, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate and impair their ability to make 
payments to us, additional allowances may be required in future periods.  We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will 
be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to determine the allowance for doubtful accounts.  As of April 27, 
2013 and April 28, 2012, we had an allowance for doubtful accounts balance of approximately $2.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

Warranties.  We have recognized a reserve for warranties on our products equal to our estimate of the actual costs to be incurred in 
connection with our performance under the warranties.  Generally, estimates are based on historical experience taking into account known 
or expected changes.  If we would become aware of an increase in our estimated warranty costs, additional reserves may become necessary, 
resulting in an increase in costs of goods sold.  We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the 
future  estimates  or  assumptions  we  use  to  determine  our  reserve  for  warranties.  As  of April 27,  2013  and April 28,  2012,  we  had 
approximately $25.1 million and $22.2 million reserved for these costs, respectively.

Extended warranty and product maintenance.  We recognize deferred revenue related to separately priced extended warranty and product 
maintenance agreements.  The deferred revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual term.  If we would become aware of an increase 
in our estimated costs under these agreements in excess of our deferred revenue, additional reserves may be necessary, resulting in an 
increase in costs of goods sold.  In determining if additional reserves are necessary, we examine cost trends on the contracts and other 
information and compare them to the deferred revenue.  We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change 
in the future estimates or assumptions we use to determine estimated costs under these agreements.  As of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 
2012, we had $13.0 million and $14.0 million of deferred revenue related to separately priced extended warranty and product maintenance 
agreements, respectively.

Page | 23

Inventory.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Market refers to the current replacement cost, except market may not 
exceed the net realizable value (that is, the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of 
completion and disposal), and market is not less than the net realizable value reduced by an allowance for normal profit margins.  In 
valuing inventory, we estimate market value where it is believed to be the lower of cost or market, and any necessary changes are charged 
to costs of goods sold in the period in which they occur.  In determining market value, we review various factors such as current inventory 
levels, forecasted demand and technological obsolescence.  We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material 
change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate the estimated market value of inventory.  However, if market conditions 
change, including changes in technology, product components used in our products or in expected sales, we may be exposed to unforeseen 
losses which could be material.

Income taxes.  As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in 
each of the jurisdictions in which we operate.  This process involves estimating the actual current tax expense, as well as assessing 
temporary differences in the treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes.  These timing differences result in deferred tax 
assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets.  We must then assess the likelihood our deferred tax assets 
will be recovered from future taxable income in each jurisdiction, and to the extent we believe recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance 
must be established.  We review deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, and to the extent we believe the asset may not be 
realized, we recognize a valuation allowance.  If our estimates of future taxable income are not met in future periods, a valuation allowance 
for some of these deferred tax assets may be required.  We believe we will generate taxable income in future years which will allow for 
realization of deferred tax assets.  Realization of the deferred tax assets would require approximately $20 million of taxable income, 
which we believe is achievable through the carry back of losses or future earnings.

We operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions, both domestic and international, and are subject to audits in these jurisdictions.  These 
audits can involve complex issues, including challenges regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income 
amounts to various tax jurisdictions.  At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by various tax authorities.

We record our income tax provision based on our knowledge of all relevant facts and circumstances, including the existing tax laws, the 
status of any  current examinations and  our understanding of how the tax authorities view certain relevant industry and commercial 
matters.  In evaluating the exposure associated with our various tax filing positions, we record reserves for probable exposures consistent 
with ASC 740, Income Taxes.  A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established a reserve is audited 
and fully resolved or clarified.  We adjust our income tax provision in the period in which actual results of a settlement with tax authorities 
differs from our established reserve; when the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, 
or when more information becomes available.  Our tax contingencies reserve contains uncertainties because management is required to 
make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the exposure associated with our various filing positions.  We believe any potential 
tax assessments from various tax authorities not covered by our income tax provision will not have a material adverse impact on our 
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

Some of the countries in which we are located allow tax holidays or provide other tax incentives to attract and retain business.  We have 
obtained holidays or other incentives where available and practicable.  Our taxes could increase if certain tax holidays or incentives were 
retracted for past periods (which in some cases could occur if we do not satisfy the conditions on which such holidays or incentives are 
based), they are not renewed upon expiration, or tax rates applicable to us in such jurisdictions are otherwise increased.  Our tax holiday 
with respect to our Chinese operations expired as of December 31, 2011, and after fiscal 2012, we were not benefiting from any tax 
incentives in foreign jurisdictions which would have a material impact on our effective tax rate.  In addition, any acquisitions may cause 
our effective tax rate to increase, depending on the jurisdictions in which the acquired operations are located.

Asset Impairment. Carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed at least annually for possible 
impairment in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.  Our impairment review involves estimating the fair value 
of  goodwill  and  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  using  a  combination  of  a  market  approach  and  an  income  (discounted  cash  flow) 
approach at the reporting unit level, requiring significant management judgment with respect to revenue and expense growth rates, changes 
in working capital, and the selection and use of an appropriate discount rate.  The estimates of fair value of reporting units are based on 
the best information available as of the date of the assessment.  The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease estimated 
discounted future operating cash flows and could increase or decrease an impairment charge.  We use our judgment in assessing whether 
assets may have become impaired between annual impairment tests.  Indicators such as adverse business conditions, economic factors 
and technological change or competitive activities may signal an asset has become impaired.

Carrying values for long-lived tangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets, excluding goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible 
assets, are reviewed for possible impairment as circumstances warrant in connection with ASC 360-10-05-4, Impairment or Disposal of 
Long-Lived Assets.  Impairment reviews are conducted when we believe a change in circumstances in the business or external factors 
warrants a review.  Circumstances such as the discontinuation of a product or product line, a sudden or consistent decline in the forecast 
for a product, changes in technology or in the way an asset is being used, a history of negative operating cash flow, or an adverse change 
in legal factors or in the business climate, among others, may be indicators to trigger an impairment review.  The Company’s initial 

Page | 24

impairment review to determine if a potential impairment charge is required is based on an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest 
level for which identifiable cash flows exist.  The analysis requires judgment with respect to changes in technology, the continued success 
of product lines, future volume, revenue and expense growth rates, and discount rates.

Share-based compensation.  We use the Black-Scholes standard option pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”) to determine the fair 
value of stock options and stock purchase rights.  The determination of the fair value of the awards on the date of grant using the Black-
Scholes model is affected by our stock price as well as by assumptions regarding other variables, including projected employee stock 
option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of our stock price in future periods, and expected dividend yield.

We analyze historical employee exercise and termination data to estimate the expected life assumption of a new employee option.  We 
believe historical data currently represents the best estimate of the expected life of a new employee option.  The risk-free interest rate we 
use is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a maturity similar to the expected life of the options.  We 
estimate the expected volatility of our stock price in future periods by using the implied volatility in market traded options.  Our decision 
to use expected volatility was based on the availability of actively traded options for our common stock, and our assessment of expected 
volatility is more representative of future stock price trends than the historical volatility of our common stock.  We use an expected 
dividend yield consistent with our dividend yield over the period of time we have paid dividends in the Black-Scholes option valuation 
model.  The amount of share-based compensation expense we recognize during a period is based on the portion of the awards ultimately 
expected to vest.  We estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data, and we revise those estimates 
in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

If factors change and we employ different assumptions for estimating share-based compensation expense in future periods or if we decide 
to use a different valuation model, the expense in future periods may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period 
and could materially affect our net earnings and net earnings per share in a future period.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects those pronouncements would have on our financial results, 
see Note 1 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Year Ended

April 27, 2013

April 28, 2012

April 30, 2011

Amount

Percent
Change

Amount

Percent
Change

Amount

$

$

$

$

144,596
158,562
66,128
73,270
75,766
518,322

152,028
161,602
64,796
73,426
80,158
532,010

(2.7)% $
(1.5)
10.8
51.7
5.1
5.9 % $

(0.8)% $
2.5
10.7
33.4
44.7
10.8 % $

148,585
160,933
59,662
48,284
72,062
489,526

153,268
157,695
58,534
55,060
55,396
479,953

32.1% $
(0.4)
(4.2)
6.8
20.0
10.8% $

32.3% $
3.2
(5.6)
25.5
(15.2)

9.1% $

112,515
161,572
62,310
45,215
60,064
441,676

115,820
152,851
61,995
43,878
65,318
439,862

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales

(in thousands)
Net Sales:

Commercial
Live Events
Schools & Theatres
Transportation
International

Orders:

Commercial
Live Events
Schools & Theatres
Transportation
International

Page | 25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year 2013 as compared to Fiscal Year 2012
Commercial: The decrease in net sales for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of:

•  A decrease of $3.5 million in sales for large video display projects due to delayed orders for custom video projects.
•  A decrease of $3.7 million in sales to outdoor advertising companies due to lower demand from our billboard customers.  
•  An increase of $2.2 million in sales of on-premise advertising displays, which was primarily due to an increase in orders for a 

national account customer replacement program, as previously disclosed, and an improved economy. 

•  An increase of $1.0 million of service related sales.  

Over the near-term in fiscal 2014, we believe the commercial market sales will be generally flat due indications given to us by our billboard 
customers and expected lower  national account replacements compared to fiscal 2013.  A number of custom video projects opportunities 
are available in the marketplace, however, due to a number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers committing to the 
system, it is difficult to predict orders and sales for fiscal 2014.   

Live Events:  The decrease in net sales for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of:

•  A $2.4 million decrease in sales to mobile and modular customers due to reduced demand from these customers.
•  General volatility of this business unit because of the nature of the business in large custom display systems.  During fiscal 2013, 
sales increased for multi-purpose live event arena venues and National Football League stadiums which were offset by a decrease 
in sales to National Baseball League stadiums and National Hockey League and National Basketball Association arenas.

We continue to see ongoing interest from venues at all levels to increase the size and capability of their display system which should 
offer continued growth opportunity for this market in fiscal 2014.  A number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers 
committing  to  upgrade  systems,  versus  the  non-discretionary  purchases  associated  with  new  construction,  the  current  aggressive 
competitive environment and various other factors, make forecasting fiscal 2014 orders and net sales difficult.  However, for the reasons 
cited previously, we expect growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming  the economy continues to improve and we are 
successful at counteracting competitive pressures.  

Schools and Theatres:  The increase in net sales for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of:

• 

Schools demonstrating more willingness this year than in fiscal 2012 to move forward with projects including smaller video 
systems, scoring and timing equipment and message centers.   

•  An increased demand in video projects for high schools.

We continue to see opportunities to sell larger video systems, primarily in high school facilities which benefit from our sports marketing 
services that generate advertising revenue to fund the display systems for fiscal 2014.  For the long term, we believe this business unit 
presents growth opportunities as the economy continues to improve.

Transportation:  The increase in net sales for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of:

• 
• 

Sales recorded from a large procurement contract compared to the previous year.  
Sales recorded in relation to a $21 million order for video displays at the LAX Bradley International Terminal in Los Angeles.  
This type of order in the transportation market is unusual and infrequent in nature.

During fiscal 2013, we recorded significant revenues from large projects in excess of $40 million related to the LAX and New Jersey 
Turnpike Authority projects.  Currently we do not have another large project like these on the horizon for fiscal 2014 to replace these 
sales, but with the introduction of our 20mm high resolution full-color products introduced in fiscal 2013, we are anticipating sales to 
adjust back to a more normal growth curve with an increase over fiscal 2012 sales levels.    

International:  The increase in net sales for the fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of general volatility 
of this business unit because of the nature of the business in large custom display systems and timing differences in the production and 
installation schedule of orders booked.  

For fiscal 2014, we  believe the International business unit to have potential for sales growth as we penetrate markets with our established 
sales networks.  In addition, the third-party advertising business continues to be strong worldwide and we see a definite shift to digital 
as price for displays has come down. Both of these factors could increase sales.  

Page | 26

  
Fiscal Year 2012 as compared to Fiscal Year 2011
Commercial: The increase in net sales in our Commercial business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the net result of:

•  An increase in orders of approximately 49 percent in our billboard business.  This growth was the result of the large outdoor 
advertising companies increasing their rollout of digital billboards beginning in calendar 2011 and our ability to gain back a 
portion of the business with one large outdoor advertising company.

•  An increase of approximately 60 percent in orders for large video display systems, primarily spectaculars, which we attribute 

to improvements in the economy and a growing market.

•  A 15 percent increase in orders for our standard product displays, which appears to be a reflection of improvement in the economy 

as well as our expanded product offerings, including our GalaxyPro line of displays.

Live Events:  Net sales were generally flat in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011.  During fiscal 2012, orders and net sales were 
impacted by:

•  A decrease in orders and net sales for professional baseball facilities.  During fiscal 2011, we booked approximately $22.9 million 
in orders for professional baseball projects compared to approximately $10.7 million in fiscal 2012.  Net sales in professional 
baseball facilities were $28.8 million and $9.6 million for fiscal 2011 and 2012, respectively.  These changes were the result of 
higher than expected orders in fiscal 2011 that were delayed from fiscal 2010 as a result of economic conditions, which drove 
2011 to unusually high levels. 

•  A decrease in orders and net sales for professional football and basketball facilities.  During fiscal 2011, we booked approximately 
$15.4 million in orders for professional football and basketball projects, compared to approximately $7.5 million in fiscal 2012.  
Net sales were $20.2 million and $7.3 million for fiscal 2011 and 2012.  This change was the result of labor issues in both sports 
in the spring and summer of calendar year 2011.  

•  An increase in orders for colleges and universities which more than offset the declines mentioned above.  This increase was the 

result of the factors driving growth in the Live Events business unit as described previously.   

Schools and Theatres:  The decrease in net sales in our Schools and Theatres business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the 
result of economic pressures on schools, which we believe inhibits spending in spite of the revenue generation abilities of these display 
systems for schools.  

Transportation:  The increase in net sales in our Transportation business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the result of the 
increase in orders booked during this period, which was driven by orders from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority under a $25 million, 
three year procurement contract.  Net sales from this customer exceeded $5.0 million for fiscal 2012.  

International:  The increase in net sales in our International business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the result of the 
higher backlog of business we had at the beginning of fiscal 2012, primarily as a result of a large contract for a new arena built in Mexico 
during fiscal 2012.  At the end of fiscal 2011, the backlog of this contract was approximately $8.9 million compared to zero at the end 
of fiscal 2012.  

Advertising Revenues

We occasionally sell products in exchange for the advertising revenues generated from the use of our display products.  These sales 
represented less than one percent of net sales for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.  The gross profit percent on these transactions has typically 
been  higher  than  the  gross  profit  percent  on  other  transactions  of  similar  size,  although  the  selling  expenses  associated  with  these 
transactions are typically higher. 

Backlog

The  product  order  backlog  as  of  April 27,  2013  was  approximately  $141  million  as  compared  to  $123  million  as  of  April 28, 
2012.  Historically, our backlog varies due to the timing of large projects and customer delivery schedules for these projects.  The backlog 
decreased from one year ago in our Live Events and Schools and Theatres business units and increased in our other business units.   

