Quarterlytics / Technology / Software - Application / Sonic Foundry Inc. / FY2014 Annual Report

Sonic Foundry Inc.
Annual Report 2014

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Industry Software - Application
Employees 51-200
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FY2014 Annual Report · Sonic Foundry Inc.
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Dear Fellow Shareholders:

When Mediasite arrived in classrooms, training rooms and boardrooms more 
than a decade ago, it changed the business of education and communica-
tion. It did so by not only putting knowledge within reach of anyone with an 
internet connection, but also transformed it into searchable, indexed and 
secure living libraries. We predicted there would be a growing need to capture 
and manage vast amounts of rich video and make it easily discoverable in a 
time when very few people were using digital video.

I was excited when I took the helm to lead the team developing the next generation of Mediasite, our 
market-leading, award-winning video capture and management solution. The team has exceeded 
the company’s development objectives, and has succeeded in producing the best solution in the 
world for video capture and management.  

If our history in this market has taught us anything, it is that our greatest strength is the ability to 
scale our technology to meet the customers’ needs.  We also learned that implementation of large 
and complex solutions happens on the customers’ schedules – not ours.  This requires us to think 
and plan in terms of not only quarters, but also years. 

The proliferation of digital video we predicted 10 years ago is now here. Deployments are larger, 
more complex and more strategic than ever, and as a result our customers are looking for us to lend 
our expertise even more to their video initiatives. We continue to lead the charge as the market-lead-
ing solution, dominating in lecture capture and in the other applications we serve. 

Several key milestones in 2014 shore up that claim:

•  The world watched as Mediasite went live in 250 classrooms at University of Leeds in the United    
  Kingdom, making it the largest fully-automated lecture capture deployment in the world today.  
	 Over	the	course	of	just	the	first	four	months,	the	university	recorded	more	than	16,400	lectures		
  with Mediasite that were viewed, in aggregate, more than 250,000 times. In preparation for their    
final	exams,	students	were	consuming	video	content	in	Mediasite	at	a	rate	of	35,000	views	per		
  week. As a result of their vast early success, University of Leeds has now paved the way for other  
  prestigious institutions to invest in Mediasite. 

•  New York University, seeking consistency and reliability across their professional schools, invested  
in Mediasite Cloud for their U.S. campus, and standardized on Mediasite as their global video  

  capture and management solution for their U.S. and Abu Dhabi campuses. 

•  Mediasite Events grew 28% year-over-year. Our turnkey capture and streaming services were  
  selected for more than 700 events in 2014, showing a trend of increasing scale and complexity.  
  One example is Dreamforce, the Salesforce.com global user conference in San Francisco, where   
	 our	team	captured	1,451	sessions	from	72	rooms	across	6	different	properties	in	just	four	days.

 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
•	 We	laid	the	groundwork	for	one	of	the	largest	deployments	in	the	Middle	East,	the	benefits	of		
	 which	we	expect	to	come	to	fruition	in	the	second	quarter	of	fiscal	2015.	

•  Our acquisitions of MediaMission B.V. in the Netherlands and Mediasite K.K. in Japan gave us a    
foothold to leverage global growth trends in enterprise video, expand our key markets, and work    
toward entering new geographies such as China, India and Latin America.

•  Sonic Foundry continues to receive analyst accolades. The company was named the Global  
  Lecture Capture Leader by Frost & Sullivan for the seventh straight year; a leader in the Aragon  
  Research Globe for Video Content Management; a leader in Forrester’s Enterprise Video Platform   
  and Webcasting Waves; and a challenger in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Video  
  Content Management.

These accomplishments were achieved in spite of the realities that we, and our customers, face:  a 
shortage of construction labor delaying expected projects in Japan, significant fluctuations in cur-
rency conversion rates, and the uncertainty of timing surrounding large global deals tied directly to 
massive infrastructure projects. We can confidently say that we continue to operate from a balanced 
position of customer loyalty and strength of product offerings. 

Our customers continue to reinvest in our vision, and therefore in our products. We continue to 
expand the capabilities of our award-winning Mediasite Enterprise Video Platform with the most 
control and flexibility to capture, create, upload, edit and publish rich video from any environment or 
device… to any environment or device. 

In the year ahead our innovations and new initiatives will accelerate long-term revenue growth by: 

•  Seizing opportunities to introduce new capture and collaboration tools that meet the needs of an   

increasingly connected world. 

•	 Continuing	to	pave	the	way	for	the	most	expansive,	streamlined	and	flexible	deployment	options		 	
	 with	enhanced	cloud	offerings	and	advanced	integration	services.	

•  Boldly expanding into new markets by leveraging our new partnerships and comprehensive product  
	 offerings.

As	we	look	to	the	remainder	of	this	year,	I’m	confident	we’re	taking	the	right	steps	to	meet	our	guid-
ance for 2015 – billings of $45 million, adjusted EBITDA of between $4.5 and $5.5 million, and net 
income of between $1 million and $2 million – and position the company for improved operational, 
sales	and	financial	performance	over	time.	It’s	a	pleasure	leading	this	organization	and	I	believe	we’re	
on a sure path to improving shareholder value in 2015 and beyond. 

Sincerely, 

Gary Weis
Chief	Executive	Officer	

	
 
 
 
 
 
 
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SONIC FOUNDRY, INC. 
222 W. Washington Avenue 
Madison, Wisconsin 53703 

PROXY STATEMENT 

January 27, 2015 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  Sonic  Foundry,  Inc.,  a  Maryland  corporation  (“Sonic”),  hereby  solicits  the  enclosed 
proxy.  Unless instructed to the contrary on the proxy, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote 
the proxies:  

FOR the election of Mark D. Burish for a term expiring in 2020;  

FOR the ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP as independent auditors of Sonic 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015.   

In  the  event  that  the  nominee  for  director  becomes  unavailable  to  serve,  which  management  does  not  expect,  the 
persons named in the proxy reserve full discretion to vote for any other persons who may be nominated.  Proxies 
may  also  be  authorized  by  telephone  or  over  the  Internet  by  following  the  instructions  on  the  proxy  card.  Any 
stockholder giving a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to the voting of such proxy.  This Proxy Statement and 
the accompanying proxy are being mailed on or about February 2, 2015.   

Each stockholder will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock standing in his or her name on our 
books  at  the  close  of  business  on  January  9,  2015  (the  “Record  Date”).    Only  holders  of  issued  and  outstanding 
shares of Sonic's common stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at 
the  Annual  Meeting,  including  any  adjournment  or  postponement  thereof.    On  that  date,  we  had  outstanding  and 
entitled  to  vote  4,347,303  shares  of  Common  Stock,  held  by  approximately  4,800  stockholders,  of  which 
approximately 200 were held in street name.   

QUORUM; VOTES REQUIRED  

Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the inspector of elections appointed for 
the Annual Meeting and will determine whether or not a quorum is present.  Where, as to any matter submitted to 
the  stockholders  for  a  vote, proxies  are  marked  as  abstentions  (or  stockholders  appear  in  person  but  abstain  from 
voting), such abstentions will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining 
the presence of a quorum, but will not be treated as present and entitled to vote for any other purpose.  If a broker 
indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter 
and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner, which is known as a broker non-vote, such shares will 
also be considered present for purposes of a quorum, provided that the broker exercises discretionary authority on 
any other matter in the Proxy. A majority of the shares of Common Stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote at 
the Annual Meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.  
The election of the Director requires a plurality of the votes present and entitled to vote.  Therefore, the director who 
receives the highest vote total will be elected.  Neither an abstention nor a withheld vote will affect the outcome of 
the election.  The ratification of the appointment of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP requires the affirmative vote 
of the holders of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting.  If you abstain or withhold your vote on this 
proposal, it will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal.   

The  New  York  Stock  Exchange  ("NYSE")  has  rules  that  govern  brokers  who  have  record  ownership  of  listed 
company  stock  held  in  brokerage  accounts  for  their  clients  who  beneficially  own  the  shares.  Under  these  rules, 
brokers who do not receive voting instructions from their clients have the discretion to vote uninstructed shares on 
certain  discretionary  matters  but  do  not  have  discretion  to  vote  uninstructed  shares  as  to  certain  other  non-
discretionary matters. A broker may return a proxy card on behalf of a beneficial owner from whom the broker has 
not received instructions that casts a vote with regard to discretionary matters but expressly states that the broker is 
not  voting  as  to  non-discretionary  matters.  The  broker's  inability  to  vote  with  respect  to  the  non-discretionary 
matters with respect to which the broker has not received instructions from the beneficial owner is referred to as a 
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"broker  non-vote".  Under  current  NYSE  interpretations,  the  proposal  to  ratify  the  appointment  of  Baker  Tilly 
Virchow Krause, LLP as our independent auditor is considered a discretionary matter.   

DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF ANNUAL MEETING 

The Annual Meeting will be held on March 5, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. (Central time) at the Monona Terrace Community 
and Convention Center, One John Nolen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. 

PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTOR 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors shall be divided 
into five classes, with each class having a five-year term.  Directors are assigned to each class in accordance with a 
resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors.  Vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, 
resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes may be filled by either the affirmative vote of the holders of a 
majority of the then-outstanding shares or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, 
even if less than a quorum of the Board of the Directors.  Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the 
number of directors may, unless the Board of Directors determines otherwise, be filled only by a majority vote of the 
entire Board of Directors.  A director elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy (including a vacancy created 
by  an  increase  in  the  number  of  directors)  shall  serve  until  the  next  annual  meeting  of  stockholders  or  until  such 
director’s successor is elected and qualified. 

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that the number of directors, which shall constitute the 
whole  Board  of  Directors,  shall  be  not  be  less  than  three  or  more  than  twelve.    Following  the  death  of  Michael 
Janowiak  in  August  2014,  we  reduced  the  currently  authorized  number  of  directors  from  seven  to  six,  and  we  re-
designated the director classification of Brian T. Wiegand from a Class V Director, whose term would have expired in 
2018, to a Class IV Director, whose term expires in 2017. The seat on the Board of Directors currently held by Mark D. 
Burish is designated as a Class II Board seat, with term expiring as of the Annual Meeting.  The Board of Directors has 
nominated Mark D. Burish as Class II Director for election at the Annual Meeting. 

If  elected  at  the  Annual  Meeting,  Mr.  Burish  would  serve  until  the  2020  Annual  Meeting  and  until  his  successor  is 
elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal. 

Nominee for Director for a Five-Year term expiring on the 2020 Annual Meeting 

Mark D. Burish   

Mr. Burish, age 61, has been a director since March 2010 and has served as Non-Executive Chair since April 2011. 
Mr.  Burish  is  a  shareholder  of  the  law  firm  of  Hurley,  Burish  &  Stanton,  Madison,  WI,  which  he  helped  start  in 
1983.  He is the founder and CEO of Our House Senior Living, LLC, Milestone Senior Living, LLC and Milestone 
Management Services, LLC which he started in 1997.  Mr. Burish received his BA degree in communications from 
Marquette University in 1975 and his JD degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1978. 

The members of the Board of Directors unanimously recommend a vote FOR the election of Mr. Burish as Class 
II Director. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE 

Frederick H. Kopko, Jr.   

Term Expires in 2016 
 (Class III Director) 

Frederick H. Kopko, age 59, served as Sonic Foundry’s Secretary from April 1997 to February 2001 and has been a 
Director since December 1995. Mr. Kopko is a partner of the law firm of McBreen & Kopko, Chicago, Illinois, and 
has  been  a  partner  of  that  firm  since  January  1990.  Mr.  Kopko  practices  in  the  area  of  corporate  law.  He  is  the 
Managing Director, Neltjeberg Bay Enterprises LLC, a merchant banking and business consulting firm and has been 
a  Director  of  Mercury  Air  Group,  Inc.  since  1992.  Mr.  Kopko  received  a  B.A.  degree  in  Economics  from  the 
University  of  Connecticut,  a  J.D.  degree  from  the  University  of  Notre  Dame  Law  School  and  an  M.B.A.  degree 
from the University of Chicago. 

Brian T. Wiegand 

Term Expires in 2017 
(Class IV Director) 

Mr.  Wiegand,  age,  46,  has  been  a  director  of  the  Company  since  July  2012,  and  is  a  serial  entrepreneur  who 
successfully founded and sold several internet-based companies.  He is currently the founder and CEO of Hopster, a 
company  that  links  digital  marketing  efforts  with  real-world  shopping  behavior  by  rewarding  consumer  purchase 
loyalty,  engagement  and  advocacy.    Hopster  announced  in  October  2014  that  it  was  acquired  by  Inmar, 
Incorporated.  Mr.  Wiegand  co-founded  and  served  as  executive  chair  of  the  board  of  Alice.com,  an  online  retail 
platform that connects manufacturers and consumers in the consumer packaged goods market. Alice.com filed for 
receivership  in  August  2013.  Mr.  Wiegand  also  co-founded  Jellyfish.com,  a  shopping  search  engine,  in  June  of 
2006. He served as CEO until October 2007 when the company was sold to Microsoft. Mr. Wiegand continued with 
Microsoft  as  the  General  Manager  of  Social  Commerce  until  May  2008.  He  also  co-founded  NameProtect,  a 
trademark research and digital brand protection services company in August 1997 which was sold to Corporation 
Services  Company  in  March  2007.  In  addition,  Mr.  Wiegand  founded  BizFilings  in  1996,  the  Internet’s  leading 
incorporation Services Company. He served as the president and CEO until 2002 when the company was acquired 
by Wolters Kluwer. Mr. Wiegand attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison. 

Gary R. Weis  

Term Expires in 2018 
(Class V Director) 

Mr. Weis, age 67, has been Chief Executive Officer since March 2011, Chief Technology Officer since September 
2011 and a Director of Sonic since February 2004.  Prior to joining Sonic, he served as President, Chief Executive 
Officer  and  a  Director  of  Cometa  Networks,  a  wireless  broadband  Internet  access  company  from  March  2003  to 
April 2004. From May 1999 to February 2003 he was Senior Vice President of Global Services at AT&T where he 
was  responsible  for  one  of  the  world's  largest  data  and  IP  networks,  serving  more  than  30,000  businesses  and 
providing Internet access to more than one million individuals worldwide. While at AT&T, Mr. Weis also was CEO 
of Concert, a joint venture between AT&T and British Telecom. Previously, from January 1995 to May 1999 he was 
General Manager of IBM Global Services, Network Services. Mr. Weis served as a Director from March 2001 to 
February 2003 of AT&T Latin America, a facilities-based provider of telecom services in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, 
Peru  and  Columbia.  Mr.  Weis  earned  BS  and  MS  degrees  in  Applied  Mathematics  and  Computer  Science  at  the 
University of Illinois, Chicago.  

David C. Kleinman 

Term Expires in 2019 
(Class I Director) 

Mr. Kleinman, age 79, has been a Director of Sonic since December 1997 and has taught at the Chicago Booth School 
of Business at the University of Chicago since 1971, where he has been Adjunct Professor of Strategic Management. 
Mr. Kleinman was a Director (trustee) of the Columbia Acorn Trust, and its predecessors from 1972 to December 2010 
(where he was a member of the Committee on Investment Performance and past chair, a member and past chair of the 
Audit  Committee  and  a  member  of  the  Compliance  Committee);  a  Director  (trustee)  of  the  Wanger  Advisors  Trust 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from 2005 to December 2010; a Director and non-executive chair of the Board from 1984 to 2014 and Chair Emeritus 
since 2014 of North Lime Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiary, Irex Corporation, a contractor and distributor of 
insulation materials; and a Director since 1993 of Plymouth Tube Company, a manufacturer of metal tubing and metal 
extrusions (where he serves on the Audit Committee). From 1999 to 2006, he was a member of the Advisory Board of 
DSC  Logistics,  a  logistics  management  and  warehousing  firm.  From  May  1997  to  February  2004,  Mr. Kleinman 
served  as  a  Director  of  AT&T  Latin  America  and  predecessor  companies,  a  facilities-based  provider  of  telecom 
services in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Columbia (where he was chair of the Audit Committee and a member of 
the Compensation Committee). From 1994 to 2005, he was a director of Wisconsin Paper and Products Company, a 
jobber of paper and paper products. From 1964 to 1971, Mr. Kleinman was a member of the finance staff of the Ford 
Motor  Company.    Mr.  Kleinman  received  a  BS  degree  in  Mathematical  Statistics  and  a  PHD  in  Business  from  the 
University of Chicago. 

Paul S. Peercy  

Term Expires in 2019 
(Class I Director) 

Mr. Peercy, age 74, has been a Director of Sonic since February 2004. Mr. Peercy served as dean of the University 
of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering from September 1999 until April 2013. Since 2001 Mr. Peercy has 
been  a  member  of  the  National  Academy  of  Engineering.  In  2000,  then-Wisconsin  Governor  Tommy  Thompson 
named  Mr.  Peercy  to  the  Wisconsin  Technology  and  Entrepreneurship  Council.  From  August  1995  to  September 
1999, Mr. Peercy served as president of SEMI/SEMATECH, an Austin, Texas-based non-profit consortium of more 
than  160  of  the  nation’s  suppliers  to  the  semiconductor  industry.  Prior  to  that  position  he  was  director  of 
Microelectronics and Photonics at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is the author or 
co-author of more than 175 technical papers and the recipient of two patents. Mr. Peercy is a Director and member 
of  the  audit  committee  of  Bemis  Company,  Inc,  a  manufacturer  of  flexible  packaging  and  pressure  sensitive 
materials.  Mr. Peercy received a BA degree in Physics from Berea College and MS and PhD degrees in Physics 
from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.  

When  considering  whether  the  Board  of  Directors  and  nominees  thereto  have  the  experience,  qualifications, 
attributes  and  skills,  taken  as  a  whole,  to  enable  the  Board  of  Directors  to  satisfy  its  oversight  responsibilities 
effectively  in  light  of  our  business  and  structure,  the  Board  of  Directors  focused  primarily  on  the  information 
discussed in each of the Board members' biographical information set forth above. Each of the Company's directors 
possess  high  ethical  standards,  act  with  integrity  and  exercise  careful,  mature  judgment.  Each  is  committed  to 
employing  his  skills  and  abilities  to  aid  the  long-term  interests  of  the  stakeholders  of  the  Company.    In  addition, 
each of our directors has exhibited judgment and skill, and has either been actively involved with the Company for a 
considerable period of time or has experience with other organizations of comparable or greater size. In particular, 
Mr. Kopko has had extensive experience with companies comparable in size to Sonic Foundry, including serving as 
a director of Mercury Air Group, Inc. and fills a valuable need with experience in securities and other business law.  
Mr. Weis has had experience in both developing and established companies, having served as a CEO and Director of 
Cometa Networks and in several positions at AT&T and IBM, including Senior Vice President of Global Services. 
While  at  AT&T,  Mr.  Weis  also  was  CEO  of  Concert,  a  joint  venture  between  AT&T  and  British  Telecom.    Mr. 
Weis has served as CEO of the Company since March 2011.  Mr. Kleinman has significant experience serving on 
boards  of  directors  of  various  companies  and  has  significant  experience  in  finance  and  strategic  management 
through  his  employment  with  the  Chicago  Booth  School  of  Business  at  the  University  of  Chicago  where  he  also 
obtained  valuable  market  insight  to  the  Company’s  largest  customer  base.    Mr.  Peercy  shares  that  same  market 
expertise through his service at the University of Wisconsin in his role as Dean of the engineering school and also 
has  significant  business  and  technical  experience  obtained  at  positions  including  his  role  as  director  of 
Microelectronics  and  Photonics  at  Sandia  National  Laboratories  and  through  his  role  as  president  of 
SEMI/SEMATECH.    Mr.  Burish  brings  additional  valuable  legal  experience  to  the  Board  as  well  as  experience 
obtained through founding multiple companies.  Mr. Wiegand has significant experience in founding and operating 
technology companies and building brand awareness with both businesses and consumers. 

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Director Independence 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Through  its  listing  requirements  for  companies  with  securities  listed  on  the  NASDAQ  Capital  Market,  the 
NASDAQ  Stock  Market  (“NASDAQ”)  requires  that  a  majority  of  the  members  of  our  Board  be  independent,  as 
defined under NASDAQ’s rules. The NASDAQ rules have both objective tests and a subjective test for determining 
who  is  an  “independent  director.”   The  objective  tests  state,  for  example,  that  a  director  is  not  considered 
independent if he or she is an employee of the Company or has engaged in various types of business dealings with 
the Company. The subjective test states that an independent director must be a person who lacks a relationship that 
in  the  opinion  of  the  Board  would  interfere  with  the  exercise  of  independent  judgment  in  carrying  out  the 
responsibilities of a director. The Board has made a subjective determination as to each independent director that no 
relationship exists that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in 
carrying  out  the  responsibilities  of  a  director.  In  making  these  determinations,  the  Board  reviews  information 
provided by the directors in an annual questionnaire with regard to each director’s business and personal activities as 
they relate to the Company. Based on this review and consistent with NASDAQ’s independence criteria, the Board 
has  affirmatively  determined  that Mark  D.  Burish,  David  C.  Kleinman,  Paul  S.  Peercy  and  Brian  T.  Wiegand  are 
independent. 

Related Person Transaction 

The Board has adopted a Related Person Transaction Policy (the “Policy”), which is a written policy governing the 
review and approval or ratification of Related Person Transactions, as defined in SEC rules. 

Under the Policy, each of our directors and executive officers must notify the Chairman of the Audit Committee in 
writing  of  any  new  potential  Related  Person  Transaction  involving  such  person  or  an  immediate  family  member. 
The  Audit  Committee  will  review  the  relevant  facts  and  circumstances  and  will  approve  or  ratify  the  transaction 
only if it determines that the transaction is not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company.  The Related 
Party Transaction must then be approved by the independent directors.  In determining whether to approve or ratify 
a Related Person Transaction, the Audit Committee and the independent directors may consider, among other things, 
the  benefits  to  the  Company;  the  impact  on  the  director’s  independence  (if  the  Related  Person  is  a  director  or  an 
immediate family member); the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; the terms of the 
transaction; and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally. There were no new Related 
Person Transactions in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 (“Fiscal 2014”). 

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight 

In fiscal 2011 the Company separated the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.  Mark D. 
Burish serves as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and Gary R. Weis serves as our Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Technical Officer.  The Company believes that having separate positions provides an appropriate leadership 
structure.   

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board, which is the Company’s ultimate decision-
making body, except with respect to those matters reserved to our stockholders. Our Board’s key mission is to 
maximize long-term stockholder value. Our Board establishes our overall corporate policies, selects and evaluates 
our executive management team (which is charged with the conduct of our business), and acts as an advisor and 
counselor to executive management. Our board also oversees our business strategy and planning, as well as the 
performance of management in executing its business strategy and assessing and managing risks.  

What is the Board’s role in risk oversight?  

The board takes an active role in monitoring and assessing the Company’s risks, which include risks associated with 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
operations, credit, financing and capital investments. Management is responsible for the Company’s day-to-day risk 
management  activities  and  our  board’s  role  is  to  engage  in  informed  risk  oversight.  Management,  through  its 
disclosure committee, compiles an annual ranking of risks to which the Company could be subjected and reviews 
the results of this risk assessment with the audit committee. Any significant risks are then reviewed by the board and 
assigned  for  oversight.  In  fulfilling  this  oversight  role,  our  board  focuses  on  understanding  the  nature  of  our 
enterprise risks,  including our  operations  and  strategic direction,  as well  as  the  adequacy  of our risk  management 
process  and  overall  risk  management  system.  There  are  a  number  of  ways  our  board  performs  this  function, 
including the following:  

•  at its regularly scheduled meetings, the board receives management updates on our business operations, 

financial results and strategy and discusses risks related to the business;  

• 

• 

the  audit  committee  assists  the  board  in  its  oversight  of  risk  management  by  discussing  with  management,
particularly,  the  Chief  Financial  Officer,  our  guidelines  and  policies  regarding  financial  and  enterprise  risk
management and risk appetite, including major risk exposures, and the steps management has taken to monitor
and control such exposures; and  

through  management  updates  and  committee  reports,  the  board  monitors  our  risk  management  activities,
including the annual risk assessment process, risks relating to our compensation programs, and financial and
operational risks being managed by the Company.  

The board of directors also has oversight responsibility for risks and exposures related to employee compensation 
programs  and  management  succession  planning,  and  assesses  whether  the  organization’s  compensation  practices 
encourage  risk  taking  that  would  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company.  The  compensation  committee 
periodically  reviews  the  structure  and  elements  of  our  compensation  programs  and  its  policies  and  practices  that 
manage  or  mitigate  such  risk,  including  the  balance  of  short-term  and  long-term  incentives,  use  of  multiple 
performance  measures,  and  a  multi-year  vesting  schedule  for  long-term  incentives.  Based  on  these  reviews,  the 
committee believes our compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk taking.  

Board Structure and Meetings 

The  Board  met  seven  times  during  Fiscal  2014.    The  Board  also  acted  by  written  consent  from  time  to  time.  All 
directors attended at least 75% of the total number of Board meetings and committee meetings on which they serve 
(during  the  period  in  which  each  director  served).   In  addition,  NASDAQ  marketplace  rules contemplate  that  the 
independent members of our Board will meet during the year in separate closed meetings referred to as “executive 
sessions”  without  any  employee  director  or  executive  officer  present.   Executive  sessions  were  usually  held  after 
regularly scheduled Board meetings during Fiscal 2014. Also, disinterested members of the Board of Directors met 
three  times  in  Fiscal  2014  to  discuss  and  approve  an  investment  in  equity  securities  of  the  Company  by  the 
Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  and  by  a  5%  shareholder  of  the  Company.  The  transaction 
closed in December 2014. See “Certain Transactions”. 

The Board of Directors has five standing committees, the Audit Committee, the Executive Compensation Committee, 
the New Markets Committee, the Governance Committee and the Nominations Committee.   

Sonic has a standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange 
Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (the  “Exchange  Act”).  Members of  the Audit  Committee  are  Messrs.  Kleinman  (chair), 
Burish and until his death in August 2014, Janowiak.  Upon the death of Mr. Janowiak, Mr. Peercy was appointed to 
the Audit Committee. Sonic’s Board of Directors has determined that all members of Sonic’s Audit Committee are 
“independent” as that term is used in Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act and as defined under 
Nasdaq  listing  standards.    The  Audit  Committee  provides  assistance  to  the  Board  in  fulfilling  its  oversight 
responsibility including: (i) internal and external financial reporting, (ii) risks and controls related to financial reporting, 
and  (iii)  the  internal  and  external  audit  process.    The  Audit  Committee  is  also  responsible  for  recommending  to  the 
Board the selection of our independent public accountants and for reviewing all related party transactions.  The Audit 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Committee met six times in Fiscal 2014.  A copy of the charter of the Audit Committee is available on Sonic’s website. 

Sonic's Board of Directors has determined that, due to his affiliation with the Chicago Booth School of Business at the 
University  of  Chicago,  and  due  to  his  current  and  past  service  as  a  director  on  numerous  company  boards,  and 
membership on numerous audit committees, including past or present chair, along with his other academic and business 
credentials, Mr. Kleinman has the requisite experience and applicable background to meet Nasdaq standards requiring 
financial sophistication of at least one member of the audit committee.  Sonic's Board of Directors has also determined 
that  neither  Mr.  Kleinman  nor  any  other  member  of  the  Audit  Committee  is  an  audit  committee  financial  expert  as 
defined by applicable SEC regulations 

The  Compensation  Committee  consists  of  Messrs.  Kleinman  (chair),  Burish  and  until  his  death  in  August  2014, 
Janowiak.  Upon the death of Mr. Janowiak, Mr. Peercy was appointed to the Compensation Committee. The Board of 
Directors has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee are “independent” as defined under 
Nasdaq listing standards. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board with respect to salaries 
of employees, the amount and allocation of any incentive bonuses among the employees, and the amount and terms of 
stock options to be granted to executive officers.  The Compensation Committee met twice in Fiscal 2014.  A copy of 
the charter of the Compensation Committee is available on Sonic’s website. 

The  New  Markets  Committee  consists  of  Messrs.  Peercy  (chair)  and  Kleinman.    The  New  Markets  Committee  was 
established  on  January  24,  2013  to  assist  management  in  developing  new  market  entry  plans,  providing  access  to 
contacts that may facilitate entry, assessing risk and monitoring outcomes.   

The Governance Committee consists of Messrs. Burish (chair), Kopko and Peercy.  The Governance Committee was 
established on January 24, 2013 to consider board terms and other governance issues related to enhancing shareholder 
value. 

The Nominations Committee consists of Messrs. Peercy (chair), Wiegand and Kleinman.  The Board of Directors has 
determined that all of the members of the Nominations Committee are “independent” as defined under Nasdaq listing 
standards.    The  purpose  of  the  Nominations  Committee  is  to  evaluate  and  recommend  candidates  for  election  as 
directors,  make  recommendations  concerning  the  size  and  composition  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  develop  specific 
criteria for director independence, and assess the effectiveness of the Board of Directors.  Our Board of Directors has 
adopted a charter for the Nominations Committee, which is available on Sonic’s website.  The Nominations Committee 
will  review  all  candidates  in  the  same  manner  regardless  of  the  source  of  the  recommendation.    In  recommending 
candidates for election to the Board of Directors, the Nominations Committee reviews each candidate’s qualifications, 
including  whether  a  candidate  possesses  any  of  the  specific  qualities  and  skills  desirable  in  certain  members  of  the 
Board of Directors.  Evaluations of candidates generally involve a review of background materials, internal discussions 
and interviews with selected candidates as appropriate.  Generally the Nominations Committee will consider various 
criteria  in  considering  whether  to  make  a  recommendation.    These  criteria  include  expectations  that  directors  have 
substantial accomplishments in their professional backgrounds and are able to make independent, analytical inquiries 
and  exhibit  practical  wisdom  and  mature  judgment.    Director  candidates  should  possess  the  highest  personal  and 
professional ethics, integrity and values, be committee to promoting the long-term interest of our stockholders and be 
able and willing to devote the necessary time to carrying out their duties and responsibilities as members of the Board.  
While the Board of Directors has not adopted a policy regarding diversity, we also believe our directors should come 
from diverse backgrounds and experience bases in order to promote the representation of diverse views on the Board of 
Directors.  Stockholder recommendations of candidates for Board membership will be considered when submitted to 
Corporate Secretary, Sonic Foundry, Inc., 222 W. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703.  When submitting candidates 
for  nomination  to  be  elected  at  Sonic's  annual  meeting  of  stockholders,  stockholders  must  also  follow  the  notice 
procedures and provide the information required by Sonic's bylaws. 

In particular, for a stockholder to nominate a candidate for election at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the 
nomination must be delivered or mailed to and received by Sonic's Secretary between November 5, 2015 and 
December 5, 2015 (or, if the 2016 annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days 
from March 5, 2016, not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later 
than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth calendar day following 
7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the date on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is first made). The nomination must include 
the same information as is specified in Sonic's bylaws for stockholder nominees to be considered at an annual meeting, 
including the following: 

•  The stockholder's name and address and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is 

proposed; 

•  The stockholder's reason for making the nomination at the annual meeting, and the signed consent of the 

nominee to serve if elected; 

•  The number of shares owned by, and any material interest of, the record owner and the beneficial owner, 

if any, on whose behalf the record owner is proposing the nominee; 

•  A description of any arrangements or understandings between the stockholder, the nominee and any other 

• 

person regarding the nomination; and 
Information regarding the nominee that would be required to be included in Sonic's proxy statement by 
the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the nominee's age, business experience 
for the past five years and any other directorships held by the nominee. 

DIRECTORS COMPENSATION 

Our directors who are not also our full-time employees, receive an annual retainer of $20,000 in addition to a fee of 
$1,500  for  attendance  at  each  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  $1,000  per  committee  meeting  attended.  In 
addition, Mr. Kleinman receives an Audit Committee annual retainer of $8,000 and a Compensation Committee annual 
retainer of $3,000 for his services as chairman of each committee and Mr. Burish receives an annual retainer of $35,000 
as compensation for his services as Chairman of the Board of Directors.  In March 2013 Mr. Peercy received an annual 
retainer of $10,000 for his services as chairman of the New Markets Committee and Mr. Kleinman received an annual 
retainer of $3,000 for his services as a member of the New Markets Committee. The Board of Directors discontinued 
the retainer for directors serving on the New Markets Committee in fiscal 2014. The cash compensation paid to the six 
non- employee directors combined in Fiscal 2014 was $249,500. When traveling from out-of-town, the members of the 
Board of Directors are also eligible for reimbursement for their travel expenses incurred in connection with attendance 
at Board meetings and Board Committee meetings.  Directors who are also employees do not receive any compensation 
for their participation in Board or Board Committee meetings. 

Pursuant to the 2008 Sonic Foundry Non-Employee Amended Directors Stock Option Plan (the “Directors Plan”) we 
grant to each non-employee director who is reelected or who continues as a member of the Board of Directors at each 
annual stockholders meeting a stock option to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock. Further, the chair of our Audit 
Committee  receives  an  additional  stock  option  grant  to purchase  500  shares  of  Common  Stock  per  year  pursuant  to 
Sonic’s Non-Employee Amended Directors Stock Option Plan. 

The exercise price of each stock option granted was equal to the market price of Common Stock on the date the stock 
option was granted. Stock options issued under the Directors Plan vest fully on the first anniversary of the date of grant 
and  expire  after  ten  years  from  date  of  grant.  An  aggregate  of  100,000  shares  are  reserved  for  issuance  under  the 
Directors Plan.   

If  any  change  is  made  in  the  stock  subject  to  the  Directors  Plan,  or  subject  to  any  option  granted  thereunder,  the 
Directors Plan and options outstanding thereunder will be appropriately adjusted as to the type(s), number of securities 
and price per share of stock subject to such outstanding options. 

The  options  and  warrants  set  forth  above  have  an  exercise  price  equal  to  the  fair  market  value  of  the  underlying 
common stock on the date of grant.  The term of all such options is ten years. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes cash and equity compensation provided our non-employee directors during the 
fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 (including Michael Janowiak, who died in August 2014). 

Fees Earned 
Or Paid In 
Cash 
($)(1) 
(b) 

Stock 
Awards 
($) 
(c) 

Option 
Awards 
($)(2) 
(d) 

Non-Equity 
Incentive  
Plan Compen-
sation 
($) 
(e) 

Name 
(a) 

Mark D. Burish 
Michael H. Janowiak 
David C. Kleinman 
Frederick H. Kopko 
Paul S. Peercy 
Brian T. Wiegand 

73,500 
35,000 
49,500 
30,500 
30,500 
30,500 

  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 
  — 

4,780 
4,780 
5,975 
4,780 
4,780 
4,780 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Change in 
Pension  
Value and  
Non-qualified 
Deferred 
Compen- 
sation  
Earnings 
($) 
(f) 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

All Other 
Compensation
($) 
(g) 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

Total 
($) 
(h) 

78,280 
39,780 
55,475 
35,280 
35,280 
35,280 

(1) 
(2) 

The amount reported in column (b) is the total of retainer fees and meeting attendance fees.  
The amount reported in column (d) is the aggregate grant date fair value of options granted during the fiscal 
year ended September 30, 2014 in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.  Each director, received an option 
award of 2,000 shares on March 6, 2014 at an exercise price of $10.07 with a grant date fair value of $4,780.  
In addition, Mr. Kleinman received a grant of 500 shares on March 6, 2014 at an exercise price of $10.07 with 
a grant date fair value of $1,195 in connection with his position as chair of the Audit Committee.   

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF SONIC 

Our  executive  officers,  who  are  appointed  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  hold  office  for  one-year  terms  or  until  their 
respective successors have been duly elected and have qualified.  There are no family relationships between any of the 
executive officers of Sonic. 

Gary R. Weis serves as both our Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer. (See " Directors Continuing in Office 
".) 