Backlog is not a measure defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and our methodology for determining backlog may 
vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their backlog amounts.  Our backlog is equal to the amount of net 
sales expected to be recognized in future periods on standard product and contract sales that are evidenced by an arrangement, with prices 
that are fixed and determinable and with collectability reasonably assured.  Backlog may not be indicative of future operating results, 
and arrangements in our backlog may be canceled, modified or otherwise altered; therefore, it is not necessarily indicative of future sales 
or net income.

Page | 27

 
  
Gross Profit

(in thousands)
Commercial
Live Events
Schools & Theatres
Transportation
International

April 27, 2013

Year Ended
April 28, 2012

April 30, 2011

 Amount

As a Percent
of Net Sales

 Amount

As a Percent
of Net Sales

 Amount

$

$

38,123
31,718
18,601
24,552
20,900
133,894

26.4% $
20.0
28.1
33.5
27.6
25.8% $

38,123
26,477
15,532
14,445
18,860
113,437

25.7% $
16.5
26.0
29.9
26.2
23.2% $

25,544
32,276
17,272
15,647
20,745
111,484

As a Percent
of Net Sales
22.7%
20.0
27.7
34.6
34.5
25.2%

Fiscal Year 2013 as compared to Fiscal Year 2012
The increase in our gross profit percentage for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 is the net result of the following:

•  An increase of approximately 3.4 percentage points because of improved cost and resource management in the manufacturing  

and services infrastructure and improved sales mix.  

•  A decrease of approximately 0.8 percentage points because of unexpected warranty costs and costs incurred for services not 
covered under warranty to cover primarily supplier component issues.  For fiscal 2013, warranty costs were approximately 3.4 
percent of net sales compared to 2.7 percent in fiscal 2012.

It is difficult to project gross profit levels for fiscal 2014 because of the uncertainty regarding the level of sales and the competitive factors 
in our business.  We expect gross profit levels will increase as we continue to execute on our strategies for improved profitability.  We 
plan on focusing efforts on the quality of suppliers, adding additional quality testing in our manufacturing areas, continuing our sourcing 
strategies, continuing focus on product reliability in designs to improve warranty costs as a percent of sales and improved process flow 
in our manufacturing and services organization to improve gross profit margin.  An increase in gross profit assumes competitive pressures 
remain consistent with the levels of fiscal 2013.

Commercial:  The gross profit percent increase for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of sales 
mix and improved manufacturing utilization, which were offset by unexpected warranty costs due to a supplier component failure.  

Live Events:  The gross profit percent increase for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of lowered 
manufacturing infrastructure costs primarily due to the overall higher sales volumes.  Large live events video projects are competitively 
bid and generally result in lower overall margins from a sales mix perspective.  

Schools and Theatres:  The gross profit percent increase for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago primarily was the 
result of sales mix and improved manufacturing utilization from the overall higher sales volumes and cost reduction initiatives.

Transportation: The gross profit percent increase for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the primarily the result 
of improved manufacturing utilization from the overall higher sales volumes and cost reduction initiatives and improved sales mix offset 
by unexpected warranty costs due to a supplier component failure.

International:  The gross profit percent increase for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of an increase 
in the gross margin on product sales, which increased the overall gross profit by approximately six percentage points offset by an increase 
in warranty costs and an increase in  services infrastructure costs.

Fiscal Year 2012 as compared to Fiscal Year 2011
Commercial:  The gross profit percent increase in the Commercial business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the net result 
of:

•  A decrease in warranty expenses, which added approximately 2.5 percentage points to gross profit percentage and resulted from 

the actions previously discussed and some unusually higher costs in fiscal 2011, as explained in prior filings.

•  A decrease in gross profit percentage on services and maintenance agreements, which caused a decrease of approximately 0.9 

percentage points. 

•  A decrease in the gross profit on product sales that decreased gross profit percentage by approximately 0.3 percentage points, 
primarily due to an increased percentage of net sales in the billboard niche, which typically has lower gross profit percentages.

•  An increase in our services overhead, which decreased gross profit percentage by approximately 0.8 percentage points.

Page | 28

 
 
 
 
• 

Increased cost absorption in manufacturing due to the increased level of net sales, which improved gross profit percentages by 
approximately 1.5 percentage points.  

Live Events:  The gross profit percent decrease in the Live Events business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the net result 
of:

•  A decrease in gross profit percentage on product sales, which reduced gross profit percentage by approximately 1.1 percentage 

points.
Increases in our services overhead, which decreased gross profit percentage by approximately 2.2 percentage points.

• 
•  Lower plant utilization due to the overall lower sales volumes, which decreased gross profit percentage by approximately 1.2 

percentage points.

•  A decrease in warranty expenses, which added approximately 0.7 percentage points to the gross profit percentage and resulted 

from the actions previously discussed and some unusually higher costs in fiscal 2011, as explained in prior filings.

Schools and Theatres:  The gross profit percentage decrease in the Schools and Theatres business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 
2011 is the net result of:

•  A decrease in gross profit percentage in product sales, which decreased the overall gross profit percentage by approximately 1.3 

percentage points.

•  A decrease in warranty expenses, which added approximately 2.1 percentage points to the gross profit percentage.
•  An increase in our services overhead, which reduced the gross profit percentage by approximately 1.8 percentage points.
•  Lower plant utilization due to the overall lower sales volumes, which decreased gross profit percentage by approximately 0.8 

percentage points.

Transportation: The gross profit percent decrease in the Transportation business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the net 
result of:

•  A decrease in the gross profit percentage on product sales, which decreased the overall gross profit percentage by approximately 

• 

0.6 percentage points.
Increase in conversion costs as a percent of sales and increased inventory losses, which decreased the gross profit percentage 
by approximately 2.6 percentage points.

•  An increase in our services overhead, which reduced the gross profit percentage by approximately 1.3 percentage points.

International:  The gross profit percent decrease in the International business unit for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 is the net result 
of:

•  A decrease in the gross margin on product sales, which decreased the overall gross profit by approximately 6.0 percentage 
points.  This  decrease  is  the  result  of  a  number  of  factors,  including  added  costs  to  conform  products  to  local  regulatory 
requirements and a lower margin on contracts booked due to the factors described below.

•  An increase in warranty costs, which added approximately 0.3 percentage points.
•  An increase in manufacturing costs, primarily in China as we increased the capabilities there.  

Selling Expense

(in thousands)
Commercial
Live Events
Schools & Theatres
Transportation
International

April 27, 2013

Year Ended

April 28, 2012

April 30, 2011

As a
Percent of
Net Sales

Percent
Change

As a
Percent of
Net Sales

Percent
Change

As a
Percent of
Net Sales

Amount

Amount

9.6%
8.0
15.8
4.4
16.6
10.2%

(1.6)% $
(1.9)
(3.4)
(6.2)
14.5
1.0 % $

14,112
12,898
10,816
3,436
10,971
52,233

9.5%
8.0
18.1
7.1
15.2
10.7%

11.8% $
(3.7)
7.9
(1.8)
9.4
5.4% $

12,619
13,387
10,025
3,498
10,026
49,555

11.2%
8.3
16.1
7.7
16.7
11.2%

Amount

$

$

13,882
12,647
10,451
3,222
12,557
52,759

Fiscal Year 2013 as compared to Fiscal Year 2012
Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs 
for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of 

Page | 29

  
 
 
collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demos, and supplies.  The increase in selling expenses in fiscal 2013 compared 
to fiscal 2012 is the net result of the following:

•  A $1.0 million increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits.
•  A $0.8 million increase in bad debt expense for potentially uncollectable accounts receivable primarily from sales derived from 

our International business unit.  

•  An increase of $0.6 million in third-party commissions used in various locations around the world to expand market opportunities.   
•  A  reduction  of  $1.8  million  in  travel  and  entertainment,  convention  expenses  and  various  decreases  in  vehicle  expense, 

depreciation, and other expenses due to our on-going cost containment initiatives. 

We expect selling expenses will increase slightly in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.

Commercial:  The decrease in selling expense for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period in fiscal 2012 is due to a $0.3 million decrease 
in travel and entertainment expenses and various changes in other selling expenses as a result of our initiatives to contain costs.  

Live Events:  The decrease of $0.2 million in selling expenses for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was the result of our initiative to 
contain costs in travel and entertainment and convention expenses.

Schools & Theatres:   The decrease in selling expenses for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was the result of reductions in bad debts 
and various changes in other selling expenses from normal business changes and cost containment initiatives.

Transportation:  Selling expenses for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago decreased as a result of cost containment 
efforts offsetting increases in other variable expenses.

International:  The increase in selling expenses for fiscal 2013 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of:

•  An increase of $1.2 million in bad debt expense for potentially uncollectable accounts receivable due to the continued softness 

of the worldwide economy. 

•  A $0.7 million increase in third-party commissions on significant contracts.  Third-party sales agents are contracted from time-

to-time to penetrate geographic locations where we have limited presence.

•  A net decrease of $0.2 million in various other selling expenses.

Fiscal Year 2012 as compared to Fiscal Year 2011
Commercial:  The increase in selling expenses for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 was the result of a $1.0 million increase in personnel 
costs, including taxes and benefits, and a $0.5 million increase in travel and entertainment costs.  These increases are a result of the 
increase in orders, as explained previously.

Live Events:  The decline in selling expenses for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 was the net result of:

•  A reduction of $0.4 million in depreciation, which reflects the lower level of capital expenditures associated primarily with 

display equipment used for sales promotion.

•  A decrease of approximately $0.5 million in the allocation of shared sales administration costs which are allocated between our 

Live Events business unit and our Schools and Theatres business unit.

•  An increase in payroll, including taxes and benefits, of approximately $0.4 million, as we increased our staffing to address 

contract opportunities. 

Schools & Theatres:   The increase in selling expenses for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 was the net result of:

•  An increase in bad debt expense of approximately $0.3 million.
•  An increase of approximately $0.6 million in the allocation of shared sales administration costs allocated between our Live 

Events business unit and our Schools and Theatres business unit.

Transportation:  Selling expenses were flat for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011, although there were increases in payroll costs, net 
of taxes and benefits, which were offset by decreases in various other expenses.

International:  The increase in selling expenses for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 was the result of a $1.1 million increase in payroll 
costs, net of taxes and benefits, which was partially offset by cost savings in various other expenses.

Page | 30

  
Other Operating Expenses

Year Ended

Amount
(in thousands)
General and administrative
$ 27,404
Product design and development $ 23,131

April 27, 2013
As a
Percent of
Net Sales

April 28, 2012
As a
Percent of
Net Sales

Percent
Change Amount
(0.1)% $ 27,422
(1.6)% $ 23,507

5.3%
4.5%

Percent
Change Amount
16.9% $ 23,453
24.1% $ 18,949

5.6%
4.8%

April 30, 2011
As a
Percent of
Net Sales

5.3%
4.3%

Fiscal Year 2013 as compared to Fiscal Year 2012
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional fees, shareholder relations 
costs, facilities and equipment related costs for administrative departments, training costs, amortization of intangibles and the costs of 
supplies.  General and administrative expense in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012  remained relatively flat due to our continued 
focus on controlling spending as a part of our strategic goals to improve operating income.  During fiscal 2013, increases in salaries and 
other employee-related costs of $0.5 million were offset by decreases of $0.3 million in professional fees and $0.2 million of other costs.  

We expect general and administrative expenses to increase slightly in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.   

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, facilities and equipment-related 
costs and supplies.  Product development investments during fiscal 2013 included video technology with a range of pixel pitches for 
outdoor applications using LED surface mount technology.  In addition, we completed development of a new full-color family of Vanguard 
displays for the Transportation business unit.  

Our costs for product development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, materials costs and overhead of our 
engineering departments.  Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product development, while the rest is 
allocated to large contract work and included in cost of goods sold.  The decline in product development expense in fiscal 2013 as 
compared to fiscal 2012 was the net result of the following:

•  An increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, of $0.5 million.
•  A decrease in material costs related to product development of $1.0 million as a result of the timing of projects for prototyping 

new products and the stage of product development.

•  An increase of $0.1 million in various other expenses.

We expect product design and development expenses will increase slightly in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.

Fiscal Year 2012 as compared to Fiscal Year 2011
General and administrative expenses increased in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011 as the net result of the following:

•  An increase in professional fees of $1.7 million as a result of higher litigation costs and international expansion initiatives, some 
of which were one-time costs, and higher costs of information systems consulting fees, as we outsourced more projects to speed 
up development where we believed we could achieve a faster payback in efficiencies.
Increases in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, of approximately $1.4 million due to an increase in employee count 
primarily related to personnel to support hiring in other areas and in accounting to support international development, primarily 
in China.
Increases in various other expenses of approximately $0.9 million.

• 

• 

Product design and development expenses increased in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011 as the net result of the allocation of the 
following changes in our engineering department total spending and other charges made directly to product development initiatives:

•  An increase in personnel costs, including taxes and benefits, of approximately $2.2 million, as we increased our staff to support 

the continued roll out of our display and control system platforms.

•  An increase in material costs related to product development of $1.5 million as a result of increasing importance placed on 

prototyping new products and the increase in new product introductions.

•  An increase of approximately $0.9 million in various other expenses.

Page | 31

 
Other Income and Expenses

(in thousands)
Interest income, net
Other (expense) income, net

April 27, 2013
As a
Percent of
Net Sales

Amount
1,168
$
(839)
$

Percent
Change Amount
1,412
(110)

0.2 % (17.3)% $
(0.2)% 662.7 % $

Year Ended

April 28, 2012
As a
Percent of
Net Sales

April 30, 2011
As a
Percent of
Net Sales

0.4%
0.2%

Percent
Change Amount
1,737
877

0.3 % (18.7)% $
)% $
— % (112.
5

Fiscal Year 2013 as compared to Fiscal Year 2012
Interest  income,  net:  We  generate  interest  income  through  short-term  cash  investments,  marketable  securities,  product  sales  on  an 
installment basis, under lease arrangements, or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which 
result in long-term receivables.  Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest costs on long-term marketing obligations.  Interest 
income declined slightly for fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 due to a reduction in long-term receivable balances.  As a result of 
the volatility of working capital needs and changes in investing and financing activities, along with changes in the interest rate environment, 
it is difficult to project changes in interest income.  We expect our cash balances will be increasing during fiscal 2014; however, we are 
unable to project how that will compare to fiscal 2013.

Other (expense) income, net: The decrease of $0.7 million in other expenses for fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 is due to a 
settlement of a dispute relating to a past acquisition of $0.5 million and approximately $0.1 million of higher currency losses on U.S. 
dollar advances to foreign subsidiaries in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.

Fiscal Year 2012 as compared to Fiscal Year 2011
Interest income, net:  Interest income declined slightly for fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011 due to a reduction in our cash and short 
term investment balances that was mainly the result of dividends paid during fiscal 2012.  Interest expense increased to $0.3 million for 
fiscal 2012 as a result of borrowings in China to support our expanding business there and the impact of currency controls, which limit 
our transfers of investment capital from the U.S. to fund operations in China.

Other (expense) income, net: The decrease of $1.0 million for fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011 is due to the net result of a $0.6 
million gain on the settlement of amounts owed to us by Outcast Media International, Inc. in fiscal 2011, as described in previous filings, 
an increase of $0.7 million in foreign currency losses, and various other non-operating gains.

In addition, as a result of the decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar, we experienced higher levels of currency losses on U.S. dollar 
advances to foreign subsidiaries in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.

Income Taxes

Fiscal Year 2013 as compared to Fiscal Year 2012
The effective tax rate was approximately 26.4 percent for fiscal 2013 as compared to 26.7 percent for fiscal 2012.  To understand the 
overall effective rate for each year, it is important to recognize the effect of specific items as they compare to the level of income before 
taxes in each year.  Income tax expense increased to $8.2 million in fiscal 2013 as compared to $3.1 million in fiscal 2012. The increase 
was attributable primarily to the increase in income before income taxes.  In comparing fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2012, the changes in the 
effective tax rate were primarily due to the net impact of the following items:

•  The reinstatement of the federal research and development tax credit which decreased the effective rate by approximately 5.8 
percent as compared to 8.7 percent in fiscal year 2012.  However, fiscal 2012 was limited as the credit only pertained to a portion 
of the year, but that amount made a greater impact on the effective rate since income before taxes were lower than in fiscal 2013.
•  An increase in the annual estimated effective tax rate of approximately 2.5 percentage points compared to 10.5 percentage points 
in fiscal 2012 as a result of the impact of non- deductible meals and entertainment costs and stock compensation expense on a 
higher projected income compared to similar level expenses on a lower projected income in fiscal 2012.

•  A decrease in the effective tax rate of approximately 1.1 percentage points due to an international tax change which did not 

occur in fiscal 2012.

•  An increase in the effective tax rate related to a reversal of valuation allowances in fiscal 2012, as it related to some foreign 

jurisdictions which did not occur in fiscal 2013.

•  Various other items which have a greater impact on the effective rate due to lower income before taxes but are not material to 

the results.

We operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions, both domestic and international, and we are subject to audits in these jurisdictions. These 
audits can involve complex issues, including challenges regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income 

Page | 32

 
 
amounts to various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by various tax authorities because different 
taxing jurisdictions have different statutes of limitations. During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the United States Internal Revenue 
Service (IRS) completed and approved the examination of our U.S. federal tax returns for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.  The Chinese tax 
authorities recently completed an audit of our tax returns for calendar years prior to 2012 in connection with a transfer of location of our 
business address in China.

Fiscal Year 2012 as compared to Fiscal Year 2011
The effective tax rate was approximately 26.7 percent for fiscal 2012 as compared to 35.7 percent for fiscal 2011.  Income tax expense 
decreased to $3.1 million in fiscal 2012 as compared to $7.9 million in fiscal 2011. The decrease was attributable primarily to the decrease 
in income before income taxes and a decrease in the effective income tax rate.  In comparing fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2011, changes in the 
effective tax rate were due to the net impact of the following items:

•  A decrease in the effective tax rate of approximately five percentage points as a result of the deductibility of dividends paid into 

our 401(k) plan in fiscal 2012 which were not deductible in fiscal 2011 due to a change in plan design.

•  An increase in the effective tax rate of approximately three percentage points as a result of the lower level of deduction for 

domestic production activities which result from the lower level of income before taxes.

•  A decrease in the effective rate of approximately three percentage points as a result of the impact of the research and development 

tax credit compared to income before taxes.

•  An increase in the liability for foreign income taxable in the United States under subpart F of the Internal Revenue Code of 

1986, which increased the effective tax rate by 2.6 percentage points. 

•  A decrease in the effective tax rate of approximately two percentage points as a result of the impact on the deferred tax expense 

in a foreign jurisdiction as a result of the expiration of the termination of a tax holiday.

•  Various other items which have a greater impact on the effective rate due to lower income before taxes but are not material to 

the results.

Fiscal Year 2013 Fourth Quarter Summary

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, net sales increased approximately 11 percent to $124.5 million as compared to $112.0 million 
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  Net sales increased in all business units except for Live Events.  The increase in net sales for the 
International business unit was due to net sales realized on large projects including an architectural lighting project and a video display 
project for a horse race track, and on deliveries of other orders booked prior to the quarter.  Commercial business unit net sales increased 
due to the net sales realization on large video projects offset by decreases in net sales for our billboard niche which was caused by 
variability in timing of orders being booked and softening of demand.  Transportation business unit net sales increased due to the continued 
net sales realization of a project for a major airport. Schools and Theatres business unit net sales increased due the increased delivery on 
video projects for high schools, for which our customers have shown strong demand for.  

Gross margin percentage increased to approximately 23 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 from approximately 22 percent in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  The increase in gross profit percentage was the net result of:

•  Unexpected warranty charges during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, accounting for an approximately three percentage points 

decline.  
Several large projects generating revenue having lower than typical margins due to the competitive pricing on projects, primarily 
in the Live Events business unit.
Improved gross margins in our Schools & Theatres business unit because of sales mix and a decline in warranty charges. 
Improvements in the overall cost and resource management in manufacturing infrastructure.

• 

• 
• 

Selling expenses decreased from $13.8 million to $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 
fiscal 2012.  The decrease was the net result of:

•  A decrease of approximately $0.4 million in third-party commissions primarily in the International business unit.  We use third 
parties in various locations around the world to expand market opportunities, and these types of expense occur only if the third 
party is successful in procuring sales.  

•  A reduction of approximately $0.4 million in payroll costs, including taxes and benefits, and travel and entertainment expenses 

as explained previously. 

•  An increase in bad debt expense of $0.5 million in the International business unit as explained previously.   
•  Net decreases in various other expenses.

General and administrative costs rose by approximately three percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 to $7.3 million as compared to 
$7.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.   The increase was the net result of:

Page | 33

  
•  An increase of approximately $0.2 million in payroll costs, including taxes and benefits as explained previously.
•  An increase of approximately $0.1 million in professional fees to support international acquisition and international information 

technology projects.  

Product development costs decreased by approximately 12 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 to $5.7 million as compared to 
$6.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  The decrease was the result of:

•  Reduced overall engineering costs of approximately $0.2 million, which are partially applied to product development.
•  Reduced usage of material to produce prototypes or test materials of $0.2 million.  
•  The non-recurrence of capital asset impairments relating to design.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, various impairments 
of capital assets of approximately $0.3 million were recorded related to the redesign of our outdoor surface mount product 
platform video display modules.

The effective tax benefit was 22.9 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to a benefit of 77.0 percent in the fourth quarter 
of fiscal 2012.  The decrease was primarily related to one-time adjustments booked in fiscal 2012 that were not repeated during the fourth 
quarter of fiscal 2013, including the recognition of various tax benefits in foreign jurisdictions, the reversal of a valuation allowance 
relating to net operating losses in a foreign jurisdiction, and an adjustment of state income tax estimates related to fiscal 2011. The effective 
tax benefit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 was the result of an increase in the domestic production activities deduction estimate and 
other one-time adjustments in fiscal 2013. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

(in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

April 27,
2013

Year Ended

April 28,
2012

Percent
Change

$

$

50,749
(8,531)
(31,002)
(11)
11,205

$

$

20,038
(18,753)
(26,284)
114
(24,885)

153.3%
(54.5)
18.0
(109.6)
145.0%

Cash flows from operating activities:  The increase in cash from operating activities for fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 was the 
net result of an increase in net income of $14.3 million plus $22.2 million from a reduction of changes in net operating assets and liabilities, 
adjusted by depreciation and amortization of $1.9 million and by deferred income taxes of $4.3 million.

The most significant drivers of the change in net operating assets and liabilities were the net result of the following:

•  A decrease in cash resulting from an increase in costs and earnings in excess of billings of $16.3 million. Variability in costs 
and earnings in excess of billings relates to the timing of billings on construction-type contracts and revenue recognition, which 
can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms and build and installation schedules.  As of April 27, 2013, $11.7 
million of the increase related to four different transportation projects; timing difference mainly relates to timing of shipment 
and billings per progress payment schedule.  The majority of these unbilled amounts is expected to be billed during the first 
quarter of fiscal 2014.

•  An increase of accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $7.7 million was the result of  a $1.2 million increase in payables 
related to a change in extended payments terms with one large supplier, a $3.0 million increase in payables and accruals related 
to four large projects in process at year end, and a $1.7 million increase in accrued items related to various marketing agreements 
on large projects and increases in various payroll related accruals.  

•  A net increase in cash of $7.0 million from an increase in income tax payables and a reduction of income tax receivables due 

to a significant improvement in net income in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.

•  A decline in inventories, which increased cash from operations by $6.7 million. Days inventory outstanding decreased from 53 
days as of April 28, 2012 to 46 days as of April 27, 2013. Changes in inventory are primarily the result of using inventory in 
production specified for a significant transportation project and inventory management initiatives.

•  A reduction of $5.7 million in accounts receivable and long-term receivables primarily due to the collection of two significant 
progress payments totaling $4.2 million that were outstanding at the end of fiscal 2012 and the annual collection of long-term 
receivables.

•  A net change in various other operating assets and liabilities, which increased cash from operations by $2.4 million.

Page | 34

 
 
 
 
 
 
Overall,  changes in  operating assets  and  liabilities can be  impacted by  the  timing of  cash  flows  on  large  projects, which  can  cause 
significant fluctuations in the short term in inventory, accounts receivables, accounts payable, customer deposits, costs and earnings in 
excess of billings and various other operating assets and liabilities.

Cash flows from investing activities:  The decrease in cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 was the 
net result of the following:

•  An increase in the net cash invested in marketable securities, net of maturities.  Our investment approach has remained consistent 
year over year as we try to maintain a consistent level of marketable securities and, therefore, the change was the result of the 
timing of investment decisions and investments of excess cash in marketable securities.

•  A decrease in purchases of property and equipment of $6.9 million.   The decrease relates primarily to the timing of projects 
anticipated, but not completed during fiscal 2013 for the expansion of our surface mount production line.  We anticipate capital 
expenditures to be approximately $16 million in fiscal 2014.   

During fiscal 2013, we invested $4.5 million in manufacturing equipment, $2.3 million in product demonstration equipment, $2.0 million 
in  information  systems  infrastructure,  including  software,  and  $1.6  million  in  other  assets.  These  investments  were  generally  for 
maintenance in the case of information systems and in manufacturing investments related to a new product line for our outdoor surface 
mount displays and various other equipment.  As of the end of fiscal 2013, capital expenditures were approximately two percent of net 
sales.

Cash flows from financing activities:  The increase in cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 was the 
result of a $4.9 million increase in dividends paid to shareholders as explained elsewhere in this Report, which was partially offset by 
the net change in repayments of our short-term debt obligations and proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Other  Liquidity  and  Capital  Resource  Discussion:  Included  in  receivables  and  costs  in  excess  of  billings  as  of April 27,  2013 was 
approximately $5.7 million of retainage on long-term contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

Working capital was $125.5 million at April 27, 2013 and $119.8 million at April 28, 2012.  The increase in working capital was primarily 
the result of higher sales and the net changes between accounts receivable, inventories and cost and estimated earnings in excess of 
billings.  We have historically financed working capital needs through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings under 
bank credit agreements.

We have used and expect to continue to use cash reserves and, to a lesser extent, bank borrowings to meet our short-term working capital 
requirements.  On large product orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to and exceed 24 months 
depending on the amount of custom work and a customer’s delivery needs.  We often receive down payments or progress payments on 
these product orders.  To the extent these payments are not sufficient to fund the costs and other expenses associated with these orders, 
we use working capital and bank borrowings to finance these cash requirements.

We have a credit agreement with a U.S. bank providing for a $35.0 million line of credit and includes up to $15.0 million for standby 
letters of credit.  The line of credit is due on November 15, 2013. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 125 basis points to LIBOR 
plus 175 basis points depending on the ratio of our interest-bearing debt to EBITDA.  EBITDA is defined as net income before income 
taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization.  The effective interest rate was 1.5 percent at April 27, 2013.  We are assessed a 
loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum of any non-used portion of the loan.  As of April 27, 2013, there were no advances under the 
line of credit.

The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to be in compliance with the following financial ratios:

•  A minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year.  The ratio is equal to (a) EBITDA less 
dividends, a capital expenditure reserve of $6 million, and income tax expense, over (b) all principal and interest payments with 
respect to debt, excluding debt outstanding on the line of credit; and

•  A ratio of interest-bearing debt, excluding any marketing obligations, to EBITDA of less than 1 to 1 at the end of any fiscal 

quarter.

We have an additional credit agreement with another U.S. bank which expires on November 15, 2013 and is intended to support our 
credit needs outside of the United States.  The facility provides for a $35.0 million line of credit and includes facilities for letters of credit 
and bank guarantees and to secure foreign loans for our international subsidiaries.  The U.S. credit agreement is unsecured and is cross 
collateralized with the $35.0 million line of credit described above.  It contains the same covenants as the credit agreement above.  As 
of April 27, 2013, there were no advances under the line of credit.

Page | 35

 
We were in compliance with all applicable covenants as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012.  The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio 
as of April 27, 2013 was 64-to-1, and the ratio of interest-bearing debt to EBITDA as of April 27, 2013 was 0.01-to-1.

On May 23, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.12 per share on our common stock for the fiscal year 
ended April 27, 2013, payable on June 14, 2013.  Although we expect to continue to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, any and 
all subsequent dividends will be reviewed regularly and declared by the Board at its discretion.

We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have a bonding line available through a surety 
company that provides for an aggregate of $100.0 million in bonded work outstanding.  At April 27, 2013, we had $13.3 million of bonded 
work outstanding against this line.

We believe if our growth extends beyond current expectations, or if we make any strategic investments, we may need to increase our 
credit facilities or seek other means of financing.  We anticipate we will be able to obtain any needed funds under commercially reasonable 
terms from our current lenders or other sources.  We believe  our working capital available from all sources will be adequate to meet the 
cash requirements of our operations in the foreseeable future.

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We enter into various lease, purchase and marketing obligations that require payments in future periods.  Operating lease obligations 
relate primarily to leased manufacturing space, office space, furniture, and vehicles.  Long-term marketing obligations relate to amounts 
due in future periods for payments on net sales where we sold and installed our equipment in exchange for future advertising revenue.  When 
certain advertising revenue thresholds are met, all or a portion of excess cash is owed back to the customer.  Conditional and unconditional 
purchase  obligations  represent  future  payments  for  inventory,  advertising  rights  and  various  other  products  and  services  purchase 
commitments.

We have entered into standby letters of credit and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of future performance 
on contracts, primarily construction type contracts.  Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation 
and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract.  These performance guarantees have various terms, which are 
generally less than one year.

Guarantees include transactions in connection with the sale of equipment to various customers.  Under these transactions, we entered 
into a contractual arrangement whereby we agreed to repurchase equipment at the end of the lease term at a fixed price of approximately 
$1.3 million.  We have recognized a guarantee in the amount of $0.2 million under the provisions of ASC 460, Guarantees.