Kenneth A. Minor, age 52, has been our Chief Financial Officer since June 1997, Assistant Secretary from December 
1997  to  February  2001  and  Secretary  since  February  2001.    From  September  1993  to  April  1997,  Mr.  Minor  was 
employed as Vice President and Treasurer for Fruehauf Trailer Corporation, a manufacturer and global distributor of 
truck  trailers  and  related  aftermarket  parts  and  service  where  he  was  responsible  for  financial,  treasury  and  investor 
relations functions. Prior to 1993, Mr. Minor served in various senior accounting and financial positions for public and 
private corporations as well as the international accounting firm of Deloitte Haskins and Sells. Mr. Minor is a certified 
public accountant and has a B.B.A. degree in accounting from Western Michigan University.  

Robert M. Lipps, age 43, has been Executive Vice President of Sales since April 2008, joining Sonic Foundry in April 
2006 as Vice President of International Sales and assuming expanded responsibility for U.S. central sales in 2007. Mr. 
Lipps leads the company’s global sales organization including oversight of domestic, international and channel sales. 
He holds 15 years of sales leadership, business development and emerging market entry expertise in the technology and 
manufacturing  sectors,  including  sales  and  channel  management.   From  January  2004  to  March  2006  he  served  as 
General Manager of Natural Log Homes LLC, a New Zealand based manufacturer of log homes.  From July 1999 to 
Dec  2002  he  served  as  Latin  America  Regional  Manager  of  Adaytum,  a  software  publisher  of  planning  and 
performance management solutions, (acquired by Cognos Software, an IBM Company, in January 2003) and from May 
1996  to  July  1999  he  served  as  International  Sales  Manager  for  Persoft,  a  software  publisher  of  host  access  and 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
mainframe connectivity solutions (acquired by Esker software in 1998). Mr. Lipps has a B.S. degree in Marketing from 
the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse. 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 

The  following  table  shows  information  known  to  us  about  the  beneficial  ownership  of  our  Common  Stock  as  of 
January 9, 2015, by each stockholder known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our Common Stock, each of 
our  executive  officers  named  in  the  Summary  Compensation  Table  (“Named  Executive  Officers”),  each  of  our 
directors, and all of our directors and executive officers as  a group. Unless otherwise noted, the  mailing address for 
these stockholders is 222 West Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting or investment power 
with  respect  to  shares.  Shares  of  common  stock  issuable  upon  the  exercise  of  stock  options  or  warrants  exercisable 
within 60 days after January 9, 2015, which we refer to as Presently Exercisable Options, are deemed outstanding for 
computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options but are not deemed outstanding for computing 
the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, all persons named 
in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares of common stock, except to the extent 
authority is shared by spouses under applicable law. The  inclusion of any shares  in this table does not constitute an 
admission of beneficial ownership for the person named below. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) 

Common Stock 

Wealth Trust Axiom LLC (3) 
4 Radnor Corp Center, suite 520  
Radnor PA 19087 

Number of Shares of 
Class 
Beneficially Owned 

Percent 
of Class(2) 

440,408 

10.1% 

Andrew D. Burish(4) 
8020 Excelsior Drive 
Madison, WI, 53717 

Mark D. Burish(5) 
33 East Main St. 
Madison, WI 53703 

Gary R. Weis(6) 

Kenneth A. Minor(7) 

Robert M. Lipps(8) 

Frederick H. Kopko, Jr.(9) 
29 South LaSalle Street 
Chicago, IL 60603 

David C. Kleinman(10) 
1101 East 58th Street 
Chicago, IL 60637 

Paul S. Peercy(11) 
1415 Engineering Dr 
Madison, WI 53706 

Brian T. Wiegand (12) 
8215 Greenway Blvd., Suite 340 
Middleton, WI 53562 

All current Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (8 

persons)(13) 

397,794 

357,836 

200,040 

124,710 

110,866 

46,627 

38,374 

22,414 

20,374 

921,261 

9.1 

8.1 

4.5 

2.8 

2.5 

1.1 

* 

* 

* 

19.2% 

less than 1%  

* 
(1)  Sonic  believes  that  the  persons  named  in  the  table  above,  based  upon  information  furnished  by  such  persons, 
except as set forth in notes (3) and (4) where such information is based on a Schedule 13G, have, except as set 
forth in note (3), sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the number of shares indicated as beneficially 
owned by them. 

(2)  Applicable percentages are based on 4,347,308 shares outstanding, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by 

(3) 

(4) 

the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
Information is based on Schedule 13G filed on February 10, 2014 by Albert C. Matt, President of Wealth Trust 
Axiom LLC. Based on such information, Wealth Trust Axiom LLC has sole dispositive power but not sole voting 
power with respect to such shares. 
Includes  38,897  shares  and  38,897  shares  subject  to  Presently  Exercisable  Common  Stock  Warrants  purchased 
directly from the Company on December 22, 2014.  Information is based on Schedule 13G filed on February 7, 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5) 

2014. Also includes 38,897 shares and warrants to purchase an additional 38,897 shares purchased directly from 
the Company on December 22, 2014.  
Includes  35,905  shares  and  35,908  shares  subject  to  presently  Exercisable  Common  Stock  Warrants  purchased 
directly from the Company on December 22, 2014. Also includes 10,000 shares subject to Presently Exercisable 
Common Stock Options. 
(6) 
Includes 138,166 shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options. 
(7) 
Includes 97,561 shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options.   
(8) 
Includes 108,811 shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options. 
(9) 
Includes 18,000 shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options. 
(10)  Includes 25,500 shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options. 
(11)  Includes 20,000 shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options. 
(12)  Includes 6,000 shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options. 
(13)  Includes an aggregate of 459,943 Presently Exercisable Options. 

Introduction 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our compensation strategy, policies, programs and practices 
for the executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table. Throughout this proxy statement, we refer 
to these individuals, who serve as our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 
of Sales as the “executive officers.” 

The Executive Compensation Committee (“Committee”) establishes and oversees our compensation and employee 
benefits programs and approves the elements of total compensation for the executive officers. The day-to-day design 
and administration of our retirement and employee benefit programs available to our employees are handled by our 
Human Resources and Finance Department employees. The Committee is responsible for reviewing these programs 
with management and approving fundamental changes to them. 

Overview and Objectives of our Executive Compensation Program 

The  compensation  program  for  our  executive  officers  is  designed  to  attract,  motivate,  reward  and  retain  highly 
qualified  individuals  who  can  contribute  to  Sonic’s  growth  with  the  ultimate  objective  of  increasing  stockholder 
value.   Our compensation program consists of several forms of compensation:  base salary, annual bonus, long-term 
incentives and limited perquisites and benefits. 

Base  salary  and  annual  bonus  are  cash-based  while  long-term  incentives  consist  of  stock  option  awards.  The 
Committee does not have a specific allocation goal between cash and equity-based compensation or between annual 
and long-term incentive compensation. Instead, the Committee relies on the process described in this discussion and 
analysis in its determination of compensation levels and allocations for each executive officer. 

The Committee established performance metrics for each of its Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2014 designed to 
match Company performance to the amount of incentive compensation paid to such officers following completion of 
the fiscal year. 

 The  recommendations of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  play  a  significant  role  in  the  compensation-setting  process. 
The  Chief  Executive  Officer  provides  the  Committee  with  an  annual  overall  assessment  of  Sonic’s  achievements 
and  performance,  his  evaluation  of  individual  performance  and  his  recommendations  for  annual  compensation 
and long-term  incentive  awards.  The  Committee  has  discretion  to  accept,  reject  or  modify  the  Chief  Executive 
Officer’s recommendations. 

The Committee determines the compensation for each executive officer in an executive session. 

12 

 
 
 
 
Market Competitiveness 

The Committee’s target is for total cash compensation to average between the 50th and 75th percentile of published 
compensation data derived from two sources: (i) a peer group of companies that are in our industry, competitors for 
key talent, or with similar financial characteristics; and (ii) published market survey data for companies within our 
revenue range. The peer group data was obtained from the most recently filed proxy statement of 14 publicly-traded 
technology  companies  with  annual  revenues  ranging  from  approximately  $25  million  to  just  under  $100  million; 
market capitalization of $25 million to approximately $100 million and approximately 300 employees or less.  The 
following  companies  comprised  the  peer  group  for  the  study:  ARI  Network  Services  Inc.,  Asure  Software  Inc., 
Autobytel  Inc.,  Bsquare  Corporation,  Envivio  Inc.,  FalconStor  Software Inc.,  GlobalSCAPE  Inc.,  Glowpoint  Inc., 
GSE  Systems  Inc.,  Inuvo  Inc.,  MAM  Software  Group,  Inc.,  Smith  Micro  Software  Inc.,  TheStreet  Inc.  and 
ChyronHego  Corporation.  Given  competitive  recruiting  pressures,  the  Committee  retains  its  discretion  to  deviate 
from  this  target  under  appropriate  circumstances.  The  Committee  periodically  receives  updates  of  the  published 
compensation data. 

Pay for Performance 

The  Committee  believes  that  both  long  and  short  term  compensation  of  executive  officers  should  correlate  to 
Sonic’s  overall  financial  performance.   Incentive  payouts  will  be  larger  with  strong  performance  and  smaller  if 
Sonic’s financial results decline. From time to time, extraordinary Board-approved initiatives in a fiscal year, such 
as a restructuring, acquisition, or divestiture, are considered by the Committee in its overall evaluation of Sonic’s 
performance. 

Competitive Benchmarking/Peer Group Analysis 

The Committee reviewed market data from Towers Watson Data Services dated April 1, 2010 in various size and 
industry stratifications similar to that of Sonic. 

The  second  source  of  compensation  data  came  from  a  peer  group  of  fourteen  public  companies  that  we  consider 
similar to our market for sales, or for key talent, or with similar financial or other characteristics such as number of 
employees. The companies in the peer group are described above.   

Components of Executive Compensation 

Base Salary 

The  Committee  seeks  to  pay  the  executive  officers  a  competitive  base  salary  in  recognition  of  their  job 
responsibilities for a publicly held company. As noted above, the target compensation range for an executive’s total 
cash compensation (salary and bonus) is between the 50th and 75th percentile of the market data reviewed by the 
Committee. 

As  part  of  determining  annual  increases,  the  Committee  also  considers  the  Chief  Executive  Officer’s 
recommendation regarding individual performance as well as internal equitable considerations. 

In evaluating individual performance, the Committee considers initiative, leadership, tenure, experience, skill set for 
the  particular  position,  knowledge  of  industry  and  business,  and  execution  of  strategy  in  placing  the  individual 
within the range outlined. 

The Committee considered base wage changes for Messrs. Weis, Minor and Lipps at a meeting of the Committee 
held  on  November  5,  2014.      Accordingly,  base  compensation  for  Mr.  Weis  was  increased  from  $457,320  to 
$475,615, base pay for Mr. Minor was increased from $281,910 to $293,190 and base compensation for Mr. Lipps 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
was increased from $226,669 to $235,739.  After its review of all sources of market data as described above, the 
Committee  believes  that  the  base  salaries  and  the  bonuses  described  are  within  its  targeted  range  for  total  cash 
compensation.   

Annual Performance-Based Variable Compensation  

The performance-based variable compensation reported for each executive officer represents compensation that was 
earned  based  on  fiscal  2014  performance.  The  following  describes  the  methodologies  used  by  the  Compensation 
Committee  to  determine  the  final  annual  performance-based  variable  compensation  earned  by  each  executive 
officer:  

Selection  of  Performance  Metrics.  For  fiscal  2014,  the  Compensation  Committee  designed  a  short-term  incentive 
program  (“STIP”)  driven  by  four  performance  measures  that  it  determined  were  appropriate  to  drive  desired 
business  behavior  for  the  Company  and  would  correlate  positively  with  total  shareholder  return.  These  measures 
were the Company’s results with respect to (1) customer billings, (2) net income, (3) customer satisfaction, and (4) 
the officer’s achievement of certain individual goals. Messrs. Weis, Minor, Lipps and two Non-Executive officers 
were included in the plan.  Mr. Lipps’ short term incentive plan included a separate component based solely on the 
level of customer billings achieved. 

Establishment  of  Incentive  Goals  and  Payout  Approach.  The  Compensation  Committee  designed  the  relationship 
between  pay  and  performance  to  ensure  that  desired  performance  would  be  rewarded  with  material  payouts. 
Similarly,  performance  that  did  not  meet  the  goals  would  reduce  the  performance-based  variable  compensation 
payout  to  as  low  as  zero.  In  setting  the  performance  levels,  the  Compensation  Committee  strived  to  establish 
challenging but achievable goals. The factors considered by the Compensation Committee in assessing the challenge 
inherent in the goals included:  

Management’s internal operating plan; and 

Customer satisfaction.  

Payout  Based  on  Performance  Against  Goals.  For  fiscal  2014  the  Company’s  performance,  as  evaluated  by  the 
Compensation Committee, lead to the determination that 55% of the STIP performance metrics were achieved and 
therefore  55%  of  the  target  bonus  payouts  were  made  under  the  STIP  compensation  plan.      The  STIP  earned  by 
Messrs. Weis, Minor and Lipps were $125,763, $54,268 and $37,400, respectively.  Total billings – based incentives 
paid to Mr. Lipps during fiscal 2014 was $75,855. Additionally the Compensation Committee approved incentive 
awards  for  each  of  the  Named  Executives  to  negotiate  and  execute  a  definitive  stock  purchase  agreement  with 
Mediasite  KK in  fiscal  2013.  Upon  execution of  the  Stock  Purchase Agreement  with  Mediasite  KK in  December 
2013, the Named Executives earned the award which was paid in January 2014. The award earned by Messrs. Weis, 
Minor and Lipps were $150,000, $75,000 and $40,000, respectively.  

Stock Options  

The Committee has a long-standing practice of providing long-term incentive compensation grants to the executive 
officers. The Committee believes that such grants, in the form of stock options, help align our executive officers’ 
interests with those of Sonic’s stockholders. All stock options have been granted under our 1995 Stock Option Plan, 
the  1999  Non-Qualified  Plan  or  the  2009  Stock  Incentive  Plan  (“Employee  Plans”).    All  but  the  2009  Stock 
Incentive Plan are now terminated. 

The Committee reviews option grant recommendations by the Chief Executive Officer for each executive officer, 
but  retains  full  discretion  to  accept,  reject  or  revise  each  recommendation.   The  Committee’s  policy  is  to  grant 
options on the date it approves them or such other future date as the Committee may agree at the time of approval. 
The exercise price is determined in accordance with the terms of the Employee Plan and cannot be less than the Fair 

14 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Market Value, as defined in the Plan, of Sonic’s common stock. The Committee typically grants options once a year, 
but may grant options to newly hired executives at other times. 

In  making  its  determinations,  the  Committee  considers  the  number  of  options  or  shares  owned  by  the  executive 
officers. 

On November 5, 2014 the Committee awarded Messrs. Weis, Minor and Lipps option grants to purchase 62,264, 
34,245 and 34,245 shares of common stock, respectively, effective November 10, 2014 with the strike price equal to 
the closing price of Sonic’s stock on that date, which was $9.36.  Each grant will vest one third each on the first, 
second and third anniversaries of the grant.   

Health and Welfare Benefits 

Our officers are covered under the same health and welfare plans, including our 401(k) plan, as salaried employees.   

Employment Agreements 

We  entered  into  employment  agreements  with  Kenneth  A.  Minor  in  October  2007  and  Robert  M.  Lipps  in  August 
2008.    Effective  March  21,  2014  the  Company  entered  into  Amended  and  Restated  Employment  Agreements  with 
Messrs. Minor and Lipps.  

The  salaries  of  each  of  Messrs.  Minor  and  Lipps  are  subject  to  increase  each  year  at  the  discretion  of  the  Board  of 
Directors. Messrs. Minor and Lipps are also entitled to incidental benefits of employment under the agreements. Each 
of the employment agreements provides that a cash severance payment be made upon termination, other than for cause, 
or upon death or disability.  In each case, such cash severance is equal to the highest cash compensation paid in any of 
the  last  three  fiscal  years  immediately  prior  to  termination.    In  addition,  Messrs.  Minor  and  Lipps  will  receive 
immediate  vesting  of  all  previously  unvested  common  stock  and  stock  options  and  have  the  right  to  voluntarily 
terminate  their  employment,  and  receive  the  same  severance  arrangement  detailed  above  following  (i)  any  “person” 
becoming a “ beneficial” owner of stock of Sonic Foundry representing 50% or more of the total voting power of Sonic 
Foundry’s  then  outstanding  stock;  or,  (ii)  Sonic  Foundry  is  acquired  by  another  entity  through  the  purchase  of 
substantially  all  of  its  assets  or  securities;  or  (iii)  Sonic  Foundry  is  merged  with  another  entity,  consolidated  with 
another entity or reorganized in a manner in which any “person” is or becomes a “beneficial” owner of stock of the 
surviving entity representing 50% or more of the total voting power of the surviving entity’s then outstanding stock; 
and,  within  two  years  and  ninety  days  of  any  such  event,  Messrs.  Minor  or  Lipps,  as  the  case  may  be,  is  demoted 
without  cause  or  his  title,  authority,  status  or  responsibilities  are  substantially  altered,  their  salary  is  reduced  or  the 
principal office is more than 50 miles outside the Madison metropolitan area.  Pursuant to the employment agreements, 
each of Messrs. Minor and Lipps has agreed not to disclose our confidential information and not to compete against us 
during the term of his employment agreement and for a period of one year thereafter. Such non-compete clauses may 
not be enforceable, or may only be partially enforceable, in state courts of relevant jurisdictions.  

Effective September 30, 2011, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. 
Weis. Pursuant to the terms of the amended and restated employment agreement, Mr. Weis will receive an annual 
base salary subject to increase at the discretion of the Board. Mr. Weis may also receive a performance bonus at the 
discretion  of  the  Board.  Mr. Weis  in  addition  will  assume  duties  as  are  customarily  performed  by  a  Chief 
Technology Officer.  

The amended and restated employment agreement will continue in effect until terminated as set forth therein. In the 
event  Mr. Weis’s  employment  is  terminated  without  cause,  as  defined  in  the  amended  and  restated  employment 
agreement,  or  in  the  event  his  employment  is  constructively  terminated,  Mr. Weis  shall  be  entitled  to  receive,  in 
equal  bi-weekly  installments  over  a  one-year  period,  compensation  equal  to  one  and  five  hundredths 
(1.05) multiplied by the highest cash compensation paid to Mr. Weis in any of the last three years immediately prior 
to  his  termination.  In  the  event  of  a  Change  of  Control,  as  defined  in  the  amended  and  restated  employment 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
agreement, Mr. Weis is entitled to terminate the agreement within one year following such Change of Control, in 
which  event  he  shall  be  entitled  to  receive,  in  a  lump  sum  payable  within  thirty  days  of  such  termination, 
compensation equal to two and one-tenth (2.1) multiplied by the highest cash compensation paid to Mr. Weis in any 
of the last three fiscal years immediately prior to his termination. In any of the above events, (i) all of Mr. Weis’s 
unvested  stock  options  and  stock  grants  shall  vest  immediately  upon  termination,  and  (ii) Mr. Weis  shall  receive 
health  insurance  continuation  as  required  by  COBRA,  salary  accrued  to  the  date  of  termination,  and  any  accrued 
vacation pay. Mr. Weis has further agreed not to disclose the Company’s proprietary information, and, until one year 
following the termination of his employment agreement, not to compete with the Company or solicit the Company’s 
employees.  Such non-compete clause may not be enforceable, or may be only partially enforceable, in state courts 
of relevant jurisdiction. 

For  illustrative  purposes,  if  Sonic  terminated  the  employment of  Mr. Weis  (not  for  cause)  on  September 30, 
2014, Sonic would be obligated to pay $764,891, representing 1.05 times the cash compensation paid Mr. Weis during 
fiscal  2014  and  $1,529,783  if  Mr. Weis  elected  to  terminate  his  employment  on  September 30,  2014,  following  a 
change  of  control  as  defined  in  the  employment  agreement.    If  Sonic  terminated  Messrs.  Minor  and  Lipps  on 
September 30, 2014, (not for cause), or if Messrs. Minor and Lipps elected to terminate their employment following a 
demotion  or  alteration  of  duties  on  September 30,  2014,  and  a  change  of  control  as  defined  in  the  employment 
agreements had occurred, Sonic would be obligated to pay $410,145 and $378,339, respectively.  In addition, any non-
vested rights of Messrs. Weis, Minor and Lipps under the Employee Plans, would vest as of the date of employment 
termination. The value of accelerated vesting of the options under these circumstances would be $155,000 for Mr. Weis 
and $96,000 for both Messrs. Minor and Lipps. 

Personal Benefits 

Our executives receive a limited number of personal benefits certain of which are considered taxable income to them 
and which are described in the footnotes to the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Summary  Compensation 
Table ”. 

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) 

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) limits the ability of a public company to deduct compensation in excess of 
$1 million paid annually to each of the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other executive officers named in the 
Summary Compensation Table. There are exemptions from this limit, including compensation that is based on the 
attainment of performance goals that are established by the Committee and approved by the Company stockholders. 
No executive officer was affected by this limitation in fiscal 2014. 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT 

The  Compensation  Committee  of  Sonic  has  reviewed  and  discussed  the  Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis 
required  by  Item  402(b) of  Regulation  S-K  with  management  and,  based  on  such  review  and  discussions,  the 
Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included 
in the Proxy Statement. 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE 

David C. Kleinman, Chair 
Mark D. Burish 
Paul S. Peercy 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth the compensation of our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer and 
our other two executive officers for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. 

Summary Compensation 

Salary 
($) 
(c) 

Bonus 
($) 
(d) 

Stock 
Awards
($) 
(e) 

Option 
Awards
($)(1) 
(f) 

Non-Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Compensation
($)(2) 
(g) 

Change in 
Pension  
Value and  
Non-qualified 
Deferred 
Compensation 
Earnings 
($) 
(h) 

Name and Principal 
Position 
(a) 

Gary R. Weis 
Chief Executive  and 
Chief Technology 
Officer 

Year 
(b) 

2014 
2013 
2012 

452,705 
395,865 
378,400 

Kenneth A. Minor 
Chief Financial Officer 
and Secretary 

2014 
2013 
2012 

280,877 
267,502 
255,123 

Robert M. Lipps 
Executive Vice  
President - Sales 

2014 
2013 
2012 

225,084 
205,308 
195,811 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

202,358 
198,560 
— 

275,763 
79,461 
75,680 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

111,296 
108,800 
103,400 

129,268 
37,588 
50,784 

111,296 
108,800 
103,400 

153,255 
102,501 
109,911 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

All Other 
Compen-
sation 
($)(3) 
(i) 

Total 
($) 
(j) 

10,400 
13,214 
6,986 

941,226 
687,100 
461,066 

17,774 
16,718 
16,809 

539,215 
430,608 
426,116 

10,988 
9,900 
8,787 

500,623 
426,509 
417,909 

(1)  The option awards in column (f) represent the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB 
ASC  Topic  718  for  stock  options  granted  during  the  fiscal  year.  The  assumptions  and  methodology  used  in 
calculating  the  compensation  expense  of  the  option  awards  are  provided  in  Sonic’s  Form 10-K.   See  Note  1, 
“Accounting  for  Stock  Based  Compensation”  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  in  Sonic’s 
Form 10-K.  The  amounts  in  this  column  represent  value  attributed  to  the  awards  at  the  date  of  grant  and  not 
necessarily the actual value that will be realized by the executive. There can be no assurance that the options will 
ever be exercised (in which case no value will be realized by the executive) or that the value on exercise will equal 
the ASC Topic 718 value.   

(2)  The amounts in column (g) represent cash bonuses which were awarded for performance during the prior fiscal 

year based on a pre-established formula.   

(3)  The  amount  shown  under  column  (i)  for  the  fiscal  year  2014  includes  Sonic’s  matching  contribution  under  our 
401(k) plan of $10,400, $10,624 and $10,988 for Messrs Weis, Minor and Lipps.  Mr. Minor receives $650 per 
month as a car allowance of which the taxable personal portions were $7,150.  Mr. Lipps receives a car allowance 
of $700 per month of which there was no taxable personal portion.  Mr. Weis received car and housing allowances 
totaling $2,500 per month, of which there was no taxable personal portion.   

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table shows the plan-based awards granted to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2014. 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards 

Name 
(a) 

Grant 
Date 
(b) 

Estimated Future Payouts 
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards 
Target 
($) 
(d) 

Maximum
($) 
 (e) 

Threshold 
($) 
(c) 

Estimated Future Payouts 
Under Equity  
Incentive 
Plan Awards 
Target
($) 
(g) 

Maximum
($) 
 (h) 

Threshold
($) 
(f) 

All other 
stock 
awards: 
Number of
Shares of 
stock or 
units 
(#) 
(i) 

All other 
option 
awards: 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Options 
(#) 
(j) 

Exercise or 
base price 
of option 
awards 
($/Sh) 
(1) 
(k) 

Grant  
Date fair 
Value of 
Stock and 
option 
awards 
($) 
(2) 
(l) 

Gary R. Weis 
Kenneth A. Minor 
Robert M. Lipps 

10/28/13  — 
10/28/13  — 
10/28/13  — 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

61,500 
33,825 
33,825 

9.45 
9.45 
9.45 

198,560 
108,800 
108,800 

(1)  Sonic grants employee stock options with exercise prices equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant. 
(2)  The amount reported in column (l) represents the grant date fair value of the award following the required FASB 
ASC  Topic  718  compensation  methodology.    Grant date  fair  value  is  calculated  using  the  Lattice  method.    See 
Note  1,  “Accounting  for  Stock  Based  Compensation”  in  the  Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  in 
Sonic’s  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  September  30,  2014  for  an  explanation  of  the  methodology  and 
assumptions used in FASB ASC Topic 718 valuation.  With respect to the option grants, there can be no assurance 
that the options will ever be exercised (in which case no value will be realized by the executive) or that the value 
on exercise will equal the FASB ASC Topic 718 value. 

Sonic grants options to its executive officers under our employee stock option plans. As of September 30, 2014, options 
to  purchase  a  total  of  1,240,941  shares  were  outstanding  under  the  plans,  and  options  to  purchase  873,266  shares 
remained available for grant thereunder.  

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 

The following table shows information concerning outstanding equity awards as of September 30, 2014 held by the 
Named Executive Officers. 

Option Awards 

Stock Awards 

Equity 
Incentive 
Plan 
Awards: 
Market or 
Payout 
Value of 
Unearned 
Shares, 
Units or 
Other 
Rights  
That Have 
Not  
Vested 
($) 
(j) 

Equity 
Incentive 
Plan 
Awards: 
Number  
of  
Unearned 
Shares, 
Units or 
Other Rights 
That Have  
Not  
Vested 
(#) 
(i) 

Market 
Value of 
Shares or 
Units of 
Stock  
That  
Have  
Not  
Vested 
($) 
(h) 

Number  
of Shares  
or Units  
of Stock 
That Have 
 Not  
Vested 
(#) 
(g) 

Name 
(a) 

Gary R. Weis 

Kenneth A. Minor 

Robert M. Lipps 

Equity 
Incentive  
Plan  
Awards: 
Number 
 of  
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Unearned 
Options 
(#) 
(d) 
None 

None 

None 

Number  
of  
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options 
(#) 
Exercisable 
(1) 
(b) 
2,000 
2,000 
2,000 
2,000 
5,000 
2,000 
2,000 
2,000 
33,333 
24,334 
0 

5,000 
12,000 
6,000 
14,120 
18,333 
13,333 
0 

2,500 
750 
1,500 
2,500 
10,000 
6,000 
6,000 
14,120 
18,333 
13,333 
0 

Number  
of  
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options 
(#) 
Unexercisable 
(1) 
(c) 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
16,667 
48,666 
61,500 

0 
0 
0 
0 
9,167 
26,667 
33,825 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
9,167 
26,667 
33,825 

Option 
Exercise 
Price 
($) 
(1) 
(e) 
12.30 
17.40 
37.60 
8.00 
5.00 
5.50 
6.90 
14.83 
8.68 
7.80 
9.45 

Option 
Expiration Date
(1) 
(f) 
5/15/2015 
3/15/2016 
3/15/2017 
3/6/2018 
11/3/2018 
3/5/2019 
3/4/2020 
3/3/2021 
9/30/2021 
10/17/2022 
10/28/2023 

14.50 
15.50 
5.26 
15.21 
9.46 
7.80 
9.45 

22.60 
37.10 
15.50 
7.50 
7.80 
5.30 
5.26 
15.21 
9.46 
7.80 
9.45 

11/26/2014 
12/04/2017 
12/2/2019 
11/24/2020 
10/24/2021 
10/17/2022 
10/28/2023 

04/10/2016 
12/07/2016 
12/04/2017 
03/10/2018 
04/16/2018 
11/10/2018 
12/2/2019 
11/24/2020 
10/24/2021 
10/17/2022 
10/28/2023 

(1)  All options were granted under either our stockholder approved Employee Stock Option Plans or the Non-

Qualified Stock Option Plan.  All unexercisable options listed in the table become exercisable over a three-year 
period in equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant.  

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table shows information concerning option exercises in fiscal 2014 by the Named Executive Officers. 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested 

Option Awards 

Stock Awards 

  Number of Shares 
Acquired on 
Exercise 
(#) 

Value Realized 
on Exercise 
($) 

Number of 
Shares Acquired 
on Vesting 
(#) 

Value Realized 
on Vesting 
($) 

None 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

Plan category 

Number of securities 
to be issued upon 
exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Weighted average 
exercise price of 
outstanding 
options, warrants 
and rights 

Number of 
securities 
remaining 
available for 
future issuance 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

Equity compensation plans approved 
by security holders  (1) 

Equity compensation plans not 
approved by security holders (2) 

1,169,883 

$     10.10 

873,266 

71,058 

12.65 

—

Total  

1,240,941 

$     10.24 

873,266 

(1)  Consists  of  the  2009  Stock  Incentive  Plan,  Employee  Incentive  Stock  Option  Plan  and  the  Directors  Stock 
Option  Plans.    For  further  information  regarding  these  plans,  reference  is  made  to  Note  5  of  the  financial 
statements. 

(2)  Consists  of  the  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Plan.    For  further  information  regarding  this  plan,  reference  is 

made to Note 5 of the financial statements. 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation  

The members of the Executive Compensation Committee of Sonic's Board of Directors for fiscal 2014 were those named 
in the Executive Compensation Committee Report. No member of the Committee was at any time during fiscal 2014 or 
at any other time an officer or employee of Sonic Foundry, Inc.  

No executive officer of Sonic Foundry, Inc. has served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other 
entity  that  has  or  has  had  one  or  more  executive  officers  serving  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Sonic 
Foundry.  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
PROPOSAL TWO: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 

The  Board  of  Directors,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Audit  Committee,  has  appointed  the  firm  of  Baker  Tilly 
Virchow Krause LLP (“BT”) as independent auditors to audit our financial statements for the year ending September 
30,  2015,  and  has  further  directed  that  management  submit  the  selection  of  independent  public  accountants  for 
ratification by the stockholders at the annual meeting. Representatives of BT are expected to be present at the annual 
meeting  to  respond  to  stockholders'  questions  and  to  have  the  opportunity  to  make  any  statements  they  consider 
appropriate. 

Stockholder ratification of the selection of BT as our independent auditors is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise.  
However, the Board is submitting the selection of BT to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate 
practice.  If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Board and the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or 
not  to  retain  that  firm.    Even  if  the  selection  is  ratified,  the  Board  and  the  Audit  Committee  in  their  discretion  may 
direct  the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at  any time during the year if  they determine that 
such a change would be in the best interests of Sonic and its stockholders. 

The ratification of the appointment of BT as independent public accountants requires the approval of a majority of the 
votes cast at the Annual Meeting. 

Recommendation of Board of Directors 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR proposal 2 ratifying the appointment of BT as 
independent auditors for Sonic Foundry.    

Relations with Independent Auditors 

On June 11, 2014, the Company, upon the recommendation of its audit committee, dismissed Grant Thornton LLP 
(“GT”) and appointed Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (“BT”) as its independent auditor for the fiscal year that 
commenced October 1, 2013.   

During the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 and through June 11, 2014, neither the Company nor its audit 
committee  consulted  BT  with  respect  to  the  application  of  accounting  principles  to  a  specified  transaction,  either 
completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, as defined in 
Item 304(a)(2)(i) of Regulation S-K, for which was concluded an important factor considered by the Company in 
reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue.  Likewise, neither the Company nor 
the audit committee consulted BT regarding any matter that was the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event, 
as defined in Item 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K. 

As  stated  in  Proposal  2,  the  Board  has  selected  BT  to  serve  as  our  independent  auditors  for  the  fiscal  year  ending 
September 30, 2015.   

Audit  services  performed  by  BT  and  GT  for  Fiscal  2014  and  2013  consisted  of  the  examination  of  our  financial 
statements, review of fiscal quarter results, and services related to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(SEC).  We also retained GT to perform certain audit related services associated with the audit of our benefit plan, and 
tax preparation and consultative services associated with the preparation of Federal and State tax returns.  All fees paid 
to  BT  and  GT  were  reviewed,  considered  for  independence  and  upon  determination  that  such  payments  were 
compatible with maintaining such auditors’ independence, approved by Sonic’s audit committee prior to performance.  

Fiscal Years 2014 and 2013 Audit Firm Fee Summary 

During  fiscal  years  2014  and  2013,  we  retained  BT  and  GT  to  provide  services  in  the  following  categories  and 
amounts: 

21 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Grant Thornton LLP 
Audit Fees 
Audit Related 
Tax Fees 

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP 
Audit Fees 
Tax Fees 

Years Ended September 30, 
2013 
2014 

$140,346 
12,328 
33,500 

$172,925 
3,500 

$177,780 
11,950 
26,940 

— 
9,262 

All  of  the  services  described  above  were  approved  by  Sonic’s  audit  committee  prior  to  performance.  The  Audit 
Committee may, in its discretion, delegate to one or more of its members the authority to pre-approve any audit or non-
audit services to be performed by the independent auditors, provided that any such approvals are presented to the Audit 
Committee  at  its  next  scheduled  meeting.    The  audit  committee  has  determined  that  the  payments  made  to  its 
independent accountants for these services are compatible with maintaining such auditors’ independence.  

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 1 

The Audit Committee's role includes the oversight of our financial, accounting and reporting processes, our system of 
internal  accounting  and  financial  controls  and  our  compliance  with  related  legal  and  regulatory  requirements,  the 
appointment,  engagement,  termination  and  oversight  of  our  independent  auditors,  including  conducting  a  review  of 
their  independence,  reviewing  and  approving  the  planned  scope  of  our  annual  audit,  overseeing  the  independent 
auditors' audit work, reviewing and pre-approving any audit and non-audit services that may be performed by them, 
reviewing  with  management  and  our  independent  auditors  the  adequacy  of  our  internal  financial  controls,  and 
reviewing our critical accounting policies and the application of accounting principles. The Audit Committee held six 
meetings during fiscal 2014.  

Messrs.  Kleinman,  Burish  and  Peercy  meet  the  rules  of  the  SEC  for  audit  committee  membership  and  are 
"independent"  as  that  term  is  used  in  Item  7(d)(3)(iv)  of  Schedule  14A  under  the  Exchange  Act  and  under  Nasdaq 
listing standards. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is available on Sonic’s website.  

As set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, management of Sonic is responsible for the preparation, presentation and 
integrity  of  Sonic’s  financial  statements  and  for  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  
Management and the accounting department are responsible for maintaining Sonic’s accounting and financial reporting 
principles and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable 
laws  and  regulations.    The  independent  auditors  are  responsible  for  auditing  Sonic’s  financial  statements  and 
expressing an opinion as to their conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 

We  have  reviewed  and  discussed  with  our  independent  auditors,  BT,  matters  required  to  be  discussed  pursuant  to 
Auditing  Standard  No. 16  (Communications  with  Audit  Committees)  as  promulgated  by  the  Public  Company 
Accounting  Oversight  Board.  We  have  received  from  the  auditors  a  formal  written  statement  describing  the 
relationships between the auditor and Sonic that might bear on the auditor's independence consistent with applicable 
requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. We have discussed with BT matters relating to its 
independence,  including  a  review  of  both  audit  and  non-audit  fees,  and  considered  the  compatibility  of  non-audit 
services with the auditors' independence.  