As of April 27, 2013, our contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands):

Contractual Obligations
Cash commitments:

Long-term marketing obligations and accrued interest
Operating leases
Unconditional purchase obligations
Conditional purchase obligations
Unrecognized tax benefits(1)

Total

Other commercial commitments:

Standby letters of credit
Surety Bonds
Guarantees

Total

Less than
1 year

1-3 Years

4-5 Years

After 5
Years

$

$

$
$
$

738
7,914
1,242
1,000
379
11,273

6,169
13,287
1,285

$

$

$
$
$

393
2,797
981
200
—
4,371

$

$

5,579
5,996

$
$
— $

338
3,929
261
400
—
4,928

149
7,291
1,285

$

$

$
$
$

7
1,159
—
400
—
1,566

$

$

441
$
— $
— $

—
29
—
—
—
29

—
—
—

(1)  Unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions. As we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the payments 
or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time, the related balances have not been reflected in any of 
the columns other than the total column.

INFLATION

We believe inflation has not had a material effect on our operations or our financial condition, although it could in the future.

Page | 36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Through April 27, 2013, most of our net sales were denominated in United States dollars, and our exposure to foreign currency exchange 
rate changes on net sales has not been significant. Net sales originating from manufacturing plants and sales offices outside the United 
States were approximately 17 percent of total net sales, of which a portion was denominated in Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, 
British pounds, Australian dollars, Brazilian reais or other currencies.  We manufacture our products in the United States and China.  Our 
results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign 
markets.  If we believed  currency risk in any foreign location was significant, we would utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to 
manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations.  

Over the long-term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of net sales and, consequently, a greater 
portion of this business could be denominated in foreign currencies.  In addition, we may fund our foreign subsidiaries’ operating cash 
needs in the form of loans denominated in U.S. dollars.  As a result, operating results may become subject to fluctuations based upon 
changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the United States dollar.  To the extent we engage in international sales 
denominated in U.S. dollars, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less 
competitive in international markets.  This effect is also impacted by the sources of raw materials from international sources.  Our foreign 
currency risk is mitigated since the majority of our foreign operations’ net sales and the related expense transactions are denominated in 
the same currency so therefore a significant change in foreign exchange rates would likely have a very minor impact on net income.  For 
example, if there were to be a ten percent change in value of the U.S. dollar in relation to our foreign currency exposures, we would have 
had an impact of $1.6 million on income before taxes. We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations 
and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques, including foreign currency forward contracts and options, to minimize the effect 
of these fluctuations.  However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, differing 
tax structures and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our ability to effectively hedge exchange rate fluctuations in the 
future.

We have foreign currency forward agreements in place to offset changes in the value of intercompany receivables from certain foreign 
subsidiaries due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of these derivatives is $6.1 million and all contracts mature 
within twelve months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges.  See Note 14 of 
the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for further details on our derivatives.

Interest Rate Risks

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our marketing obligations and long-term accounts 
receivable.  As of April 27, 2013, our outstanding marketing obligations were $0.7 million, substantially all of which were in fixed rate 
obligations. 

In connection with the sale of certain display systems, we have entered into various types of financing with customers.  The aggregate 
amounts due from customers include an imputed interest element.  The majority of these financings carry fixed rates of interest.  As of 
April 27, 2013, our outstanding long-term receivables were $16.1 million.  Each 25 basis point increase in interest rates would have an 
associated annual opportunity cost of $0.1 million.

The following table provides maturities and weighted average interest rates on our financial instruments sensitive to changes in interest 
rates.

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Thereafter

Fiscal Years (in thousands)

Assets:
Long-term receivables, including current 

maturities:
Fixed-rate
Average interest rate

Liabilities:
Long-term marketing obligations, 
including current portion:
Fixed-rate
Average interest rate

Page | 37

$

4,806

$

3,932

$

2,952

$

1,865

$

1,214

$

1,363

8.1%

8.1%

7.8%

8.2%

8.3%

8.5%

$

$

393
8.7%

$

226
8.9%

$

112
8.8%

$

4
6.2%

$

3
6.3%

—
—%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Of our cash balances at April 27, 2013, $28.3 million were denominated in United States dollars.  Cash balances in foreign currencies 
are operating balances maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.  A portion of the cash held in foreign accounts is used to 
collateralize outstanding bank guarantees issued by the foreign subsidiaries.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Daktronics, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of April 27, 2013 
and April 28, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended April 27, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index 
at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the 
Company at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years 
in the period ended April 27, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related 
financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, 
presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's 
internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 12, 2013 expressed an 
unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 12, 2013

Page | 38

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Marketable securities
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories, net
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
Current maturities of long-term receivables
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Deferred income taxes
Income tax receivables
Total current assets

Property and equipment, net
Long-term receivables, less current maturities
Goodwill
Intangibles, net
Advertising rights, net and other assets
Deferred income taxes

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, bank
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Warranty obligations
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
Customer deposits (billed or collected)
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)
Current portion of other long-term obligations
Income taxes payable
Deferred income taxes

Total current liabilities

Long-term warranty obligations
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected)
Other long-term obligations, less current maturities
Deferred income taxes

Total long-term liabilities

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

Common stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares;  42,393,456 and 
41,930,116 shares issued at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively

Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,680 shares
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Page | 39

April 27,
2013

April 28,
2012

$

$

$

$

40,628
48
24,052
63,227
49,045
39,355
4,807
6,185
12,755
46
240,148

61,625
11,325
3,306
1,181
772
1,061
319,418

$

$

— $

38,651
24,331
13,933
14,245
12,375
9,112
356
1,689
—
114,692

11,213
4,424
843
—
16,480

29,423
1,169
25,258
66,923
54,924
23,020
5,830
5,528
10,941
5,990
229,006

68,396
12,622
3,347
1,409
1,157
30
315,967

1,459
33,906
22,731
13,049
14,385
12,826
9,751
359
665
42
109,173

9,166
4,361
1,009
1,453
15,989

37,429
27,194
123,750
(9)
(118)
188,246
319,418

$

34,631
24,320
131,830
(9)
33
190,805
315,967

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)

Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit

Operating expenses:
Selling expense
General and administrative
Product design and development

Operating income

Nonoperating income (expense):

Interest income
Interest expense
Other (expense) income, net

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic
Diluted

Earnings per share:

Basic
Diluted

Cash dividend declared per share

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

$

April 27,
2013
518,322
384,428
133,894

Year Ended
April 28,
2012
489,526
376,089
113,437

$

$

April 30,
2011
441,676
330,192
111,484

52,759
27,404
23,131
103,294
30,600

52,233
27,422
23,507
103,162
10,275

1,523
(355)
(839)

30,929
8,150
22,779

42,280
42,621

0.54
0.53

0.73

$

$
$

$

1,747
(335)
(110)

11,577
3,088
8,489

41,869
42,304

0.20
0.20

0.62

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

49,555
23,453
18,949
91,957
19,527

1,921
(184)
877

22,141
7,897
14,244

41,422
42,277

0.34
0.34

0.60

Page | 40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

Net income

$

22,779

$

8,489

$

14,244

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Cumulative translation adjustments
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities,
net of tax

Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Comprehensive income

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

(102)

(49)
(151)
22,628

$

$

(20)

52
32
8,521

$

426

22
448
14,692

Page | 41

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Balance as of May 1, 2010:

$

Net income
Other comprehensive income
Net tax benefit (deduction) related to

share-based compensation

Share-based compensation
Exercise of stock options
Employee savings plan activity
Dividends paid

Balance as of April 30, 2011:

Net income
Other comprehensive income
Net tax benefit (deduction) related to

share-based compensation

Share-based compensation
Exercise of stock options
Employee savings plan activity
Dividends paid

Balance as of April 28, 2012:

Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Net tax benefit (deduction) related to

share-based compensation

Share-based compensation
Exercise of stock options
Employee savings plan activity
Dividends paid

Balance as of April 27, 2013:

$

See notes to consolidated financial statements

29,936
—
—

—
—
1,352
1,382
—
32,670
—
—

—
—
547
1,414
—
34,631
—
—

—
—
1,316
1,482
—
37,429

$

$

17,731
—
—

121
3,370
(73)
—
—
21,149
—
—

(2)
3,262
(89)
—
—
24,320
—
—

—
3,037
(163)
—
—
27,194

Retained
Earnings
$ 159,842
14,244
—

$

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Treasury
Stock

Total

(9) $
—
—

(447) $ 207,053
14,244
448

—
448

—
—
—
—
(24,795)
149,291
8,489
—

—
—
—
—
(25,950)
131,830
22,779
—

—
—
—
—
—
(9)
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
(9)
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
1
—
32

—
—
—
—
—
33
—
(151)

121
3,370
1,279
1,382
(24,795)
203,102
8,489
32

(2)
3,262
458
1,414
(25,950)
190,805
22,779
(151)

—
—
—
—
(30,859)
$ 123,750

$

—
—
—
—
—
(9) $

—
—
—
—
—

—
3,037
1,153
1,482
(30,859)
(118) $ 188,246

Page | 42

 
 
 
 
 
 
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating

activities:

Depreciation
Amortization
Amortization of premium/discount on marketable securities
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
Share-based compensation
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
Equity in losses of affiliates
Provision for doubtful accounts
Deferred income taxes, net
Change in operating assets and liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchases of property and equipment
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
Purchases of marketable securities
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities
Insurance recoveries on property and equipment
Other investing activities, net

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Borrowings on notes payable
Payments on notes payable
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
Principal payments on long-term obligations
Dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period
End of period

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

22,779

$

8,489

$

14,244

15,379
228
190
42
3,037
—
—
331
(4,340)
13,103
50,749

(9,674)
198
(16,506)
17,451
—
—
(8,531)

—
(1,459)
1,316
—
—
(30,859)
(31,002)

(11)
11,205

17,273
245
183
(16)
3,262
(48)
—
(150)
(68)
(9,132)
20,038

(16,524)
231
(18,870)
16,410
—
—
(18,753)

782
(1,711)
547
48
—
(25,950)
(26,284)

114
(24,885)

19,354
287
48
(62)
3,370
(121)
36
(37)
852
3,375
41,346

(9,386)
238
(23,035)
—
187
2,110
(29,886)

2,316
—
1,352
121
(26)
(24,795)
(21,032)

277
(9,295)

29,423
40,628

$

54,308
29,423

$

63,603
54,308

$

Page | 43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share data)

Note 1.  Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business: Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged principally in the design, manufacture and sale of a wide range of 
electronic display systems and related products which are sold in a variety of markets throughout the world and the rendering of related 
maintenance and professional services.  Our products are designed primarily to inform and entertain people through the communication 
of content.

Fiscal year: We operate on a 52 to 53 week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year.  When 
April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday.  The fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and 
April 30, 2011 each consisted of 52 weeks.  Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13 week periods following the beginning 
of each fiscal year.  In each 53 week year, each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period, and an additional week is 
added to the first quarter of that fiscal year.  

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries 
– Daktronics France SARL; Daktronics Shanghai, Ltd.; Daktronics GmbH; Daktronics UK, Ltd.; Daktronics HK Limited; Daktronics 
International  Limited;  Daktronics  Canada,  Inc.;    Daktronics  Beijing,  Ltd.;  Daktronics Australia  Pty  Ltd.;  Daktronics  Installation; 
Daktronics Japan, Inc.; Daktronics Brazil, Ltda.; Daktronics Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Daktronics Spain S.L.  Intercompany balances and 
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in affiliates over which we have significant influence are accounted for by the equity method.  As of April 27, 2013 and 
April 28, 2012, we did not have any investments accounted for by the equity method.  Prior to April 30, 2011, as explained in Note 16, 
we had various investments accounted for under the equity method.  Investments in affiliates as to which we do not have the ability to 
exert significant influence over their operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting.  We have 
evaluated our relationships with affiliates and have determined that these entities are either not variable interest entities or, in the case of 
variable interest entities, we are not the primary beneficiary and therefore they are not required to be consolidated in our consolidated 
financial statements.  The equity method requires us to report our share of losses up to our equity investment amount, including any 
financial support made or committed to.  At such time the equity investment is reduced to zero, we recognize losses to the extent of and 
as an adjustment to the other investments in the affiliate in order of seniority or priority in liquidation.  Our proportional share of the 
respective affiliates' earnings or losses is included in other (expense) income  in our consolidated statements of operations.

As of May 1, 2010, we had a variable interest in Outcast Media International, Inc. (“Outcast”). During fiscal 2011, it became a cost 
method investee and ceased being treated as a variable interest entity. This occurred as a result of a reorganization of Outcast in connection 
with a sale of most of its assets.  The results of the variable interest analysis we completed prior to fiscal 2011 indicated that we were not 
the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity and, as a result, we were not required to consolidate it. Our analysis included 
reviewing the amount of financial support, equity risk, and board influence.  As of April 27, 2013, our interest in Outcast consisted of a 
seven percent equity interest.  During fiscal 2010, we had written down our equity investment to zero.  During fiscal 2011, as described 
in Note 16, we exchanged certain debt and other obligations related to Outcast for a note from a third party related to Outcast.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $106 at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012.  The fair value 
of these investments has not been estimated, as there have not been any identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a 
significant adverse effect on their fair value, and it is not practical to estimate their fair value.

Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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 significantly from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant 
change in the near-term relate to the determination of the estimated total costs on construction-type contracts, estimated costs to be 
incurred for product warranties, excess and obsolete inventory, the reserve for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation, goodwill 
impairment and income taxes.  Changes in estimates are reflected in the periods in which they become known.

Cash and cash equivalents: All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered 
to be cash equivalents and consist primarily of government repurchase agreements, savings accounts and money market accounts that 
are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.  We maintain our cash in bank deposit accounts, the balances of which at times may 
exceed federally insured limits.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Restricted cash: Restricted cash consists of deposits to secure bank guarantees issued by our foreign subsidiaries.

Page | 44

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.  Market is determined on the basis of estimated 
net realizable values.

Revenue recognition: Net sales are reported net of estimated sales returns and exclude sales taxes.  We estimate our sales returns reserve 
based on historical return rates and analysis of specific accounts.  Our sales returns reserve was $73 and $63 at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 
2012, respectively.

Long-term construction-type contracts: Earnings on construction-type contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method, 
measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for each contract.  Contract costs include all direct material 
and  labor  costs  and  those  indirect  costs  related  to  contract  performance.  Indirect  costs  include  charges  for  such  items  as  facilities, 
engineering, and project management.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such 
losses are probable and capable of being estimated.  We combine contracts for accounting purposes when they are negotiated as a package 
with an overall profit margin objective, essentially represent an agreement to do a single project for a customer, involve interrelated 
construction activities, and are performed concurrently or sequentially.  When a group of contracts is combined, revenue and profit are 
recognized uniformly over the performance of the combined projects.  We segment revenues in accordance with contract segmenting 
criteria in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 650-35, Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.

Equipment other than construction-type contracts:  We recognize revenue on equipment sales, other than construction-type contracts, 
when title passes, which is usually upon shipment and then only if the terms of the arrangement are fixed and determinable and collectability 
is reasonably assured.  We record estimated sales returns and discounts as a reduction of net sales in the same period revenue is recognized.

Product maintenance:  In connection with the sale of our products, we also occasionally sell separately priced extended warranties and 
product maintenance contracts.  The revenue related to such contracts is deferred and recognized ratably as net sales over the terms of 
the contracts, which vary up to 10 years.  We record unrealized revenue in deferred revenue (billed or collected) in the liability section 
of the balance sheet.  Deferred revenue (billed or collected) excludes unrealized revenue from contractual obligations to be billed by us 
in future periods.

Services:  Revenues generated by us for services, such as event support, control room design, on-site training, equipment service and 
technical support of our equipment, are recognized as net sales when the services are performed.  Net sales from services and product 
maintenance approximated 9.0 percent, 9.0 percent and 9.4 percent of net sales for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 
and April 30, 2011, respectively.

Multiple-element arrangements: We generate revenue from the sale of equipment and related services, including customization, installation 
and maintenance services.  In these limited cases, we provide some or all of such equipment and services to our customers under the 
terms of a single multiple-element sales arrangement.  These arrangements typically involve the sale of equipment bundled with some 
or all of these services, but they may also involve instances in which we have contracted to deliver multiple pieces of equipment over 
time rather than at a single point in time.

When a sales arrangement involves multiple elements, the items included in the arrangement (deliverables) are evaluated pursuant to 
ASC 605-25, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables and ASC 605-35, to determine whether they represent separate units of 
accounting.  We perform this evaluation at the inception of an arrangement and as we deliver each item in the arrangement.  We first 
consider the separation criteria of ASC 605-35.  Deliverables not within the scope of ASC 605-35 are evaluated for separation under ASC 
605-25.  For those elements falling under the guidance of ASC 605-25, we generally account for a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) 
separately if the delivered item(s) has standalone value to the customer and if we have given the customer a general right of return relative 
to the delivered item(s) and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) or service(s) is probable and substantially in our control.

When items included in a multiple-element arrangement represent separate units of accounting, we allocate the arrangement consideration 
to the individual items based on their relative fair values.  The amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the delivered item(s) is 
limited to the amount not contingent on us delivering additional products or services.  Once we have determined the amount, if any, of 
arrangement consideration allocable to the delivered item(s), we apply the applicable revenue recognition policy to determine when and 
by which method such amount may be recognized as revenue.

We generally determine if objective and reliable evidence of fair value for the items included in a multiple-element arrangement exists 
based on whether we have vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of the price for which we sell an item on a standalone basis.  If 
we do not have VSOE for the item, we will use the price charged by a competitor selling a comparable product or service on a standalone
basis to similarly situated customers, if available.  If neither VSOE nor third party evidence is available, we use our best estimate of the 
selling price for that deliverable.  

Software: We typically sell our proprietary software bundled with our video displays and certain other products, but we also sell our 
software separately.  Pursuant to ASC 985-605, Software Revenue Recognition, revenues from software license fees on sales, other than 

Page | 45

construction-type contracts, are recognized when persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the 
fee is fixed and determinable, and collection is probable.  For sales of software included in construction-type contracts, the revenue is 
recognized under the percentage-of-completion method starting when all of these criteria have been met.

Long-term receivables and advertising rights:  We occasionally sell and install our products at facilities in exchange for the rights to sell 
or to retain future advertising revenues.  For these transactions, we recognize revenue for the amount of the present value of the future 
advertising payments if enough advertising is sold to obtain normal margins on the contract and we record the related receivable in long-
term receivables.  We recognize imputed interest as earned.  

On those transactions where we have not sold the advertising for the full value of the equipment at normal margins, we record the related 
cost of equipment as advertising rights.  Revenue to the extent of the present value of the advertising payments is recognized in long-
term receivables when it becomes fixed and determinable under the provisions of the applicable advertising contracts.  At the time the 
revenue is recognized, costs of the equipment are recognized based on an estimate of overall margin expected.  Any remaining costs are 
recorded in the costs of advertising rights.  

The cost of advertising rights, net of amortization, was $53 and $446 as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively.

Property and equipment: Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated principally on the straight-line method over the following 
estimated useful lives:

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

Office furniture and equipment

Computer software and hardware

Equipment held for rental

Demonstration equipment

Transportation equipment

Years

7 - 40

5 - 7

3 - 5

3 - 5

2 - 7

3 - 5

5 - 7

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease.  Our depreciation expense 
was $15,379, $17,273 and $19,354 for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets:  Long-lived  assets  other  than  goodwill  and  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets,  as  described  in  Note  4,  which  are 
separately tested for impairment, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value 
may not be recoverable.

When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated future 
cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges).  If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, 
we calculate an impairment loss.  The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset's estimated fair 
value.  We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset's carrying value exceeds the asset's estimated fair value.  If we recognize 
an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis.  For a depreciable long-lived asset, the new 
cost basis will be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset.

Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to 
estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects 
the risk inherent in future cash flows.  

Software  costs:  We  capitalize  certain  costs  incurred  in  connection  with  developing  or  obtaining  internal-use  software.  Capitalized 
software costs are included in property and equipment on our consolidated balance sheets.  Software costs that do not meet capitalization 
criteria are expensed immediately.

Insurance:  We are self-insured for certain losses related to health and liability claims and workers’ compensation, although we obtain 
third-party insurance to limit our exposure to these claims.  We estimate our self-insured liabilities using a number of factors, including 
historical claims experience.  Our self-insurance liability was $1,843 and $2,075 at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively, and 
is included in accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets.

Page | 46

 
Foreign currency translation: Our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency.  The 
assets and liabilities of foreign operations are generally translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.  The operating 
results of foreign operations are translated at weighted average exchange rates.  The related translation gains or losses are reported as a 
separate component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Income taxes:  We account for income taxes under ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and 
assets for the expected future tax consequences of events included in our financial statements or tax returns.  Under this method, deferred 
tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities 
using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  ASC 740 requires the consideration of a 
valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will 
not be realized.  Tax rate changes are reflected in income during the period such changes are enacted.  We have benefited from a tax 
holiday in China that expired in fiscal 2012.  In fiscal 2012 and 2011, we realized a benefit of approximately $249 or $0.006 per share 
and $77 or $0.002 per share, respectively.

Our income tax returns, like those of most companies, are periodically audited by U.S. federal, state and local and foreign tax authorities. 
These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of 
income among various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities. In evaluating 
the tax benefits associated with our various tax filing positions, we record a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions using the highest 
cumulative tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we 
have established a liability is audited and effectively settled. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which 
we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to 
examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. We include our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including 
accrued penalties and interest, in income taxes payable on our consolidated balance sheets and in income tax expense in our consolidated 
statements of operations.

Comprehensive (loss) income:  We follow the provisions of ASC 220, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which establishes standards 
for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components.  Comprehensive (loss) income reflects the change in equity of 
a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.  For us, comprehensive 
(loss)  income represents net income (loss)  adjusted for  foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized  gains and  losses on 
available-for-sale securities.  The foreign currency translation adjustment included in comprehensive (loss) income has not been tax 
affected, as the investments in foreign affiliates are deemed to be permanent.  In accordance with ASC 220 and ASU 2011-05, we disclose 
comprehensive (loss) income on a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Product design and development:  All expenses related to product design and development are charged to operations as incurred.  Our 
product development activities include the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products.

Advertising costs:  We expense advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising expenses were $1,584, $1,843 and $1,895 for fiscal years 2013, 
2012 and 2011, respectively.

Shipping and handling costs: Shipping and handling costs collected from our customers in connection with our sales are recorded as 
revenue.  We record shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of sales at the time the product is shipped.

Earnings per share (“EPS”):  Basic EPS is computed by dividing income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average 
number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution which may occur if securities or other 
obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock which 
share in our earnings.

Page | 47

 
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of the income and common stock share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for 
the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011:

For the year ended April 27, 2013:
Basic earnings per share

Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

Diluted earnings per share
For the year ended April 28, 2012:
Basic earnings per share

Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

Diluted earnings per share
For the year ended April 30, 2011:
Basic earnings per share

Dilution associated with stock compensation plans

Diluted earnings per share

Net income

Shares

Per share
income (loss)

$

$

$

$

$

$

22,779
—
22,779

8,489
—
8,489

14,244
—
14,244

42,280
341
42,621

41,869
435
42,304

41,422
855
42,277

$

$

$

$

$

$

0.54
(0.01)
0.53

0.20
—
0.20

0.34
—
0.34

Options outstanding to purchase 2,672, 1,611 and 1,655 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $15.09, $19.17 
and $19.23 per share during the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively, were not included in 
the computation of diluted earnings per share because the weighted average exercise price of those instruments exceeded the average 
market price of the common shares during the year.

Share-based  compensation:  We  account  for  share-based  compensation  in  accordance  with  ASC  718,  Compensation-Stock 
Compensation.  Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, we measure share-based compensation cost at the grant date 
based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting 
period.  See Note 9 for additional information and the assumptions we use to calculate the fair value of share-based employee compensation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, Comprehensive 
Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The ASU amends guidance for the presentation of comprehensive income. 
The amended guidance requires an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous 
statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The previous option to 
report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of shareholders’ equity has been eliminated. Although the new 
guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components recognized in net income or other 
comprehensive income under existing guidance. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we revised our presentation of comprehensive income 
to conform to the guidance in this ASU.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. 
Under this new standard, entities testing goodwill for impairment now have an option of performing a qualitative assessment before 
having to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. If an entity determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, it is more-likely-than-not 
the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the existing quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no 
further impairment testing is required. This ASU is effective for impairment tests after April 29, 2012. The adoption of this standard did 
not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition, as this ASU impacts only the analysis performed.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 
for Impairment. The amended guidance gives entities the option to perform a qualitative impairment assessment to determine whether it 
is more-likely-than-not an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired.  An entity must identify and evaluate changes in economic, industry 
and entity-specific events and circumstances affecting the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible 
asset and whether it is more-likely-than-not the fair value exceeds its carrying amount.  ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim 
impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted.  The adoption of this 
amended guidance is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition, as the ASU impacts 
only the analysis to be performed.

Page | 48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 2. Segment Reporting

We  have  organized  our  business  into  five  segments  which  meet  the  definition  of  reportable  segments  under ASC  280-10,  Segment 
Reporting: Commercial, Live Events, Schools and Theatres, Transportation, and the International business unit.  These segments are 
based on the type of customer and geography.

Our Commercial business unit primarily consists of sales of our video, Galaxy® and Fuelight™ product lines to resellers (primarily sign 
companies), outdoor advertisers, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos and petroleum retailers.  Our Live Events business 
unit primarily consists of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports facilities and convention 
centers and sales of our mobile display technology to video rental organizations and other live events type venues.  Our Schools and 
Theatres business unit primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary 
education facilities and sales of our Vortek® automated rigging systems for theatre applications.  Our Transportation business unit primarily 
consists of sales of our Vanguard® and Galaxy® product lines to governmental transportation departments, airlines and other transportation 
related customers.  Our International business unit consists of sales of all product lines outside the United States and Canada.

Segment reports present results through contribution margin, which is comprised of gross profit less selling costs. Segment profit excludes 
general and administration expense, product development expense, interest income and expense, non-operating income and income tax 
expense.  Assets are not allocated to the segments.  Depreciation and amortization, excluding the portion related to non-allocated costs, 
are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures.  In general, segments follow the same accounting policies as those 
described in Note 1.  Unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are 
allocated  to  the  Commercial,  Live  Events, Transportation,  and  Schools  and Theatres  business  units  based  on  cost  of  sales.  Shared 
manufacturing, building and utilities, and procurement costs are allocated based on payroll dollars, square footage and various other 
financial measures.

We do not maintain information on sales by products; therefore, disclosure of such information is not practical.

Page | 49

 
The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five operating segments for the periods indicated:

Net sales:

Commercial
Live Events
Schools & Theatres
Transportation
International

Contribution margin:

Commercial
Live Events
Schools & Theatres
Transportation
International

Non-allocated operating expenses:

General and administrative
Product design and development
Operating income

Nonoperating income (expense):

Interest income
Interest expense
Other (expense) income, net

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income

Depreciation and amortization:

Commercial
Live Events
Schools & Theatres
Transportation
International
Unallocated corporate depreciation

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

144,596
158,562
66,128
73,270
75,766
518,322

$

148,585
160,933
59,662
48,284
72,062
489,526

112,515
161,572
62,310
45,215
60,064
441,676

24,241
19,071
8,150
21,330
8,343
81,135

27,404
23,131
30,600

1,523
(355)
(839)

30,929
8,150
22,779

4,940
4,473
2,233
1,375
717
1,869
15,607

$

$

$

24,011
13,579
4,716
11,009
7,889
61,204

27,422
23,507
10,275

1,747
(335)
(110)

11,577
3,088
8,489

6,103
5,055
2,361
1,386
650
1,963
17,518

$

$

$

12,925
18,889
7,247
12,149
10,719
61,929

23,453
18,949
19,527

1,921
(184)
877

22,141
7,897
14,244

6,790
6,224
2,621
1,524
692
1,790
19,641

$

$

$

$

No single geographic area comprises a material amount of net sales or long-lived assets net of accumulated depreciation other than the 
United States.  The following table presents information about net sales and long-lived assets in the United States and elsewhere:

Net sales:

United States
Outside U.S.

Long-lived assets:
United States
Outside U.S.

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

$

$

430,242
88,080
518,322

60,060
1,565
61,625

$

$

$

$

405,479
84,047
489,526

66,350
2,046
68,396

$

$

$

$

368,979
72,697
441,676

68,034
1,832
69,866

Page | 50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services; therefore, we are not economically dependent on a limited 
number of customers for the sale of our products and services.  

Note 3.  Marketable Securities

We have a cash management program which provides for the investment of cash balances not used in current operations.  We classify 
our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions of ASU 320, Investments – Debt and 
Equity Securities.  Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of 
tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.  As it relates to fixed income marketable securities, we do not intend 
to sell any of these investments, and it is not more-likely-than-not we will be required to sell any of these investments before recovery 
of the entire amortized cost basis.  The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.  Where quoted market prices 
are not available, we use the market price of similar types of securities traded in the market to estimate fair value.  

As of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:

Amortized
Cost

Unrealized 
Gains

Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Balance as of April 27, 2013:
Certificates of deposit
U.S. Government securities
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Municipal obligations

Balance as of April 28, 2012:
Certificates of deposit
U.S. Government securities
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Municipal obligations

$

$

$

$

4,677
4,999
4,752
9,596
24,024

7,657
7,507
4,503
5,517
25,184

$

$

$

$

— $
19
—
9
28

$

— $
49
2
23
74

$

— $
—
—
—
— $

— $
—
—
—
— $

4,677
5,018
4,752
9,605
24,052

7,657
7,556
4,505
5,540
25,258

Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations within other (expense) income, net. 
Upon the sale of a security classified as available-for-sale, the security’s specific unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of "accumulated 
other comprehensive (loss) income” into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013 
and April 28, 2012, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to net assets were immaterial. Realized 
gains and losses on sales and maturities of investments were immaterial in the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012. 