1  The  material  in  this  report  is  not  “soliciting  material”,  is  not  deemed  filed  with  the  SEC,  and  is  not  to  be 
incorporated  by  reference  in  any  of  our  filings  under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended,  or  the  Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general 
incorporation language in such filing. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
The members of the Audit Committee are not full-time employees of Sonic and are not performing the functions of 
auditors or accountants.  As such, it is not the duty or responsibility of the Audit Committee or its members to conduct 
“field work” or other types of auditing or accounting reviews or procedures or to set auditor independence standards.  
Members of the Committee necessarily rely on the information provided to them by management and the independent 
accountants.  Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s considerations and discussions referred to above do not assure that 
the audit of Sonic’s financial statements has been carried out in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, 
that the financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or that Sonic’s 
auditors are in fact “independent”. 

We have reviewed and discussed with management and BT the audited financial statements. We discussed with BT the 
overall scope and plans of their audit. We met with BT, with and without management present, to discuss results of 
their examination and the overall quality of Sonic’s financial reporting.  

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above and our review of Sonic’s audited financial statements for fiscal 
2014,  we  recommended  to  the  Board  that  the  audited  financial  statements  be  included  in  the  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, for filing with the SEC.  
Respectfully submitted, 

AUDIT COMMITTEE 
David C. Kleinman, Chair 
Mark D. Burish  
Paul S. Peercy 

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS 

Frederick H. Kopko, Jr., a director and stockholder of Sonic Foundry, is a partner in McBreen & Kopko. Pursuant to 
the 1997 Directors' Stock Option Plan, Mr. Kopko has been granted options to purchase 4,000 shares of Common 
Stock  at  exercise  prices  ranging  from  $17.40  to  $37.60  and  was  granted  options  to  purchase  14,000  shares  of 
Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $5.50 to $14.83 pursuant to the 2008 Non-Employee Directors Plan.  
During  fiscal  2014,  we  paid  the  Chicago  law  firm  of  McBreen  &  Kopko  certain  compensation  for  legal  services 
rendered  subject  to  standard  billing  rates.  On  December 22,  2014,  Sonic  Foundry,  Inc.  issued  35,905  and  38,897 
shares of common stock to Mark D. Burish and Andrew D. Burish, respectively. The shares were issued at a price of 
approximately  $8.36  per  share,  representing  the  twenty-day  average  closing  price  on  the  period  ending 
December 18, 2014. On December 22, 2014, the closing price of the Company’s common stock was $7.68 per share. 
The  shares  are  restricted  from  any  sale,  distribution  or  pledge  of  any  kind  for  a  two  year  period  ending 
December 22, 2016. Messrs. Mark and Andrew Burish also received warrants to purchase 35,905 and 38,897 shares 
of common stock at an exercise price of $14.00 per share, respectively, which expire on December 22, 2019. This 
transaction was approved by a committee of disinterested directors of the Company. 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Sonic's officers and directors, and persons who own 
more  than  ten  percent  of  the  Common  Stock,  to  file  reports  of  ownership  and  changes  in  ownership  with  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission. Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and Forms 4 furnished to us pursuant 
to  Rule  16a-3  under  the  Exchange  Act  during  our  most  recent  fiscal  year,  to  Sonic  Foundry's  knowledge,  all 
reporting persons complied with all applicable filing requirements of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of  1934,  as  amended,  with  the  exception  of  Mr.  Mark  Burish,  who  inadvertently  filed  a  Form  4  on  February  24, 
2014 which was due February 21, 2014. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Code of Ethics  

Sonic has adopted a Code of Ethics (as defined in Item 406 of Regulation S-K) that applies to its principal executive, 
financial and accounting officers.  Sonic Foundry will provide a copy of its code of ethics, without charge, to any 
investor who requests it.    Requests should be addressed in writing to Mr. Kenneth Minor, Corporate Secretary, 222 
West Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703. 

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Any stockholder who desires to contact our Board or specific members of our Board may do so electronically by 
sending  an  email  to  the  following  address:  directors@sonicfoundry.com.  Alternatively,  a  stockholder  can  contact 
our  Board  or  specific  members  of  our  Board  by  writing  to:  Secretary,  Sonic  Foundry  Incorporated,  222  West 
Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703.  

Each communication received by the Secretary will be promptly forwarded to the specified party following normal 
business procedures. The communication will not be opened but rather will be delivered unopened to the intended 
recipient. In  the  case  of communications  to  the  Board or any  group  or  committee  of  Directors,  the  Secretary  will 
open the communication and will make sufficient copies of the contents to send to each Director who is a member of 
the group or committee to which the envelope is addressed. 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 

Requirements for Stockholder Proposals to be Considered for Inclusion in Sonic's Proxy Materials.  
Stockholders  of  Sonic  may  submit  proposals  on  matters  appropriate  for  stockholder  action  at  meetings  of  Sonic's 
stockholders  in  accordance  with  Rule  14a-8  promulgated  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934.  For  such 
proposals  to  be  included  in  Sonic's  proxy  materials  relating  to  its  2016  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders,  all 
applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8 must be satisfied and such proposals must be received by Sonic no later than 
the  anniversary  date  of  120  days  prior  to  the  date  of  this  proxy  statement  (September  29,  2015).  Such  proposals 
should  be  delivered  to  Corporate  Secretary,  Sonic  Foundry,  Inc.,  222  West  Washington  Avenue,  Madison, 
Wisconsin 53703. 

Requirements for Stockholders Proposals to be Brought Before the Annual Meeting. 
Sonic's bylaws provide that, except in the case of proposals made in accordance with Rule 14a-8, for stockholder 
nominations to the Board of Directors or other proposals to be considered at an annual meeting of stockholders, the 
stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary not less than ninety nor more than one 
hundred twenty calendar days prior to the anniversary of the date on which Sonic held its immediately preceding 
annual meeting of stockholders. To be timely for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a stockholder's notice 
must be delivered or mailed to and received by Sonic's Secretary at the principal executive offices of Sonic between 
November 5, 2015 and December 5, 2015. However, in the event that the annual meeting is advanced by more than 
30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from March 5, 2016, to be timely, notice by the stockholders must be so 
received not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the 
close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth calendar day following the 
date  on  which  public  announcement  of  the  date  of  the  annual  meeting  is  first  made.  In  no  event  will  the  public 
announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting of stockholders commence a new time period for the giving 
of  a  stockholder's  notice  as  provided  above.  A  stockholder's  notice  to  Sonic's  Secretary  must  set  forth  the 
information  required  by  Sonic's  bylaws  with  respect  to  each  matter  the  stockholder  proposes  to  bring  before  the 
annual meeting. 

In addition, the proxy solicited by the Board of Directors for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will confer 
discretionary authority to vote on (i) any proposal presented by a stockholder at that meeting for which Sonic has not 
been provided with notice on or prior to the anniversary date of 45 days prior to the date of this proxy statement 
(December 13, 2015) and (ii) any other proposal, if the 2016 proxy statement briefly describes the matter and how 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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By O

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Kenn

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Secretary  

January 27

, 2015   

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(This page intentionally left blank)

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 

(Mark One) 

FORM 10-K 

⌧ 

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

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2014 

OR 

(cid:134) 

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

Commission File Number 

000-30407 

SONIC FOUNDRY, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

MARYLAND 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or 
organization) 

39-1783372 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

222 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

(608) 443-1600 
(Issuer's telephone number) 

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

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

Common stock par value $0.01 per share 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   

Yes  

No 

(cid:57)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.   

Yes  

No 

(cid:57)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant 
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  

Yes  

(cid:57)  

No 

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

Yes  

(cid:57)  

No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if 
any,  every  Interactive  Data  File  required  to  be  submitted  and  posted  pursuant  to  Rule  405  of  Regulation  S-T  (§ 
232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required 
to submit and post such files). 

Yes  

(cid:57)  

No 

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

Large accelerated filer 

  Accelerated filer 

  Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

(cid:57)

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

Yes  

No 

(cid:57)

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the 
price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the 
last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $40,992,000.  

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common equity was 4,263,754 as of December 5, 2014.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into 
Part III. A definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A will be filed with the Commission no later than 
January 28, 2015.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              TABLE OF CONTENTS  

                   PAGE NO. 

PART I 

Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

Business .................................................................................................................................  
Risk Factors ...........................................................................................................................  
Unresolved Staff Comments ..................................................................................................  
Properties ...............................................................................................................................  
Legal Proceedings ..................................................................................................................  
Mine Safety Disclosures ........................................................................................................  

4 
14 
29 
29 
29 
29 

PART II

Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 

Item 7A. 
Item 8. 

Item 9. 

Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities ...............................................................................................
Selected Consolidated Financial Data ....................................................................................  
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations ..............................................................................................................................
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ...............................................  
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: 
Report of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm ........................................................................................................................................
Report of Grant Thornton, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..............  
Consolidated Balance Sheets .................................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Operations .................................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss .................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity ..................................................................  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ................................................................................  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ..........................................................................  
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure ..............................................................................................................................
Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................................  
Other Information ..................................................................................................................  

PART III

Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 
Item 14. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .....................................................  
Executive Compensation .......................................................................................................  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters ...............................................................................................................
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .......................  
Principal Accounting Fees and Services ................................................................................  

30 
33 

34 
45 

46 
47 
48 
50 
51 
52 
53 
54 

76 
76 
77 

78 
79 

79 
79 
79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(This page intentionally left blank)

Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

When  used  in  this  Report,  the  words  “anticipate”,  “expect”,  “plan”,  “believe”,  “seek”,  “estimate”  and  similar 
expressions  are  intended  to  identify  forward-looking  statements.    These  are  statements  that  relate  to  future 
periods and include, but are not limited to, statements about the features, benefits and performance of our Rich 
Media  products,  our  ability  to  introduce  new  product  offerings  and  increase  revenue  from  existing  products, 
expected  expenses  including  those  related  to  selling  and  marketing,  product  development  and  general  and 
administrative, our beliefs regarding the health and growth of the market for our products, anticipated increase 
in our customer base, expansion of our products functionalities, expected revenue levels and sources of revenue, 
expected  impact,  if  any,  of  legal  proceedings,  the  adequacy  of  liquidity  and  capital  resources,  and  expected 
growth in business.  Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual 
results  to  differ  materially  from  those  projected.    These  risks  and  uncertainties  include,  but  are  not  limited  to, 
market  acceptance  for  our  products,  our  ability  to  attract  and  retain  customers  and  distribution  partners  for 
existing  and  new  products,  our  ability  to  control  our  expenses,  our  ability  to  recruit  and  retain  employees,  the 
ability of distribution partners to successfully sell our products, legislation and government regulation, shifts in 
technology, global and local business conditions, our ability to effectively maintain and update our products and 
service  portfolio,  the  strength  of  competitive  offerings,  the  prices  being  charged  by  those  competitors,  and  the 
risks  discussed  elsewhere  herein.    These  forward-looking  statements  speak  only  as  of  the  date  hereof.    We 
expressly  disclaim  any  obligation  or  undertaking  to  release  publicly  any  updates  or  revisions  to  any  forward-
looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change 
in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. 

ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS  

PART I 

Who We Are 
Sonic  Foundry  (NASDAQ:  SOFO)  is  the  trusted  market  leader  for video  capture,  management  and  webcasting 
solutions  in  education,  business  and  government.  The  patented Mediasite  Enterprise  Video  Platform transforms 
communications, training, education and events. The company empowers organizations to reach everyone through 
the power of video to accelerate knowledge-sharing, preserve valuable content, build stronger teams and get results. 

Today, over 3,000 customers in over 60 countries use Mediasite to capture, stream and manage a vast number of 
video  hours  with  millions  of  viewers  around  the  world.  According  to  usage  statistics  among  our  education 
customers, a student starts watching Mediasite every second, adding up to over 30 million views annually. 

Sonic Foundry, Inc. was founded in 1991, incorporated in Wisconsin in March 1994 and merged into a Maryland 
corporation  of  the  same  name  in  October  1996.  Our  executive  offices  are  located  at  222  West  Washington  Ave., 
Madison,  Wisconsin  53703  and  our 
is 
www.sonicfoundry.com.  In  the  “Investors”  section  of  our  website  we  make  available,  free  of  charge,  our  annual 
report  on  Form  10-K,  quarterly  reports  on  Form  10-Q,  current  reports  on  Form  8-K  and  amendments  to  reports 
required  to  be  filed  pursuant  to  Sections  13(a)  and  15(d)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  soon  as 
reasonably practicable after the filing of such reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

is  (608)  443-1600.  Our  corporate  website 

telephone  number 

Challenges We Address 
Every  organization  faces  a  fundamental  need  to  share  information  and  communicate  efficiently.  Universities  and 
colleges  connect  instructors  with  students  to  educate  and  prepare  the  next  generation.  Corporations  strive  for 
successful communication and collaboration among colleagues to provide value to customers. Government agencies 
must keep partners, stakeholders and constituents informed to operate effectively. And yet, communication and e-
learning challenges remain, including: 

(cid:129)  Ensuring learners’ academic and professional success 
(cid:129)  Connecting with a geographically-dispersed audience 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129)  Reducing logistical and financial impacts 
(cid:129)  Avoiding cumbersome and restrictive technologies 

Improving productivity and overall organizational knowledge 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Sonic Foundry Solutions 
Sonic Foundry is changing the way organizations share and use information with these solutions: 

Mediasite Enterprise Video Platform  
Mediasite Enterprise Video Platform is the trusted cornerstone to enterprise and campus video content management 
strategies. It’s a powerful and flexible system to deliver rich interactive video – live and on-demand – to any user on 
any screen. Video content can be created anywhere – training rooms, classrooms, videoconferences, desktops and 
mobile devices, studios and live events. Regardless of the source, Mediasite Enterprise Video Platform ensures all 
content  has  a  secure,  central  home.  We  understand  the  incredible  value  and  power  of  quickly  publishing,  easily 
retrieving and ultimately measuring the impact of video content.  
(cid:129)  Publish: Distribute and archive content where and when users most need it 
(cid:129)  Organize: Archive and index content in video portals or channels so busy learners can quickly find what they 

need 

(cid:129)  Search:  Pinpoint  important  information  in  just  seconds  with  advanced  indexing  and  automated  metadata 

creation 

(cid:129)  Analyze:  Monitor  who  is  watching  what  and  when  in  order  to  measure  learning  outcomes  or  program 

effectiveness 

(cid:129)  Edit: Put the finishing touches on recorded content and easily repurpose video 
(cid:129)  Secure: Guarantee only authorized users access content with role-based directory integration 

Mediasite Cloud 
Mediasite Cloud provides a reliable, worry-free option for video streaming and content management projects of any 
size. Customers conveniently host and manage all of their content with our SaaS-based Mediasite Cloud or use as 
needed  for  important  and  large  events  to  divert  heavy  viewing  traffic  from  their  on-premises  Mediasite  Platform. 
Our co-located and high availability Mediasite Cloud data center and experienced team are in place to successfully 
manage  our  customer’s  video  streaming  needs.  Clients  increasingly  trust  Mediasite  Cloud  and  Sonic  Foundry  to 
provide a secure, fault-tolerant environment for their valuable content.  

Mediasite Capture Solutions  
Valuable knowledge and expertise is shared every minute, but what’s the best way to capture that knowledge before 
it evaporates into thin air? Mediasite provides flexible options to record and upload any content from anywhere. 
(cid:129)  My Mediasite: My Mediasite empowers faculty, trainers, staff and students to create and share video, training 
modules,  lectures  or  assignments  wherever  they  are.  It’s  a  friendly  launch  pad  for  users  to  record,  upload, 
manage and publish their own video content from their laptop, computer, or mobile device. 

(cid:129)  Mediasite  RL  Recorders:  In  lecture  halls,  training  rooms,  board  rooms  and  auditoriums,  Mediasite  RL 
Recorder’s  automated  and  schedule-driven  content  capture  speeds  user  adoption,  cuts  publishing  delays  and 
minimizes support requirements for high volume live and on-demand streaming.  

(cid:129)  Mediasite  MultiView  Recorders:  For  sophisticated  training  scenarios,  simulations  or  complex  procedures, 
Mediasite MultiView Recorders uniquely capture and simul-stream multi-video content from up to four content 
sources.  

(cid:129)  Mediasite ML Recorders: Designed for on-the-go webcasting, hybrid events, guest speakers and conferences, 
Mediasite ML’s lightweight, portable design moves easily from location to location and can be set up and ready 
to record in only a few minutes. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Mediasite Events  
Mediasite Events is a leading global provider of live and on-demand webcasting for hybrid events and high-profile 
meetings, supplying turnkey streaming solutions for close to 700 events each year. The group works with Fortune 
500 corporations, universities, associations, sporting events and charitable organizations to produce successful, high-
quality online experiences that score rave reviews and achieve event goals. With Mediasite Events, customers: 
(cid:129)  Expand their audience by reaching those that cannot attend in person 
(cid:129)  Generate additional revenue streams to maximize event ROI 
(cid:129)  Engage remote audiences and differentiate themselves from competing events  
(cid:129)  Bolster training and communication effectiveness with interactive video 
(cid:129)  Build stronger teams and deepen morale 
(cid:129)  Save travel time and money 
(cid:129) 

Improve retention and learning outcomes 

Mediasite Services  
Organizations maximize their return on video with these additional Mediasite Services: 
(cid:129)  Advanced  Integration  Services:  The  value  of  Mediasite  Enterprise  Video  Platform  is  further  enhanced  when 
customers’ video assets and streaming workflows seamlessly integrate with the systems that drive their online 
learning, training or communication strategies. Mediasite Advanced Integration Services provides the resources 
and  expertise  to  incorporate  Mediasite  video  creation,  management  and  delivery  processes  into  existing  or 
planned  application  platforms,  infrastructures  and  workflows.  Leveraging  Mediasite’s  open  architecture  and 
application  programming  interfaces  (APIs),  Sonic  Foundry  developers  collaborate  with  customers  to  scope, 
design and implement a Mediasite solution tailored to their unique requirements. 
Installation  Services:  Sonic  Foundry  provides  on-site  consulting  and  installation  services  to  help  customers 
optimize deployments and efficiently integrate Mediasite within existing AV and IT infrastructures, processes 
and workflows.  

(cid:129) 

(cid:129)  Training  Services:  Expert  Sonic  Foundry  trainers  provide  the  necessary  knowledge  transfer  so  organizations 
feel  confident  in  using,  managing  and  leveraging  Mediasite’s  capabilities.  On-site  training  is  customized  to 
specific requirements and skill levels, while online training provides convenient anytime access to a web-based 
catalog of training modules.  

Mediasite Customer Assurance  
Sonic Foundry’s annually renewable maintenance and support plans provide customers access to technical expertise 
and Mediasite software updates. With a Mediasite Customer Assurance contract, customers are entitled to: 
(cid:129)  Software upgrades and updates for Mediasite Enterprise Video Platform and Mediasite Capture Solutions 
(cid:129)  Unlimited technical support assistance 
(cid:129)  Mediasite Recorder hardware warranty extension 
(cid:129)  Advanced Mediasite Recorder replacement 
(cid:129)  Authorized  access  to  the  Mediasite  Customer  Assurance  Portal  where  they  can  access  software  downloads, 

documentation, the Mediasite Knowledge Base, video tutorials and technical resources at any time.  

Nearly all of our customers purchase a Customer Assurance plan when they purchase Mediasite Enterprise Video 
Platform or Mediasite Capture Solutions.  

What Sets Mediasite Apart? 
For enterprises to maximize their return on video, it takes more than capturing, storing and streaming content. The 
true impact and power of video is realized when content is transformed into highly interactive learning experiences 
rich with searchable metadata and detailed viewing statistics. The Mediasite advantage comes from: 

(cid:129) 

Interactive, consistent playback experiences across devices – By engaging the viewer’s auditory, visual and 
kinesthetic senses, Mediasite increases content comprehension and retention. Unconstrained by viewing device 
or  traditional  webcast  layouts,  Mediasite  involves  the  viewer  in  their  online  video  experience  with  polls, 
bookmarks, sharing, ask-a-question, resource links and more. Plus, Mediasite’s consistent playback experience 
across all devices significantly reduces learning curves and accelerates adoption and content mastery.  

(cid:129)  Auto-indexing and powerful video search – We understand the need to bring order to growing video libraries 
so content can be found, used and re-purposed. Mediasite’s unique auto-scan and index capabilities for slides, 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

tags  and  audio  transcripts,  make  all  video  discoverable  –  saving  users  immeasurable  time  with  Mediasite’s 
TotalSearch engine.  

(cid:129)  Analytics  –  Measuring  the  impact  and  value  of  video  initiatives  is  critical  to  their  ongoing  success.  With 
Mediasite,  powerful  analytics  tools  show  exactly  who  is  watching  what  content  when  and  provide  the  deep 
insight needed to: 

(cid:129)  Analyze patterns in viewing frequency and behavior 
(cid:129)  Correlate these trends to learning outcomes, individual performance and overall program effectiveness 
(cid:129)  Measure return on investment 
(cid:129)  Make informed decisions about e-learning programs 
(cid:129)  Plan effectively for future needs and system expansion 

Mediasite uniquely sets itself apart as a complete platform that addresses all phases of the video lifecycle – from 
content creation to delivery to retention and management. Unlike many competing platforms that focus only on a 
subset of capabilities to support that lifecycle, customers can leverage Mediasite as a total solution for all enterprise 
video  needs.    Plus,  Mediasite’s  comprehensive  portfolio  of  video  creation  solutions  and  deployment  options 
provides customers the flexibility and scalability they need to develop a comprehensive enterprise video strategy. 

Sonic  Foundry  and  the  growing  Mediasite  Community  provide  a  reliable,  collaborative  support  network  for  all 
Mediasite customers. Our worldwide network of field-based system engineers and responsive customer care ensure 
that customers have readily available resources committed to their success. Plus, with over 1,800 active customer 
members, the Mediasite Community is one of the most vibrant and growing user communities for video, webcasting, 
lecture capture and e-learning. Members share ideas and get feedback year-round from community experts through a 
private  online portal,  live  quarterly  webcasts  and  unrivaled  networking and  learning  opportunities  at  Unleash,  the 
annual Mediasite User Conference, and other regional customer events.  

Sonic Foundry Solutions in Higher Education:  
Among post-secondary institutions, Mediasite is used for all academic and campus environments, including: 
(cid:129)  Lecture capture 
(cid:129)  Flipped classroom instruction: students view lectures from home and use classroom time for discussion 
(cid:129)  Distance learning  
(cid:129)  Continuing education 
(cid:129)  Campus YouTube 
(cid:129)  Special events: commencement, guest speakers, sporting events, etc. 
(cid:129)  Faculty training and development 
(cid:129)  Student video 
(cid:129)  Recruitment and admissions 
(cid:129)  University business: leadership meetings, alumni relations, outreach 

Improves student learning outcomes 

Through interviews, many higher education institutions report that Mediasite: 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129)  Keeps their institution competitive by supporting higher enrollment and/or tuition without new classrooms 
(cid:129)  Empowers faculty with technology supporting new teaching pedagogies both in the classroom and online 
(cid:129)  Boosts campus outreach, recruitment efforts and awareness of campus events 
(cid:129)  Helps campuses manage, secure and search all campus video 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Recent trends in video drive more departments to adopt online education. Some examples include blended or hybrid 
courses,  fully  online  distance  learning  programs,  dual  enrollment  programs  and  flipped  classrooms.    Historically, 
graduate programs and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-oriented degree programs in schools of 
medicine, nursing, engineering or business have comprised the majority of our academic customer base. We are now 
experiencing heightened market demand for academic video within undergraduate and community college programs 
as well.  

According  to  the  Center  for  Digital  Education  report,  The  Upside  of  Upside  Down:  Faculty  Perspectives  on  the 
Flipped Classroom, 2013, there’s growing faculty and student demand for this technology-driven pedagogy relying 
on video.  In  fact,  more  than  two-thirds of faculty  – 70  percent –  are  already using or  are  planning  to  employ  the 
model by the end of 2014. The top factors driving U.S. colleges to embrace flipped classrooms include: the ability to 
provide  a  better  learning  experience  for  students,  greater  availability  of  technologies  that  support  the  model,  and 
positive  results  from  initial  trials.  As  the  first  comprehensive  national  faculty  survey  on  this  technology-driven 
approach, the study also reveals that among those employing it already, 57 percent of faculty agree that their flipped 
classroom  is  “extremely  successful”  or  “successful”,  citing  key  student  benefits  of  “improved  mastery  of 
information” and “improved retention of information”, at 81 percent and 80 percent of responses respectively.  

According  to  the  Babson  Survey  Research  Group  and  Sloan  Consortium  report,  Grade  Change:  Tracking  Online 
Education in the United States over 7.1 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2012 
term, an increase of 411,000 students over the previous year. That number represents 33% of all higher education 
students. The proportion of chief academic leaders that say online learning is critical to their long-term strategy is 
now at 66%. Community colleges, specifically, have significantly increased their number of blended or hybrid and 
web-enhanced courses. The Instructional Technology Council’s “2013 Distance Education Survey Results: Trends 
in eLearning: Tracking the Impact of eLearning at Community Colleges (April 2014)” reports that “a robust, steady 
increase in the popularity for online learning continues.” The report states that students have “voted with their feet, 
by  enrolling  in  distance  education  courses  when  they  are  available.”  From  fall  2012  to  fall  2013,  ITC’s  survey 
participants reported 5.2 percent growth in student enrollment in their online programs.   

Analysts predict the lecture capture market will more than triple over the next six years. Frost & Sullivan analysts 
estimate  lecture  capture  revenues  will  reach  over  $175.8  million  by  2016,  exhibiting  a  nearly  20.7  percent 
compound  annual  growth  rate  (CAGR)  for  the  six-year  period  (Global  Enterprise  Video  Webcasting  and  Lecture 
Capture Solutions Markets report, 2013).  

All of these findings point to growth of academic video on college and university campuses. A recent whitepaper by 
University  Business, Academic  Video at  a  Tipping Point: Preparing  Your  Campus  for the  Future,  spells  out how 
advances in technology, the rise of course capture platforms and expectations among faculty and students, have all 
pushed 
at 
academic  video 
www.sonicfoundry.com/UBwhitepaper. 

tipping  point.  The  whitepaper 

can  be  downloaded 

reach 

to 

a 

To remain relevant, colleges and universities are striving to differentiate themselves through technical leadership as 
a means to attract these tech-savvy students, while balancing their campus technology improvements with systems 
that  faculty  will  embrace  and  adopt. As  a  result,  the  education  market  is  restructuring  and  increasing  investments 
around online learning.  

The visible integration of video-based learning content into core university applications like learning management 
systems (LMSes) and the success of bundled online learning technology solutions are two healthy indicators for the 
widespread  adoption  of  campus  video.  LMSes  like  Canvas  by  Instructure,  Brightspace™/Desire2Learn®, 
Blackboard®, Moodle and Sakai are ubiquitous in the education enterprise. As the foundation for e-learning, these 
systems are rapidly evolving to be students’ single-source portal for all course-related materials including recorded 
lecture  and  assignment  videos.  Mediasite’s  packaged  LMS  integrations  and  support  for  the  Learning  Tools 
Interoperability  (LTI)  standard,  address  the  need  to  make  learning  content accessible to  students  when  and  where 
they need it. Similarly, video content management platforms are emerging as repositories for campus’ media-centric 
content.  These  platforms  provide  additional  opportunities  through  which  to  make  Mediasite  content  accessible  to 
faculty, staff and students. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Sonic Foundry Solutions in the Enterprise:  
Within medium to large corporate, healthcare and government enterprises, Mediasite has numerous applications.  

In corporate enterprises it is used for: 
(cid:129)  Executive communications: state of the enterprise speeches, town hall meetings  
(cid:129)  Workforce development: training, HR briefings, policy documentation, secure corporate YouTube 
(cid:129)  Sales, marketing and customer support 
(cid:129) 
(cid:129)  Conferences and events: user group, sales and annual meetings 

Investor relations: earnings calls, analyst briefings, annual reports 

In health-related enterprises it is used for: 
(cid:129)  Education and conferences: continuing medical education, grand rounds, seminars 
(cid:129)  On-demand medical information  
(cid:129)  Caregiver training 
(cid:129)  Emergency response coordination and public health announcements 
(cid:129)  Research and collaboration  

In government agencies it is used for:  
(cid:129)  Program management: relief work, military coordination, emergency preparedness  
(cid:129)  Community outreach: committee meetings, public safety announcements  
(cid:129)  Training, workshops and events  
(cid:129)  Executive and legislative communications: constituent relations, public speeches, debates 

Through interviews across these verticals, enterprise customers report that Mediasite: 
(cid:129)  Expands training and communications opportunities 
(cid:129)  Cuts travel and meeting expenses 
(cid:129)  Boosts  efficiency  by  allowing  participants  to  watch  when  it’s  convenient  to  avoid  interruptions  and  increase 

retention 

(cid:129)  Helps build stronger teams through direct management/employee communications 

Executives, event planners and line of business managers for human resources/talent development, sales, marketing, 
and  customer  service  are  pushing  for  more  video  in  their  organizations  to  improve  communication,  collaboration 
and results.  

In  its  2013  report,  Global  Enterprise  Video  Webcasting  and  Lecture  Capture  Solutions  Markets,  industry  analyst 
Frost & Sullivan cites rapid growth of the worldwide enterprise video webcasting market, anticipating the market to 
grow at a compound annual growth rate of 27.2 percent from 2011-2016. 

Aragon Research reports that rich media assets that are produced in marketing webinars, webcasts, training, sales 
communications  and  other  interactions  are  growing  at  explosive  rates.  In  its  March  2014  research  note,  Manage 
Interactive Content with Video Content Management, the firm predicts that “by 2016, interactive presentations and 
video documents will be accepted formats for basic knowledge transfer,” and “by year-end 2018, video documents 
will replace text documents as the leading form of digital content.” 

Future Direction 
Video  management,  webcasting  and  lecture  capture  are  becoming  an  everyday  part  of  the  way  people  work  and 
learn. We strive to shorten the time it takes to not only capture and distribute information but to also transform video 
into more interactive, discoverable content with rich management, search and analytics capabilities. As a company, 
we are helping create and manage the video libraries of tomorrow. Our ongoing innovations center on supporting 
this vision by: 
(cid:129)  Advancing enterprise video content management to accommodate organizations’ existing digital video assets, 
content generated from third-party video sources and the corresponding metadata associated with those video 
assets. 
Introducing  new  applications  to  easily  publish,  search  and  retrieve  videos  from  a  video  library  as  well  as 
expanding and automating Mediasite’s powerful multi-modal search capabilities.  

(cid:129) 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

(cid:129)  Offering the industry’s widest variety of content capture solutions capable of scaling economically across entire 

organizations and allowing anyone, on any device, to capture and share their knowledge or expertise. 

(cid:129)  Delivering content capture solutions that test the limits of recording, synchronizing and playing back multiple 

high definition video sources. 

(cid:129)  Supporting consistent, interactive content playback experiences across all viewing devices. 
(cid:129)  Deepening  integration  with  core  enterprise  platforms  including  learning  and  course  management  systems 
(LMS/CMS), content management systems, enterprise collaboration platforms and student information systems 
(SIS). 
Introducing market-driven innovations to our Mediasite Cloud offering. 

(cid:129) 

Segment Information 

We  have  determined  that  in  accordance  with  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  Accounting 
Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280-10, Segment Reporting, we operate in three operating segments, however these 
segments  meet  the  criteria  for  aggregation  for  reporting  purposes  as  one  reporting  segment  as  of  September  30, 
2014.  Prior  to  the  acquisitions  in  the  year  ended  September  30,  2014,  we  reported  in  one  operating  segment. 
Therefore, such information is not presented. 

Our services are typically billed and collected in advance of providing the service which requires minimal cost to 
perform in the future.  Billings, which are a non-GAAP measure, are a better indicator of customer activity and cash 
flow than revenue is, in management’s opinion, and is therefore used by management as a key operational indicator. 
Billings  is  computed  by  combining  revenue  with  the  change  in  unearned  revenue.    Total  billings  for  Mediasite 
product  and  support  outside  the  United  States  totaled  37  percent  and  29  percent  in  fiscal  2014  and  2013, 
respectively. 

Our largest individual customers are typically value added resellers (“VARs”) and distributors since the majority of 
our  end  users  require  additional  complementary  products  and  services  which  we  do  not  provide.  Accordingly,  in 
fiscal 2014 and 2013 one master distributor, Synnex Corporation (“Synnex”), contributed 15 percent and 20 percent, 
respectively, of total world-wide billings. A second master distributor, Starin Marketing, Inc. (“Starin”), contributed 
15 percent and 22 percent of total world-wide billings in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As master distributors, 
Synnex and Starin fulfill transactions to VARs, end users and other distributors. No other customer represented over 
10 percent of billings in 2014 or 2013. 

Sales  

We  sell  and  market  our  offerings  through  a  sales  force  that  manages  a  channel  of  value-added  resellers,  system 
integrators,  consultants  and  distributors.  These  third  party  representatives  specialize  in  understanding  both 
audio/video  systems  and  IT  networking.  In  fiscal  2014,  we  utilized  two  master  distributors  in  the  U.S.  and 
approximately 200 resellers, and sold our products to over 1,300 total end users. Our focus has been primarily in the 
United  States  and  primarily  to  customers  we  have  identified  as  having  the  greatest  potential  for  high  use;  that  is, 
organizations with presenters, trainers, lecturers, marketers, event planners and leaders who have a routine need to 
communicate  to  many  people  in  higher  education,  government,  health  and  certain  corporate  markets.  Despite  our 
historical attention on the United States market, reseller, customer interest and sales outside the United States has 
grown  and  accordingly,  we  made  two  international  acquisitions  in  fiscal  2014  in  the  Netherlands  and  Japan, 
significantly increasing our international headcount in sales, operations, technical and administrative positions to 55. 
To date, we have sold our products to customers in over 60 countries outside the United States. Total non-GAAP 
billings for Mediasite product and support outside the United States totaled 37 percent and 29 percent in fiscal 2014 
and 2013, respectively.  

Market  expansion:  Over  half  our  revenue  is  realized  from  the  education  market.  Recent  trends  including  the 
economic recovery are driving more students, particularly adult learners, to seek online education options. Similarly, 
demand  for  lecture  capture  within  undergraduate,  community  college  and  blended  learning  programs  is 
demonstrating  growth.  This  development  represents  an  emerging  trend  beyond  the  traditional  academic  customer 
base  for  the  company,  which  has  primarily  consisted  of  post-graduate,  distance  learning  and  technical  degree 
programs.  

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

For  our  higher  education  as  well  as  corporate,  government  and  association  clients,  we  anticipate  economic 
conditions will expand market demand for more outsourced services versus licensed sales. Over the last two years, 
the  company  has  made  extensive  capital  and  technology  investments  to  advance  its  services  model  with  turnkey 
event  webcasting,  a  comprehensive  cloud-based  Software  as  a  Service  (SaaS)  datacenter,  and  e-commerce 
capabilities that position us well to deliver more diversified business services. 

With  Mediasite  Events,  we  continue  to  see  growing  demand  for  conference  webcasting  and  hybrid  events 
(conferences  which  combine  both  face-to-face  meeting  and  viewing  over  the  web).  These  event-based 
communication, education and training applications, combined with outsourced webcasting services, are expected to 
drive the company’s corporate sales activities going forward. 

Repeat  orders:  Many  customers  initially  purchase  a  small  number  of  Mediasite  Recorders  to  test  or  pilot  in  a 
department,  school  or  business  unit.  A  successful  pilot  project  and  the  associated  increase  in  webcasting  demand 
from  other  departments  or  schools  leads  to  follow  up,  multiple  Recorder  orders  as  well  as  increased  Mediasite 
Server  capacity.  In  fiscal  2014,  77  percent  of  billings  were  to  preexisting  customers  compared  to  81  percent  of 
billings in fiscal 2013. 

Renewals: As is typical in the industry, we offer annual support and maintenance service contract extensions for a 
fee  to  our  customer  base.    Nearly  all  customers  purchase  a  Customer  Assurance  plan  with  their  initial  Mediasite 
Recorders and Servers, and the majority renew their contracts annually. 

Marketing 

Marketing  efforts  span  the  spectrum  of  thought  leadership  and  best  practices  webinars,  tradeshows,  product 
demonstrations, websites, public relations, social media, direct mail, e-mail campaigns, newsletters, print and online 
advertising,  sponsorships,  Mediasite  Community-building,  annual  user  conference,  brochures,  white  papers  and 
analyst relations. We often publish press release quotes and written or multimedia testimonials from satisfied, high-
profile  reference  customers,  particularly  those  that  demonstrate  innovative  and  valuable  uses  of  the  Mediasite 
platform  and  Mediasite  Events.  We  have  a  large,  growing  database  of  potential  customers  in  the  education, 
corporate  and  government  marketplaces  and  regularly  execute  demand  generation  activities  to  target  specific 
verticals that have a direct and demonstrated need for our offerings. 

Operations  

We contract with a third party to build the hardware for our Mediasite Recorders and purchase quantities sufficient 
to fill specific customer orders, including purchases of inventory by resellers. Quantities are maintained in inventory 
by the third party provider and shipped directly to the end customer or reseller. The hardware manufacturer provides 
a  limited  one-year  warranty  on  the  hardware,  which  we  pass  on  to  our  customers  who  purchase  a  Mediasite 
Customer Assurance support and maintenance plan. We believe there are alternative sources of manufacturing for 
our recorders and believe there are numerous additional sources and alternatives to the existing production process. 
We have experienced delays in production of our products and component parts used in our products in the past and 
expect to continue to maintain excess quantities of inventory in the future to mitigate the risk of such delays.  To 
date, we have not experienced any material returns due to product defects.  

OTHER INFORMATION 

Competition 

Various vendors provide lecture capture, enterprise webcasting or video content management capabilities, but few offer 
an  end-to-end  solution  that  addresses  all  phases  of  the  video  content  lifecycle  (capture,  delivery,  transformation  and 
management) in a single platform like Mediasite.  

Lecture capture solutions designed specifically for higher education differ in their technology approach.  

(cid:129)  Appliance-  or  room-based  lecture  capture  provides  a  fully  integrated  system  with  complete  recording 
automation  for  live  or  on-demand  content.  The  automated,  pre-scheduled  workflow  results  in  the  greatest 
faculty and staff adoption and largest volumes of recorded content in the shortest amount of time. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

(cid:129)  Software-based  lecture  capture  that  resides  on  a  podium  or  computer  in  the  classroom  also  captures  and 

publishes rich media content, but relies on campus- or user-supplied hardware. 

(cid:129)  Desktop capture tools reside on individual users’ laptops or computers allowing them to record user-generated 

content.  

Few lecture capture vendors, offer a mix of all lecture capture approaches to best suit customers’ needs. Most vendors, 
including Crestron, Panopto and Tegrity, support only one approach to lecture capture. Likewise, a very small number of 
vendors provide an integrated platform like Mediasite to archive and manage video and rich media recorded with their 
solution.  Most  rely  on  a  third-party  platform,  typically  the  institution’s  learning  or  course  management  system,  to 
publish, search and secure content. 

Enterprise video management solutions (e.g. Kaltura, Qumu) serve as centralized media repositories that facilitate the 
delivery,  publishing  and  management  of  on-demand  video.  Unlike  Mediasite,  most  platforms  do  not  include  a  video 
capture,  webcasting  or  live  streaming  component,  but  instead  ingest  or  import  video-based  content  captured  by  other 
third-party devices or solutions. Also, most other platforms focus on ingesting video-only content rather than rich video 
which combines multiple synchronous video and/or slide streams into an interactive media experience. 

Some  current  and  potential  customers  develop  their  own  home-grown  lecture  capture,  webcasting  or  video  content 
solutions which may also compete with Mediasite. However, we often find many of these organizations are now looking 
for  a  commercial  solution  that  offers  comprehensive  management  capabilities,  requires  fewer  resources  and  internal 
maintenance and delivers a less cumbersome workflow.  

Solutions that are designed primarily to address other online communication needs sometimes compete with Mediasite. 
Typically, these solutions are complementary to and integrated with the Mediasite solution:   

(cid:129)  Web  and  video  conferencing  (e.g.  Adobe,  Cisco  TANDBERG,  Cisco  WebEx,  Citrix,  and  Polycom).  These 
solutions  are  designed  primarily 
for  synchronous,  collaborative  communication  versus  one-to-many 
communications like Mediasite. Many organizations acknowledge that they need both conferencing and webcasting 
technologies  to  appropriately  address  their  different  communication  requirements.  Since  most  conferencing 
platforms  lack  sophisticated  content  management  capabilities,  customers  use  Mediasite  Enterprise  Video 
Management Platform to ingest conference content for centralized management and the added benefits of interactive 
playback, searchability, analytics and security. 

(cid:129)  Authoring tools (e.g. TechSmith). Unlike webcasting, web conferencing or video conferencing, which capture and 
stream  content  as  it  occurs  in  real-time,  these  tools  are  used  to  produce  and  edit  on-demand  video  or  screencast 
content. The authoring process can require a significant amount of production and user expertise. Mediasite ingests 
content  produced  by  popular  authoring  tools  like  TechSmith’s  Camtasia–  allowing  the  content  to  be  delivered, 
managed and secured. 

(cid:129)  Virtual event platforms (e.g. INXPO, ON24). These companies offer cloud-based virtual meeting environments 
for  online  conferences,  tradeshows  and  meetings.  The  platforms  often  include  the  ability  to  embed  or  link  to 
streaming video or webcasts within the interactive environment. In some instances, Mediasite content is integrated 
into these virtual meeting environments and streamed live or on-demand. 

Intellectual Property 

The status of United States patent protection in the Internet industry is not well defined and will evolve as the U.S. 
Patent and Trademark Office grants additional patents.  Currently four U.S. patents have been issued to us and we 
may seek additional patents in the future.  We do not know if any future patent application will result in any patents 
being issued with the scope of the claims we seek, if such patents are issued at all.  We do not know whether our 
patents which have been issued or any patents we may receive in the future will be challenged, invalidated or be of 
any value.  It is difficult to monitor unauthorized use of technology, particularly in foreign countries where the laws 
may  not  protect  our  proprietary  rights  as  fully  as  in  the  United  States,  and  our  competitors  may  independently 
develop  technology  similar  to  ours.    We  will  continue  to  seek  patent  and  other  intellectual  property  protections, 
when appropriate, for those aspects of our technology that we believe constitute innovations providing significant 
competitive advantages.  Any future, patent applications may not result in the issuance of valid patents. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Our success depends in part upon our rights to proprietary technology.  We rely on a combination of copyright, trade 
secret, trademark and contractual protection to establish and protect our proprietary rights.  We have registered four 
U.S. and four foreign country trademarks.  We require our employees to enter into confidentiality and nondisclosure 
agreements upon commencement of employment.  Before we will disclose any confidential aspects of our services, 
technology  or  business  plans  to  customers,  potential  business  distribution  partners  and  other  non-employees,  we 
routinely require such persons to enter into confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements.  In addition, we require all 
employees, and those consultants involved in the deployment of our services, to agree to assign to us any proprietary 
information,  inventions  or  other  intellectual  property  they  generate,  or  come  to  possess,  while  employed  by  us.  
Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain 
and  use  our  services  or  technology.    These  precautions  may  not  prevent  misappropriation  or  infringement  of  our 
intellectual property. 

Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our copyrights, trademarks and similar proprietary rights.  In addition, 
we may be subject to claims of alleged infringement of patents and other intellectual property rights of third parties 
or may be required to defend against alleged infringement claims filed against our customers due to indemnification 
agreements.  We may be unaware of filed patent applications which have not yet been made public and which relate 
to our services. 

Intellectual property claims may be asserted against us in the future.  Intellectual property litigation is expensive and 
time-consuming  and  could  divert  management’s  attention  away  from  running  our  business.    Intellectual  property 
litigation  could  also  require  us  to  develop  non-infringing  technology  or  enter  into  royalty  or  license  agreements.  
These royalty or license agreements, if required, may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.  Our failure or 
inability  to  develop  non-infringing  technology  or  license  the  proprietary  rights  on  a  timely  basis  would  harm  our 
business. 

Research and Development 

We believe that our future success will depend in part on our ability to continue to develop new business, and to 
enhance  our  existing  business.  Accordingly,  we  invest  a  significant  amount  of  our  resources  in  research  and 
development activities. During each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we spent $5.6 million 
and  $4.3  million,  respectively,  on  internal  research  and  development  activities  in  our  business.  These  amounts 
represent 16% and 15%, respectively, of total revenue in each of those years.  The increase reflects our decision to 
accelerate development on identified new products as well as enhancements to existing products.  

Global Expansion 

We completed the acquisitions of MediaMission in the Netherlands and Mediasite KK in Japan in fiscal 2014. With 
these acquisitions, we expect to significantly expand our global market reach in the Asia-Pacific Region and Europe, 
and accelerate our commitment to enterprise video communication world-wide. 

Employees 

At  September  30,  2014  and  2013,  we  had  183  and  116  full-time  employees,  respectively.  Our  employees  are  not 
represented by a labor union, nor are they subject to a collective bargaining agreement. We have never experienced 
a work stoppage and believe that our employee relations are satisfactory.  

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS  

YOU  SHOULD  CAREFULLY  CONSIDER  THE  RISKS  DESCRIBED  BELOW  BEFORE  MAKING  AN 
INVESTMENT  DECISION.  THE  RISKS  DESCRIBED  BELOW  ARE  NOT  THE  ONLY  ONES  WE  FACE. 
ADDITIONAL RISKS THAT WE ARE NOT PRESENTLY AWARE OF OR THAT WE CURRENTLY BELIEVE ARE 
IMMATERIAL MAY ALSO IMPAIR OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS. OUR BUSINESS COULD BE HARMED BY 
ANY  OR  ALL  OF  THESE  RISKS.  THE  TRADING  PRICE  OF  OUR  COMMON  STOCK  COULD  DECLINE 
SIGNIFICANTLY  DUE  TO  ANY  OF  THESE  RISKS,  AND  YOU  MAY  LOSE  ALL  OR  PART  OF  YOUR 
INVESTMENT.  IN  ASSESSING  THESE  RISKS,  YOU  SHOULD  ALSO  REFER  TO  THE  OTHER  INFORMATION 
CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, INCLUDING 
OUR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RELATED NOTES. 

Economic conditions could materially adversely affect the Company. 

With  the  continued  global  economic  pressure  experienced  in  fiscal  2014,  there  is  a  continuing  risk  of  further 
weakening in conditions, particularly with those customers that rely on local, state or Federal government funding.  
Japan experienced a decline in its gross domestic growth rate in fiscal 2014 as well as delays in certain government 
programs,  both  of  which  had  a  negative  impact  on  our  recently  acquired  operation  in  Japan.  Any  continuing 
unfavorable  economic  conditions  could  continue  to  negatively  affect,  our  business,  operating  results  or  financial 
condition,  which  could  in  turn  affect  our  stock  price.  Weak  economic  conditions  and  the  resulting  impact  on  the 
availability  of  public  funds  along  with  the  possibility  of  state  and  local  budget  cuts  and  reduced  university 
enrollment could lead to a reduction in demand for our products and services.  In addition, a prolonged economic 
downturn could cause insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product delays, inability of customers to obtain credit 
to finance purchases of the Company’s products and inability or delay of our channel partners and other customers 
to pay accounts receivable owed to us.   

Economic conditions may have a disproportionate effect on the sale of our products. 

Many of our customers will look at the total A/V equipment and labor cost to outfit a typical conference room or 
lecture hall as one amount for budgetary purposes.  Consequently, although our products represent only a portion of 
the total cost, the cost of the entire project of outfitting a room or conference hall may be considered excessive and 
may  not  survive  budgetary  constraints.    Alternatively,  our  resellers  may  modify  their  quotes  to  end  customers  by 
eliminating  our  products  or  substituting  less  expensive  products  supplied  by  our  competitors  in  order  to  win 
opportunities  within  budget  constraints.    Event  service  partners  may  similarly  suggest  that  customers  eliminate 
recording and webcasting as a means of reducing event cost.  Consequently, declines in spending by government, 
educational  or  corporate  institutions  due  to  budgetary  constraints  may  have  a  disproportionate  impact  on  the 
Company and result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition. 

We may need to raise additional capital. 

At September 30, 2014 we had cash of $4.3 million and availability under our line of credit facility with Silicon Valley 
Bank  of  $3.0  million.  At  September  30,  2014,  of  the  $4.3  million  aggregate  cash  and  cash  equivalents  held  by  the 
Company, the amount of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries was $2.9 million. The Company has 
historically financed its operations primarily through cash from sales of equity securities, and to a limited extent, cash 
from  operations  and  through  bank  credit  facilities.    The  Company  has  a  history  of  operating  losses  and  used  cash  in 
operations in certain periods, including in fiscal 2014.  While the Company expects to increase revenue in fiscal 2015 
and manage expense growth to a level less than anticipated growth in revenues, we cannot ensure that revenue will grow 
as anticipated and, if revenue is determined to be growing at a rate less than anticipated, it may be too late to reduce 
expenses  for  fiscal  2015.  The  Company’s  recent  international  acquisitions  included  notes  payable  to  the  sellers  as  a 
component  of  consideration.  Those  notes  require  payments  in  fiscal  2015  of  approximately  $2.1  million  and  the 
operations could require additional capital resources to fund operations or equipment purchases. If the funds held by our 
foreign subsidiaries are needed for our operations in the United States, the repatriation of some of these funds to the 
United States could require payment of additional U.S. taxes.  

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

We may evaluate further operating or capital lease opportunities or incur additional term debt to finance equipment 
purchases  or  other  uses  of  cash  in  the  future  and  will  utilize  the  Company’s  revolving  line  of  credit  to  support 
working capital needs.  While the Company anticipates that it will be in compliance with all provisions of our debt 
facilities, there can be no assurance that the existing debt facilities will be available or that additional financing will 
be available or on terms acceptable to the Company.   

If  we  borrow money,  we  may  incur  significant  interest  charges,  which  could  harm  our  profitability.    Holders  of  debt 
would also have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of our common stock.  If we raise 
additional equity, the terms of such financing may dilute the ownership interests of current investors and cause our stock 
price to fall significantly.  We may not be able to secure financing upon acceptable terms, if at all.  If we cannot raise 
funds  on  acceptable  terms,  we  may  not  be  able  to  develop  or  enhance  our  products,  take  advantage  of  future 
opportunities  or  respond  to  competitive  pressures  or  unanticipated  requirements,  which  could  seriously  harm  our 
business,  operating  results,  and  financial  condition.  The  Company  believes  its  cash  position  and  available  credit  is 
adequate to accomplish its business plan through at least the next twelve months. 

We have a history of losses. 

Our  investments  in  growing  revenues  have  generated  losses  in  most  years.    Despite  our  plans  to  grow  revenue  to  a 
greater  extent  than  expenses  in  fiscal  2015  and  beyond,  we  may  not  realize  sufficient  revenues  to  reach  or  sustain 
profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.  For the year ended September 30, 2014, we had a gross margin of $25.6 
million  on  revenue  of  $35.8  million  with  which  to  cover  selling,  marketing,  product  development  and  general  and 
administrative costs.  Our selling, marketing, product development and general and administrative costs have historically 
been a significant percentage of our revenue, due partly to the expense of developing leads and the relatively long period 
required to convert leads into sales associated with selling products that are not yet considered "mainstream" technology 
investments.  Operating costs in fiscal 2014 also included significant costs of closing two acquisitions and defending and 
settling a patent infringement lawsuit. Fluctuations in profitability or failure to maintain profitability have and will likely 
impact the price of our stock in the future. 

Multiple unit deals are needed for continued success. 

We need to sell multiple units to educational, corporate and government institutions in order to sell most efficiently and 
remain profitable.  In fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, 77% and 81% of revenue was generated by sales to existing customers, 
respectively.    In  particular,  sales  of  multiple  units  to  corporate  customers  have  lagged  behind  results  achieved  in  the 
higher  education  market;  consequently,  we  have  allocated  more  resources  to  the  higher  education  market.    While  we 
have addressed a strategy to leverage existing customers and close multiple unit transactions, a customer may choose not 
to make expected purchases of our products.  The failure of our customers to make expected purchases will harm our 
business. 

Manufacturing disruption or capacity constraints would harm our business.  

We  subcontract  the  manufacture  of  our  recorders  to  one  third-party  contract  manufacturer.  Although  we  believe 
there are multiple sources of supply from other contract manufacturers as well as multiple suppliers of component 
parts required by our contract manufacturer, a disruption of supply of component parts or completed products, even 
if short term, would have a material negative impact on our revenues. Many component parts currently have long 
delivery  lead  times  or  cease  production  of  certain  components  with  limited  notice  in  which  to  evaluate  or  obtain 
alternate  supply,  requiring  conservative  estimation  of  production  requirements.    Lengthening  lead  times,  product 
design  changes  and  other  third  party  manufacturing  disruptions  have  caused  delays  in  delivery.    In  order  to 
compensate  for  supply  delays,  we  have  sourced  components  from  off-shore  sources,  used  cross  component  parts, 
paid significantly higher prices or extra fees to expedite delivery for short supply components, and currently hold 
substantially  larger  quantities  of  inventory  than  in  the  past.  Many  of  these  strategies  have  increased  our  costs  or 
require substantial resources to maintain and may not be sufficient to ensure against a product shortage. We depend 
on our subcontract manufacturer to produce our products efficiently while maintaining high levels of quality.  Any 
manufacturing or component defects, delay in production or changes in product features will likely cause customer 
dissatisfaction  and  may  harm  our  reputation.    Moreover,  any  incapacitation  of  the  manufacturing  site  due  to 
destruction, natural disaster or similar events could result in a loss of product inventory. As a result of any of the 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

foregoing,  we  may  not  be  able  to  meet  demand  for  our  products,  which  could  negatively  affect  revenues  in  the 
quarter of the disruption or longer depending upon the magnitude of the event, and could harm our reputation.  
We could lose revenues if there are changes in the spending policies or budget priorities for government funding 
of colleges, universities, schools and other education providers.  

Most of our customers and potential customers are public colleges, universities, schools and other education providers 
who depend substantially on government funding. Accordingly, any general decrease, delay or change in federal, state or 
local  funding  for  colleges,  universities,  schools  and  other  education  providers  could  cause  our  current  and  potential 
customers to reduce or delay their purchases of our products and services, or to decide not to renew service contracts, 
either of which could cause us to lose revenues. In addition, a specific reduction in governmental funding support for 
products such as ours would also cause us to lose revenues.  Unfavorable economic conditions may result in further 
budget  cuts  and  lead  to  lower  overall  spending,  including  information  technology  spending,  by  our  current  and 
potential clients, which may cause our revenues to decrease. 

If a sufficient number of customers do not accept our products, our business may not succeed. 

We cannot predict how the market for our products will develop, and part of our strategic challenge will be to convince 
enterprise customers of the productivity, improved communications, cost savings, suitability and other benefits of our 
products.    Our  future  revenue  and  revenue  growth  rates  will  depend  in  large  part  on  our  success  in  delivering  these 
products effectively, creating market acceptance for these products and meeting customer’s needs for new or enhanced 
products.  If we fail to do so, our products will not achieve widespread market acceptance, and we may not generate 
sufficient revenue to offset our product development and selling and marketing costs, which will hurt our business.    

We may not be able to innovate to meet the needs of our target market. 

Our future success will continue to depend upon our ability to develop new products, product enhancements or service 
offerings that address future needs of our target markets and to respond to these changing standards and practices.  The 
success  of  new  products,  product  enhancements  or  service  offerings  depend  on  several  factors,  including  the  timely 
completion, quality and market acceptance of the product, enhancement or service.  Our revenue could be reduced if we 
do  not  capitalize  on  our  current  market  leadership  by  timely  development  of  innovative  new  products,  product 
enhancements  or  service  offerings  that  will  increase  the  likelihood  that  our  products  and  services  will  be  accepted  in 
preference to the products and services of our current and future competitors.  

If our marketing and lead generation efforts are not successful, our business will be harmed. 

We believe that continued marketing efforts will be critical to achieve widespread acceptance of our products.  Our 
marketing campaigns may not be successful given the expense required.  For example, failure to adequately generate 
and develop sales leads could cause our future revenue growth to decrease.  In addition, our inability to generate and 
cultivate sales leads into large organizations, where there is the potential for significant use of our products, could 
have a material effect on our business.  We may not be able to identify and secure the number of strategic sales leads 
necessary to help generate marketplace acceptance of our products.  If our marketing or lead-generation efforts are 
not successful, our business and operating results will be harmed. 

The length of our sales and deployment cycles are uncertain, which may cause our revenue and operating results to 
vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year. 

During our sales cycle, we spend considerable time and expense providing information to prospective customers about 
the use and benefits of our products without generating corresponding revenue.  Our expense levels are relatively fixed in 
the short-term and based in part on our expectations of future revenue.  Therefore, any delay in our sales cycle could 
cause significant variations in our operating results, particularly because a relatively small number of customer orders 
represent a large portion of our revenue. 

Our largest potential sources of revenue are educational institutions, large corporations and government entities that often 
require  long  testing  and  approval  processes  before  making  a  decision  to  purchase  our  products,  particularly  when 
evaluating our products for inclusion in new buildings under construction, high dollar transactions or competitive bids.  

16 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

In general, the process of selling our products to a potential customer may involve lengthy negotiations, collaborations 
with consultants, designers and architects, time consuming installation processes and changes in network infrastructure 
in excess of what we or our VARs are able to provide.  In addition, educational institutions that started with small pilots 
are  committing  to  more  complex  installations.  Further,  our  educational  market  is  expanding  to  include  undergraduate 
classrooms, which, due to the increased size of these types of transactions, typically require a longer sales cycle. Also, 
our  enterprise  accounts  are  less  motivated  by  seasonal  sales  and  promotions,  and  therefore  are  frequently  difficult  to 
finalize.  As  a  result  of  these  factors,  our  sales  and  deployment  cycles  are  unpredictable.    Our  sales  and  deployment 
cycles are also subject to delays as a result of customer-specific factors over which we have little or no control, including 
budgetary constraints and internal approval procedures, particularly with customers or potential customers that rely on 
government funding. 

Our products are aimed toward a broadened user base within our key markets and these products are relatively early in 
their  product  life  cycles.    We  cannot  predict  how  the  market  for  our  products  will  develop,  and  part  of  our  strategic 
challenge will be to convince targeted users of the productivity, improved communications and test scores, cost savings 
and other benefits.  Accordingly, it is likely that delays in our sales cycles with these products will occur and this could 
cause significant variations in our operating results. 

Sales of some of our products have experienced seasonal fluctuations which have affected sequential growth rates 
for these products, particularly in our first fiscal quarter. For example, there is generally a slowdown for sales of our 
products in the higher education and corporate markets in the first fiscal quarter of each year. Seasonal fluctuations 
could negatively affect our business, which could cause our operating results to fall short of anticipated results for 
such quarters.  As such, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our revenues, operating results and cash 
flows may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. 

Our operating results are hard to predict as a significant amount of our sales typically occur at the end of a quarter 
and the mix of product and service orders may vary significantly. 

Revenue for any particular quarter is extremely difficult to predict with any degree of certainty. We typically ship 
products within a short time after we receive an order and therefore, we do not have an order backlog with which to 
estimate future revenue. In addition, orders from our channel partners are based on the level of demand from end-
user  customers.  Any  decline  or  uncertainty  in  end-user  demand  could  negatively  impact  end-user  orders,  which 
could in turn significantly negatively affect orders from our channel partners in any given quarter. Accordingly, our 
expectations for both short and long-term future revenue is based almost exclusively on our own estimate of future 
demand  based  on  the  pipeline  of  sales  opportunities  we  manage,  rather  than  on  firm  channel  partner  orders.  Our 
expense  and  inventory  levels  are  based  largely  on  these  estimates.  In  addition,  our  event  business  is  particularly 
unpredictable  and  subject  to  variation  due  to  the  short  time-frame  between  when  we  learn  of  an  opportunity  and 
when the event occurs. Further, the majority of our product orders are received in the last month of a quarter; thus, 
the unpredictability  of  the receipt  of  these orders  could negatively  impact  our future  results. We historically  have 
received all or nearly all our channel partner orders in the last month of a quarter and often in the last few days of 
the  quarter.  Accordingly,  any  significant  shortfall  in  demand  for  our  products  or  services  in  relation  to  our 
expectations,  even  if  the  result  was  a  short  term  delay  in  orders,  would  have  an  adverse  impact  on  our  operating 
results.  

We have experienced growing demand for our hosting and event services as well as a growing preference from our 
customers in purchasing our software as a service (SaaS).  As a result, we expect that service billings as a percentage 
of  total  billings  will  continue  to  grow  which  we  believe  will  ultimately  lead  to  more  recurring  revenue.    We 
subcontract  for  some  services  required  by  our  events  customers,  such  as  onsite  management  labor  and  closed 
captioning. We typically charge for such services at a lower margin than other services. The percentage of billings 
represented by services, provided either directly or indirectly, is also likely to fluctuate from quarter to quarter due 
to seasonality of event services and other factors.  Since content hosting and support services are typically billed in 
advance  of  providing  the  service,  revenue  is  initially  deferred,  leading  to  reduced  current  period  revenue  with  a 
corresponding negative impact to profits or losses in periods of significant increase in the percentage of our billings 
for deferred services.   

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

The market price of our common stock may be subject to volatility 
The trading prices of the securities of technology companies have been highly volatile. Factors affecting the market 
price of our common stock include: 

•    Variations in our operating results, earnings per share, cash flows from operating activities, deferred 

revenue and other financial metrics and non-financial metrics, and how those results compare to analyst 
expectations; 

•    Our announcement of actual results for a fiscal period that are higher or lower than expected results or our 
announcement of revenue or earnings guidance that is higher or lower than expected, including as a result 
of difficulty forecasting seasonal variations in our financial condition and operating results;  

•    Changes in the estimates of our operating results or changes in recommendations by securities analysts that 

elect to follow our common stock;

•    Announcements of technological innovations, new services or service enhancements, strategic alliances or 

significant agreements by us or by our competitors;

•    Announcements by us or by our competitors of mergers or other strategic acquisitions, or rumors of such 

transactions involving us or our competitors;

•    Announcements of customer additions and customer cancellations or delays in customer purchases;
•    Recruitment or departure of key personnel;
•    Disruptions in our service due to computer hardware, software, network or data center problems;
•    The economy as a whole, market conditions in our industry and the industries of our customers;
•    The issuance of shares of common stock by us, whether in connection with an acquisition or a capital 

raising transaction; 

•    Issuance of debt or other convertible securities; and
•    Any other factors discussed herein.

In addition, if the market for technology stocks or the stock market in general experiences uneven investor 
confidence, the market price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, operating 
results or financial condition. The market price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that 
affect other companies within, or outside, our industry even if these events do not directly affect us.  

We are subject to risks associated with our channel partners’ product inventories and product sell-through.  

We sell a significant amount of our products to strategic audio video (A/V) distributors such as Synnex Corporation 
and Starin Marketing, Inc., as well as other channel partners who maintain their own inventory of our products for 
sale to dealers and end-users. If these channel partners are unable to sell an adequate amount of their inventory of 
our products in a given quarter to dealers and end-users or if channel partners decide to decrease their inventories for 
any  reason,  such  as  a  long-term  continuation  or  increase,  in  global  economic  uncertainty  and  downturn  in 
technology  spending,  the  volume  of  our  sales  to  these  channel  partners  and  our  revenue  would  be  negatively 
affected.  In  addition,  if  channel  partners  decide  to  purchase  more  inventory,  due  to  product  availability  or  other 
reasons, than is required to satisfy end-user demand or if end-user demand does not keep pace with the additional 
inventory purchases, channel inventory could grow in any particular quarter, which could adversely affect product 
revenue in the subsequent quarter. In addition, we also face the risk that some of our channel partners have inventory 
levels in excess of future anticipated sales. If such sales do not occur in the time frame anticipated by these channel 
partners for any reason, these channel partners may substantially decrease the amount of product they order from us 
in subsequent periods, which would harm our business.  

If  stock  balancing  returns  or  price  adjustments  exceed  our  reserves,  our  operating  results  could  be  adversely 
affected. 

We  provide  two  of  our  distributors  with  stock  balancing  return  rights,  which  generally  permit  our  distributors  to 
return products, subject to ordering an equal dollar amount of alternate products.  We also provide price protection 
rights  to  these  two  distributors.    Price  protection  rights  require  that  we  grant  retroactive  price  adjustments  for 

18 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

inventories  of  our  products  held  by  distributors  if  we  lower  our  prices  for  those  products  within  a  specified  time 
period.  To cover our exposure to these product returns and price adjustments, we establish reserves based on our 
evaluation  of  historical  product  trends  and  current  marketing  plans.    However,  we  cannot  be  assured  that  our 
reserves  will  be  sufficient  to  cover  our  future  product  returns  and  price  adjustments.    If  we  inadequately  forecast 
reserves, we would not be able to recognize revenue until these two distributors sell the inventory to the final end 
user which would have a material adverse effect on revenues in the period covered by that change. 

We depend in part on the success of our relationships with third-party resellers and integrators. 

Our  success  depends  on  various  third-party  relationships,  particularly  in  our  non-higher  education  business,  with 
certain international geographies and our events services operations. The relationships include third party resellers as 
well  as  system  integrators  that  assist  with  implementations  of  our  products  and  sourcing  of  our  products  and 
services.  Identifying  partners,  negotiating  and  documenting  relationships  with  them  and  maintaining  their 
relationships  require  significant  time  and  resources  from  us.  In  addition,  our  agreements  with  our  resellers  and 
integrators are typically non-exclusive and do not prohibit them from working with our competitors or from offering 
competing  products  or  services.  We  have  limited  control,  if  any,  as  to  whether  these  strategic  partners  devote 
adequate resources to promoting, selling and implementing our products as compared to our competitor’s products.  
Our competitors may be effective in providing incentives to third parties to favor their products or services. If we are 
unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with these third parties, our ability to compete in the 
marketplace or to maintain or grow our revenue could be impaired and our operating results would suffer. 

Our cash flow could fluctuate due to the potential difficulty of collecting our receivables.  

A significant portion of our sales are fulfilled by VARs, regional distributors or master distributors.  As an example, 
30%  of  our  billings  in  2014  were  to  Synnex  Corporation  and  Starin  Marketing  Inc.,  two  master  distributors  who 
fulfill  demand  from  other  distributors,  VARs  or  end-users.    While  our  VARs  typically  maintain  payment  terms 
consistent  with  other  end-users,  our  master  distributors  have  longer  payment  terms  and  a  delay  in  payment  may 
occur  as  a  result  of  a  number  of  factors  including  changes  in  demand,  general  economic  factors,  financial 
performance, inventory levels or disputes over payments.  Any delay from Synnex, Starin, or other large distributors 
or VARs, could have a material impact on the collections of our receivables during a particular quarter.   

We offer credit terms to some of our international customers; however, payments tend to go beyond terms in certain 
countries and advances allowable on accounts receivable from international customers under our revolving line of 
credit  are  calculated  using  a  lower  advance  rate  than  domestic  receivables  and  are  limited  to  $500  thousand. 
Therefore, as Europe, Asia and other international regions grow, accounts receivable balances will likely increase as 
compared to previous years and our ability to finance the increase will be limited.   

Supporting our existing and growing customer base and implementing large customer deployments could strain 
our personnel resources and infrastructure, and if we are unable to scale our operations and increase 
productivity, customer satisfaction and our business will be harmed. 

Frequent enhancements to our software puts pressure on our customers to install, maintain and train their personnel 
on its use. Further, frequent releases of the software can lead to less product stability. As a result, our customer care 
and  engineering  resources  have  come  under,  and  are  expected  in  the  future  to  come  under  significant  pressure  in 
providing  the  high-quality  of  technical  support  our  customers  expect  during  periods  of  high  demand.  We  may  be 
unable to respond quickly enough to accommodate short-term increases in customer demand for support services. 
Increased customer demand for these services, without corresponding revenues, could increase costs and adversely 
affect  our  operating  results.  In  addition,  our  sales  process  is  highly  dependent  on  our  applications  and  business 
reputation  and  on  positive  recommendations  from  our  existing  customers.  Any  failure  to  maintain  high-quality 
technical support, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality support, could adversely affect our 
reputation,  our  ability  to  sell  our  products  and  services  to  existing  and  prospective  customers,  and  our  business, 
operating results and financial position. 

As  we  target  more  of  our  sales  efforts  at  larger  initial  transactions,  we  face  increasingly  complex  deployments 
requiring substantial technical and management resources, including in some cases significant product customization 
and  integration  with  other  applications  or  hardware.  Customers  making  large  expenditures  for  our  products  and 
services typically have higher expectations of product and service operability and response time if issues arise. Some 

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

of these customers have asked us to host their content and have significant amounts of legacy content to transfer to 
our datacenter. Such increased activity and storage demand on our data centers put additional strain on our personnel 
and  hosting  infrastructure.  High  demand  on  technical  and  management  resources  to  manage  large  transactions 
distract personnel from existing customers, development of new products and other important activities which could 
lead to potential customer dissatisfaction, product development delays or other issues associated with the distraction. 

If a customer is not satisfied with the quality of work performed by us or a third party or with the type of services or 
solutions delivered, then we could incur additional costs to address the situation, the profitability of that work might 
be impaired, and the customer’s dissatisfaction with our services could damage our ability to obtain additional work 
from that customer. In addition, negative publicity related to our customer relationships, regardless of its accuracy, 
may further damage our business by affecting our ability to compete for new business with current and prospective 
customers. 

Accounting regulations and related interpretations and policies, particularly those related to revenue recognition, 
cause us to defer revenue recognition into future periods for portions of our products and services.   

Revenue  recognition  for  our  products  and  services  is  complex  and  subject  to  multiple  sources  of  authoritative 
guidance,  some  of  which  are  new,  as  well  as  varied  interpretations  and  implementation  practices  for  such  rules. 
These rules require us to apply judgment in determining revenue recognition in certain situations. Factors that are 
considered in revenue recognition include those such as vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), best estimate of 
selling  price  and  the  inclusion  of  other  services  and  contingencies  to  payment  terms.  We  expect  that  we  will 
continue  to  defer  portions  of  our  product  or  service  billings  because  of  these  factors,  and  to  the  extent  that 
management’s  judgment  is  incorrect  it  could  result  in  an  increase  in  the  amount  of  revenue  deferred  in  any  one 
period. The amounts deferred may also be significant and may vary from quarter to quarter depending on the mix of 
products sold, combination of products and services sold together or contractual terms.  

Additional  changes  in  authoritative  guidance  or  changes  in  practice  in  applying  such  rules  could  also  cause  us  to 
defer the recognition of revenue to future periods or recognize lower revenue. 

Because most of our service contracts are renewable on an annual basis, a reduction in our service renewal rate 
could significantly reduce our revenues.  

Our clients have no obligation to renew their content hosting agreements, customer support contracts or other annual 
service contracts after the expiration of the initial period, which is typically one year, and some clients have elected 
not to do so. A decline in renewal rates could cause our revenues to decline. We have limited historical data with 
respect to rates of renewals, so we cannot accurately predict future renewal rates. Our renewal rates may decline or 
fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including client dissatisfaction with our products and services, our slow 
response  to  customer  technical  inquiries,  our  failure  to  update  our  products  to  maintain  their  attractiveness  in  the 
market,  deteriorating  economic  conditions  or  budgetary  constraints  or  changes  in  budget  priorities  faced  by  our 
clients.  

Because we generally recognize revenues ratably over the term of our service contracts, downturns or upturns in 
service transactions will not be fully reflected in our operating results until future periods.  

We recognize most of our revenues from service contracts monthly over the terms of their agreements, which are 
typically 12 months, although terms have ranged from less than one month to 48 months. As a result, much of the 
service  revenue  we  report  in  each  quarter  is  attributable  to  agreements  entered  into  during  previous  quarters. 
Consequently, a decline in sales, client renewals or market acceptance of our products in any one quarter will not 
necessarily be fully reflected in the revenues in that quarter and will negatively affect our revenues and profitability 
in  future  quarters.  This  ratable  revenue  recognition  also  makes  it  difficult  for  us  to  rapidly  increase  our  revenues 
through  additional  sales  in  any  period,  as  revenues  from  new  clients  must  be  recognized  over  the  applicable 
agreement term.  