All available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets, as they are readily available to support our current operating needs. The 
contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of April 27, 2013 were as follows:

Certificates of deposit
U.S. Government securities
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Municipal obligations

Note 4.  Long-Lived Assets

Less than 12
months

Greater than
12 months

Total

$

$

1,473
3,017
—
3,863
8,353

$

$

3,204
2,001
4,752
5,742
15,699

$

$

4,677
5,018
4,752
9,605
24,052

Goodwill and other intangible assets: We account for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other 
Intangible Assets.  Under these provisions, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis.  Impairment 
testing  is  required  more  often  than  annually  if  an  event  or  circumstance  indicates  an  impairment  or  a  decline  in  value  may  have 
occurred.  Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a worsening trend of orders and sales without a corresponding way 
to preserve future cash flows or a significant decline in our stock price.  In conducting our impairment testing, we compare the fair value 
of each of our business units (reporting unit) to the related carrying value.  If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, 
goodwill is not impaired.  If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is measured and recognized.  

We utilize an income approach to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit.  We selected this method because we believe it most 
appropriately measures our income producing assets.  We considered using the market approach and cost approach, but concluded they 

Page | 51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
were not appropriate in valuing our reporting units given the lack of relevant and available market comparisons.  The income approach 
is based on the projected cash flows, which are discounted to their present value using discount rates which consider the timing and risk 
of the forecasted cash flows.  We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting 
units’ expected long-term operating cash performance.  This approach also mitigates the impact of the cyclical trends occurring in the 
industry.  Fair value is estimated using internally-developed forecasts and assumptions.  The discount rate used is the average estimated 
value of a market participant’s cost of capital and debt, derived using customary market metrics. Other significant assumptions include 
terminal value margin rates, future capital expenditures, and changes in future working capital requirements.  We also compare and 
reconcile our overall fair value to our market capitalization.  Although there are inherent uncertainties related to the assumptions used 
and to our application of these assumptions to this analysis, we believe the income approach provides a reasonable estimate of the fair 
value of our reporting units.  The foregoing assumptions to a large degree were consistent with our long-term performance, with limited 
exceptions.  We believe our future investments for capital expenditures as a percent of revenue will remain similar to the historical rates 
as a percentage of sales in future years with investments related to equipment replacements, new product line manufacturing equipment 
needs, and to keep our information technology infrastructure robust, and we believe long-term receivables will decrease as we grow.  We 
also have assumed through the recent economic downturn, our markets have not contracted for the long term; however, it may be a number 
of years before they fully recover.  These assumptions could deviate materially from actual results.

We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis. We completed this annual analysis during our third quarter of each fiscal year, 
based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third quarter in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011.  The result of our analysis 
indicated that no goodwill impairment existed for each fiscal year.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013 were as 
follows: 

Balance as of April 28, 2012:

Foreign currency translation

Balance as of April 27, 2013:

$

$

2,435
(18)
2,417

$

$

741
(16)
725

Live Events

Commercial

Transportation
171
$
(7)
164

$

$

$

Total

3,347
(41)
3,306

As required by ASC 350, intangibles with finite lives are amortized.  We evaluate indefinite lived assets for impairment annually and 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable.  The net value of intangible assets is 
shown on our consolidated balance sheets.  Estimated amortization expense based on intangibles as of April 27, 2013 is $228 for each 
of the fiscal years 2014 through 2016 and $95 for fiscal 2017.

The following table sets forth the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by major intangible class as 
of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012:

April 27, 2013

April 28, 2012

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization Net Value

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization Net Value

Definite-lived:

Patents

Indefinite-lived:

Registered trademarks

$

$

2,282

$

1,502

$

780

$

2,282

$

1,274

$

1,008

401
2,683

$

—
1,502

$

401
1,181

$

401
2,683

$

—
1,274

$

401
1,409

Impairment of long-lived assets:  We recorded a pretax asset impairment charge of $64, $538 and $355 for the fiscal years ended April 27, 
2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively for other long-lived assets including property and equipment.  The impairment 
charges related to technology or equipment obsoleted due to technology improvements or to custom demo equipment with no re-sale 
value.  Impairment charges during fiscal 2013 were included primarily in selling expense. 

Page | 52

 
 
 
 
Note 5.  Selected Financial Statement Data

Inventories consisted of the following: 

Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods

April 27,
2013

April 28,
2012

$

$

20,979
8,523
19,543
49,045

$

$

24,880
10,581
19,463
54,924

Inventories are reported net of the allowance for excess and obsolete inventory of $3,286 and $2,851 as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 
2012, respectively.

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

April 27,
2013

April 28,
2012

1,497
57,012
65,600
16,118
41,745
868
8,400
4,026
195,266
133,641
61,625

April 27,
2013

12,940
2,534
8,857
24,331

$

$

$

$

1,497
56,431
61,654
15,648
42,172
1,003
9,806
4,116
192,327
123,931
68,396

April 28,
2012

11,475
3,987
7,269
22,731

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

(319)
—
(520)
(839)

$

$

(206)
—
96
(110)

$

$

463
(36)
450
877

$

$

$

$

$

$

Land
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Office furniture and equipment
Computer software and hardware
Equipment held for rental
Demonstration equipment
Transportation equipment

Less accumulated depreciation

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

Compensation
Taxes, other than income taxes
Other

Other (expense) income, net consisted of the following:

Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains
Equity in losses of affiliates
Other

Page | 53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 6.  Uncompleted Contracts

Uncompleted contracts consisted of the following:

Costs incurred
Estimated earnings

Less billings to date

April 27,
2013

April 28,
2012

$

$

393,287
146,378
539,665
514,555
25,110

$

$

$

$

304,058
114,687
418,745
410,110
8,635

April 28,
2012

23,020
(14,385)
8,635

Uncompleted contracts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings

Note 7.  Receivables

April 27,
2013

$

$

39,355
(14,245)
25,110

We sell our products throughout the United States and in certain foreign countries on credit terms we establish for each customer.  On 
the sale of certain products, we have the ability to file a contractor’s lien against the product installed as collateral and to file claims 
against surety bonds to protect our interest in receivables.  Foreign sales are at times secured by irrevocable letters of credit or bank 
guarantees.

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,729 and $2,398 at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, 
respectively.  

We make estimates regarding the collectability of our accounts receivable, long-term receivables, costs and estimated earnings in excess 
of billings and other receivables.  In evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts, we analyze specific balances, 
customer creditworthiness, changes in customer payment cycles, and current economic trends.  If the financial condition of any customer 
were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.  We charge off 
receivables at such time as it is determined collection will not occur.  Charge offs of receivables and our allowance for doubtful accounts 
related to financing receivables are not material to our financial results.

In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and 
sales-type leases.  The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles, and profit is recognized to the extent the present value is in excess of cost.  We generally 
retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid.  The present value of 
long-term contracts and lease receivables, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $16,132 and $18,452 as of April 27, 
2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively.  Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates of 5.8 to 10.0 percent are due in varying 
monthly, quarterly or annual installments through July 2022.  The face amount of long-term receivables was $18,731 as of April 27, 2013 
and $21,494 as of April 28, 2012.  Included in accounts receivable as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012 was $803 and $783, respectively, 
of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected in one year.

Note 8.  Financing Agreements

We have a credit agreement with a U.S. bank providing for a $35.0 million line of credit and includes up to $15.0 million for standby 
letters of credit.  The line of credit is due on November 15, 2013. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 125 basis points to LIBOR 
plus 175 basis points depending on the ratio of our interest-bearing debt to EBITDA.  EBITDA is defined as net income before income 
taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization.  The effective interest rate was 1.5 percent at April 27, 2013.  We are assessed a 
loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum of any non-used portion of the loan.  As of April 27, 2013, there were no advances under the 
line of credit.

Page | 54

 
 
 
The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to be in compliance with the following financial ratios:

•  A minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year.  The ratio is equal to (a) EBITDA less 
dividends, a capital expenditure reserve of $6 million, and income tax expense, over (b) all principal and interest payments with 
respect to debt, excluding debt outstanding on the line of credit; and

•  A ratio of interest-bearing debt, excluding any marketing obligations, to EBITDA of less than 1 to 1 at the end of any fiscal 

quarter.

We have an additional credit agreement with another U.S. bank which expires on November 15, 2013 and is intended to support our 
credit needs outside of the United States.  The facility provides for a $35.0 million line of credit and includes facilities for letters of credit 
and bank guarantees and to secure foreign loans for our international subsidiaries.  The U.S. credit agreement is unsecured and is cross 
collateralized with the $35.0 million line of credit described above.  It contains the same covenants as the credit agreement above.  As 
of April 27, 2013, there were no advances under the line of credit.

We were in compliance with all applicable covenants as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012.  The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio 
as of April 27, 2013 was 64-to-1, and the ratio of interest-bearing debt to EBITDA as of April 27, 2013 was 0.01-to-1.

Note 9.  Shareholders’ Equity and Share-Based Compensation

Common  stock:  Our  authorized  shares  of  120,000  consist  of  115,000  shares  of  common  stock  and  5,000  shares  of  “undesignated 
stock.”  Our Board of Directors has the power to issue any or all of the shares of undesignated stock without shareholder approval, 
including the authority to establish the rights and preferences of the undesignated stock.

Each outstanding share of our common stock includes one common share purchase right.  Each right entitles the registered holder to 
purchase from us one one-tenth of one share of common stock at a price of $100 per common share, subject to adjustment and the terms 
of the shareholder rights agreement under which the dividend was declared and paid.  The rights become exercisable immediately after 
the earlier of (i) 10 business days following a public announcement where a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 15 
percent or more of our outstanding common shares (subject to certain exclusions) or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement 
or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer for our common shares, the consummation of which would 
result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 15 percent or more of our outstanding common shares.  The rights expire on 
November 19, 2018, which date may be extended by our Board subject to certain additional conditions.

Stock incentive plans:  During fiscal 2008, we established the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”) and ceased granting options under 
the 2001 Incentive Stock Option Plan, and the 2001 Outside Directors Option Plan (“2001 Plans”).  The 2007 Plan provides for the 
issuance of stock-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock, to employees, directors 
and consultants.  Stock options issued to employees under the plans generally have a 10-year life, an exercise price equal to the fair 
market value on the grant date and a five-year vesting period.  Stock options granted to independent directors under these plans have a 
seven-year life and an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant.  Stock options granted to independent directors 
prior to fiscal 2010 vest over three years, and options granted in or after fiscal 2010 vest in one year.  The restricted stock granted to 
independent directors vests in one year, provided that they remain on the Board.  Restricted stock units are granted to employees and 
have a five-year vesting period.  As with stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit ownership cannot be transferred during 
the vesting period.

At April 27, 2013, the aggregate number of shares available for future grant  under the 2007 plan for stock options and restricted stock 
awards was 798 shares.  Full value awards such as restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards reduce the number of shares available 
for issuance by a factor of two, or if such an award were forfeited or terminated without delivery of the shares, the number of shares again 
become eligible for issuance would be multiplied by a factor of two.  Although the 2001 Plans remain in effect for options outstanding, 
no new options can be granted under these plans.

Restricted stock and restricted stock units: We issue restricted stock to our non-employee directors and restricted stock units to employees.  
The fair value of restricted stock and our restricted stock unit awards are measured on the grant date based on the market value of our 
common stock. The related compensation expense as calculated under ASC 718, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the 
applicable  vesting  period.    Unrecognized  compensation  expense  related  to  the  restricted  stock  and  restrict  stock  unit  awards  was 
approximately $2,080 at April 27, 2013, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.3 years.  The total fair 
value of restricted stock vested was $666, $511, and $288 for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Page | 55

A summary of nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock units for the years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 
is as follows:

April 27, 2013

Number of
Nonvested
Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

$

242
119
(69)
(13)
279

9.81
8.50
12.05
9.63
9.74

Year Ended
April 28, 2012

Number of
Nonvested
Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

$

181
118
(49)
(8)
242

11.07
8.24
10.51
10.85
9.81

April 30, 2011

Number of
Nonvested
Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

$

121
103
(35)
(8)
181

8.21
13.29
8.24
9.17
11.07

Outstanding at beginning of year

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding at end of year

Stock Options:  We issue incentive stock options to our employees and non-qualified stock options to our independent directors.  A 
summary of stock option activity under all stock option plans during the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013 is as follows:

Outstanding at April 28, 2012

Granted
Canceled or forfeited
Exercised

Outstanding at April 27, 2013

Shares vested and expected to vest
Exercisable at April 27, 2013

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share

Stock
Options

3,290
485
(157)
(197)
3,421

3,377
2,301

$

$

$
$

13.73
9.51
12.55
6.69
13.59

13.63
15.42

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
5.34
—
—
—
5.09

5.05
3.71

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

$

$

$
$

463
—
—
562
1,176

1,166
828

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options represents the difference between the exercise price of stock options and the fair market 
value of the underlying common stock at day's end for all in-the-money options.  We define in-the-money options at April 27, 2013 as 
options having exercise prices lower than the $9.57 per share market price of our common stock.  There were in-the-money options to 
purchase 917 shares exercisable at April 27, 2013.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 
was $562, $624, and $1,945, respectively.  The total fair value of stock options vested was $1,898, $2,497, and $2,628 for fiscal years 
2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  We recognize the fair value of the 
stock options on a straight-line basis as compensation expense.  All options are recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards, 
which are generally the vesting periods.

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options having no vesting restrictions 
and are fully transferable.  In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected 
stock price volatility.  ASC 718 requires us to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods 
if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record share-based 
compensation expense only for those awards expected to vest.  The following factors are the significant assumptions used in the computation 
of fair value of options:

Expected life.  The expected life of options granted represents the period of time they are expected to be outstanding.  We estimate 
the expected life of options granted based on historical exercise patterns, which we believe are representative of future behavior.  We 
have examined our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there were any discernible patterns of activity 
based  on  certain  demographic  characteristics.  Demographic  characteristics  tested  included  age,  salary  level,  job  level  and 
geographic  location.  We  have  determined  there  were  no  meaningful  differences  in  option  exercise  activity  based  on  the 
demographic characteristics tested.

Expected volatility.  We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on historical volatility consistent 
with ASC 718 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share Based Payments.  Our decision to use historical volatility instead 

Page | 56

 
 
of implied volatility was based upon analyzing historical data along with the lack of availability of history of actively traded options 
on our common stock.

Risk-free interest rate.  The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yield curve on the grant date for a term similar to the 
expected life of the options.

Dividend  yield.  We  use  an  expected  dividend  yield  consistent  with  our  dividend  yield  over  the  period  of  time  we  have  paid 
dividends.