There is a great deal of competition in the market for our products, which could lower the demand for our products 
and have a negative impact on our operations. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

The market for our products and services is intensely competitive, dynamic and subject to rapid technological change.  
The intensity of the competition and the pace of change are expected to increase in the future.  Increased competition is 
likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market share, any one of which could seriously 
harm our business.  Competitors vary in size and in the scope and breadth of the products and services offered, many of 
which  have  greater  financial  resources,  greater  name  recognition,  more  employees  and  greater  financial,  technical, 
marketing, public relations and distribution resources than we have.  In addition, new competitors with greater financial 
resources may arise through partnerships, distribution agreements, mergers, acquisitions or other types of transactions at 
any time.  In particular, large companies have begun to make investments in and/or partner with smaller companies to 
enter the lecture capture and video management markets. 

Various vendors provide lecture capture, enterprise webcasting or video content management capabilities, but few offer 
an  end-to-end  solution  that  addresses  all  phases  of  the  video  content  lifecycle  (capture,  delivery,  transformation  and 
management) in a single platform like Mediasite.  

Lecture capture solutions designed specifically for higher education differ in their technology approach.  

(cid:129)  Appliance-  or  room-based  lecture  capture  provides  a  fully  integrated  system  with  complete  recording 
automation  for  live  or  on-demand  content.  The  automated,  pre-scheduled  workflow  results  in  the  greatest 
faculty and staff adoption and largest volumes of recorded content in the shortest amount of time. 

(cid:129)  Software-based  lecture  capture  that  resides  on  a  podium  or  computer  in  the  classroom  also  captures  and 

publishes rich media content, but relies on campus- or user-supplied hardware. 

(cid:129)  Desktop capture tools reside on individual users’ laptops or computers allowing them to record user-generated 

content.  

Few lecture capture vendors, offer a mix of all lecture capture approaches to best suit customers’ needs. Most vendors, 
including Crestron, Panopto and Tegrity, support only one approach to lecture capture. Likewise, a very small number of 
vendors provide an integrated platform like Mediasite to archive and manage video and rich media recorded with their 
solution.  Most  rely  on  a  third-party  platform,  typically  the  institution’s  learning  or  course  management  system,  to 
publish, search and secure content. 

Enterprise video management solutions (e.g. Kaltura, Qumu) serve as centralized media repositories that facilitate the 
delivery, publishing and  management of on-demand video. Unlike Mediasite,  most platforms do not  include a highly 
automated  video  capture  solution,  webcasting  or  live  streaming  component,  but  instead  ingest  or  import  video-based 
content  captured  by  other  third-party  devices  or  solutions.  Also,  most  other  platforms  focus  on  ingesting  video-only 
content rather than rich video which combines multiple synchronous video and/or slide streams into an interactive media 
experience. 

Some  current  and  potential  customers  develop  their  own  home-grown  lecture  capture,  webcasting  or  video  content 
solutions which may also compete with Mediasite. However, we often find many of these organizations are now looking 
for  a  commercial  solution  that  offers  comprehensive  management  capabilities,  requires  fewer  resources  and  internal 
maintenance and delivers a less cumbersome workflow.  

Solutions that are designed primarily to address other online communication needs sometimes compete with Mediasite. 
Typically, these solutions are complementary to and integrated with the Mediasite solution:   

(cid:129)  Web  and  video  conferencing  (e.g.  Adobe,  Cisco  TANDBERG,  Cisco  WebEx,  Citrix,  and  Polycom).  These 
solutions  are  designed  primarily 
for  synchronous,  collaborative  communication  versus  one-to-many 
communications like Mediasite. Many organizations acknowledge that they need both conferencing and webcasting 
technologies  to  appropriately  address  their  different  communication  requirements.  Since  most  conferencing 
platforms  lack  sophisticated  content  management  capabilities,  customers  use  Mediasite  Enterprise  Video 
Management Platform to ingest conference content for centralized management and the added benefits of interactive 
playback, searchability, analytics and security. 

(cid:129)  Authoring tools (e.g. TechSmith). Unlike webcasting, web conferencing or video conferencing, which capture and 
stream  content  as  it  occurs  in  real-time,  these  tools  are  used  to  produce  and  edit  on-demand  video  or  screencast 
content.  The  authoring  process  can  require  a  significant  amount  of  production  and  user  expertise.  Mediasite  is 

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ingests  content  produced  by  popular  authoring  tools  like  TechSmith’s  Camtasia–  allowing  the  content  to  be 
delivered, managed and secured. 

(cid:129)  Virtual event platforms (e.g. INXPO, ON24). These companies offer cloud-based virtual meeting environments 
for  online  conferences,  tradeshows  and  meetings.  The  platforms  often  include  the  ability  to  embed  or  link  to 
streaming video or webcasts within the interactive environment. In some instances, Mediasite content is integrated 
into these virtual meeting environments and streamed live or on-demand. 

The competitive environment may require us to make changes in our products, pricing, licensing, services, or marketing 
to  maintain  and  extend  our  current  technology.   Price  concessions  or  the  emergence  of  other  pricing,  licensing,  and 
distribution strategies or technology solutions of competitors may reduce our revenue, margins or market share. Other 
changes we have to make in response to competition could cause us to expend significant financial and other resources, 
disrupt our operations, strain relationships with partners, release products and enhancements before they are thoroughly 
tested or result in customer dissatisfaction, any of which could harm our operating results and stock price.  

Our business is susceptible to risks associated with international operations.  

International product and service billings ranged from 27% to 37% of our total billings in each of the past two years 
and are expected to continue to account for a significant portion of our business in the future, particularly as a result 
of acquisitions made in fiscal 2014 in the Netherlands and Japan. International sales are subject to a variety of risks, 
including:  

(cid:131)  Difficulties in establishing and managing international subsidiaries, distribution channels and operations;  
(cid:131)  Difficulties in selling, servicing and supporting overseas products, translating products into foreign 

languages and compliance with local hardware requirements;  

(cid:131)  Challenges related to language or cultural differences  
(cid:131)  The uncertainty of laws and enforcement in certain countries relating to the protection of intellectual 

property or requirements for product certification or other restrictions;  

(cid:131)  Multiple and possibly overlapping tax structures;  
(cid:131)  Currency and exchange rate fluctuations;  
(cid:131)  Difficulties in collecting accounts receivable in foreign countries, including complexities in documenting 

letters of credit; and  

(cid:131)  Economic or political changes in international markets. 
(cid:131)  Difficulty in complying with international employment related requirements 

We may need to make acquisitions or form strategic alliances or partnerships in order to remain competitive in our 
market, and recent acquisitions, strategic alliances or partnerships, including the acquisition of Mediasite KK and 
MediaMission, could be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business and dilute stockholder value. 

We completed the acquisitions of Mediasite KK in Japan and MediaMission in the Netherlands in fiscal 2014. As a 
result of these acquisitions, we are integrating products, services, dispersed operations, management systems and very 
different  cultures.    In  the  future,  we  may  acquire  or  form  strategic  alliances  or  partnerships  with  other  businesses  in 
order  to  remain  competitive  or  to  acquire  new  technologies.    Acquisitions  and  investments  involve  numerous  risks, 
including: 

•    The potential failure to achieve the expected benefits of the combination or acquisition; 
•    Difficulties in and the cost of integrating operations, technologies, services and personnel; 
•    Diversion of financial and managerial resources from existing operations;
•    Risk  of  entering  new  markets  in  which  we  have  little  or  no  experience  or  where  competitors  may  have

stronger market positions; 

•    Potential  write-offs  of  acquired  assets  or  investments,  and  potential  financial  and  credit  risks  associated 

with acquired customers; 

•    Potential loss of key employees; 
•    Inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition or investment costs;

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

•    The inability to maintain relationships with customers and partners of the acquired business; 
•    The  difficulty  of  transitioning  the  acquired  technology  onto  our  existing  platforms  and  maintaining  the

security standards consistent with our other services for such technology;

•    Potential unknown liabilities associated with the acquired businesses;
•    Unanticipated expenses related to acquired technology and its integration into existing technology;
•    Negative  impact  to  our  results  of  operations  because  of  the  depreciation  and  amortization  of  amounts 
related  to  acquired  intangible  assets,  fixed  assets  and  deferred  compensation,  and  the  loss  of  acquired
deferred revenue and unbilled deferred revenue;

•    Delays in customer purchases due to uncertainty related to any acquisition;
•    The need to implement controls, procedures and policies at the acquired company; 
•    Challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences;
•    In  the  case  of  foreign  acquisitions,  the  challenges  associated  with  integrating  operations  across  different 
cultures and languages and currency, technological, employee and other regulatory risks and uncertainties 
in the economic, social and political conditions associated with specific countries; and 

•    The tax effects of any such acquisitions.

Our  failure  to  successfully  manage  the  acquisitions  of  Mediasite  KK  and  MediaMission,  or  other  future  acquisitions, 
strategic  alliances  or  partnerships  could  seriously  harm  our  operating  results.    In  addition,  our  stockholders  would  be 
diluted if we finance the future acquisitions, strategic alliances or partnerships by incurring convertible debt or issuing 
equity securities. 

If potential customers or competitors use open source software to develop products that are competitive with our 
products and services, we may face decreased demand and pressure to reduce the prices for our products. 

The  growing  acceptance  and  prevalence  of  open  source  software  may  make  it  easier  for  competitors  or  potential 
competitors  to  develop  software  applications  that  compete  with  our  products,  or  for  customers  and  potential 
customers to internally develop software applications that they would otherwise have licensed from us. One of the 
aspects  of  open  source  software  is  that  it  can  be  modified  or  used  to  develop  new  software  that  competes  with 
proprietary software applications, such as ours. Such competition can develop without the degree of overhead and 
lead time required by traditional proprietary software companies. As open source offerings become more prevalent, 
customers may defer or forego purchases of our products, which could reduce our sales and lengthen the sales cycle 
for our products or result in the loss of current customers to open source solutions. If we are unable to differentiate 
our products from competitive products based on open source software, demand for our products and services may 
decline, and we may face pressure to reduce the prices of our products, which would hurt our profitability. If our use 
of open-source is challenged and construes unfavorably, our operating results could be adversely impacted. 

We use open source software in our application suite. Although we monitor our use of open source software closely, 
the terms of many open source licenses have not been interpreted by United States courts, and there is risk that such 
licenses  could  be  construed  in  a  manner  that  imposes  unanticipated  conditions  or  restrictions  on  our  ability  to 
commercialize  our  products.  In  such  event,  we  could  be  required  to  re-engineer  our  technology  or  to  discontinue 
offering all or a portion of our products in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis, any of 
which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.  

Our customers may use our products to share confidential and sensitive information, and if our system security is 
breached, our reputation could be harmed and we may lose customers. 

Our  customers  may  use  our  products  and  services  to  share  confidential  and  sensitive  information,  the  security  of 
which is critical to their business.  Third parties may attempt to breach our security for customer hosted content or 
the  networks  of  our  customers.    Malicious  third-parties  may  also  conduct  attacks  designed  to  temporarily  deny 
customers  access  to  our  services.  Customers  may  take  inadequate  security  precautions  with  their  sensitive 
information and may inadvertently make that information public.  We may be liable to our customers or subject to 

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

fines for a breach in security, and any breach could harm our reputation and cause us to lose customers.  In addition, 
customers are vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions, which could 
lead to interruptions, delays or loss of data.  We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to 
further  protect  against  security  breaches  or  to  resolve  problems  caused  by  any  breach,  including  litigation-related 
expenses if we are sued. 

Privacy concerns and laws, evolving regulation of cloud computing, cross-border data transfer restrictions and 
other domestic or foreign regulations may limit the use and adoption of our solutions and adversely affect our 
business. 

Regulation related to the provision of services on the Internet is increasing, as federal, state and foreign governments 
continue to adopt new laws and regulations addressing data privacy and the collection, processing, storage and use 
of personal information, including health data. In some cases foreign data privacy laws and regulations, such as the 
European Union’s Data Protection Directive, and the country-specific regulations that implement that directive, also 
govern  the  processing  of  personal  information.  Further,  laws  are  increasingly  aimed  at  the  use  of  personal 
information  for  marketing  purposes,  such  as  the  European  Union’s  e-Privacy  Directive,  and  the  country-specific 
regulations that implement that directive. Such laws and regulations are subject to differing interpretations and may 
be inconsistent among jurisdictions. These and other requirements could reduce demand for our solutions or restrict 
our ability to store and process data or, in some cases, impact our ability to offer our services and solutions in certain 
locations. 

In addition to government activity, privacy advocacy and other industry groups have established or may establish 
new self-regulatory standards that may place additional burdens on us. Our customers expect us to meet voluntary 
certification or other standards established by third parties, such as the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework. If we are 
unable to maintain these certifications or meet these standards, it could adversely affect our ability to provide our 
solutions to certain customers and could harm our business. 

Our customers and potential customers do business in a variety of industries, including financial services, the public 
sector, healthcare and telecommunications. Regulators in certain industries have adopted and may in the future adopt 
regulations or interpretive positions regarding the use of cloud computing and other outsourced services. The costs 
of  compliance  with,  and  other  burdens  imposed  by,  industry-specific  laws,  regulations  and  interpretive  positions 
may limit customers’ use and adoption of our services and reduce overall demand for our services.  

The costs of compliance with and other burdens imposed by laws, regulations and standards may limit the use and 
adoption of our service and reduce overall demand for it, or lead to significant fines, penalties or liabilities for any 
noncompliance. 

Furthermore,  concerns  regarding  data  privacy  may  cause  our  customers’  customers  to  resist  providing  the  data 
necessary  to  allow  our  customers  to  use  our  service  effectively.  Even  the  perception  that  the  privacy  of  personal 
information  is  not  satisfactorily  protected  or  does  not  meet  regulatory  requirements  could  inhibit  sales  of  our 
products or services, and could limit adoption of our cloud-based solutions. 

Operational failures in our network infrastructure could disrupt our remote hosting services, cause us to lose 
clients and sales to potential clients and result in increased expenses and reduced revenues.  

Unanticipated  problems  affecting  our  network  systems  could  cause  interruptions  or  delays  in  the  delivery  of  the 
hosting services we provide to some of our clients. We are not equipped to provide full disaster recovery to all of 
our  hosted  clients.  If  there  are  operational  failures  in  our  network  infrastructure  that  cause  interruptions,  slower 
response times, loss of data or extended loss of service for our remotely hosted clients, we may be required to issue 
credits or pay penalties, current clients may terminate their contracts or elect not to renew them and we may lose 
sales  to  potential  clients.  We  have  recently  acquired  additional  hardware  and  systems,  expect  to  make  more 
significant  investments  in  hardware  (primarily  for  storage)  and  outsourced  most  aspects  of  our  network 
infrastructure to two providers.  As a result, we are reliant on third parties for network availability so outages may be 
outside  our  control  and  we  may  need  to  acquire  additional  hardware  in  order  to  provide  an  appropriate  level  of 
redundancy required by our customers.  

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

We license technology from third parties. If we are unable to maintain these licenses, our operations and 
financial condition may be negatively impacted. 

We license technology from third parties. The loss of, our inability to maintain, or changes in material terms of these 
licenses  could  result  in  increased  cost  or  delayed  sales  of  our  software  and  services,  or  may  cause  us  to  remove 
features from our products or services. We anticipate that we will continue to license technology from third parties 
in the future. This technology may not continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Although 
we do not believe that we are substantially dependent on any individual licensed technology, some of the component 
technologies that we license from third parties could be difficult for us to replace. The impairment of these third-
party relationships, especially if this impairment were to occur in unison, could result in delays in the delivery of our 
software  and  services  until  equivalent  technology,  if  available,  is  identified,  licensed  and  integrated.  This  delay 
could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. 

The  technology  underlying our products and  services  is  complex  and  may  contain unknown  defects  that  could 
harm our reputation, result in product liability or decrease market acceptance of our products. 

The  technology  underlying  our  products  is  complex  and  includes  software  that  is  internally  developed,  software 
licensed from third parties and hardware purchased from third parties.  These products have, and will in the future, 
contain errors or defects, particularly when first introduced or when new versions or enhancements are released.  We 
may not discover defects that affect our current or new applications or enhancements until after they are sold and our 
insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover our exposure.  Any defects in our products and services could: 

(cid:131)  Damage our reputation 
(cid:131)  Cause our customers to initiate product liability suits against us 
(cid:131) 
(cid:131)  Cause  customers  to  cancel  orders,  ask  for  partial  refunds  or  potential  customers  to  purchase  competitive 

Increase our product development resources 

products or services 

(cid:131)  Delay release or market acceptance of our products, or otherwise adversely impact our relationships with 

our customers 

(cid:131)  Cause  us  to  allocate  valuable  engineering  resources  to  fix  our  existing  products,  which  may  cause  us  to 
allocate  fewer  resources  toward  developing  new  products,  or  toward  adding  features  to  our  existing 
products 

If we are viewed only as a commodity supplier, our margins and valuations will shrink. 

We need to provide value-added services in order to avoid being viewed as a commodity supplier.  This entails building 
long-term customer relationships and developing features that will distinguish our products.  Our technology is complex 
and is often confused with other products and technologies in the market place, including video conferencing, streaming 
and collaboration.   

We  have  developed  lower  cost  hardware  and  desktop  software  products  to  better  address  that  market  segment.  Both 
products have more limited features compared to our existing products.  While we believe we can preserve the market 
for our full-featured products, release of lower cost products could reduce demand for products sold at higher prices.   

If  we  fail  to  build  long-term  customer  relationships  and  develop  features  that  distinguish  our  products  in  the  market 
place, our margins will shrink and our stock may become less valuable to investors. 

Our success depends upon the proprietary aspects of our technology. 

Our success and ability to compete depend to a significant degree upon the protection of our proprietary technology.  
We  currently  have  four  U.S.  patents  that  have  been  issued  to  us.    We  may  seek  additional  patents  in  the  future.    
However, it is possible that: 

(cid:131)  Any patents acquired by or issued to us may not be broad enough to protect us 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

(cid:131)  Any issued patent could be successfully challenged by one or more third parties, which could result in our 

loss of the right to prevent others from exploiting the inventions claimed in those patents 

(cid:131)  Current  and  future  competitors  may  independently  develop  similar  technology,  duplicate  our  services  or 

design around any of our patents 

(cid:131)  Effective  patent  protection,  including  effective  legal-enforcement  mechanisms  against  those  who  violate 
our patent-related assets, may not be available in every country in which we do or plan to do business 
(cid:131)  We may not have the resources to enforce our patents or may determine the potential benefits are not worth 

the cost and risk of ultimately being unsuccessful 

We  also  rely  upon  trademark,  copyright  and  trade  secret  laws,  which  may  not  be  sufficient  to  protect  our 
intellectual property. 

We  also  rely  on  a  combination  of  laws,  such  as  copyright,  trademark  and  trade  secret  laws,  and  contractual 
restrictions,  such  as  confidentiality  agreements  and  licenses,  to  establish  and  protect  our  technology.    We  have 
registered  four  U.S.  and  four  foreign  country  trademarks.    These  forms  of  intellectual  property  protection  are 
critically important to our ability to establish and maintain our competitive position.  However, it is possible that: 

(cid:131)  Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our copyrights, trademarks and similar proprietary rights 
(cid:131)  Laws and contractual restrictions may not be sufficient to prevent misappropriation of our technology or to 

deter others from developing similar technologies 

(cid:131)  Effective  trademark,  copyright  and  trade  secret  protection,  including  effective  legal-enforcement 
mechanisms against those who violate our trademark, copyright or trade secret assets, may be unavailable 
or limited in foreign countries 

(cid:131)  Contractual  agreements  may  not  provide  meaningful  protection  for  our  trade  secrets,  know-how  or  other 
proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of such trade 
secrets, know-how or other proprietary information 

(cid:131)  Other companies may claim common law trademark rights based upon state or foreign laws that precede 

the federal registration of our marks 

(cid:131)  Policing unauthorized use of our services and trademarks is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and 

we may be unable to determine the extent of any unauthorized use 

Reverse engineering, unauthorized copying or other misappropriation of our proprietary technology could enable third 
parties to benefit from our technology without paying us for it, which would significantly harm our business. 

If other parties bring infringement or other claims against us, we may incur significant costs or lose customers. 

Other companies may obtain patents or other proprietary rights that would limit our ability to conduct our business and 
could assert that our technologies infringe their proprietary rights.  We have incurred substantial costs to defend against 
such claims in the past and could incur legal costs in the future, even if without merit, and intellectual property litigation 
could force us to cease using key technology, obtain a license or redesign our products.  In the course of our business, 
we may sell certain systems to our customers, and in connection with such sale, we may agree to indemnify these 
customers from claims made against them by third parties for patent infringement related to these systems, which 
could harm our business. 

If  we  lose  key  personnel  or  fail  to  integrate  replacement  personnel  successfully,  our  ability  to  manage  our 
business could be impaired. 

Our future success depends upon the continued service of our key management, technical, sales and other critical 
personnel, particularly our Chief Executive Officer. Most of our officers and other key personnel are employees-at-
will,  and we  cannot  assure  that  we  will  be  able  to  retain them.  Key  personnel  have  left  our  company  in  the  past, 
sometimes  to  accept  employment  with  companies  that  sell  similar  products  or  services  to  existing  or  potential 
customers of ours.  There will likely be additional departures of key personnel from time to time in the future and 
such  departures  could  result  in  additional  competition,  loss  of  customers  or  confusion  in  the  marketplace.  As  we 
seek to replace such departures, or expand our business, the hiring of qualified sales, technical and support personnel 
has been difficult due to the limited number of qualified professionals.  The loss of any key employee could result in 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

significant  disruptions  to  our  operations,  including  adversely  affecting  the  timeliness  of  product  releases,  the 
successful implementation and completion of company initiatives and the results of our operations. In addition, we 
do  not  have  life  insurance  policies  on  any  of  our  key  employees.    If  we  lose  the  services  of  any  of  our  key 
employees,  the  integration  of  replacement  personnel  could  be  time  consuming,  may  cause  disruptions  to  our 
operations and may be unsuccessful. 

We face risks associated with government regulation of the internet and related legal uncertainties. 

Currently, few existing laws or regulations specifically apply to the Internet, other than laws generally applicable to 
businesses.    Many  Internet-related  laws  and  regulations,  however,  are  pending  and  may  be  adopted  in  the  United 
States, in individual states and local jurisdictions and in other countries.  These laws may relate to many areas that 
impact  our  business,  including  encryption,  network  and  information  security,  and  the  convergence  of  traditional 
communication  services,  such  as  telephone  services,  with  Internet  communications,  taxes  and  wireless  networks.  
These types of regulations could differ between countries and other political and geographic divisions both inside 
and  outside  the  United  States.    Non-U.S.  countries  and  political  organizations  may  impose,  or  favor,  more  and 
different  regulation  than  that  which  has  been  proposed  in  the  United  States,  thus  furthering  the  complexity  of 
regulation.  In addition, state and local governments within the United States may impose regulations in addition to, 
inconsistent with, or stricter than federal regulations.  The adoption of such laws or regulations, and uncertainties 
associated  with  their  validity,  interpretation,  applicability  and  enforcement,  may  affect  the  available  distribution 
channels for, and the costs associated with, our products and services.  The adoption of such laws and regulations 
may harm our business. 

Exercise of outstanding options and warrants will result in further dilution. 

The issuance of shares of common stock upon the exercise of our outstanding options and warrants will result in dilution 
to the interests of our stockholders, and may reduce the trading price of our common stock. 

At September 30, 2014, we had no outstanding warrants and 1.2 million of outstanding stock options granted under 
our stock option plans, 700 thousand of which are immediately exercisable.   

To  the  extent  that  these  stock  options  are  exercised,  dilution  to  the  interests  of  our  stockholders  will  likely  occur.  
Additional options and warrants may be issued in the future at prices not less than 85% of the fair market value of the 
underlying security on the date of grant. Exercises of these options, or even the potential of their exercise may have an 
adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock.  The holders of our options are likely to exercise them at times 
when the market price of the common stock exceeds the exercise price of the securities.  Accordingly, the issuance of 
shares of common stock upon exercise of the options will likely result in dilution of the equity represented by the then 
outstanding shares of common stock held by other stockholders.  Holders of our options can be expected to exercise or 
convert them at a time when we would, in all likelihood, be able to obtain any needed capital on terms, which are more 
favorable to us than the exercise terms provided, by these options.  

Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards may be limited. 

The  use  of  our  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  may  have  limitations  resulting  from  certain  future  ownership 
changes, time limitations or other factors under the Internal Revenue Code and other taxing authorities. 

If  our  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  are  limited,  and  we  have  taxable  income  which  exceeds  the  available  net 
operating loss carryforwards for that period, we would incur an income tax liability even though net operating loss 
carryforwards may be available in future years prior to their expiration. Any such income tax liability may adversely 
affect our future cash flow, financial position and financial results. 

Our business is subject to changing regulations regarding corporate governance and public disclosure that will 
increase both our costs and the risk of noncompliance. 

As  a  publicly  traded  company  we  are  subject  to  significant  regulations,  including  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002.  
While we have developed and instituted a corporate compliance program based on what we believe are the current 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

best practices and continue to update the program in response to newly implemented regulatory requirements and 
guidance,  we  cannot  assure  that  we  are  or  will  be  in  compliance  with  all  potentially  applicable  regulations.  
Although our non-affiliate market capitalization was less than $75 million at March 31, 2014 and we were therefore 
not required to have an auditor attestation on our internal controls over financial reporting for fiscal 2014, SEC rules 
may in the future require us to have such an attestation if our non-affiliate market capitalization exceeds a certain 
threshold. We have found a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting in the past and cannot 
assure that in the future our management or our auditors, will not find additional material weaknesses in connection 
with  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  pursuant  to  Section  404  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act.    We  also 
cannot assure that we could correct all such weaknesses to allow our management to attest that we have maintained 
effective internal controls over financial reporting as of the end of our fiscal year in time to enable our independent 
registered public accounting firm to attest that such assessment will  have been fairly stated in our Annual Report on 
Form  10-K  to  be  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  or  attest  that  we  have  maintained  effective 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  the  end  of  our  fiscal  year.    If  we  fail  to  comply  with  any  of  these 
regulations, we could be subject to a range of regulatory actions, fines, or other sanctions or litigation.  In addition, 
the disclosure of any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could have a negative impact 
on our stock price. 

Provisions of our charter documents and Maryland law could also discourage an acquisition of our company that 
would benefit our stockholders. 

Provisions of our articles of incorporation and by-laws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of 
our company, even if a change in control would benefit our stockholders.  Our articles of incorporation authorize our 
board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock, which could have voting 
and conversion rights that adversely affect or dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock.  Furthermore, our 
articles of incorporation provide for a classified board of directors, which means that our stockholders may vote upon the 
retention  of  only  one  or  two  of  our  seven  directors  each  year.    Moreover,  Maryland  corporate  law  restricts  certain 
business  combination  transactions  with  “interested  stockholders”  and  limits  voting  rights  upon  certain  acquisitions  of 
“control shares.” 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS  

None 

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES  

Our principal office is located in Madison, Wisconsin in a leased facility of approximately 26,000 square feet. The 
building serves as our corporate headquarters, accommodating our general and administrative, product development 
and selling and marketing departments. We believe this facility is adequate and suitable for our needs.  The current 
lease term for this office expires on December 31, 2018.   

Our operations in Japan are managed in Tokyo Japan in a leased facility of approximately 7,705 square feet with a 
term expiring on August 31, 2015.  The facility includes sales, technical and administrative functions. The rent for 
the remainder of the lease period is approximately $38 thousand per month. 

Our European operations are managed in Utrecht Netherlands in a leased facility of approximately 3,886 square feet 
with a term expiring on January 31, 2019.  The facility includes sales, technical and administrative functions. The 
rent for the remained of the lease period is approximately $5 thousand per month. 

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  

On October 26, 2012, a complaint was filed by Astute Technology, LLC (“Astute”) against one of our customers in 
the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Case No. 2:012-cv-689).  The complaint alleged 
patent  infringement.  Because  we  agreed  to  indemnify  our  customers  from  costs  and  damages  in  connection  with 
infringement, we defended the complaint.  

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

On February 5, 2013, we filed a complaint against Astute in the Western District of Wisconsin (Case No. 13-cv-87).  
The complaint was for declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of three Unites States patents held 
by Astute. 

In June 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with Astute which resolved the matters referenced above. The 
key terms of the agreement were: 1) grant non-revocable license of Astute patents to the Company; 2) grant a fully 
paid, non-refundable license of certain Sonic Foundry patents to Astute; 3) Both Astute and our customer agree to 
identify  three  meetings  they  currently  capture  that  the  other  party  will  not  seek  or  respond  to  any  request  for 
proposal; and 4) payment of $1.35 million to Astute.  The payment will be made in three equal amounts with the 
first paid in June 2014, the second paid in October 2014 and the final payment due March 2015.  The Company is 
contributing  $1.1  million  toward  the  amount  payable  to  Astute.  $428  thousand  has  been  determined  to  relate    to 
prior use and was recorded as a charge to income and the remaining $672 thousand was recorded as a product right 
asset, which is being amortized, straight line, over the remaining life of the patents, through 2020.  Future amounts 
due to Astute were accrued for as of the time of settlement. 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES  

Not applicable 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

PART II 

ITEM 5.  MARKET  FOR  REGISTRANT'S  COMMON  EQUITY,  RELATED  STOCKHOLDER 

MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  

Our common stock was initially traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "SFO," beginning with 
our initial public offering in April of 1998. On April 24, 2000, our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ 
Global Market under the symbol "SOFO." Effective September 16, 2009, we transferred the listing of our common 
stock to the NASDAQ Capital Market.  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low 
sale prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global or Capital Markets.  

Year Ended September 30, 2015: 

First Quarter (through December 5, 2014)  

Year Ended September 30, 2014: 

First Quarter 

Second Quarter 

Third Quarter 

Fourth Quarter 

Year Ended September 30, 2013: 

First Quarter 

Second Quarter 

Third Quarter 

Fourth Quarter 

High 

Low 

$       9.98 

$        8.04 

11.00 

10.99 

12.70 

11.60 

 8.18 

7.02 

11.43 

10.80 

8.50 

9.25 

10.00 

9.14 

      5.67 

5.80 

6.24 

8.05 

The  Company  has  not  paid  any  cash  dividends  and  does  not  intend  to  pay  any  cash  dividends  in  the  foreseeable 
future.  The Company is prohibited from paying any cash dividends pursuant to the terms of the loan and security 
agreement with Silicon Valley Bank. 

At December 5, 2014 there were 269 common stockholders of record and approximately 4,800 total shareholders.  
Many shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders.  

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

Plan category 

Number of securities 
to be issued upon 
exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Weighted average 
exercise price of 
outstanding 
options, warrants 
and rights 

Number of 
securities 
remaining 
available for 
future issuance 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

Equity compensation plans approved 
by security holders  (1) 

Equity compensation plans not 
approved by security holders (2) 

1,169,883 

$     10.10 

873,266 

71,058 

12.65 

- 

Total  

1,240,941 

$     10.24 

873,266 

(1)  Consists  of  the  2009  Stock  Incentive  Plan,  Employee  Incentive  Stock  Option  Plan  and  the  Directors  Stock 
Option  Plans.    For  further  information  regarding  these  plans,  reference  is  made  to  Note  5  of  the  financial 
statements. 

(2)  Consists  of  the  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Plan.    For  further  information  regarding  this  plan,  reference  is 

made to Note 5 of the financial statements. 

The  graph  below  compares  the  cumulative  total  stockholder  return  on  our  common  stock  from  September  30,  2009 
through and including September 30, 2014 with the cumulative total return on The NASDAQ Stock Market (US only) 
and the RDG Technology Composite.  The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock on September 
30, 2009 for each of the indexes and that all dividends were reinvested. Unless otherwise specified, all dates refer to the 
last day of each month presented.   The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data, with our common 
stock  prices  based  on  the  closing  price  on  the  dates  indicated,  and  are  not  intended  to  forecast  the  possible  future 
performance of our common stock. 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Sonic Foundry, Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the RDG Technology 
Composite Index

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

9/09

9/10

9/11

9/12

9/13

9/14

Sonic Foundry, Inc.

NASDAQ Composite

RDG Technology Composite

*$100 invested on 9/30/09 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending September 30.

(A)   RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES  

None  

(B)   USE OF PROCEEDS FROM REGISTERED SECURITIES 

None 

(C)   ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

None 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ITEM 6. 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA  

The  selected  financial  and  operating  data  were  derived  from  our  consolidated  financial  statements.    The  selected 
financial data set forth below is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, "Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our financial statements and notes 
thereto appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K (in thousands except per share data).   

Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$   35,830 
10,275 
25,555 
28,637 
(3,082) 
1,390 

$   27,756 
7,696 
20,060 
20,698 
(638) 
- 

$   26,090  
7,246  
18,844  
18,735  
109  
-

$   25,222 
7,311 
17,911 
17,633 
278 
- 

$   20,476 
5,065 
15,411 
15,138 
273 
- 

38 

209 

420

-  

-  

   173 
(231) 
(1,104) 
 $   (2,816) 

   (123) 
- 
(240) 
 $     (792) 

(132)
-
(240)
$       157

(310) 
- 
(211) 
$       (243) 

(170) 
- 
(225) 
$       (122)

$      (0.67) 

$      (0.20) 

$      0.04 

$      (0.06) 

$      (0.03)

Statement of Operations Data: 
Revenue 
Cost of revenue 
Gross margin 
Operating expenses 
Income (loss) from operations 
Gain on investment in 

Mediasite KK 

Equity in earnings from 

investment in Mediasite KK 

Other income (expense), net 
Interest expense, net 
Provision for income taxes 
Net income (loss) 

Basic net income (loss) per 

common share 

Diluted net income (loss) per 

common share 

$      (0.67) 

$      (0.20) 

$      0.04 

$      (0.06) 

$      (0.03)

Weighted average common 

shares:  - Basic 

- Diluted 

Balance Sheet Data at 
September 30: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Working capital  
Total assets 
Long-term liabilities 
Stockholders' equity 

4,174,191 
4,174,191 

3,932,692 
3,932,692 

3,857,161
3,907,888  

3,748,840 
3,748,840 

3,617,423 
3,617,423 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011 

2010

$     4,344 
18 
34,623 
7,268 
11,315 

$     3,482 
2,575 
24,333 
3,585 
10,704 

$     4,478
3,332
22,821
3,748
10,539

$     5,515 
3,083 
21,840 
3,072 
9,261 

$     3,358 
1,442 
18,267 
3,202 
7,137 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  

The financial and business analysis below provides information that Sonic Foundry, Inc. (the Company) believes is 
relevant  to  an  assessment  and  understanding  of  the  Company's  consolidated  financial  position  and  results  of 
operations.  This  financial  and  business  analysis  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated  financial 
statements and related notes.  

When  used  in  this  Report,  the  words  “anticipate”,  “expect”,  “plan”,  “believe”,  “seek”,  “estimate”  and  similar 
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These are statements that relate to future periods 
and  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  statements  about  the  features,  benefits  and  performance  of  our  products,  our 
ability to introduce new product offerings and increase revenue from existing products, expected expenses including 
those  related  to  selling  and marketing, product development  and general  and  administrative, our  beliefs regarding 
the  health  and  growth  of  the  market  for  products,  anticipated  increase  in  our  customer  base,  expansion  of  our 
products  functionalities,  expected  revenue  levels  and  sources  of  revenue,  expected  impact,  if  any,  of  legal 
proceedings,  the  adequacy  of  liquidity  and  capital  resources,  and  expected  growth  in  business.    Forward-looking 
statements  are  subject  to  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those 
projected.    These  risks  and  uncertainties  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  market  acceptance  for  our  products,  our 
ability to attract and retain customers and distribution partners for existing and new products, our ability to control 
our expenses, our ability to recruit and retain employees, the ability of distribution partners to successfully sell our 
products,  legislation  and  government  regulation,  shifts  in  technology,  global  and  local  business  conditions,  our 
ability to effectively maintain and update our products and service portfolio, the strength of competitive offerings, 
the  prices  being  charged  by  those  competitors,  and  the  risks  discussed  elsewhere  herein.    These  forward-looking 
statements speak only as of the date hereof.  We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly 
any  updates  or  revisions  to  any  forward-looking  statements  contained  herein  to  reflect  any  change  in  our 
expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement 
is based. 