The following table provides the weighted-average fair value of options granted and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes 
model:

Fair Value of options granted
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend rate
Expected volatility
Expected life of option

April 27,
2013

$

3.43

$

0.71 -  1.13%
2.43%
45.60 - 46.15%
5.9 - 6.8 years

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

3.46
1.10 -   1.50%
0.71 -   2.15%
44.59 - 46.85%
5.9 - 6.8 years

$

April 30,
2011

5.74
1.40 -   2.30%
0.67 -   0.68%
42.00 - 46.00%
5.9 - 6.7 years

Employee stock purchase plan:  We have an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), which enables employees after six months of 
continuous employment to elect, in advance and semi-annually, to contribute up to 15 percent of their compensation, subject to certain 
limitations, toward the purchase of our common stock  at a purchase price equal to 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of the 
common stock on the first or last day of the participation period.  The ESPP plan requires participants to hold any share purchased under 
the plan for a minimum period of one year after the date of purchase. Compensation expense recognized on shares issued under our ESPP 
is based on the value of a traded option to purchase shares of our stock at a 15 percent discount to the stock price.  The total number of 
shares reserved under the ESPP is 2,500. The number of shares of common stock issued under the ESPP totaled  214, 160, and 205 shares 
in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.  The number of shares of common stock reserved for future employee purchases under the 
ESPP totaled 1,185 shares at April 27, 2013.  The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 

Total share-based compensation expense:  As of April 27, 2013, there was $5,379 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to 
nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under all equity compensation plans.  Total unrecognized compensation cost 
will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.  We expect to recognize the cost over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years. 

The following table presents a summary of the share-based compensation expense by equity type as follows:

Stock options
Restricted stock and stock units
Employee stock purchase plans

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

1,812
765
460
3,037

$

$

2,565
256
441
3,262

$

$

2,671
256
443
3,370

A summary of the share-based compensation expenses for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares issued under 
the ESPP for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 is as follows:

Cost of goods sold
Selling
General and administrative
Product design and development

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

633
856
980
568
3,037

$

$

610
982
1,059
611
3,262

$

$

565
1,065
1,103
637
3,370

We received $1,316 in cash from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  
The tax benefit related to non-qualified options and restricted stock units under all share-based payment arrangements totaled $346,  $325, 
and $239 for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Page | 57

 
 
 
 
Note 10.  Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan under which eligible U.S. employees may choose to make voluntary contributions of such employee's 
compensation on a pretax basis, subject to certain Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits. We make matching contributions equal to 25 
percent (50 percent prior to August 1, 2010 and after January 29, 2011) of the employee's qualifying contribution up to six percent of 
such employee's compensation plus other discretionary contributions as authorized by our Board of Directors.  Employees are eligible 
to participate upon completion of one year of service if they have attained the age of 21 and have worked more than 1000 hours during 
such plan year.  We contributed $1,713, $1,618 and $905 to the plan for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

We have unfunded deferred compensation agreements with certain officers and a former director under which interest is credited each 
year to each participant’s account in an amount equal to the five-year Treasury note rate as of January 1 of each plan year.  Total amounts 
accrued for these plans as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012 were $629 and $625, respectively.  Contributions for each of the fiscal 
years 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $23, $23 and $22, respectively.  The amounts accrued under the plans are not funded and are subject 
to the claims of the participants’ creditors.  Participants may elect various forms of withdrawals upon retirement, including a lump sum 
distribution or annual payments over five or 10 years.

Note 11.  Income Taxes

We are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as the income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions.  As a result of the completion of 
examinations by the Internal Revenue Service on prior years and the expiration of statutes of limitations, fiscal years 2010, 2011 and 
2012 are the only years remaining open under statutes of limitations.  Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign 
jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2005.

On January 2, 2013, the President signed into law The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.  Under prior law, a taxpayer was entitled 
to a research tax credit for qualifying amounts paid or incurred on or before December 31, 2011. The 2012 Taxpayer Relief Act extends 
the research credit for two years to December 31, 2013.  The extension of the research credit is retroactive and includes amounts paid or 
incurred after December 31, 2011.  As a result of the retroactive extension, we recognized approximately $1,804 in tax benefits for the 
credit during fiscal year 2013.

Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:

Current:
Federal
State
Foreign
Deferred taxes

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

9,517
2,219
754
(4,340)
8,150

$

$

2,266
577
313
(68)
3,088

$

$

4,879
1,227
939
852
7,897

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate to income before 
income taxes is as follows:

Computed income tax expense at federal

statutory rate

State taxes, net of federal benefit
Research and development tax credit
Meals and entertainment
Stock compensation
Dividends paid to retirement plan
Domestic production activities deduction
Change in foreign deferred rates
Reversal of valuation allowance
Other, net

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

10,825
684
(1,804)
308
466
(616)
(976)
—
—
(737)
8,150

$

$

4,052
497
(1,004)
375
842
(522)
(270)
(249)
(364)
(269)
3,088

$

$

7,732
1,107
(981)
299
959
—
(607)
—
—
(612)
7,897

Page | 58

 
 
 
 
 
 
We operated under a tax holiday in China which expired in fiscal 2012. As noted above, the expiration of this tax holiday caused a $249 
decrease in our income tax expense in fiscal 2012.

The pretax income attributable to domestic and foreign operations was as follows:

Domestic
Foreign

Income before income taxes

The components of the net deferred tax asset were as follows:

Deferred taxes assets:
Warranty reserves
Vacation accrual
Net losses on equity investments
Deferred maintenance revenue
Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory
Equity compensation
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Inventory capitalization
Accrued compensation and benefits
Intangible assets
Net operating loss carry forwards
Other

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property and equipment
Prepaid expenses
Other

April 27,
2013

27,667
3,262
30,929

April 27,
2013

9,847
1,788
3,066
2,439
1,246
1,049
599
600
1,077
37
—
440
22,188

(7,542)
(662)
(168)
(8,372)
13,816

$

$

$

$

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

$

$

10,052
1,525
11,577

$

$

17,892
4,249
22,141

April 28,
2012

8,425
1,821
2,971
1,738
1,021
653
473
907
742
81
15
334
19,181

(8,817)
(669)
(219)
(9,705)
9,476

We review deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, and to the extent we believe the asset may not be realized, we recognize a 
valuation allowance.  At April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, we had recorded no valuation allowances as we believe our deferred tax 
assets will be fully realized based upon our estimates of the future taxable income.  If our estimates of future taxable income are not met 
in future periods, a valuation allowance for some of these deferred tax assets may be required.

We have not recorded U.S. deferred income taxes on certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings, as such amounts are 
intended to be reinvested outside the United States indefinitely.  However, should we change our business and tax strategies in the future 
and decide to repatriate a portion of these earnings to one of our U.S. subsidiaries, including cash maintained by these non-U.S. subsidiaries, 
additional U.S. tax liabilities would be incurred.  It is not practical at this time to estimate the amount of additional U.S. tax liabilities 
we would incur.

The following presents the classification of the net deferred tax asset on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:

Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current assets
Non-current liabilities

Page | 59

April 27,
2013

April 28,
2012

$

$

12,755
—
1,061
—
13,816

$

$

10,941
(42)
30
(1,453)
9,476

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We account for uncertainties in tax positions under the provisions of ASC 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an 
Interpretation of SFAS No. 109.  ASC 740-10 creates a single model to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting 
for  income  taxes  by  prescribing  the  minimum  recognition  threshold  a  tax  position  is  required  to  meet  before  being  recognized  in 
the financial  statements.  ASC  740-10  also  provides  guidance  on  derecognition,  measurement,  classification,  interest  and  penalties, 
accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in unrecognized tax 
benefits for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:

Balance as of May 1, 2010:

Gross increases related to prior period tax positions
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions
Gross increases related to current period tax positions
Lapse of statute of limitations

Balance as of April 30, 2011:

Gross increases related to prior period tax positions
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions
Gross increases related to current period tax positions
Lapse of statute of limitations

Balance as of April 28, 2012:

Gross increases related to prior period tax positions
Gross decreases related to prior period tax positions
Gross increases related to current period tax positions
Lapse of statute of limitations

Balance as of April 27, 2013:

Amount

538
132
(104)
81
(120)
527
14
(178)
86
—
449
—
(11)
129
(188)
379

$

$

$

$

 We recognized an expense (benefit) of $10, $(1) and $(16) in net interest and penalties during the years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 
2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively.  Interest and penalties recognized are recorded in income taxes in our consolidated statements of 
operations. We had accrued $11 and $24 in net interest or penalties as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively.

Note 12.  Cash Flow Information

The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

(Increase) decrease:
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable
Long-term receivables
Inventories
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Income taxes receivable
Advertising rights and other assets

Increase (decrease):

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Customer deposits
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
Long-term warranty obligations
Income taxes payable
Long-term deferred revenue
Other long-term obligations

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

1,120
3,364
2,348
6,656
(16,335)
(658)
5,944
386

7,658
(450)
(140)
2,932
1,023
(576)
(169)
13,103

$

$

377
(4,995)
462
(7,539)
1,173
784
(1,120)
226

6,975
1,538
(5,899)
(767)
(215)
783
(915)
(9,132)

$

$

(282)
(16,837)
(756)
(10,341)
1,040
82
2,574
823

11,242
1,940
7,179
4,561
853
1,256
41
3,375

Page | 60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consisted of the following:

Cash payments for:

Interest
Income taxes, net of refunds

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

$

$

420
5,422

$

306
4,292

113
(3,683)

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities consisted of the following:

April 27,
2013

Year Ended
April 28,
2012

April 30,
2011

Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory

$

612

$

409

$

Purchases of property and equipment included in

accounts payable

Contributions of common stock under the employee

stock purchase plan

Note 13.  Fair Value Measurement

1,207

1,482

1,475

1,413

896

673

1,382

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to 
transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  It also establishes a fair 
value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when 
measuring fair value.  The fair value hierarchy within ASC 820 distinguishes between the following three levels of inputs which may be 
utilized when measuring fair value.

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (for 
example, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets or 
liabilities in markets not considered to be active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or 
market-corroborated input.)

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities.

The fair values for fixed-rate contracts receivable are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates currently 
being offered for contracts with similar terms to customers with similar credit quality. The carrying amounts reported on our consolidated 
balance sheets for contracts receivable approximate fair value and have been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.  The 
carrying amounts reported for variable rate long-term marketing obligations approximate fair value.  Fair values for fixed-rate long-term 
marketing obligations are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation which applies interest rates currently being offered for debt 
with similar terms and underlying collateral.  The total carrying value of long-term marketing obligations reported on our consolidated 
balance sheets approximates fair value and has been categorized as a Level 2 fair value measurement.

Page | 61

 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth by Level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a 
recurring basis at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There 
have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.

Balance as of April 27, 2013:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit
U.S. Government securities
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Municipal obligations

Derivatives - currency forward contracts

Balance as of April 28, 2012:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Available-for-sale securities:
Certificates of deposit
U.S. Government securities
U.S. Government sponsored entities
Municipal obligations

Derivatives - currency forward contracts

Fair Value Measurements
Level 2

Total

Level 1

$

$

$

$

40,628
48

—
5,018
—
—
—
45,694

29,423
1,169

—
7,556
—
—
—
38,148

$

$

$

$

— $
—

4,677
—
4,752
9,605
7
19,041

$

— $
—

7,657
—
4,505
5,540
(95)
17,607

$

40,628
48

4,677
5,018
4,752
9,605
7
64,735

29,423
1,169

7,657
7,556
4,505
5,540
(95)
55,755

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument.  There have been no 
changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments.

Cash  and  cash  equivalents:    Consists  of  cash  on  hand  in  bank  deposits  and  highly  liquid  investments,  primarily  money  market 
accounts.  The fair value was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Restricted cash:  Consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure issuances of foreign bank guarantees.  The 
fair value of restricted cash was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Certificates of deposit:  Consists of time deposit accounts with original maturities of less than three years and various yields.  The fair 
value of these securities was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments from a third-party 
financial institution.  The carrying amount approximates fair value.

U.S. Government securities:  Consists of U.S. Government treasury bills, notes, and bonds with original maturities of less than three years 
and various yields. The fair value of these securities was measured using quoted market prices in active markets.

U.S. Government sponsored entities:  Consist of Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Bank investment grade debt securities trading with 
sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was 
measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments.  The contractual maturities of these investments 
vary from one month to three years.

Municipal obligations:  Consist of investment grade municipal bonds trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain 
pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The contractual maturities of these investments vary from two to three years.   The fair value 
of these bonds was measured based on valuations observed in less active markets than Level 1 investments.

Derivatives – currency forward contracts:  Consists of currency forward contracts trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable 
us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on a valuation from a third-
party bank.  See Note 14 for more information regarding our derivatives.

The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring 
basis.  For example, certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair 

Page | 62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
value in connection with business combinations or when an impairment is recognized and the related assets are written down to fair 
value.  We did not make any material business combinations or recognize significant impairment losses during fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.

Note 14.  Derivative Financial Instruments

We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions 
denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar.  We enter into currency forward contracts to 
manage these economic risks.  We account for all derivatives on the balance sheet within other assets or accounts payable measured at 
fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net 
investment hedges. As of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as accounting 
hedges, and thus we recorded the changes in fair value in other (expense) income, net.

The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange United States Dollars at April 27, 
2013 and April 28, 2012 were as follows:

Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:

U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars

U.S. Dollars/British Pounds

U.S. Dollars/Euros

U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars

U.S. Dollars/Brazilian Reais

April 27, 2013

April 28, 2012

U.S.
Dollars

Foreign
Currency

U.S.
Dollars

Foreign
Currency

2,944

492

1,554

1,155

—

—

2,873

492

1,005

866

—

—

3,315

870

—

130

96

242

3,269

868

—

99

121

436

As of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, there was a net asset (liability) of $7 and $(95), respectively, representing the fair value of foreign 
currency exchange forward contracts, which was determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

Note 15.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation:  We  are  a  party  to  legal  proceedings  and  claims  that  arise  during  the  ordinary  course  of  business.   We  review  our  legal 
proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews and inspections and other legal matters on an ongoing basis and follow appropriate accounting 
guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions.  We establish accruals for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is 
probable and can be reasonably estimated, and we disclose the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess 
of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for our financial statements to not be misleading.  We do not record an accrual 
when the likelihood of loss has been incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the loss is believed 
to  be  only  reasonably  possible  or  remote,  although  disclosures  will  be  made  for  material  matters  as  required  by ASC  450-20,  Loss 
Contingencies.  Our assessment of whether a loss is reasonably possible or probable is based on our assessment and consultation with 
legal counsel regarding the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals.

As of April 27, 2013, we did not believe there was a reasonable possibility any material loss for these various claims or legal actions, 
including reviews, inspections or other legal proceedings, if any, had been incurred.  Accordingly, no accrual or disclosure of a potential 
range of loss has been made related to these matters.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of all unresolved legal proceedings 
is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

Guarantees:  In connection with the sale of equipment to various customers, we have entered into contractual arrangements whereby we 
agreed to repurchase equipment at the end of the lease term at a fixed price. Our total obligations under these fixed price arrangements 
were $1,285 as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012.  We have recognized a guarantee liability in accrued expenses for the amount of 
$185 in accordance with the provisions of ASC 460, Guarantees, in connection with these arrangements.

Warranties:  We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from one to five years for most of our products.  We also 
offer additional types of warranties including on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support.  In addition, the terms of warranties 
on some installations can vary from one to 10 years.  The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary primarily depending on 
the type of the product sold.  We estimate the costs incurred under the warranty obligations and record a liability in the amount of such 
estimated costs at the time the revenue is recognized.  Factors affecting our estimate of the cost of our warranty obligations include 
historical experience and expectations of future conditions.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty reserves and, 

Page | 63

 
 
 
 
 
 
to the extent we experience any changes in warranty claim activity or costs associated with servicing those claims, our warranty obligation 
is adjusted accordingly.