Overview  

Sonic  Foundry,  Inc.  is  a  technology  leader  in  the  emerging  web  communications  marketplace,  providing  video 
content  management  and  distribution  for  education,  business  and  government.    Using  the  Mediasite  webcasting 
platform  and  webcast  services  of  the  Company’s  events  team,  the  Company  empowers  our  customers  to  advance 
how they share knowledge online, using video webcasts to bridge time and distance, enhance learning outcomes and 
improve performance. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The guidance 
substantially  converges  final  standards  on  revenue  recognition  between  the  FASB  and  the  International  Accounting 
Standards Board providing a framework on addressing revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces 
almost all exiting revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, in current U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are 
currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 to determine the impact, if any, it may have on our financial 
statements. 

In  June  2014,  the  FASB  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2014-12,  "Compensation  -  Stock  Compensation" 
("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 is intended to resolve diverse accounting treatment for share based awards in which the 
terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service 
period.  The  standard  is  effective  for  annual  periods  and  interim  periods  within  those  annual  periods  beginning  after 
December  15,  2015  and  may  be  applied  prospectively  or  retrospectively.  We  are  currently  evaluating  the  impact  of 
adopting ASU 2014-12 to determine the impact, if any, it may have on our financial statements. 

In  August  2014,  the  FASB  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2014-15,  Presentation  of  Financial  Statements  - 
Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entities Ability to Continue as a Going Concern 
(ASU  2014-15).    The  guidance  in  ASU  2014-15  sets  forth  management's  responsibility  to  evaluate  whether  there  is 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern as well as required disclosures. ASU 2014-15 
indicates  that,  when  preparing  financial  statements  for  interim  and  annual  financial  statements,  management  should 
evaluate whether conditions or events, in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a 
going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This evaluation 
should include consideration of conditions and events that are either known or are reasonably knowable at the date the 
financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, as well as whether it is probable that management's plans to 
address  the  substantial  doubt  will  be  implemented  and,  if  so,  whether  it  is  probable  that  the  plans  will  alleviate  the 
substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods and 
annual periods thereafter. Early application is permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-
15 to determine the impact, if any, it may have on our financial statements. 

Accounting standards that have been issued but are not yet effective by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies 
that do not require adoption until a future date, which are not discussed above, are not expected to have a material 
impact on the Company's financial statements upon adoption. 

Critical Accounting Policies  

We have identified the following as critical accounting policies to our Company and have discussed the development, 
selection of estimates and the disclosure regarding them with the audit committee of the board of directors:  

Impairment of long-lived assets; 

(cid:129)  Revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts and reserves;  
(cid:129) 
(cid:129)  Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets; 
(cid:129)  Accounting for stock-based compensation;  
(cid:129)  Capitalized software development costs; and 
(cid:129)  Valuation of assets and liabilities in business combinations 

Revenue Recognition, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Reserves  

General  

Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, 
the  sales  price  is  fixed  or  determinable  and  collectability  is  reasonably  assured.  Revenue  is  deferred  when 
undelivered  products  or  services  are  essential  to  the  functionality  of  delivered  products,  customer  acceptance  is 
uncertain,  significant  obligations  remain,  or  the  fair  value  of  undelivered  elements  is  unknown.  Typically,  the 
Company  does  not  offer  customers  the  right  to  return  product,  other  than  for  exchange  or  repair  pursuant  to  a 
warranty or stock rotation.  The Company’s policy is to reduce revenue if it incurs an obligation for price rebates or 
other such programs during the period the obligation is reasonably estimated to occur.  The following policies apply 
to the Company’s major categories of revenue transactions.  

Products   

Products are considered delivered, and revenue is recognized, when title and risk of loss have been transferred to the 
customer  or  upon  customer  acceptance  if  non-delivered  products  or  services  are  essential  to  the  functionality  of 
delivered products. Under the terms and conditions of the sale, this occurs at the time of shipment to the customer. 
Product  revenue  currently  represents  sales  of  our  Mediasite  recorders  and  Mediasite  related  products  such  as  our 
server software and other software licenses. If a license is time-based, the revenue is recognized over the term of the 
license agreement. 

Services 

The Company sells support and content hosting contracts to its customers, typically one year in length, and records 
the related revenue ratably over the contractual period.  Our support contracts cover phone and electronic technical 
support availability over and above the level provided by our distribution partners, software upgrades on a when and 
if available basis, advance hardware replacement and an extension of the standard hardware warranty from 90 days 
to  one  year.    The  manufacturers  we  contract  with  to  build  the  units  provide  a  limited  one-year  warranty  on  the 

35 

 
 
 
  
    
 
    
 
   
 
 
  
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

hardware.  We also sell installation, training, event webcasting, and customer content hosting services.  Revenue for 
those  services  is  recognized  when  performed  in  the  case  of  installation,  training  and  event  webcasting  services.  
Occasionally,  the  Company  will  sell  customization  services  to  enhance  the  server  software.  Revenue  from  those 
services is recognized when performed, if perfunctory, or under contract accounting. Service amounts invoiced to 
customers in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue until the revenue recognition criteria are 
met.  

Revenue Arrangements that Include Multiple Elements  

Sales  of  software,  with  or  without  installation,  training,  and  post  customer  support  fall  within  the  scope  of  the 
software  revenue  recognition  rules.  Under  the  software  revenue  recognition  rules,  the  fee  from  a  multiple-
deliverable  arrangement  is  allocated  to  each  of  the  undelivered  elements  based  upon  vendor-specific  objective 
evidence  (VSOE),  which  is  limited  to  the  price  charged  when  the  same  deliverable  is  sold  separately,  with  the 
residual value from  the arrangement allocated to the delivered element. The portion of the fee that is allocated to 
each deliverable is then recognized as revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition are met with respect to that 
deliverable. If VSOE  does not  exist  for  all  of  the  undelivered  elements,  then  all  revenue  from  the  arrangement  is 
typically deferred until all elements have been delivered to the customer.  

In  the  case  of  the  Company’s  hardware  products  with  embedded  software,  the  Company  has  determined  that  the 
hardware and software components function together to deliver the product’s essential functionality, and therefore, 
the  revenue  from  the  sale  of  these  products  is  accounted  for  under  the  revenue  recognition  rules  for  tangible 
products  whereby  the  fee  from  a  multiple-deliverable  arrangement  is  allocated  to  each  of  the  deliverables  based 
upon  their  relative  selling  prices  as  determined  by  a  selling-price  hierarchy.  A  deliverable  in  an  arrangement 
qualifies as a separate unit of accounting if the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis. A 
delivered item that does not qualify as a separate unit of accounting is combined with the other undelivered items in 
the  arrangement  and  revenue  is  recognized  for  those  combined  deliverables  as  a  single  unit  of  accounting.  The 
selling price used for each deliverable is based upon VSOE if available, third-party evidence (TPE) if VSOE is not 
available, and best estimate of selling price (ESP) if neither VSOE nor TPE are available. TPE is the price of the 
Company’s  or  any  competitor’s  largely  interchangeable  products  or  services  in  stand-alone  sales  to  similarly 
situated customers. ESP is the price at which the Company would sell the deliverable if it were sold regularly on a 
stand-alone  basis,  considering  market  conditions  and  entity-specific  factors.  All  revenue  arrangements  negotiated 
after  September  30,  2010,  excluding  the  sale  of  all  software-only  products  and  associated  services,  have  been 
accounted for under this guidance. 

The selling prices used in the relative selling price allocation method are as follows: (1) the Company’s products and 
services are based upon VSOE and (2) hardware products with embedded software, for which VSOE does not exist, 
are based upon ESP. The Company does not believe TPE exists for any of these products and services because they 
are differentiated from competing products and services in terms of functionality and performance and there are no 
competing products or services that are largely interchangeable. Management establishes ESP for hardware products 
with  embedded  software  using  a  cost  plus margin  approach  with  consideration for  market  conditions,  such  as  the 
impact of competition and geographic considerations, and entity-specific factors, such as the cost of the product and 
the  Company’s  profit  objectives.  Management  believes  that  ESP  is  reflective  of  reasonable  pricing  of  that 
deliverable  as  if  priced  on  a  stand-alone  basis.  When  a  sales  transaction  includes  deliverables  that  are  divided 
between  ASC  Topic  605  and  ASC  Subtopic  985-605,  the  Company  allocates  the  selling  price  using  the  relative 
selling price method whereas value is allocated using an ESP for software developed using a percent of list price 
approach. The other deliverables are valued using ESP or VSOE as previously discussed. 

While the pricing model, currently in use, captures all critical variables, unforeseen changes due to external market 
forces may result in a revision of the inputs. These modifications may result in the consideration allocation differing 
from  the  one presently  in  use.  Absent  a  significant  change  in  the  pricing  inputs  or  the  way  in  which  the  industry 
structures  its  deals,  future  changes  in  the  pricing  model  are  not  expected  to  materially  affect  our  allocation  of 
arrangement consideration. 

Management has established VSOE for hosting services. Billings for hosting are spread ratably over the term of the 
hosting agreement, with the typical hosting agreement having a term of 12 months, with renewal on an annual basis. 
The Company sells most hosting contracts without the inclusion of products. When the hosting arrangement is sold 

36 

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

in conjunction with product, the product revenue is recognized immediately while the remaining hosting revenue is 
spread ratably over the term of the hosting agreement. The selling price is allocated between these elements using 
the relative selling price method. The Company uses ESP for development of the selling price for hardware products 
with embedded software. 

The  Company  also  offers  hosting  services  bundled  with  events  services.  The  Company  uses  VSOE  to  establish 
relative selling prices for its events services. The Company recognizes events revenue when the event takes place 
and recognizes the hosting revenue over the term of the hosting agreement. The total amount of the arrangement is 
allocated to each element based on the relative selling price method. 

Reserves 

We  record  reserves  for  stock  rotations,  price  adjustments,  rebates,  and  sales  incentives  to  reduce  revenue  and 
accounts receivable for these and other credits we may grant to customers. Such reserves are recorded at the time of 
sale  and  are  calculated  based  on  historical  information  (such  as  rates  of  product  stock  rotations)  and  the  specific 
terms of sales programs, taking into account any other known information about likely customer behavior. If actual 
customer behavior differs from our expectations, additional reserves may be required. Also, if we determine that we 
can  no  longer  accurately  estimate  amounts  for  stock  rotations  and  sales  incentives,  we  would  not  be  able  to 
recognize revenue until the resellers sell the inventory to the final end user. 

Credit Evaluation and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

We assess the realization of our receivables by performing ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial 
condition.  Through  these  evaluations,  we  may  become  aware  of  a  situation  where  a  customer  may  not  be  able  to 
meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  Our reserve 
requirements are based on the best facts available to us and are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is 
received.  Our  reserves  are  also  based  on  amounts  determined  by  using  percentages  applied  to  certain  aged 
receivable categories.  These percentages are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current 
economic  trends,  historical  payment  and  bad  debt  write-off  experience.  Allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  for 
accounts receivable was $150,000 at September 30, 2014 and $90,000 at September 30, 2013. 

Impairment of long-lived assets  

Goodwill  that  have  indefinite  useful  lives  are  recorded  at  cost  and  are  not  amortized  but,  instead,  tested  at  least 
annually for impairment.  We assess the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the fair value of these assets is less than the carrying value.  If a qualitative assessment is used 
and the Company determines that the fair value of goodwill is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) 
less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test will be performed. If goodwill is quantitatively assessed for 
impairment, a two-step approach is applied. First, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the goodwill to its 
carrying value. The second step, if necessary, measures the amount of impairment, if any, by comparing the implied fair 
value of goodwill to its carrying value.  

In fiscal 2014 and 2013, we performed the two-step goodwill test and determined that the fair value of goodwill is more 
than the carrying value. For purposes of the fiscal 2014 test, goodwill balances are evaluated within three separate 
reporting  units.  For  purposes  of  the  fiscal  2013  test,  goodwill  was  considered  to  be  in  one  reporting  unit.  The 
Company has recognized no impairment charges as of September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013.  

 If we had determined that the fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value, based upon the annual test or the 
existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we would then measure impairment based on a comparison of the 
implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. To the extent the carrying amount of goodwill is 
greater than the implied fair value of goodwill, we would record an impairment charge for the difference.  

Long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable based on expected undiscounted cash 
flows attributable to that asset. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, no events or changes in circumstances 
occurred that required this analysis. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement and tax bases 
of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. 
We  do  not  provide  for  U.S.  income  taxes  on  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries,  which  we 
consider to be permanently invested outside of the U.S. 

We make judgments regarding the realizability of our deferred tax assets. The balance sheet carrying value of our 
net deferred tax assets is based on whether we believe that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient 
future taxable income to realize these deferred tax assets after consideration of all available evidence. We regularly 
review our deferred tax assets for recoverability considering historical profitability, projected future taxable income, 
the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. In assessing the 
need  for  a  valuation  allowance,  we  consider  both  positive  and  negative  evidence  related  to  the  likelihood  of 
realization of the deferred tax assets. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with 
the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. As such, it is generally difficult for positive evidence 
regarding  projected  future  taxable  income  exclusive  of  reversing  taxable  temporary  differences  to  outweigh 
objective  negative  evidence  of  recent  financial  reporting  losses.  Generally,  cumulative  loss  in  recent  years  is  a 
significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not 
needed. 

As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, valuation allowances have been established for all U.S. and for certain foreign 
deferred  tax  assets  which  we  believe  do  not  meet  the  “more  likely  than  not”  criteria  for  recognition.  If  we  are 
subsequently  able  to  utilize  all  or  a  portion  of  the  deferred  tax  assets  for  which  a  valuation  allowance  has  been 
established, then we may be required to recognize these deferred tax assets through the reduction of the valuation 
allowance which could result in a material benefit to our results of operations in the period in which the benefit is 
determined. 

Accounting for stock-based compensation 

The Company uses a lattice  valuation model to account for all stock options granted. The lattice valuation model 
provides a flexible analysis to value options because of its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such 
as actual exercise behavior of option holders. The Company uses historical data to estimate the option exercise and 
employee departure behavior in the lattice valuation model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the 
Company’s  stock.  The  Company  considers  all  employees  to  have  similar  exercise  behavior  and  therefore  has  not 
identified  separate  homogenous  groups  for  valuation.  The  expected  term  of  options  granted  is  derived  from  the 
output  of  the  option  pricing  model  and  represents  the  period  of  time  that  options  granted  are  expected  to  be 
outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods the options are expected to be outstanding is based on the U.S. Treasury 
yields in effect at the time of grant. Forfeitures are based on actual behavior patterns. 

Capitalized Software Development Costs 

Software  development  costs  incurred  in  conjunction  with  product  development  are  charged  to  research  and 
development expense until technological feasibility is established. Thereafter, until the product is released for sale, 
software development costs are capitalized and reported at the net realizable value of the related product. Typically 
the period between achieving technological feasibility of the Company’s products and the general availability of the 
products  has  been  short.  Consequently,  software  development  costs  qualifying  for  capitalization  are  typically 
immaterial  and  are  generally  expensed  to  research  and  development  costs.  During  2013,  the  Company’s  My 
Mediasite  product  release  required  software  capitalization  since  there  was  a  longer  period  between  technological 
feasibility  and  the  general  availability  of  the  product.  Upon  product  release,  the  amortization  of  software 
development  costs  is  determined  annually  as  the  greater  of  the  amount  computed  using  the  ratio  of  current  gross 
revenues for the products to their total of current and anticipated future gross revenues or the straight-line method 
over  the  estimated  economic  life  of  the  products,  expected  to  be  three  years.  Amortization  expense  of  software 
development costs of $252 thousand and $75 thousand is included in Cost of Revenue – Product for the years ending 
September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The amount of capitalized external and internal development costs was 

38 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

$533 thousand for the year ended September 30, 2013.. There were no software development efforts that qualified 
for capitalization for the year ended September 30, 2014. 

Valuation of Assets and Liabilities in Business Combinations 

The assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured at fair value. Fair value is 
based on the definition in ASC 820-10-20 as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to 
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Variations of the cost, market and income 
approaches are used to measure the fair value of components of working capital (e.g. accounts receivable, inventory 
and accounts payable) and tangible assets, such as property plant and equipment. When measuring the fair value of 
acquired  intangible  assets,  the  income,  market  and  cost  approaches  are  generally  considered.  Financial  assets  and 
liabilities are valued based on a quoted price in an active market. In the absence of a quoted market price a valuation 
technique is used to determine fair value, such as a market approach or an income approach. Non-financial liabilities 
may  be  valued  based  on  a  transfer  approach.  These  measures  require  significant  judgment  including  estimates  of 
expected cash flow, or discount rates among others. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  

You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition in conjunction with our 
consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

The acquisition of MediaMission Holding B.V. was completed on December 16, 2013. The acquisition of Mediasite 
KK was completed on January 14, 2014. The results of these subsidiaries from the dates of acquisition through 
September 30, 2014 are included in the discussion below. 

Revenue  

Revenue  from  our  business  includes  the  sale  of  Mediasite  recorders  and  server  software  products  and  related 
services contracts, such as customer support, installation, customization services, training, content hosting and event 
services.    We  market  our  products  to  educational  institutions,  corporations  and  government  agencies  that  need  to 
deploy, manage, index and distribute video content on Internet-based networks.  We reach both our domestic and 
international markets through reseller networks, a direct sales effort and partnerships with system integrators. 

Revenue  in  fiscal  2014  totaled  $35.8  million,  compared  to  $27.8  million  in  fiscal  2013,  an  increase  of  29%.   
Revenue consisted of the following: 

(cid:129)  Product revenue from the sale of Mediasite recorder units and server software increased from $13.6 million 
in fiscal 2013 to $16.8 million in fiscal 2014. The average sales price per unit was impacted by an increase 
in the rack to mobile ratio for recorders and a large discounted deal to one international customer during the 
year.  This  was  partially  offset  by  recorders  sold  by  Mediasite  KK  and  MediaMission  which  maintain  a 
higher average selling price. The product revenue growth is primarily related to an increase in the number 
of units sold, including over 240 units to one large international customer. 

Units sold 
Rack to mobile ratio 
Average sales price, excluding support (000’s) 
Refresh Units 

2014 
1,812 
3.5 to 1 
$8.9 
453 

2013 
1,458 
2.0 to 1 
$9.2 
573 

(cid:131)  Services revenue represents the portion of fees charged for Mediasite customer support contracts amortized 
over  the  length  of  the  contract,  typically  12  months,  as  well  as  training,  installation,  event  and  content 
hosting services.  Services revenue increased from $13.9 million in fiscal 2013 to $18.6 million in fiscal 
2014  due  primarily  to  an  increase  in  hosting  and  support  contracts  on  Mediasite  recorder  units.  At 
September 30, 2014 $10.0 million of revenue was deferred, of which we expect to recognize $9.1 million in 
the next twelve months, including approximately $3.8 million in the quarter ending December 31, 2014. At 
September 30, 2013, $7.1 million of revenue was deferred.   

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

(cid:131)  Other revenue relates to freight charges billed separately to our customers. 

Gross Margin  

Total gross margin in fiscal 2014 was $25.6 million or 71% compared to $20.1 million or 72% in fiscal 2013. Gross 
margin  percentage  remained  approximately  the  same  compared  to  prior  year  and  the  dollar  increase  is  due  to  a 
higher volume of products and services sold. The significant components of cost of revenue include:  

(cid:131)  Material and freight costs for the Mediasite recorders.  Costs for fiscal 2014 Mediasite recorder hardware 
and  other  costs  totaled  $5.4  million  compared  to  $5.0  million  in  fiscal  2013.    Freight  costs  were  $286 
thousand  and  labor  and  allocated  costs  were  $1.2  million  in  fiscal  2014  compared  to  $336  thousand  and 
$939 thousand, respectively, in fiscal 2013.  The remaining $468 thousand in fiscal 2014 relate to material 
and freight costs for MediaMission and MSKK. 

(cid:131)  Services costs.  Staff wages and other costs allocated to cost of service revenues were $1.7 million in fiscal 
2014 compared to $1.5 million fiscal 2013, resulting in gross margin on services of 84% in fiscal 2014 and 
89% in fiscal 2013. The remaining $1.2 million in fiscal 2014 relate to costs of providing content hosting, 
events and technical support services at MediaMission and MSKK. 

The Company expects the gross margin percentage to remain consistent or slightly increase in fiscal 2015 as total 
revenue increases. 

Operating Expenses  

Selling and Marketing Expenses  

Selling  and  marketing  expenses  include  wages  and  commissions  for  sales,  marketing  and  business  development 
personnel,  print  advertising  and  various  promotional  expenses  for  our  products.  Timing  of  these  costs  may  vary 
greatly  depending  on  introduction  of  new  products  and  services  or  entrance  into  new  markets,  or  participation  in 
major tradeshows.  

Selling and marketing expense increased $3.5 million, or 27%, from $13.1 million in fiscal 2013 to $16.6 million in 
fiscal 2014.  Increases in the major categories include: 

(cid:131)  Salaries, incentive compensation, and benefits increased $475 thousand over the prior year due to higher 

staff levels in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. 

(cid:131)  Costs  allocated  from  General  and  Administrative  increased  by  $662  thousand  as  a  result  of  higher  stock 

compensation, bonus and depreciation expense. 

(cid:131)  Selling  and  marketing  expenses  for  MediaMission  and  MSKK  accounted  for  $290  thousand  and  $2.1 

million, respectively in fiscal 2014. 

At September 30, 2014 we had 127 employees in Selling and Marketing, an increase from 75 employees at 
September 30, 2013.  Of the 127 employees in Selling and Marketing at September 30, 2014, 43 are employed by 
our newly acquired foreign subsidiaries. We anticipate minimal growth in Selling and Marketing headcount in fiscal 
2015.  

General and Administrative Expenses 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses consist of personnel and related costs associated with the facilities, 
finance,  legal,  human  resources  and  information  technology  departments,  as  well  as  other  expenses  not  fully 
allocated to functional areas. 

G&A expenses increased $2.3 million or 68% from $3.3 million in fiscal 2013 to $5.6 million in fiscal 2014.  

(cid:131) 

Increase in compensation and benefits of $178 thousand due to a higher staff levels in fiscal 2014 compared 
to fiscal 2013. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

(cid:131)  Professional services increase of $955 thousand, primarily due to legal costs associated with litigation with 

Astute Technology that was settled in June 2014.  

(cid:131)  G&A  expenses  for  MediaMission  and  MSKK  accounted  for  $246  thousand  and  $785  thousand, 

respectively. 

At September 30, 2014 we had 17 full-time employees in G&A, an increase from 7 full-time employees at 
September 30, 2013.  Of the 17 employees in G&A at September 30, 2014, 8 are employed by our newly acquired 
foreign subsidiaries. We do not anticipate growth in G&A headcount in fiscal 2015.  

Product Development Expenses 

Product  development  expenses  include  salaries  and  wages of  the  software  research  and  development  staff  and  an 
allocation of benefits, facility and administrative expenses.  

R&D expenses increased $1.3 million, or 30%, from $4.3 million in fiscal 2013 to $5.5 million in fiscal 2014.  Some 
significant differences include: 

(cid:131) 

Increase in compensation and benefits of $616 thousand.  A slightly higher headcount and typical annual 
base wage increases accounts for $347 thousand of this increase and the remaining $269 thousand relates to 
the capitalization of software development internal labor in YTD-2013. 

(cid:131)  Professional services increase of $168 thousand, mainly due to the use of outsourced development. 
(cid:131)  Costs  allocated  from  General  and  Administrative  increased  by  $149  thousand  as  a  result  of  higher  stock 

compensation, bonus and depreciation expense. 

(cid:131)  Product  development  expenses  for  MediaMission  and  MSKK  accounted  for  $262  thousand  and  $75 

thousand, respectively. 

At September 30, 2014 we had 39 full-time employees in Product Development compared to 36 employees at 
September 30, 2013.  Of the 39 employees in Product Development at September 30, 2014, 4 are employed by our 
newly acquired foreign subsidiaries. There were no software development efforts in fiscal 2014 that qualified for 
capitalization. Fiscal 2013 software development efforts of $533 thousand qualified for capitalization.  

Acquisition Costs 

During  fiscal  2014,  the  Company  incurred  acquisition  costs  related  to  acquiring  MediaMission  B.V.  in  the 
Netherlands  and  Mediasite  KK  in  Japan.  These  costs  consisted  of  professional  services  incurred  and  incentive 
compensation earned totaling $490 thousand. There were no additional acquisition costs in the remainder of fiscal 
2014. We do not anticipate incurring additional costs related to the acquisition of these two companies. 

Patent Settlement 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company completed a patent settlement agreement related to a dispute 
with Astute Technology in which the Company agreed to pay $1.1 million over a ten month period ending March 
2015 for a license to use certain patents.  The Company determined that $428 thousand of the license relates to prior 
use and accordingly was recorded as a charge to income. The remaining $672 thousand was recorded as an asset, 
which is being amortized over the remaining life of the patents, through 2020. Future amounts due to Astute were 
accrued for as of the time of settlement. 

Other Income and Expense, Net 

The Company’s investment in Mediasite KK was accounted for under the equity method of accounting using a one 
quarter  timing  lag  through  December  31,  2013.  On  January  14,  2014,  the  Company’s  ownership  percentage 
increased  from  approximately  26%  of  their  common  stock  to  100%.  In  connection  with  the  acquisition,  the  one 
quarter lag in reporting their results was eliminated. Obtaining control of Mediasite KK also required a “step-up” in 
the recorded value of the Company’s previously owned interest in Mediasite KK to fair value. The gain amounted to 
approximately $1.4 million. The Company recorded equity in earnings of $38 thousand and $209 thousand for the 
years ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively.   

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Other expense primarily consists of interest costs related to outstanding debt.  Interest expense of $231 thousand was 
recognized  in  fiscal  2014  compared  to  $92  thousand  in  fiscal  2013.  The  increase  is  primarily  due  to  additional 
borrowings with Silicon Valley Bank and the addition of the subordinated note payables related to the acquisitions. 
Other  income  is  primarily  interest  income  from  overnight  investment  vehicles.  In  fiscal  2014,  a  foreign  currency 
gain of $163 thousand was also realized related to re-measurement of the subordinated notes payable related to the 
Company’s foreign subsidiaries. 

Provisions Related to Income Taxes 

The Company incurred an $901 thousand tax expense related to the “step-up” in the value of its previously recorded 
interest  in  MSKK.  This  amount  consisted  of  $542  thousand  directly  attributed  to  the  “step-up”  gain  and  $359 
thousand related to a change in the valuation allowance for the pre-acquisition investment in MSKK. 

The Company records a non-cash deferred tax liability related to goodwill acquired in 2001. The related income tax 
benefit was $240 thousand for both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.   

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  

On September 30, 2014 and 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $4.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively. 
Of  the  $4.3  million  aggregate  cash  and  cash  equivalents  held  by  the  Company,  the  amount  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries was $2.9 million. Presently, it is our intention not to repatriate cash in 
foreign jurisdictions, as these funds will be used to support ongoing foreign operations and debt service payments 
resulting from our recent foreign business acquisitions. 

Cash  used  in  operating  activities  totaled  $87  thousand  in  fiscal  2014  and  cash  provided  by  operating  activities 
totaled $1.0 million in fiscal 2013, a decrease of $1.1 million.  Cash used in operating activities increased partly due 
to negative impacts of working capital and other changes including a net loss of $2.8 million, $1.4 million of gain or 
equity  in  earnings  from  investment  in  Mediasite  KK,  a  $587  thousand  increase  in  accounts  receivable,  a  $547 
thousand  increase  in  prepaid  expenses  and  other  assets  and  a  $809  thousand  decrease  in  accounts  payable  and 
accrued liabilities. Cash used in fiscal 2014 was partially offset by the positive effects of a $2.3 million increase in 
unearned revenue, $919 thousand of stock based compensation, $1.3 million of depreciation expense, $1.1 million 
of  deferred  taxes,  and  a  $259  thousand  decrease  in  inventory.  Cash  provided  in  fiscal  2013  was  impacted  by 
working  capital  and  other  changes  including  the  positive  effects  of  a  $1.5  million  increase  in  unearned  revenue, 
$656 thousand of stock based compensation, $1.1 million of depreciation expense, $240 thousand of deferred taxes, 
and  a  $176  thousand  increase  in  accounts  payable,  accrued  liabilities  and  other  long-term  liabilities.  These  were 
partially offset by the negative effects of $394 thousand increase in inventory, a $1.3 million increase in accounts 
receivable, $209 thousand of equity in earnings from investment in Mediasite KK and a $792 thousand net loss. 

Cash  provided  by  investing  activities  totaled  $300  thousand  in  fiscal  2014  compared  to  cash  used  in  investing 
activities of $1.7 million in fiscal 2013.  In fiscal year 2014, $1.3 million was provided by the acquisition of MSKK 
which was partially offset by cash used for the acquisition of MediaMission of $119 thousand.  The remainder was 
due  to  purchases  of  property  and  equipment.    In  fiscal  year  2013,  $533  thousand  was  used  in  capitalization  of 
software development costs.  The remainder was due to purchases of property and equipment.   

Cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2014 totaled $861 thousand compared to $314 thousand used in fiscal 
2013.  Cash  provided  in  fiscal  2014  was  due  primarily  to  $2.0  million  of  cash  provided  by  proceeds  from  notes 
payable and $286 thousand in proceeds from exercise of stock options. This was partially offset by $1.4 million of 
cash  used  for  payments  of  notes  payable  and  capital  leases.  Cash  used  in  fiscal  2013  was  due  primarily  to  $839 
thousand of cash used for payments on notes payable and capital leases. This was partially offset by $523 thousand 
of proceeds from exercise of common stock options and issuance of common stock. 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

The Company believes its cash position is adequate to accomplish its business plan through at least the next twelve 
months. We will likely evaluate operating or capital lease opportunities to finance equipment purchases in the future 
and anticipate utilizing the Company’s revolving line of credit to support working capital needs. In November 2014 
we  entered  into  subscription  agreements  with  two  existing  shareholders  totaling  $500  thousand  for  shares  of 
common stock at an average market price determined at close. We may seek additional equity financing, or issue 
additional shares previously registered in our available shelf registration, although we currently have no plans to do 
so.  

On  June  27,  2011,  the  Company  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Sonic  Foundry  Media  Systems,  Inc.  (the 
“Companies”)  entered  into  the  Second  Amended  and  Restated  Loan  and  Security  Agreement  with  Silicon  Valley 
Bank (the “Second Amended Agreement”).  Under the Second Amended Agreement, the revolving line of credit has 
a maximum principal amount of $3,000,000. Interest accrues on the revolving line of credit at the per annum rate of 
one percent (1.0%) above the Prime Rate (as defined), provided that Sonic Foundry maintains an Adjusted Quick 
Ratio  (as  defined)  of  greater  than  2.0  to  1.0,  or  one-and-one  half  percent  (1.5%) above  the  Prime  Rate,  if  Sonic 
Foundry does not maintain an Adjusted Quick Ratio of greater than 2.0 to 1.0. The Second Amended Agreement 
does not provide for a minimum interest rate on the revolving loan. The Second Amended Agreement also provides 
for an increase in the advance rate on domestic receivables from 75% to 80%, and extends the facility maturity date 
to October 1, 2013. Under the Second Amended Agreement, the existing term loan will continue to accrue interest at 
a per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) one percentage point (1.0%) above Silicon Valley Bank’s prime rate; or 
(ii) eight and three quarters percent (8.75%). In addition, a new term loan can be issued in multiple draws provided 
that the total term loan from Silicon Valley Bank shall not exceed $2,000,000 and provided further that total term 
debt  shall  not  exceed  $2,400,000.  Under  the  Second  Amended  Agreement,  any  new  draws  on  the  term  loan  will 
accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to the Prime Rate plus three and three quarters percent (3.75%), or three-
and-one  quarter  percent  (3.25%)  above  the  Prime  Rate  if  Sonic  Foundry  maintains  an  Adjusted  Quick  Ratio  of 
greater than 2.0 to 1.0. The Second Amended Agreement does not provide for a minimum interest rate on the new 
term  loan.  Each  draw  on  the  new  term  loan  will  be  amortized  over  a  36-month  period.  The  Second  Amended 
Agreement also requires Sonic Foundry to continue to comply with certain financial covenants, including covenants 
to maintain an Adjusted Quick Ratio (as defined) of at least 1.75 to 1.00 and Debt Service Coverage Ratio of at least 
1.25  to  1.00,  the  latter  of  which  will  be  waived  if  certain  funds  are  reserved  against  the  availability  under  the 
revolving line of credit.  

On May 31, 2013, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and 
Security  Agreement  (the  “First  Amendment”)  with  Silicon  Valley  Bank.    Under  the  First  Amendment:  (i)  the 
Revolving Loan Maturity Date (as defined) was extended from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2015, (ii) the interest 
rate on the revolving line of credit was decreased so that interest will accrue at the per annum rate of three quarters 
of  one  percent  (0.75  %)  above  the  Prime  Rate  (as  defined),  provided  that  Sonic  Foundry  maintains  an  Adjusted 
Quick Ratio (as defined) of greater than 2.0 to 1.0, or one-and-one quarter percent (1.25%) above the Prime Rate, if 
Sonic  Foundry  does not  maintain  an Adjusted  Quick  Ratio  of greater  than  2.0  to 1.0, (iii)  the  interest  rate  on  the 
Unused  Revolving  Loan  Facility  Fee  (as  defined)  was  decreased  to  seventeen  and  one-half  hundredths  of  one 
percent (0.175%). 

On January 10, 2014, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and 
Security  Agreement  (the  “Second  Amendment”)  with  Silicon  Valley  Bank.  Under  the  Second  Amendment  upon 
funding: (i) the balance of the term loan payable to Silicon Valley Bank of approximately $544,000 was repaid and 
replaced by a new term loan of $2,500,000 to be repaid in 36 equal monthly principal payments, (ii) the interest rate 
was  decreased  so  that  interest  accrues  at  the  Prime  Rate  (as  defined)  plus  two  and  one  quarter  percent  (which 
equated to an interest rate of 5.5%) from the Prime Rate plus three and one quarter percent (which equated to an 
interest  rate  of  6.5%)  payable  on  the  previous  loan  from  Silicon  Valley  Bank,  (iii)  the  covenant  that  requires  the 
Minimum Adjusted Quick ratio be at or greater than 1.75:1.0 was reduced to 1.5:1.0, (iv) the Debt Service Coverage 
ratio  was  changed  to  a  quarterly  test  rather  than  monthly,  (v)  the  approval  to  repurchase  up  to  $1,000,000  of 
outstanding shares of common stock was eliminated, (vi) the purchase of all the outstanding stock in MediaMission 
Holding B.V., the owner of 100% of the stock of MediaMission B.V. and the purchase of all outstanding stock in 
Mediasite  KK was  approved,  and (vii)  a  maximum  limit  of bank  indebtedness  of  Mediasite  KK  of $500,000 was 
provided  for.  The  funding  occurred  contemporaneously  with  the  closing  of  the  Company’s  purchase  of  the 
outstanding common stock of Mediasite KK on January 17, 2014 which was effective January 14, 2014.  

43 

 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

On March 24, 2014 the Companies entered into a Third Amendment to the Second Amended  Agreement (“Third 
Amendment”)  which  1)  reduced  the  minimum  required  Adjusted  Quick  Ratio  for  each  of  the  months  ended 
February 28,  2014, April 30,  2014, May 31,  2014, July 31,  2014, August 31,  2014, October 31,  2014  and 
November 30,  2014  from  1.50:1.00  to  1.25:1.00;  and  2)  waived  compliance  with  the  maximum  subsidiary 
indebtedness requirement for the period up to the date preceding the Third Amendment, as amended. 