Changes in our warranty liability for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012 consisted of the following:

Beginning accrued warranty costs

Warranties issued during the period
Settlements made during the period
Changes in accrued warranty costs for pre-existing 

warranties during the period, including expirations

Ending accrued warranty costs

April 27,
2013

April 28,
2012

$

$

22,215
11,140
(13,875)

5,666
25,146

$

$

22,982
8,199
(13,531)

4,565
22,215

Performance  guarantees:  We  have  entered  into  standby  letters  of  credit  and  surety  bonds  with  financial  institutions  relating  to  the 
guarantee of future performance on contracts, primarily construction type contracts.  As of April 27, 2013, we had outstanding letters of 
credit and surety bonds in the amount of $6,169 and $13,287, respectively.  Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to 
guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract.  These performance guarantees have 
various terms, which are generally less than one year.

Leases:  We lease vehicles, office space and various equipment for various sales and service locations throughout the world, including 
manufacturing space in the United States and China. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, 
South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The lease for the facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota can be extended 
for an additional three years past its current term, which ends December 31, 2016, and it contains an option to purchase the property 
subject to the lease from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 for $8,400, which approximates fair value.  If the lease is extended, the 
purchase option increases to $8,600 for the year ending December 31, 2017 and $8,800 for the year ending December 31, 2018.  Rental 
expense for operating leases was $2,749, $3,159 and $3,738 for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, 
respectively.  

Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, 
with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at April 27, 2013:

Fiscal years ending
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Thereafter

Amount

2,840
2,096
1,832
968
191
30
7,957

$

$

Purchase commitments:  From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, and various other products and services over 
periods that extend beyond one year.  As of April 27, 2013, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase 
commitments, which included $1,000 in conditional purchase commitments.

Fiscal years ending
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Thereafter

Amount

1,181
399
262
200
200
—
2,242

$

$

Page | 64

 
 
Note 16.  Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions

We owned a seven percent interest in Outcast as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012.  Prior to February 2011, our interest in Outcast 
was 37.5 percent.  As a result of certain transactions during fiscal 2011, Outcast ceased being an equity method investee and, as of April 30, 
2011, was a cost method investee with a carrying balance of zero.  These transactions during fiscal 2011 resulted in our release under our 
guarantees of certain debt of Outcast and resulted in the repayment of various loans and advances we had made to Outcast and related 
parties of Outcast.  These transactions resulted in a gain of approximately $605 during fiscal 2011, which is included in other income.  

Note 17.  Subsequent Events

On May 23, 2013, our Board of Directors declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.12 per share on our common stock for the fiscal year 
ended April 27, 2013, payable on June 14, 2013 to holders of record of our common stock on June 3, 2013.

Note 18.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data:

$

Fiscal 2013 Quarter Ended
January 26,
October 27,
2013
2012
111,050
149,871
27,049
42,352
2,710
11,547
0.06
0.27
0.06
0.27

$

$

Fiscal 2012 Quarter Ended
January 28,
October 29,
2012
2011
122,925
135,910
27,855
31,470
1,666
3,959
0.04
0.09
0.04
0.09

$

$

$

April 27,
2013
124,482
28,103
1,844
0.04
0.04

April 28,
2012
111,994
24,606
(505)
(0.01)
(0.01)

Net sales
Gross profit
Net income
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Net sales
Gross profit
Net income (loss)
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$

$

July 28,
2012
132,919
36,390
6,678
0.16
0.16

July 30,
2011
118,698
29,507
3,368
0.08
0.08

Page | 65

 
 
Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management of our company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures as defined in 
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  As of April 27, 2013, an evaluation was performed, under 
the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the 
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded as of April 27, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable 
assurance level to ensure information required to be disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K was recorded, processed, summarized 
and reported within the time period required by the SEC’s rules and forms and accumulated and communicated to management, including 
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended April 27, 2013 and thereafter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting to 
materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined 
in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance 
to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.  All internal 
control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can 
provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 
we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control
—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on our evaluation 
under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded our internal control over financial reporting 
was effective as of April 27, 2013.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2013 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered 
public accounting firm, as stated in their report that follows.

By /s/ James B. Morgan

James B. Morgan

Chief Executive Officer

June 12, 2013

By /s/ Sheila M. Anderson

Sheila M. Anderson

Chief Financial Officer

June 12, 2013

Page | 66

 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Daktronics, Inc.

We have audited Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2013, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the 
COSO criteria). Daktronics, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for 
its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, 
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based 
on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit 
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance 
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations 
of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of 
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections 
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in 
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of April 27, 2013, based on the COSO criteria.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States),  the 
consolidated balance sheets of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, and the related consolidated 
statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
April 27, 2013, and our report dated June 12, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 12, 2013

Page | 67

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None

PART III.

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item 10 will be included under the captions “Proposal One - Election of Directors” and “Corporate 
Governance” in our Proxy Statement for our 2013 annual meeting of shareholders (“Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days after 
our  most  recent  fiscal  year-end.  Information  concerning  the  compliance  of  our  officers,  directors  and  10  percent  shareholders  with 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated by reference to the information to be contained in the Proxy Statement 
under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”  The information regarding Audit Committee members 
and “Audit Committee Financial Experts” is incorporated by reference to the information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under 
the  caption  “Corporate  Governance–Committees  of  the  Board  of  Directors.”   The  information  regarding  our  Code  of  Conduct  is 
incorporated by reference to the information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Corporate Governance – Code 
of Conduct.”

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information regarding the compensation of our directors and officers for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013 will be in the Proxy Statement 
under the heading “Proposal One -Election of Directors” and “Executive Compensation” and is incorporated herein by reference.

We maintain a Code of Conduct which applies to all of our employees, officers and Directors.  Included in the Code of Conduct are ethics 
provisions  that  apply  to  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  all  other  financial  and  accounting  management 
employees.  A copy of our Code of Conduct can be obtained from our Internet website at www.daktronics.com on the Investor Relations 
page and will be made available free of charge to any shareholder upon request.  Information on or available through our website is not 
part of this report.  We intend to disclose any waivers from, or amendments to, the Code of Conduct by posting a description of such 
waiver or amendment on our Internet website.  However, to date, we have not granted a waiver from the Code of Conduct.

Item  12.  SECURITY  OWNERSHIP  OF  CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL  OWNERS  AND  MANAGEMENT  AND  RELATED 
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Security 
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Executive Compensation - Securities Authorized for Issuance Under 
Equity Compensation Plans” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  the  sections  entitled  “Proposal  One  –  Election  of  Directors  – 
Independent Directors” and “Corporate Governance - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” contained in our 
Proxy Statement.  There were no related party transactions in fiscal 2013.

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information  regarding  our  principal  accountant  is  under  the  heading  “Proposal  Four  -  Ratification  of Appointment  of  Independent 
Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our Proxy Statement.

Page | 68

PART IV.

Item 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1)  Financial Statements

Our financial statements, a description of which follows, are contained in Part II, Item 8:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the three fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and 
April 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 
2011
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

(2) 

Schedules

The following financial statement schedule is submitted herewith:

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Other schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable or because the required information is included in 
the financial statements listed above.

(3) 

Exhibits

Certain of the following exhibits are incorporated by reference from prior filings.  The form with which each exhibit was filed and 
the date of filing are as indicated below.

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with 
our Registration Statement on Form S-1 on December 3, 1993 as Commission File No. 33-72466).

Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 filed with our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K on July 28, 1999 as Commission File No. 0-23246).

Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 
DEF-14A filed on July 6, 2006 as Commission File 0-23246).

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.  (1)

Form of Stock Certificate evidencing Common Stock, without par value, of the Company (Incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.1 filed with our Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 on January 12, 1994 as 
Commission File No. 33-72466). 

Shareholders Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with our Form 8-A on August 29, 2008).

2001 Incentive Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 
filed on November 8, 2001 as Commission File No. 333-72990).*

2001 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on 
Form S-8 filed on November 8, 2001 as Commission File No. 333-72990).*

Daktronics, Inc. 2007 Incentive Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with our Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q on August 20, 2007 as Commission File No. 0-23246).*

10.1 Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Aelred Kurtenbach 

(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K on June 28, 2004 as Commission 
File No. 0-23246).*

10.2 Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and Frank Kurtenbach 

(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K on June 28, 2004 as Commission 
File No. 0-23246.)*

10.3 Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement Between Daktronics, Inc. and James Morgan (Incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K on June 28, 2004 as Commission File No. 
0-23246).*

Page | 69

10.4 Loan Agreement dated October 14, 1998 between U.S. Bank National Association and Daktronics, Inc. (Incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.6 filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on December 11, 1998 as Commission 
File No. 0-23246).

10.5 Eighth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 12, 2009 by and between Daktronics, Inc. and U.S. Bank 
National Association (Incorporate by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
November 12, 2009).

10.6 Tenth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 15, 2011 by and between Daktronics, Inc. and U.S. Bank

National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 17, 2011).

10.7 Eleventh Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 9, 2012 by and between the Company and U.S. Bank 

National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
November 9, 2012).

10.8 Renewal Revolving Note Dated November 9, 2012 between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (Incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012).

10.9 Loan Agreement Dated December 23, 2010 between Daktronics, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference 

to Exhibit 10.3 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2011).

10.10 Second Amendment to Loan Agreement Dated November 15, 2011 by and between Daktronics, Inc. and Bank of America, 
N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2011).

10.11 Third Amendment  to  Loan Agreement  dated  July  2,  2012  by  and  between  the  Company  and  Bank  of America,  N.A. 

(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2012).

10.12 Fourth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 9, 2012 by and between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012).

10.13 Reaffirmation and Second Amendment to Unlimited Guaranty Agreement dated November 9, 2012 by and between the 
Company and Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 filed with our Current Report on Form 
8-K filed on November 9, 2012).

10.14 Amended and Restated Revolving Note Dated November 9, 2012 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012).

10.15 Separation Agreement dated October 7, 2012 by and between the Company and William R. Retterath (Incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2012).*
Subsidiaries of the Company.  (1)

21.1

23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.  (1)

24

Power of Attorney.  (1)

31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange 

Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange 

Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 

1350). (1)

32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 

1350). (1)

101

The  following  financial  information  from  our Annual  Report  on  Form 10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended April  27,  2013, 
formatted  in  Extensible  Business  Reporting  Language  (XBRL):  (i)  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets,  (ii) Consolidated 
Statements  of  Operations,  (iii)  Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income,  (iv)  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Shareholders' Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
(1) (2)
(1) Filed herewith electronically.
(2) Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed part of a 
registration statement, prospectus or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, 
except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filings.
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

*

All Sport®, Daktronics®, DakStats®, DataTime®, Fuelight™, Fuelink™, Galaxy®, GalaxyPro™, OmniSport®, ProAd®, ProPixel®, 
ProRail®, ProStar®, ProTour®, Sportsound®, Valo®, Vanguard®, Venus®, V-Net®, Visiconn®, V-Tour®, V-Link®, and Vortek® are 
trademarks of Daktronics, Inc.  All other trademarks referenced are the intellectual property of their respective companies.

Page | 70

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual 
Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on June 12, 2013.

DAKTRONICS, INC.

By:  /s/ James B. Morgan

Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

By:  /s/ Sheila M. Anderson

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf 
of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Title

Director

Date

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Director

June 12, 2013

Signature

By /s/ Byron J. Anderson 
Byron J. Anderson

By /s/ Robert G. Dutcher 
Robert G. Dutcher

By /s/ Nancy D. Frame 
Nancy D. Frame

By /s/ Aelred J. Kurtenbach 
Aelred J. Kurtenbach

By /s/ Reece A. Kurtenbach 
Reece A. Kurtenbach

By /s/ James B. Morgan 
James B. Morgan

By /s/ John L. Mulligan 
John L. Mulligan

By /s/ Bruce W. Tobin 
Bruce W. Tobin

By /s/ James A. Vellenga 
James A. Vellenga

Page | 71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 
(in thousands)

Description

For the year ended April 27, 2013:

Deducted from asset accounts:

Additions

Balance at
Beginning
of Year

Charged to 
Costs and
 Expenses

Charged to
Other
Accounts

Deductions

Balance
at End
of Year

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

2,398

$

782

$

—

$

(462) (2) $

Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories

2,851

3,094

1 (1)

(2,660) (3)

For the year ended April 28, 2012:

Deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories

For the year ended April 30, 2011:

Deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories

2,548

2,139

2,585

3,414

110

2,537

101

2,131

—

11 (1)

(260) (2)
(1,836) (3)

—

10 (1)

(138) (2)
(3,416) (3)

2,718

3,286

2,398

2,851

2,548

2,139

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

Translation adjustment on foreign subsidiary balances.
Write-off of uncollected accounts, net of collections.
Obsolete and excess inventory disposals

Page | 72

DAKTRONICS, INC.
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

EXHIBIT 32.1

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Daktronics, Inc. (the “Company”) for the annual period ended April 27, 
2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James B. Morgan, Chief Executive 
Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 

operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the 
Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

/s/ James B. Morgan
James B. Morgan
Chief Executive Officer
Date: June 12, 2013

DAKTRONICS, INC.
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

EXHIBIT 32.2

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Daktronics, Inc. (the “Company”) for the annual period ended April 27, 
2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Sheila M. Anderson, Chief 
Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 

operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the 
Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

/s/ Sheila M. Anderson
Sheila M. Anderson
Chief Financial Officer
Date: June 12, 2013

Page | 73

DIRECTORS & SENIOR MANAGERS 

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS 

Byron J. Anderson2, 3 
Former Senior Vice President 
Agilent Technologies, Inc. 

John L. Mulligan1 
Investment Associate 
UBS Financial Services, Inc. 

Robert G. Dutcher2 
Former Strategic Advisor Lead Member of 
MEDRAD, Inc. 

Nancy D. Frame2, 3 
Former Deputy Director 
U.S. Trade and Development Agency 

Bruce W. Tobin1 
Former Vice President of Finance for 
International & Corporate Staff Services 
3M 

James A. Vellenga1, 3 
Former President and CEO 
BFSX Corporation 

1 Member of Audit Committee 
2 Member of Compensation Committee 
3 Member of Nominating and Governance Committee 

EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS 

Dr. Aelred J. Kurtenbach(1) 
Founder, Chairman of the Board 

Reece A. Kurtenbach(1) 
Director, Executive Vice President Live 
Events and International Business Units 

James B. Morgan(1) 
Director, President and CEO 

Dan J. Bierschbach 
Vice President Schools & Theatres 
Business Unit 

Sheila M. Anderson(1) 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  

(1) 

Named executive officer 

COMPANY OFFICERS 

Carla S. Gatzke 
Vice President Human Resources 

Matthew J. Kurtenbach 
Vice President Manufacturing 

Bradley T. Wiemann(1) 
Executive Vice President Commerical & 
Transportation Business Units 

Page | 74