At September 30, 2014, a balance of $1.9 million was outstanding on the term loans with Silicon Valley Bank, with 
an effective interest rate of six-and-one half percent (6.5%), and no balance was outstanding on the revolving line of 
credit. At September 30, 2013, a balance of $767 thousand was outstanding on the term loans with Silicon Valley 
Bank and no balance was outstanding on the revolving line of credit. At September 30, 2014, there was $3.0 million 
available under this credit facility for advances. At September 30, 2014 the Company was in compliance with all 
covenants in  the Second Amended Agreement, as amended. 

At September 30, 2014, a balance of $170 thousand was outstanding on the notes payable with Mitsui Sumitomo 
Bank, with an annual interest rate of approximately one-and-one half percent (1.575%) related to Mediasite K.K. 

At September 30, 2014, a balance of $628 thousand was outstanding on the subordinated note payable related to the 
acquisition of MediaMission, with an annual interest rate of six-and-one half percent (6.5%). 

At  September  30,  2014,  a  balance  of  $1.8  million  was  outstanding  on  the  subordinated  payable  related  to  the 
acquisition of Mediasite KK with an annual interest rate of five percent (5%). 

The  Company  enters  into  unconditional  purchase  commitments  on  a  regular  basis  for  the  supply  of  Mediasite 
product.    At  September  30,  2014,  the  Company  has  an  obligation  to  purchase  $1.8  million  of  Mediasite  product, 
which is not recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.  

Contractual Obligations 

The following summarizes our contractual obligations at September 30, 2014 and the effect those obligations are 
expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods (in thousands): 

Total 

  Less than 

  Years 2-3 

  Years 4-5 

Contractual Obligations: 
Product purchase commitments 
Operating lease obligations 
Capital lease obligations (a) 
Notes payable (a) 
Subordinated notes payable (a) 

$   1,808 

3,466   
398 
2,259 
2,578 

1 Year
 $  1,808 
1,104 
221 
1,074 
2,234 

$       ─ 
   1,432 
173 
1,185 
344 

$       ─ 
     930 
       4 
       ─ 
─ 

Over 5 
years
$       ─ 
─ 
       ─ 
       ─ 
─ 

(a)  Includes fixed and determinable interest payments 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ITEM 7A. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK  

Derivative Financial Instruments  

We  are  not  party  to  any  derivative  financial  instruments  or  other  financial  instruments  for  which  the  fair  value 
disclosure  would  be  required under  FASB ASC 815-10. Our  cash  equivalents  consist  of overnight  investments  in 
money market funds that are carried at fair value. Accordingly, we believe that the market risk of such investments 
is minimal.  

Interest Rate Risk  

Our  cash  equivalents,  which  consist  of  overnight  money  market  funds,  are  subject  to  interest  rate  fluctuations, 
however, we believe this risk is minimal due to the short-term nature of these investments.  

At September 30, 2014, $1.9 million of the Company’s $4.5 million in outstanding debt is variable rate. We do not 
expect  that  an  increase  in  the  level  of  interest  rates  would  have  a  material  impact  on  our  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements. We monitor our positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are party to any of 
our financial transactions. 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk  

The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries in the Netherlands is the Euro and in Japan is the Japanese Yen. 
They are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Any increase or decrease in the exchange rate of the U.S. 
Dollar compared to the Euro or Japanese Yen will impact our future operating results and financial position. 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ITEM 8.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Shareholders, Audit Committee and Board of Directors 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Madison, WI 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheet  of  Sonic  Foundry,  Inc.  and  Subsidiaries  (the 
"Company") as of September 30, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations comprehensive loss, 
stockholders'  equity,  and  cash  flows  for  the  year  then  ended.  These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  the 
responsibility  of  the  company's  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated 
financial statements 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  the  consolidated  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  The  company  is  not  required  to 
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included 
consideration  of  its  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  a  basis  for  designing  audit  procedures  that  are 
appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  but  not  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the 
company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  Accordingly,  we  express  no  such  opinion.  An  audit  includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. 
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as 
well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides 
a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
financial  position  of  Sonic  Foundry,  Inc.  and  Subsidiaries  as  of  September  30,  2014  and  the  results  of  their 
operations and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

/s/ Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP 

Madison, Wisconsin 
December 17, 2014 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Board of Directors and Stockholders  
Sonic Foundry, Inc.  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Sonic Foundry, Inc. and subsidiary (a Maryland 
corporation)  (the  “Company”)  as  of  September 30,  2013,  and  the  related  consolidated  statement  of  operations, 
comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2013.  These financial 
statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s  management.    Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on 
these financial statements 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 the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  We were not engaged to perform an audit of the 
Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  Our  audit  included  consideration  of  internal  control  over 
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the 
purpose of  expressing  an  opinion on  the  effectiveness  of the  Company’s  internal  control  over financial  reporting.  
Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting 
the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant 
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that 
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
financial position of Sonic Foundry, Inc. and subsidiary as of September 30, 2013, and the results of their operations 
and  their  cash  flows  for  the  year  ended  September  30,  2013  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally 
accepted in the United States of America. 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin  
December 26, 2013

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands except for share and per share data) 

September 30, 

2014 

2013 

Assets  
Current assets:  

Cash and cash equivalents 

     Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $150 and $90 

Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

      Total current assets 
Property and equipment: 

Leasehold improvements 
Computer equipment 
Furniture and fixtures 

Total property and equipment 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 

Net property and equipment 

Other assets: 
Goodwill  
Investment in Mediasite KK 
Customer relationships, net of amortization of $191 and $0 
Software development costs, net of amortization of $252 and $75 
Product rights, net of amortization of $41 and $0 
Other intangibles, net of amortization of $162 and $135 
Other long-term assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities and stockholders' equity  
Current liabilities:  

Revolving line of credit 
Accounts payable 
Accrued liabilities 
Unearned revenue 
Current portion of capital lease obligations 
Current portion of notes payable 
Current portion of subordinated notes payable 
 Total current liabilities 

Long-term portion of unearned revenue 
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations 
Long-term portion of notes payable 
Long-term portion of subordinated notes payable 
Other liabilities 
Deferred tax liability 
  Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingencies 

Stockholders' equity: 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 500,000 shares; none issued  
5% Preferred stock, Series B, voting, cumulative, convertible, $.01 par value 
(liquidation preference at par), authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued  
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; 4,276,470 and 
3,999,634 shares issued and 4,263,754 and 3,986,918 shares outstanding  

Additional paid-in capital 
Accumulated deficit 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
Receivable for common stock issued 

48 

$        4,344  
         8,449  
         1,721  
            1,544 
       16,058  

            911  
         5,440  
            720  
         7,071  
         3,675  
         3,396  

         11,185  
- 
2,471 
281 
631 
37 
564 
$       34,623 

$              -   
       1,183 
2,512 
9,079 
196 
974 
2,096 
16,040 

929 
173 
1,139 
314 
401 
4,312 
23,308 

─ 

─ 

43 
194,260 
(182,372) 
(421) 
(26) 

$        3,482 
         6,885 
         1,447 
            805 
       12,619 

            852 
         5,296 
            581 
         6,729 
         3,449 
         3,280 

         7,576 
            385 
-  
458
-
15
-
$      24,333

$              -  
       1,513
1,204
6,470
223
634
-
10,044

648
149
133
-
445
2,210
13,629

─

─

40
190,653
(179,556)
(238)
(26)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands except for share and per share data) 

Treasury stock, at cost, 12,716 shares 

Total stockholders' equity 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 
See accompanying notes  

(169) 
11,315 
$      34,623 

(169)
10,704
$      24,333

49 

 
 
 
 
Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

$   16,773  
      18,649  
           408  
      35,830  

        7,350 
        2,925  
      10,275  
      25,555 

      16,551 
        5,623  
        5,545  
428 
490 
      28,637  
      (3,082) 

1,390 
           38  
(231) 
173 
1,370 
(1,712) 
(1,104) 

$   13,588  
      13,933  
           235  
      27,756  

        6,215  
        1,481  
        7,696  
      20,060  

      13,079  
        3,343  
        4,276  

─
─

      20,698  
          (638) 

─

           209  
(92) 
(31) 
86 
(552) 
(240) 

$     (2,816) 

$        (792) 

$      (0.67) 
$      (0.67) 

$      (0.20) 
$      (0.20) 

4,174,191 
4,174,191 

3,932,692 
3,932,692 

Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
(in thousands except for share and per share data) 

Revenue: 
Product 
Services 
Other 
Total revenue 

Cost of revenue: 
Product 
Services 
Total cost of revenue 
Gross margin 

Operating expenses: 
Selling and marketing  
General and administrative 
Product development 
Patent settlement 
Acquisition costs 
Total operating expenses 
Loss from operations 

Non-operating income (expenses): 
Gain on investment in Mediasite KK 
Equity in earnings from investment in Mediasite KK 
Interest expense, net 
Other income (expense), net 
Total non-operating income (expenses) 
Income (loss) before income taxes 
Provision for income taxes 

Net loss 

Loss per common share: 
Basic net loss per common share 
Diluted net loss per common share 

Weighted average common shares   – Basic 

  – Diluted 

See accompanying notes  

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 
(in thousands) 

Net loss 

Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes: 
  Foreign currency translation adjustment 
Total other comprehensive loss 

Comprehensive loss 

See accompanying notes  

Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

$    (2,816)  

$    (792)  

        (183) 
(183) 

        (238)  
(238) 

$ (2,999) 

$ (1,030) 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 
 (in thousands except for share and per share data) 

Common 
stock 

Additional 
paid-in 
capital 

Accumulated
deficit 

Accumulated 
other 
comprehensive 
loss 

Receivable 
for 
common 
stock 
issued 

Treasury
stock 

Total 

$     39 

$189,459 

$ (178,764) 

$      ─ 

$     (26) 

$    (169)

$   10,539

─ 

─ 

1 

─ 

─ 

─ 

656 

75 

447 

─ 

16 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

(792) 

─ 

─ 

─ 

(238) 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─

─

─

─

─

─

656

75

448

(238)

16

(792)

$     40 

$190,653 

$ (179,556) 

$ (238) 

$     (26) 

$   (169)

$   10,704

─ 

─ 

3 

─ 
─ 

921 

2,403 

283 

─ 
─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 
(2,816) 

(183) 
─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 

─ 
─ 

─

─

─

─
─

921

2,403

286

(183)
(2,816)

$     43 

$194,260 

$ (182,372) 

$ (421) 

$     (26) 

$   (169)

$   11,315

Balance,  
September 30, 2012 

Stock compensation 
Issuance of common 

stock  

Exercise of common 

stock options 
Foreign currency 

translation adjustment 

Equity method 

investment ownership 
changes 

Net loss 
Balance,  
September 30, 2013 

Stock compensation 
Issuance of common 

stock  

Exercise of common 

stock options 
Foreign currency 

translation adjustment 

Net loss 
Balance,  
September 30, 2014 

See accompanying notes 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
(in thousands) 

Operating activities  

Net loss 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: 

$     (2,816) 

$        (792) 

Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

Gain or equity in earnings from investment in Mediasite KK  
Amortization of other intangibles  
Amortization of software development costs 
Amortization of product rights 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment 
Provision for doubtful accounts 
Deferred taxes 
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options 
Remeasurement gain on subordinated debt 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Other long-term liabilities 

     Unearned revenue 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities 

Investing activities 

Capitalization of software development costs 
Purchases of property and equipment 
Cash received in Mediasite KK acquisition, net of cash paid 
Cash paid for MediaMission acquisition, net of cash acquired 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

Financing activities 

(1,429) 
244 
177 
41 
1,268 
60 
1,064 
921 
(157) 

(597) 
259 
(547) 
(810) 
(94) 
2,329 
(87) 

- 
(862) 
1,281 
(119) 
300 

(209) 
20 
75 

1,111 
5 
240 
656 
- 

(1,312) 
(394) 
(48) 
263 
(87) 
1,485 
1,013 

(533) 
(1,162) 
- 
- 
(1,695) 

Proceeds from notes payable 
Payments on notes payable 
Payment of debt issuance costs  
Payments of loan fees 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
Proceeds from exercise of common options 
Dividends from investment in Mediasite KK 
Payments on capital lease obligations 
Net cash provided by (used in) provided by financing activities 
Changes in cash and cash equivalents due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

Supplemental cash flow information: 

Interest paid 
Taxes paid 

Non-cash transactions: 

1,954 
(1,199) 
(49) 
- 
98 
286 
- 
(229) 
861 
(212) 
862 
3,482 
$       4,344 

- 
(666) 
- 
(20) 
75 
448 
22 
(173) 
(314) 
- 
(996) 
4,478 
$       3,482 

$         128 
171 

$            92 
- 

Property and equipment financed by accounts payable, accrued liabilities or capital lease 
Acquired product rights 
Subordinated notes payable issuance for purchase of MediaMission and MSKK 
Common stock issued for purchase of MediaMission and MSKK 
Comprehensive loss attributable to equity method investment in MSKK 

207 
672 
2,567 
2,305  
- 

345 
- 
- 
- 
238 

See accompanying notes

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

1.  Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies  

Business  

Sonic  Foundry,  Inc.  (the  Company)  is  in  the  business  of  providing  enterprise  solutions  and  services  for  the  web 
communications market. 

Principles of Consolidation  

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  wholly-owned 
subsidiaries, Sonic Foundry Media Systems, Inc., MediaMission B.V. (formerly Media Mission Holding B.V.) and 
Mediasite KK. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.  

Prior to January 2014, the Company owned approximately 26% of Mediasite KK and accounted for its investment 
under  the  equity  method  of  accounting.  On  January  14,  2014,  the  Company  purchased  the  remaining  74%  of 
Mediasite KK. 

Use of Estimates  

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America (US GAAP), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of  assets  and  liabilities,  the  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  date  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenue  and  expense  during  the  period.    Actual  results  could  differ  from 
those estimates.  

Revenue Recognition  

General  

Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, 
the  sales  price  is  fixed  or  determinable  and  collectability  is  reasonably  assured.  Revenue  is  deferred  when 
undelivered  products  or  services  are  essential  to  the  functionality  of  delivered  products,  customer  acceptance  is 
uncertain,  significant  obligations  remain,  or  the  fair  value  of  undelivered  elements  is  unknown.  Typically,  the 
Company  does  not  offer  customers  the  right  to  return  product,  other  than  for  exchange  or  repair  pursuant  to  a 
warranty or stock rotation.  The Company’s policy is to reduce revenue if it incurs an obligation for price rebates or 
other such programs during the period the obligation is reasonably estimated to occur.  The following policies apply 
to the Company’s major categories of revenue transactions.  

Products   

Products are considered delivered, and revenue is recognized, when title and risk of loss have been transferred to the 
customer  or  upon  customer  acceptance  if  non-delivered  products  or  services  are  essential  to  the  functionality  of 
delivered products. Under the terms and conditions of the sale, this occurs at the time of shipment to the customer. 
Product  revenue  currently  represents  sales  of  our  Mediasite  recorder  and  Mediasite  related  products  such  as  our 
server software and other software licenses. If a license is time-based, the revenue is recognized over the term of the 
license agreement.  

Services  

The Company sells support and content hosting contracts to our customers, typically one year in length, and records 
the related revenue ratably over the contractual period.  Our support contracts cover phone and electronic technical 
support  availability  over  and  above  the  level  provided  by  our  distributors,  software  upgrades  on  a  when  and  if 
available basis, advance hardware replacement and an extension of the standard hardware warranty from 90 days to 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

one year.  The manufacturers the Company contracts with to build the units provide a limited one-year warranty on 
the  hardware.    The  Company  also  sells  installation,  training,  event  webcasting,  and  customer  content  hosting 
services.    Revenue  for  those  services  is recognized  when  performed  in the  case of  installation,  training  and  event 
webcasting  services.  Occasionally,  the  Company  will  sell  customization  services  to  enhance  the  server  software. 
Revenue from those services is recognized when performed, if perfunctory, or under contract accounting. Service 
amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized are recorded as deferred revenue until the revenue 
recognition criteria are met.  

Revenue Arrangements that Include Multiple Elements  

Sales  of  software,  with  or  without  installation,  training,  and  post  customer  support  fall  within  the  scope  of  the 
software  revenue  recognition  rules.  Under  the  software  revenue  recognition  rules,  the  fee  from  a  multiple-
deliverable  arrangement  is  allocated  to  each  of  the  undelivered  elements  based  upon  vendor-specific  objective 
evidence  (VSOE),  which  is  limited  to  the  price  charged  when  the  same  deliverable  is  sold  separately,  with  the 
residual value from  the arrangement allocated to the delivered element. The portion of the fee that is allocated to 
each deliverable is then recognized as revenue when the criteria for revenue recognition are met with respect to that 
deliverable. If VSOE  does not  exist  for  all  of  the  undelivered  elements,  then  all  revenue  from  the  arrangement  is 
typically deferred until all elements have been delivered to the customer.  

In  the  case  of  the  Company’s  hardware  products  with  embedded  software,  the  Company  has  determined  that  the 
hardware and software components function together to deliver the product’s essential functionality, and therefore, 
the  revenue  from  the  sale  of  these  products  is  accounted  for  under  the  revenue  recognition  rules  for  tangible 
products  whereby  the  fee  from  a  multiple-deliverable  arrangement  is  allocated  to  each  of  the  deliverables  based 
upon  their  relative  selling  prices  as  determined  by  a  selling-price  hierarchy.  A  deliverable  in  an  arrangement 
qualifies as a separate unit of accounting if the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis. A 
delivered item that does not qualify as a separate unit of accounting is combined with the other undelivered items in 
the  arrangement  and  revenue  is  recognized  for  those  combined  deliverables  as  a  single  unit  of  accounting.  The 
selling price used for each deliverable is based upon VSOE if available, from third-party evidence (TPE) if VSOE is 
not available, and best estimate of selling price (ESP) if neither VSOE nor TPE are available. TPE is the price of the 
Company’s  or  any  competitor’s  largely  interchangeable  products  or  services  in  stand-alone  sales  to  similarly 
situated customers. ESP is the price at which the Company would sell the deliverable if it were sold regularly on a 
stand-alone  basis,  considering  market  conditions  and  entity-specific  factors.  All  revenue  arrangements  negotiated 
after  September  30,  2010,  excluding  the  sale  of  all  software-only  products  and  associated  services,  have  been 
accounted for under this guidance. 

The selling prices used in the relative selling price allocation method are as follows: (1) the Company’s products and 
services are based upon VSOE and (2) hardware products with embedded software, for which VSOE does not exist, 
are based upon ESP. The Company does not believe TPE exists for any of these products and services because they 
are differentiated from competing products and services in terms of functionality and performance and there are no 
competing products or services that are largely interchangeable. Management establishes ESP for hardware products 
with  embedded  software  using  a  cost  plus margin  approach  with  consideration for  market  conditions,  such  as  the 
impact of competition and geographic considerations, and entity-specific factors, such as the cost of the product and 
the  Company’s  profit  objectives.  Management  believes  that  ESP  is  reflective  of  reasonable  pricing  of  that 
deliverable  as  if  priced  on  a  stand-alone  basis.  When  a  sales  transaction  includes  deliverables  that  are  divided 
between Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605 and ASC Subtopic 985-605, the Company allocates 
the  selling  price  using  the  relative  selling  price  method  whereas  value  is  allocated  using  an  ESP  for  software 
developed  using  a  percent  of  list  price  approach.  The  other  deliverables  are  valued  using  ESP  or  VSOE  as 
previously discussed. 

While the pricing model, currently in use, captures all critical variables, unforeseen changes due to external market 
forces may result in a revision of the inputs. These modifications may result in the consideration allocation differing 
from  the  one presently  in  use.  Absent  a  significant  change  in  the  pricing  inputs  or  the  way  in  which  the  industry 

55 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

structures its transactions, future changes in the pricing model are not expected to materially affect our allocation of 
arrangement consideration. 

Management has established VSOE for hosting services. Billings for hosting are spread ratably over the term of the 
hosting agreement, with the typical hosting agreement having a term of 12 months, with renewal on an annual basis. 
The Company sells most hosting contracts without the inclusion of products. When the hosting arrangement is sold 
in conjunction with product, the product revenue is recognized immediately while the remaining hosting revenue is 
spread ratably over the term of the hosting agreement. The selling price is allocated between these elements using 
the relative selling price method. The Company uses ESP for development of the selling price for hardware products 
with embedded software. 

The  Company  also  offers  hosting  services  bundled  with  events  services.    The  Company  uses  VSOE  to  establish 
relative selling prices for its events services. The Company recognizes events revenue when the event takes place 
and recognizes the hosting revenue over the term of the hosting agreement. The total amount of the arrangement is 
allocated to each element based on the relative selling price method. 

Reserves 

The  Company  reserves  for  stock  rotations,  price  adjustments,  rebates,  and  sales  incentives  to  reduce  revenue  and 
accounts receivable for these and other credits granted to customers. Such reserves are recorded at the time of sale 
and are calculated based on historical information (such as rates of product stock rotations) and the specific terms of 
sales programs, taking into account any other known information about likely customer behavior. If actual customer 
behavior differs from our expectations, additional reserves may be required. Also, if the Company determines that it 
can no longer accurately estimate amounts for stock rotations and sales incentives, the Company would not be able 
to recognize revenue until resellers sell the inventory to the final end user. 

Shipping and Handling  

The  Company’s  shipping  and  handling  costs  billed  to  customers  are  included  in  other  revenue.    Costs  related  to 
shipping and handling are included in cost of revenue and are recorded at the time of shipment to the customer.  

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties 

As of September 30, 2014, of the $4.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, $1.4 million is deposited with two major 
U.S. financial institutions.  At times, deposits in these institutions exceed the amount of insurance provided on such 
deposits.  The Company has not experienced any losses on such amounts and believes that it is not exposed to any 
significant  credit  risk  on  these  balances.  The  remaining  $2.9  million  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  is  held  by  our 
foreign subsidiaries in financial institutions in Japan and the Netherlands and held in their local currency. The cash 
held in foreign financial institutions is not guaranteed.  

We assess the realization of our receivables by performing ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial 
condition.  Through  these  evaluations,  we  may  become  aware  of  a  situation  where  a  customer  may  not  be  able  to 
meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  Our reserve 
requirements are based on the best facts available to us and are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is 
received.  Our  reserves  are  also  based  on  amounts  determined  by  using  percentages  applied  to  certain  aged 
receivable categories.  These percentages are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current 
economic  trends,  historical  payment  and  bad  debt  write-off  experience.  Allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  for 
accounts receivable was $150,000 at September 30, 2014 and $90,000 at September 30, 2013. 

We  had  billings  for  Mediasite  product  and  support  services  as  a  percentage  of  total  billings  to  one  distributor  of 
approximately 15% in 2014 and 20% in 2013 and to a second distributor of approximately 15% in 2014 and 22% in 
2013.  At  September  30,  2014  and  2013,  these  two  distributors  represented  47%  and  56%  of  total  accounts 
receivable, respectively.  

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Currently  all  of  our  product  inventory  purchases  are  from  one  third-party  contract  manufacturer.  Although  we 
believe  there  are  multiple  sources  of  supply  from  other  contract  manufacturers  as  well  as  multiple  suppliers  of 
component  parts  required  by  the  contract  manufacturers,  a  disruption  of  supply  of  component  parts  or  completed 
products, even if short term, would have a material negative impact on our revenues. At September 30, 2014 and 
2013, this supplier represented 27% and 34%, respectively, of total accounts payable. We also license technology 
from  third  parties  that  is  embedded  in  our  software.  We  believe  there  are  alternative  sources  of  similar  licensed 
technology  from  other  third  parties  that  we  could  also  embed  in  our  software,  although  it  could  create  potential 
programming related issues that might require engineering resources. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents  

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to 
be cash equivalents.  As of September 30, 2014, of the $4.3 million aggregate cash and cash equivalents held by the 
Company, the amount of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries was $2.9 million. If the funds 
held  by  our  foreign  subsidiaries  were  needed  for  our  operations  in  the  United  States,  the  repatriation  of  some  of 
these funds to the United States could require payment of additional U.S. taxes. 

Trade Accounts Receivable 

The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from entities in, or distributors or value added resellers 
to,  the  education,  corporate  and  government  sectors.    Credit  is  extended  based  on  evaluation  of  a  customer’s 
financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required.  Accounts receivable are typically due within 30 days 
and  are  stated  at  amounts  due  from  customers  net  of  an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts.    Accounts  outstanding 
longer than the contractual payment terms are considered to be past due.  The Company determines its allowance by 
considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s 
previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the 
general  economy  and  the  industry  as  a  whole.    The  Company  writes-off  accounts  receivable  when  they  become 
uncollectible,  and  payments  subsequently  received  on  such  receivables  are  credited  to  the  allowance  for  doubtful 
accounts.  Interest is not accrued on past due receivables. 

Inventory Valuation  

Inventory  consists  of  raw  materials  and  supplies  used  in  the  assembly  of  Mediasite  recorders  and  finished  units.  
Inventory of completed units and spare parts are carried at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a 
first-in, first-out basis.  

Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):  

Raw materials and supplies 
Finished goods 

Capitalized Software Development Costs 

  September 30, 
2014 

2013 

$        549    
    1,172 
$     1,721 

$        516 
    931
$    1,447

Software  development  costs  incurred  in  conjunction  with  product  development  are  charged  to  research  and 
development expense until technological feasibility is established. Thereafter, until the product is released for sale, 
software development costs are capitalized and reported at the net realizable value of the related product. Typically 
the period between achieving technological feasibility of the Company’s products and the general availability of the 
products  has  been  short.  Consequently,  software  development  costs  qualifying  for  capitalization  are  typically 
immaterial  and  are  generally  expensed  to  research  and  development  costs.  During  2013,  the  Company’s  My 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Mediasite  product  release  required  software  capitalization  since  there  was  a  longer  period  between  technological 
feasibility  and  the  general  availability  of  the  product.  Upon  product  release,  the  amortization  of  software 
development  costs  is  determined  annually  as  the  greater  of  the  amount  computed  using  the  ratio  of  current  gross 
revenues for the products to their total of current and anticipated future gross revenues or the straight-line method 
over the estimated economic life of the products, expected to be three years. Total amortization expense of software 
development  costs  of  $252  thousand  and  $75  thousand  is  included  in  Cost  of  Revenue  –  Product  for  the  twelve 
months  ending  September  30,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The  amount  of  capitalized  external  and  internal 
development costs was $533 thousand for the year ended September 30, 2013.. There were no software development 
efforts that qualified for capitalization for the year ended September 30, 2014. 

Accounting for Stock-based Compensation 

The Company uses a lattice  valuation model to account for all stock options granted. The lattice valuation model 
provides a flexible analysis to value options because of its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, such 
as actual exercise behavior of option holders. The Company uses historical data to estimate the option exercise and 
employee departure behavior in the lattice valuation model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the 
Company’s  stock.  The  Company  considers  all  employees  to  have  similar  exercise  behavior  and  therefore  has  not 
identified  separate  homogenous  groups  for  valuation.  The  expected  term  of  options  granted  is  derived  from  the 
output  of  the  option  pricing  model  and  represents  the  period  of  time  that  options  granted  are  expected  to  be 
outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods the options are expected to be outstanding is based on the U.S. Treasury 
yields in effect at the time of grant. Forfeitures are based on actual behavior patterns. 

Valuation of Assets and Liabilities in Business Combinations 

The assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in a business combination shall be measured at fair value. Fair value 
is based on the definition in ASC 820-10-20 as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to 
transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Variations of the cost, market and income 
approaches are used to measure the fair value of components of working capital (e.g. accounts receivable, inventory 
and accounts payable) and tangible assets, such as property plant and equipment. When measuring the fair value of 
acquired  intangible  assets,  the  income,  market  and  cost  approaches  are  generally  considered.  Financial  assets  and 
liabilities are valued based on a quoted price in an active market. In the absence of a quoted market price a valuation 
technique is used to determine fair value, such as a market approach or an income approach. Non-financial liabilities 
may  be  valued  based  on  a  transfer  approach.  These  measures  require  significant  judgment  including  estimates  of 
expected cash flow, or discount rates among others. 

Gain from investment in Mediasite KK 

The Company’s investment in Mediasite KK was accounted for under the equity method of accounting using a one 
quarter  timing  lag  through  December  31,  2013.    On  January  14,  2014,  the  Company’s  ownership  percentage 
increased  from  approximately  26%  of  their  common  stock  to  100%.  In  connection  with  the  acquisition,  the  one 
quarter lag in reporting their results was eliminated. The Company upon obtaining control of Mediasite KK recorded 
a  “step-up”  in  the  value  of  its  previously  owned  interest  in  Mediasite  KK  to  fair  value.  The  gain  amounted  to 
approximately $1.4 million and was partially offset by $901 thousand of tax expense related to such investment. The 
Company recorded equity in earnings of $38 thousand and $209 thousand for the years ended September 30, 2014 
and September 30, 2013, respectively.  The recorded value of this investment is zero at September 30, 2014, due to 
elimination in the consolidated financial statements, and $385 thousand at September 30, 2013. The Company also 
received $22 thousand in dividends from Mediasite KK during the year ended September 30, 2013.   

Property and Equipment  

Property  and  equipment  are  recorded  at  cost  and  are  depreciated  using  the  straight-line  method  for  financial 
reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives used to calculate depreciation are as follows:  

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Years 
5 to 10 years 
3 to 5 years 
5 to 7 years 

Leasehold improvements 
Computer equipment  
Furniture and fixtures 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets  

Goodwill  that  have  indefinite  useful  lives  are  recorded  at  cost  and  are  not  amortized  but,  instead,  tested  at  least 
annually for impairment.  We assess the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the fair value of these assets is less than the carrying value.  If a qualitative assessment is used 
and the Company determines that the fair value of goodwill is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) 
less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test will be performed. If goodwill is quantitatively assessed for 
impairment, a two-step approach is applied. First, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the goodwill to its 
carrying value. The second step, if necessary, measures the amount of impairment, if any, by comparing the implied fair 
value of goodwill to its carrying value.  

In fiscal 2014 and 2013, we performed the two-step goodwill test and determined that the fair value of goodwill is more 
than the carrying value. For purposes of the fiscal 2014 test, goodwill balances are evaluated within three separate 
reporting  units.  For  purposes  of  the  fiscal  2013  test,  goodwill  was  considered  to  be  in  one  reporting  unit.  The 
Company has recognized no impairment charges as of September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013.  

 If we had determined that the fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value, based upon the annual test or the 
existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we would then measure impairment based on a comparison of the 
implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. To the extent the carrying amount of goodwill is 
greater than the implied fair value of goodwill, we would record an impairment charge for the difference.  

Long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable based on expected undiscounted cash 
flows attributable to that asset. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, no events or changes in circumstances 
occurred that required this analysis. 

Comprehensive Loss 

Comprehensive  loss  includes  disclosure  of  financial  information  that  historically  has  not  been  recognized  in  the 
calculation  of  net  income.  Our  comprehensive  loss  encompasses  net  loss  and  foreign  currency  translation 
adjustments.  Assets  and  liabilities  of  international  operations  that  have  a  functional  currency  that  is  not  in  U.S. 
dollars  are  translated  into  U.S.  dollars  at  year-end  exchange  rates,  and  revenue  and  expense  items  are  translated 
using weighted average exchange rates. Any adjustments arising on translation are included in shareholders’ equity 
as an element of accumulated other comprehensive loss.  

Advertising Expense 

Advertising  costs  included  in  selling  and  marketing,  are  expensed  when  the  advertising  first  takes  place. 
Advertising expense was $240 and $238 thousand for years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  

Research and Development Costs 

Research  and  development  costs  are  expensed  in  the  period  incurred,  unless  they  meet  the  criteria  for 
capitalized software development costs.   

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Income Taxes  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement and tax bases 
of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. 
We  do  not  provide  for  U.S.  income  taxes  on  the  undistributed  earnings  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries,  which  we 
consider to be permanently invested outside of the U.S. 

We make judgments regarding the realizability of our deferred tax assets. The balance sheet carrying value of our 
net deferred tax assets is based on whether we believe that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient 
future taxable income to realize these deferred tax assets after consideration of all available evidence. We regularly 
review our deferred tax assets for recoverability considering historical profitability, projected future taxable income, 
the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. In assessing the 
need  for  a  valuation  allowance,  we  consider  both  positive  and  negative  evidence  related  to  the  likelihood  of 
realization of the deferred tax assets. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with 
the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. As such, it is generally difficult for positive evidence 
regarding  projected  future  taxable  income  exclusive  of  reversing  taxable  temporary  differences  to  outweigh 
objective  negative  evidence  of  recent  financial  reporting  losses.  Generally,  cumulative  loss  in  recent  years  is  a 
significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not 
needed. 

The Company also accounts for the uncertainty in income taxes related to the recognition and measurement of a tax 
position and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return.  The Company 
follows  the  applicable  accounting  guidance  on  derecognition,  classification,  interest  and  penalties,  accounting  in 
interim periods and disclosure related to the uncertainty in income tax positions. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments  

Nonfinancial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis  

The  Company’s  goodwill,  intangible  assets  and  other  long-lived  assets  are  nonfinancial  assets  that  were  acquired 
either as part of a business combination, individually or with a group of other assets. These nonfinancial assets were 
initially, and are currently, measured and recognized at amounts equal to the fair value determined as of the date of 
acquisition.  Fair  value  measurements  of  reporting  units  are  estimated  using  an  income  approach  involving 
discounted or undiscounted cash flow models that contain certain Level 3 inputs requiring management judgment, 
including projections of economic conditions and customer demand, revenue and margins, changes in competition, 
operating  costs,  working  capital  requirements,  and  new  product  introductions.  Fair  value  measurements  of  the 
reporting units associated with the Company’s goodwill balances are estimated at least annually at the beginning of 
the fourth quarter of each fiscal year for purposes of impairment testing. Fair value measurements associated with 
the Company’s intangible assets and other long-lived assets are estimated when events or changes in circumstances 
such  as  market  value,  asset  utilization,  physical  change,  legal  factors,  or  other  matters  indicate  that  the  carrying 
value may not be recoverable. 

In determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, the Company currently utilizes market data or other 
assumptions that it believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability in the principal or most 
advantageous  market,  and  adjusts  for  non-performance  and/or  other  risk  associated  with  the  Company  as  well  as 
counterparties,  as  appropriate.  When  considering  market  participant  assumptions  in  fair  value  measurements,  the 
following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in 
one of the following levels: 

Level  1  Inputs:  Unadjusted  quoted  prices  which  are  available  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or 
liabilities accessible to the Company at the measurement date. 

Level 2 Inputs: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset 
or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Level 3 Inputs: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that 
observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market 
activity for the asset or liability at measurement date. 

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to  Level 1, as this level provides the  most reliable  measure of fair value, 
while giving the lowest priority to Level 3. 

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value  

The  Company's  other  financial  instruments  consist  primarily  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  accounts  receivable, 
accounts payable and debt instruments. The book values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, debt and 
accounts  payable  are  considered  to  be  representative  of  their  respective  fair  values.  The  carrying  value  of  capital 
lease obligations, including the current portion, approximates fair market value as the fixed rate approximates the 
current market rate of interest available to the Company. 

Legal Contingencies 

In June 2014 the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Astute Technology, LLC (“Astute”).  The key 
terms of the agreement were: 1) grant non-revocable license of Astute patents to the Company; 2) grant a fully paid, 
non-refundable  license  of  certain  Sonic  Foundry  patents  to  Astute;  3)  Both  Astute  and  our  customer  agreed  to 
identify  three  meetings  they  currently  capture  that  the  other  party  will  not  seek  or  respond  to  any  request  for 
proposal; and 4) payment of $1.35 million to Astute.  The payment will be made in three equal amounts with the 
first paid in June 2014, the second paid in October 2014 and the final payment due March 2015.  The Company is 
contributing  $1.1  million  toward  the  amount  payable  to  Astute,  with  $428  thousand  relating  to  prior  use  and 
recorded as a charge to income. The remaining $672 thousand was recorded as a product right asset, which is being 
amortized,  straight  line,  over  the  remaining  life  of  the  patents,  through  2020.  Future  amounts  due  to  Astute  were 
accrued for as of the time of settlement. 

No legal contingencies were recorded for the year ended September 30, 2013. Except as reported above, no legal 
contingencies were recorded for the year ended September 30, 2014. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

The Company uses a lattice valuation model to account for all employee stock options granted. The lattice valuation 
model is a more flexible analysis to value options because of its ability to incorporate inputs that change over time, 
such as actual exercise behavior of option holders. The Company uses historical data to estimate the option exercise 
and employee departure behavior in the lattice valuation model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility 
of the Company’s stock. The Company considers all employees to have similar exercise behavior and therefore has 
not identified separate homogenous groups for valuation. The expected term of options granted is derived from the 
output  of  the  option  pricing  model  and  represents  the  period  of  time  that  options  granted  are  expected  to  be 
outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods the options are expected to be outstanding is based on the U.S. Treasury 
yields in effect at the time of grant. Forfeitures are based on actual behavior patterns. 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated using the assumptions in the following table: 

Expected life 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected volatility 
Expected forfeiture rate 
Expected exercise factor 
Expected dividend yield 

Years Ending September 30, 
2013 
2014 

4.8 – 5.1 years 
0.60%-0.89% 
46.3%-47.2% 
10.5 %-12.2% 
1.39-1.45 
0% 

4.7 – 4.8 years 
0.35%-0.61% 
46.8%-49.3% 
11.8%-13.0% 
1.36-1.37 
0% 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

Per Share Computation  

Basic earnings (loss) per share has been computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock 
outstanding during the period, less shares that may be repurchased, and excludes any dilutive effects of options and 
warrants.    In  periods  where  the  Company  reports  net  income,  diluted  net  income  per  share  is  computed  using 
common equivalent shares related to outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock. The numerator 
for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is net income (loss).  The following table sets forth the 
computation of basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the earnings per share calculations:  

Denominator for basic earnings per share 
- weighted average common shares 

Effect of dilutive options (treasury method) 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share 

- adjusted weighted average common shares 

Years Ending September 30, 

2014 

2013 

4,174,191 

3,932,692

─ 

─

4,174,191 

3,932,692

Options outstanding during each year, but not included in the computation of 
diluted earnings per share because they are antidilutive 

1,240,941 

997,045

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The guidance 
substantially  converges  final  standards  on  revenue  recognition  between  the  FASB  and  the  International  Accounting 
Standards Board providing a framework on addressing revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces 
almost all exiting revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, in current U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are 
currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 to determine the impact, if any, it may have on our financial 
statements. 

In  June  2014,  the  FASB  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2014-12,  "Compensation  -  Stock  Compensation" 
("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 is intended to resolve diverse accounting treatment for share based awards in which the 
terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service 
period.  The  standard  is  effective  for  annual  periods  and  interim  periods  within  those  annual  periods  beginning  after 
December  15,  2015  and  may  be  applied  prospectively  or  retrospectively.  We  are  currently  evaluating  the  impact  of 
adopting ASU 2014-12 to determine the impact, if any, it may have on our financial statements. 

In  August  2014,  the  FASB  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2014-15,  Presentation  of  Financial  Statements  - 
Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entities Ability to Continue as a Going Concern 
(ASU  2014-15).    The  guidance  in  ASU  2014-15  sets  forth  management's  responsibility  to  evaluate  whether  there  is 
substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern as well as required disclosures. ASU 2014-15 
indicates  that,  when  preparing  financial  statements  for  interim  and  annual  financial  statements,  management  should 
evaluate whether conditions or events, in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a 
going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This evaluation 
should include consideration of conditions and events that are either known or are reasonably knowable at the date the 
financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, as well as whether it is probable that management's plans to 
address  the  substantial  doubt  will  be  implemented  and,  if  so,  whether  it  is  probable  that  the  plans  will  alleviate  the 
substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods and 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

annual periods thereafter. Early application is permitted.   We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-
15 to determine the impact, if any, it may have on our financial statements. 

Accounting standards that have been issued but are not yet effective by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies 
that do not require adoption until a future date, which are not discussed above, are not expected to have a material 
impact on the Company's financial statements upon adoption. 

Commitments  

2. 
The Company leases certain equipment under capital lease agreements expiring through January 2018.  Such leases 
are  included  in  fixed  assets  with  a  cost  of  $893  thousand  and  accumulated  depreciation  of  $348  thousand  at 
September 30, 2014. Minimum lease payments, including principal and interest, are summarized in the table below.    

Fiscal Year  (in thousands) 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
Total payments 
Less interest 
Total 

Capital 

$         221 
120 
        53 
4 
398 
(29) 
$         369 

The  Company  leases  certain  facilities  and  equipment  under  operating  lease  agreements  expiring  at  various  times 
through  January  31,  2019.  Total  rent  expense  on  all  operating  leases  was  approximately  $1  million  and  $581 
thousand for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   

In November 2011, the Company occupied office space related to a lease agreement entered into on June 28, 2011. 
The  lease  term  is  from  November  2011  through  December  2018.  The  lease  includes  a  tenant  improvement 
allowance  of  $613  thousand  that  was  recorded  as  a  leasehold  improvement  liability  and  is  being  amortized  as  a 
credit to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. At September 30, 2014, the unamortized balance 
was $357 thousand. 

The following is a schedule by year of future minimum lease payments under operating leases: 

Fiscal Year  (in thousands) 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter 
Total 

Operating 

$         1,104 
707 
725 
742 
188 
- 
$      3,466 

The  Company  enters  into  unconditional  purchase  commitments  on  a  regular  basis  for  the  supply  of  Mediasite 
product.   At September 30, 2014, the Company has an obligation to purchase $1.8 million of Mediasite product, 
which is not recorded on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  

The  Company  enters  into  license  agreements  that  generally  provide  indemnification  against  intellectual  property 
claims for its customers as well as indemnification agreements with certain service providers, landlords and other 
parties  in  the  normal  course  of  business.    The  Company  has  not  incurred  any  material  costs  as  a  result  of  such 
indemnifications,  except  as  noted  above  related  to  Astute,  and  has  not  accrued  any  liabilities  related  to  such 
obligations in the consolidated financial statements, except as noted above related to Astute. 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

3. 

Credit Arrangements  

On  June  27,  2011,  the  Company  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Sonic  Foundry  Media  Systems,  Inc.  (the 
“Companies”)  entered  into  the  Second  Amended  and  Restated  Loan  and  Security  Agreement  with  Silicon  Valley 
Bank (the “Second Amended Agreement”).  Under the Second Amended Agreement, the revolving line of credit has 
a maximum principal amount of $3,000,000. Interest accrues on the revolving line of credit at the per annum rate of 
one percent (1.0%) above the Prime Rate (as defined), provided that Sonic Foundry maintains an Adjusted Quick 
Ratio  (as  defined)  of  greater  than  2.0  to  1.0,  or  one-and-one  half  percent  (1.5%) above  the  Prime  Rate,  if  Sonic 
Foundry does not maintain an Adjusted Quick Ratio of greater than 2.0 to 1.0. The Second Amended Agreement 
does not provide for a minimum interest rate on the revolving loan. The Second Amended Agreement also provides 
for an increase in the advance rate on domestic receivables from 75% to 80%, and extends the facility maturity date 
to October 1, 2013. Under the Second Amended Agreement, the existing term loan will continue to accrue interest at 
a per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) one percentage point (1.0%) above Silicon Valley Bank’s prime rate; or 
(ii) eight and three quarters percent (8.75%). In addition, a new term loan can be issued in multiple draws provided 
that the total term loan from Silicon Valley Bank shall not exceed $2,000,000 and provided further that total term 
debt  shall  not  exceed  $2,400,000.  Under  the  Second  Amended  Agreement,  any  new  draws  on  the  term  loan  will 
accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to the Prime Rate plus three-and-three quarters percent (3.75%), or three-
and-one  quarter  percent  (3.25%.)  above  the  Prime  rate  if  Sonic  Foundry  maintains  an  Adjusted  Quick  Ratio  of 
greater than 2.0 to 1.0. The Second Amended Agreement does not provide for a minimum interest rate on the new 
term  loan.  Each  draw  on  the  new  term  loan  will  be  amortized  over  a  36-month  period.  The  Second  Amended 
Agreement also requires Sonic Foundry to continue to comply with certain financial covenants, including covenants 
to maintain an Adjusted Quick Ratio (as defined) of at least 1.75 to 1.00 and Debt Service Coverage Ratio of at least 
1.25  to  1.00,  the  latter  of  which  will  be  waived  if  certain  funds  are  reserved  against  the  availability  under  the 
revolving line of credit.  

On May 31, 2013, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and 
Security  Agreement  (the  “First  Amendment”)  with  Silicon  Valley  Bank.    Under  the  First  Amendment:  (i)  the 
Revolving Loan Maturity Date (as defined) was extended from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2015, (ii) the interest 
rate on the revolving line of credit was decreased so that interest will accrue at the per annum rate of three quarters 
of  one  percent  (0.75  %)  above  the  Prime  Rate  (as  defined),  provided  that  Sonic  Foundry  maintains  an  Adjusted 
Quick Ratio (as defined) of greater than 2.0 to 1.0, or one-and-one quarter percent (1.25%) above the Prime Rate, if 
Sonic  Foundry  does not  maintain  an Adjusted  Quick  Ratio  of greater  than  2.0  to 1.0, (iii)  the  interest  rate  on  the 
Unused  Revolving  Loan  Facility  Fee  (as  defined)  was  decreased  to  seventeen  and  one-half  hundredths  of  one 
percent (0.175%). 

On January 10, 2014, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and 
Security  Agreement  (the  “Second  Amendment”)  with  Silicon  Valley  Bank.  Under  the  Second  Amendment  upon 
funding: (i) the balance of the term loan payable to Silicon Valley Bank of approximately $544,000 was repaid and 
replaced by a new term loan of $2,500,000 to be repaid in 36 equal monthly principal payments, (ii) the interest rate 
was  decreased  so  that  interest  accrues  at  the  Prime  Rate  (as  defined)  plus  two  and  one  quarter  percent  (which 
equated to an interest rate of 5.5%) from the Prime Rate plus three and one quarter percent (which equated to an 
interest  rate  of  6.5%)  payable  on  the  previous  loan  from  Silicon  Valley  Bank,  (iii)  the  covenant  that  requires  the 
Minimum Adjusted Quick ratio be at or greater than 1.75:1.0 was reduced to 1.5:1.0, (iv) the Debt Service Coverage 
ratio  was  changed  to  a  quarterly  test  rather  than  monthly,  (v)  the  approval  to  repurchase  up  to  $1,000,000  of 
outstanding shares of common stock was eliminated, (vi) the purchase of all the outstanding stock in MediaMission 
Holding B.V., the owner of 100% of the stock of MediaMission B.V. and the purchase of all outstanding stock in 
Mediasite  KK was  approved,  and (vii)  a  maximum  limit  of bank  indebtedness  of  Mediasite  KK  of $500,000 was 
provided  for.  The  funding  occurred  contemporaneously  with  the  closing  of  the  Company’s  purchase  of  the 
outstanding common stock of Mediasite KK on January 17, 2014 which was effective January 14, 2014.  

64 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

On March 24, 2014 the Companies entered into a Third Amendment to the Second Amended Agreement which 1) 
reduced  the  minimum  required  Adjusted  Quick  Ratio  for  each  of  the  months  ended  February 28,  2014, April 30, 
2014, May 31,  2014, July 31,  2014, August 31, 2014, October 31, 2014  and  November 30, 2014  from  1.50:1.00  to 
1.25:1.00; and 2) waived compliance with the maximum subsidiary indebtedness requirement for the period up to 
the date preceding the Third Amendment. 

At September 30, 2014, a balance of $1.9 million was outstanding on the term loans with Silicon Valley Bank, with 
an effective interest rate of six-and-one half percent (6.5%), and no balance was outstanding on the revolving line of 
credit. At September 30, 2013, a balance of $767 thousand was outstanding on the term loans with Silicon Valley 
Bank and no balance was outstanding on the revolving line of credit. At September 30, 2014, there was $3.0 million 
available under this credit facility for advances. At September 30, 2014 the Company was in compliance with all 
covenants in the Second Amended Agreement, as amended. 

The Second Amended Agreement, as amended, contains events of default that include, among others, non-payment 
of  principal  or  interest,  inaccuracy  of  any  representation  or  warranty,  violation  of  covenants,  bankruptcy  and 
insolvency events, material judgments, cross defaults to certain other indebtedness, and material adverse changes. 
The  occurrence  of  an  event  of  default  could  result  in  the  acceleration  of  the  Companies’  obligations  under  the 
Second Amended Agreement, as amended.  

Pursuant  to  the  Second  Amended  Agreement,  as  amended,  the  Companies  pledged  as  collateral  to  Silicon  Valley 
Bank  substantially  all  non-intellectual  property  business  assets.  The  Companies  also  entered  into  an  Intellectual 
Property Security Agreement with respect to intellectual property assets. 

At September 30, 2014, a balance of $170 thousand was outstanding on the notes payable with Mitsui Sumitomo 
Bank, with an annual interest rate of approximately one-and-one half percent (1.575%) related to Mediasite K.K. 

The annual principal payments on the notes payable are as follows: 

Fiscal Year  (in thousands) 

2015 
2016 
2017 
Total 

$       974 
861 
278 
$      2,113 

At September 30, 2014, a balance of $628 thousand was outstanding on the subordinated note payable related to the 
acquisition of MediaMission, with an annual interest rate of six-and-one half percent (6.5%). 

At  September  30,  2014,  a  balance  of  $1.8  million  was  outstanding  on  the  subordinated  payable  related  to  the 
acquisition of Mediasite KK with an annual interest rate of five percent (5%). 

The annual principal payments on the subordinated notes are as follows: 

Fiscal Year  (in thousands) 

2015 
2016 
Total 

$       2,096 
314 
$      2,410 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

4. 

Accrued Liabilities  

Accrued liabilities consists of the following (in thousands): 

Accrued compensation 
Accrued expenses 
Accrued interest & taxes 
Other accrued liabilities 
Total 

September 30, 

2014

$         1,173 
      903 
288 
148 
$         2,512 

2013
$            882
       286
36
-
$         1,204

The Company accrues expenses as they are incurred. Accrued compensation includes wages, vacation, commissions 
and  bonuses.  Accrued  expenses  is  mainly  related  to  stock  compensation,  professional  fees  and  amounts  owed  to 
suppliers. Other accrued liabilities is made up of employee-related expenses, including $98 thousand in dividends 
payable  to  the  sellers  and  current  employees  of  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  MediaMission  B.V.  These  amounts 
were accrued prior to the Company’s acquisition. 

5. 

Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan  

On March 5, 2009, Stockholders approved adoption of the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”).  The 2009 
Plan, beginning October 1, 2009, replaced two former employee stock option plans that terminated coincident with 
the effectiveness of the 2009 Plan.  On March 7, 2012, Stockholders approved an amendment to increase the number 
of shares of common stock subject to this plan by 600,000 and to increase the number of shares for the directors’ 
stock  option  plan  by  50,000  shares.  On  March  6,  2014,  Stockholders  approved  an  amendment  to  increase  the 
number of shares of common stock subject to the 2009 Plan by 800,000 to an aggregated total of 1,800,000 shares of 
common  stock.  The  Company  maintains  a  directors'  stock  option  plan  under  which  options  may  be  issued  to 
purchase up to an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock.  Each non-employee director, who is re-elected or 
who continues as a member of the board of directors on each annual meeting date and on each subsequent meeting 
of Stockholders, will be granted options to purchase 2,000 shares of common stock under the directors’ plan, or at 
other times or amounts at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  

Each option entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at the specified option price. The exercise 
price of each option granted under the plans was set at the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the 
respective  grant  date.  Options  vest  at  various  intervals  and  expire  at  the  earlier  of  termination  of  employment, 
discontinuance of service on the board of directors, ten years from the grant date or at such times as are set by the 
Company at the date of grant.  

The Company has applied a graded (tranche-by-tranche) attribution method and expenses share-based compensation 
on an accelerated basis over the vesting period of the share award, net of estimated forfeitures. 

The number of shares available for grant under these plans at September 30 is as follows:  

Qualified 
Employee 
Stock Option 
Plans 

Director 
Stock Option 
Plans 

Shares available for grant at September 30, 2012 
Options granted 
Options forfeited 
Shares available for grant at September 30, 2013 
Stockholder approval to increase shares 
Options granted 
Options forfeited 
Shares available for grant at September 30, 2014 

601,926 
(297,600) 
53,279 
357,605 
800,000 
(328,760) 
24,921 
853,766 

44,500 
(12,500) 
- 
32,000 
- 
(12,500) 
- 
19,500 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

The following table summarizes information with respect to outstanding stock options.  

Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

$    10.54 
10.11 
7.43 
14.90 
$    10.31 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 

$    11.28 
7.60 
5.93 
11.22 
$    10.54 

Options 

846,280 
310,100 
(75,532) 
(83,803) 
997,045 
566,440 

$       2.57 

Options 

997,045
341,260
(38,143)
(59,221)
1,240,941
700,922

$       3.41 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited  
Outstanding at end of year 
Exercisable at end of year  
Weighted average fair value of options granted 

during the year 

The options outstanding at September 30, 2014 have been segregated into four ranges for additional disclosure as 
follows:  

Options Outstanding 

Options Exercisable 

Options 
Outstanding at 
September 30, 
2014 
767,015 
343,303 
95,865 
34,758 
1,240,941 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Life 
7.3 
7.1 
4.0 
2.0 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
$   8.04 
11.65 
15.78 
30.47 

Options 
Exercisable at 
September 30, 
2014 
411,548 
158,751 
95,865 
34,758 
700,922 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
$    7.64 
12.93 
15.78 
30.47 

Exercise Prices 
$     4.50 to $9.90 
10.00 to 14.83 
15.00 to 19.00 
21.40 to 46.90 

At  September  30,  2014,  there  was  $664  thousand  of  total  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  non-vested 
stock-based compensation, including $98 thousand of estimated forfeitures.  The cost is expected to be recognized 
over a weighted-average life of 1.8 years.   

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested shares at September 30, 2014 and for the year then ended is 
presented below: 

Non-vested shares at October 1, 2013 
Granted 
Vested 
Forfeited 
Non-vested shares at September 30, 2014 

  Weighted Average 

Grant Date 
Fair Value 
$   3.28 
3.41 
3.47 
3.52 
$   3.29 

Shares 

430,605 
341,260 
(217,703) 
(14,643) 
539,519 

Stock-based  compensation  recorded  in  the  year  ended  September  30,  2014  of  $921  thousand  was  allocated  $617 
thousand  to  selling  and  marketing  expenses,  $54  thousand  to  general  and  administrative  expenses  and  $250 
thousand to product development expenses.  Stock-based compensation recorded in the year ended September 30, 
2013 of $656 thousand was allocated $429 thousand to selling and marketing expenses, $40 thousand to general and 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

administrative expenses and $187 thousand to product development expenses.  Cash received from exercises under 
all stock option plans and warrants for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $286 thousand and $448 
thousand, respectively.  There were no tax benefits realized for tax deductions from option exercises for the years 
ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The Company currently expects to satisfy stock-based awards with registered 
shares available to be issued. 

The  Company  also  has  an  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plan  (Purchase  Plan)  under  which  an  aggregate  of  150,000 
common  shares  may  be  issued.  The  Shareholders  approved  an  amendment  to  increase  the  number  of  shares  of 
common stock subject to the plan from 100,000 to 150,000 at the Company’s annual meeting in March 2014. All 
employees who have completed 90 days of employment with the Company on the first day of each offering period 
and customarily work twenty hours per week or more are eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan. An employee 
who, after the grant of an option to purchase, would hold common stock and/or hold outstanding options to purchase 
stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of the Company will not be eligible to 
participate.    Eligible  employees  may  make  contributions  through  payroll  deductions  of  up  to  10%  of  their 
compensation. No participant in the Purchase Plan is permitted to purchase common stock under the Purchase Plan 
if  such  option  would  permit  his  or  her  rights  to  purchase  stock  under  the  Purchase  Plan  to  accrue  at  a  rate  that 
exceeds $25,000 of the fair market value of such shares, or that exceeds 1,000 shares, for each calendar year.  The 
Company makes a bi-annual offering to eligible employees of options to purchase shares of common stock under the 
Purchase Plan on the first trading day of January and July.  Each offering period is for a period of six months from 
the  date  of  the  offering,  and  each  eligible  employee  as  of  the  date  of  offering  is  entitled  to  purchase  shares  of 
common stock at a purchase price equal to the lower of 85% of the fair market value of common stock on the first or 
last trading day of the offering period.  A total of 14,346 shares are available to be issued under the plan.  There 
were 11,863 and 15,062 shares purchased by employees during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company 
recorded  stock  compensation  expense  under  this  plan  of  $21  and  $19  thousand  during  fiscal  2014  and  2013, 
respectively. Cash received from issuance of stock under this plan was $98 and $75 thousand during fiscal 2014 and 
2013, respectively. 

6. 

Income Taxes  

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):  

Current tax expense 
Deferred income tax expense  
Provision for income taxes 

Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

$           40 
1,064 
$       1,104 

$             -  
240 
$         240 

The reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) computed at the appropriate country specific rate to income tax 
expense (benefit) is as follows (in thousands):  

Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate 
State income tax expense (benefit) 
Foreign tax activity 
R&D tax credit expiration 
Permanent differences, net 
Adjustment of temporary differences to income tax returns 
Change in valuation allowance 
Income tax expense 

68 

Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

$         (582) 
(53) 
40 
82 
212 
121 
1,284 
$        1,104 

$         (188) 
(11) 
-  
-  
111 
(110) 
438 
$           240 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

The significant components of the deferred tax accounts recognized for financial reporting purposes are as follows 
(in thousands):  

Deferred tax assets: 
Net operating loss and other carryforwards 
Common stock warrants 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Unearned revenue 
Other 
Total deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
Fixed assets 
Other 
Total deferred tax liabilities 

Net deferred tax asset 

Valuation allowance 
Equity gains on investment in Mediasite KK 
Customer relationships 
Goodwill amortization 
Deferred tax liability for goodwill and intangible assets amortization 

September 30, 

2014 

2013 

$    35,556 
811 
59 
319 
1 
36,746 

$    35,001 
636 
35 
-  
47 
35,719 

       (129) 
(64) 
(193) 

       (129) 
(321) 
(450) 

36,553 

35,269 

(36,553) 
(916) 
(946) 
(2,450) 
$    (4,312) 

(35,269) 
-  
-  
(2,210) 
$    (2,210) 

At September 30, 2014, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $91 million for U.S. 
Federal  and  $52  million  for  state  tax  purposes.    For  Federal  tax  purposes,  the  carryforwards  expire  in  varying 
amounts  between  2019  and  2034.      For  state  tax  purposes,  the  carryforwards  expire  in  varying  amounts  between 
2014 and 2033.  Utilization of the Company’s net operating loss may be subject to substantial annual limitation due 
to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Such an 
annual limitation could result in the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards before utilization.  In addition, 
the Company has research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $418 thousand, which expire 
in varying amounts between 2019 and 2020.   

Earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally subject to U.S. taxation upon repatriation to the U.S. 
and  the  Company’s  tax  provision  reflects  the  related  incremental  U.S.  tax  except  for  certain  foreign  subsidiaries 
whose unremitted earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. At September 30, 2014, unremitted earnings 
of foreign subsidiaries were deemed to be indefinitely reinvested. No deferred tax liability has been recognized with 
regard to the remittance of such earnings after MSKK and MediaMission BV acquisitions were completed during 
the year. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is likely no U.S. tax would be due if such earnings 
were repatriated. 

Beginning with an acquisition in fiscal year 2002, the Company has amortized Goodwill for tax purposes over a 15 
year life.  Goodwill is not amortized for book purposes.  Tax amortization is not applicable to the goodwill from the 
foreign acquisitions that took place during fiscal 2014 since the foreign goodwill is non-deductible for US federal 
tax purposes. 

The difference between the book and tax balance of certain of the company’s goodwill creates a deferred tax 
liability and an annual tax expense.  Because of the long term nature of the goodwill timing difference, tax planning 
strategies cannot be utilized with respect to the deferred tax liability. The Company’s tax rate differs from the 
expected tax rate each reporting period as a result of the aforementioned items. The balance of the Deferred Tax 
Liability at September 30, 2014 was $4.3 million and $2.2 million at September 30, 2013. The Company recorded a 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

deferred tax liability related to the Customer Relationship intangibles value acquired as part of the purchase of 
MediaMission BV and Mediasite KK. The Company also recorded tax expense related to the “step-up” gain on its 
original equity investment in Mediasite KK. The Company has some other temporary differences related to its 
Mediasite KK subsidiary.  

In accordance with accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes, the Company has concluded that a reserve 
for  income  tax  contingencies  is  not  necessary.    The  Company's  practice  is  to  recognize  interest  and/or  penalties 
related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had no accruals for interest and penalties on the 
Company's  Condensed  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  at  September  30,  2014  or  September  30,  2013,  and  has  not 
recognized any interest or penalties in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for either of the twelve 
month periods ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.  

The  Company  is  subject  to  taxation  in  the  U.S.,  Netherlands,  Japan  and  various  state  jurisdictions.  All  of  the 
Company's  tax  years  are  subject  to  examination  by  the  U.S.,  Dutch,  Japanese  and  state  tax  authorities  due  to  the 
carryforward of unutilized net operating losses. 

7. 

Acquisition of MediaMission Holding B.V. 

On December 16, 2013, Sonic Foundry completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of MediaMission 
Holding  B.V.,  the  owner  of  100%  of  the  outstanding  stock  in  MediaMission  B.V.,  (“MediaMission”)  and 
MediaMission  Hosting  B.V.  Sonic  Foundry  paid  $1.493  million  for  all  the  outstanding  stock  in  MediaMission 
Holding  B.V.,  comprised  of  $458,000  cash,  $687,000  subordinated  note  payable  over  three  years  (interest  rate  of 
6.5%) and $348,000 in shares of Sonic Foundry stock. The stock portion of the purchase price consisted of 37,608 
shares  of  Sonic  Foundry  common  stock.  In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  MediaMission  Holding  B.V.,  the 
Company entered into employment agreements with the two managing principals of MediaMission. As a result of 
the acquisition, the Company is expected to further increase its presence in the European market. The goodwill of 
$932 thousand arising from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies expected from combining the operations 
of the Company and MediaMission. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes. 

The Company recorded the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed based on their estimated 
fair  values.  The  fair  value  of  the  customer  relationships  was  estimated  by  applying  the  income  approach.  That 
measure is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, and therefore represents Level 3 inputs. 
Key  assumptions  include  a  discount  rate  of  28  percent,  estimated  effective  tax  rate  of  20  percent,  and  estimated 
customer  attrition  rate  of  15  percent.  The  Company  believes  that  the  information  provides  a  reasonable  basis  for 
estimating  the  fair  values  of  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed.    The  customer  relationship  intangible  is 
amortized  on  a  straight  line  basis  over  ten  year  years  and  amortization  is  categorized  as  a  selling  and  marketing 
expense. 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  fair  values  of  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  on  the  date  of  the 
acquisition (in thousands): 

Assets acquired: 
     Cash 
     Other current assets 
     Property and equipment 
     Customer relationships 
     Goodwill  
          Total assets acquired 
Liabilities assumed: 
     Current liabilities 
     Deferred tax liability 
          Total liabilities assumed 
               Total purchase price 

70 

Fair Value 

339  
923 
49 
591 
932 
2,834 

(1,111) 
(230) 
(1,341) 
1,493  

$ 

$ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

MediaMission contributed revenue of $1.0 million and a net loss of $147 thousand for the period from the date of 
acquisition to September 30, 2014.  

8. 

Acquisition of MSKK 

On  January  14,  2014,  Sonic  Foundry  paid  approximately  $5.7  million  for  the  remaining  stock  in  Mediasite  KK, 
comprised of equal components of approximately $1.9 million cash, subordinated note payable in one year (interest 
rate  of  5%)  and  value  in  shares  of  Sonic  Foundry.  The  stock  portion  of  the  purchase  price  consisted  of  189,222 
shares of Sonic Foundry common stock. Assets acquired include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets 
and customer relationship and other intangibles and liabilities assumed include accounts payable, debt, taxes payable 
and  unearned  revenues.  Prior  to  completion  of  this  acquisition,  the  Company  owned  a  minority  interest  of 
approximately 26% of Mediasite KK. In connection with the acquisition, the one quarter lag in reporting their results 
was eliminated. The Company determined that the acquisition was deemed to be a material business combination. 
During the second fiscal quarter of 2014, this initial investment was valued at the same amount as the value when 
control was achieved which resulted in a non-cash gain of approximately $1.4 million. This amount was partially 
offset  by  a  $901  thousand  tax  expense  associated  with  the  gain.  As  a  result  of  the  acquisition,  the  Company  is 
expected  to  further  increase  its  presence  in  the  Japanese  and  Asian  market.  The  goodwill  of  $2.9  million  arising 
from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies expected from combining the operations of the Company and 
Mediasite KK. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes. 

The Company recorded the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed based on their estimated 
fair  values.  The  fair  value  of  the  customer  relationships  was  estimated  by  applying  the  income  approach.  That 
measure is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, and therefore represents Level 3 inputs. 
Key assumptions include a discount rate of 30 percent, estimated effective tax rate of 35.5 percent, and estimated 
customer attrition rate of 15 percent.   The Company believes that the information provides a reasonable basis for 
estimating  the  fair  values  of  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed.    The  customer  relationship  intangible  is 
amortized  on  a  straight  line  basis  over  ten  year  years  and  amortization  is  categorized  as  a  selling  and  marketing 
expense.  

The  following  table  summarizes  the  fair  values  of  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  on  the  date  of  the 
acquisition (in thousands): 

$ 

Assets acquired: 
     Cash 
     Other current assets 
     Property and equipment 
     Customer relationships 
     Goodwill  
          Total assets acquired 
Liabilities assumed: 
     Current liabilities 
     Deferred tax liability 
          Total liabilities assumed 
             Less ownership basis of original 26% 

investment  

               Total purchase price for 74% remaining stock    

$ 

Fair Value 

3,163 
1,792 
240 
2,071 
2,906 
   10,172 

(1,590) 
(808) 
(2,398) 

    (2,053) 
     5,721  

Mediasite KK contributed revenue of $4.3 million and net income of $48 thousand for the period from the date of 
acquisition to September 30, 2014. 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

9. 

Pro Forma Financial Information (Unaudited) 

The  following  table  represents  the  net  loss  (in  thousands)  for  the  Company  on  a  pro  forma  basis,  assuming  the 
acquisitions  of  MediaMission  and  Mediasite  KK  had  each  occurred  as  of  October 1,  2012.  The  table  sets  forth 
unaudited pro forma results for the twelve months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively and has been 
compiled from historical financial statements and other information, but is not necessarily indicative of the results 
that actually would have been achieved had the transaction occurred on the dates indicated or that may be achieved 
in the future. 

Twelve Months Ended Sept 30, 

2014 

2013 

Revenue 
Net income/(loss) 
Basic income/(loss) per share 

$37,575  
(2,694)
$  (0.61)

$35,369
(750)
$   (0.18)

10. 

Savings Plan  

The  Company's  defined  contribution  401(k)  savings  plan  covers  substantially  all  employees  meeting  certain 
minimum  eligibility  requirements.  Participating  employees  can  elect  to  defer  a  portion  of  their  compensation  and 
contribute it to the plan on a pretax basis. The Company may also match certain amounts and/or provide additional 
discretionary  contributions,  as  defined.  The  Company  made  matching  contributions  of  $375  and  $275  thousand 
during the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company made no additional discretionary 
contributions during 2014 and 2013.  

11. 

Related-Party Transactions 

The  Company  incurred  fees  of  $236  and  $171  thousand  during  the  years  ended  September  30,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively, to a law firm whose partner is a director and stockholder of the Company.  The Company had accrued 
liabilities  for  unbilled  services  to  the  same  law  firm  of  $15  and  $14  thousand  at  September  30,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively. 

The  Company  recorded  Mediasite  product  and  customer  support  revenue  of  $1.3  million  during  the  year  ended 
September 30, 2013, to Mediasite KK and Mediasite KK owed the Company $280 thousand at September 30, 2013, 
respectively.  Mediasite KK became a wholly owned subsidiary during fiscal  2014. 

As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had a loan outstanding to an executive totaling $26 thousand.  
The loan is collateralized by Company stock. 

As of September 30, 2014, the Company had outstanding amounts due for management fees and dividends payable 
to the sellers of and current employees of its wholly-owned subsidiary, MediaMission B.V. totaling $370 thousand. 

12. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets  

Goodwill  and  intangible  assets  that  have  indefinite  useful  lives  are  recorded  at  cost  and  are  not  amortized  but, 
instead, tested at least annually for impairment.  The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis 
or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of these assets is less than the carrying value. 

The Company performs annual goodwill impairment test as of July 1, and tested goodwill recognized in connection 
with  the  acquisitions  of  Mediasite,  MediaMission  and  Mediasite  KK  and  determined  it  was  not  impaired.  For 
purposes of the test, goodwill on the Company’s books is evaluated within three separate reporting units. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended September 30, 2014 are as follows: 

Balance as of September 30, 2013 
Goodwill acquired during year: 
      Mediasite KK 
      MediaMission 
Foreign currency translation adjustment 
Balance as of September 30, 2014 

$    7,576 

2,906 
933 
(230) 
$  11,185 

The following tables present details of the Company’s total intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and 2013: 

$           37 
2,471 
281 
631 
        3,420 

11,185  
$     14,605 

$           15 
        15 

7,576  
$      7,591 

Life 
(years)

Gross 

  Accumulated 

Amortization at 
September 30, 
2014 

Balance at 
September 30, 
2014 

(in thousands) 

Amortizable: 
  Loan origination fees 
  Customer relationships 
  Software development costs 
  Product rights 

3 
10 
3 
6 

  $         199 
2,662 
533 
672 
4,066 

  $          162    

191 
252 
41 
646 

Non-amortizable goodwill 
Total 

  11,185 
  $     15,251 

       - 
  $         646 

(in thousands) 

Amortizable: 
  Loan origination fees 

Life 
(years)

Gross 

  Accumulated 

Amortization at 
September 30, 
2013 

Balance at 
September 30, 
2013 

3 

  $         150 
150 

  $          135    

135  

Non-amortizable goodwill 
Total 

 7,576 
 $      7,726 

       - 
  $         135 

Estimated amortization expense for each of the five subsequent fiscal years is expected to be (in thousands): 

Fiscal Year  (in thousands) 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Total 

73 

$       597 
501 
390 
362 
302 
$      2,152 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

13. 

Segment Information 

The Company has determined that it operates in three operating segments, however these segments meet the criteria 
for aggregation for reporting purposes as one operating segment as of September 30, 2014. Prior to the acquisitions 
in the year ended September 30, 2014, we reported in one operating segment.. 

The following summarizes revenue by geographic region (in thousands): 

United States 
Europe and Middle East 
Asia 
Other 

Total 

14. 

Customer Concentration 

Years Ended September 30, 

2014 

2013 

$   22,175 
6,446 
5,813 
1,396 
$   35,830 

$   20,610 
3,621 
1,772 
1,753 
$   27,756 

In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, two distributors represented 30% and 42% of total revenue. 
At  September  30,  2014  and  2013,  these  two  distributors  represented  47%  and  56%  of  total  accounts  receivable, 
respectively. 

15.   

Legal Proceedings  

From  time  to  time,  the  Company  is  subject  to  legal  proceedings  or  claims  arising  from  its  normal  course  of 
operations.  The  Company  accrues  for  costs  related  to  loss  contingencies  when  such  costs  are  probable  and 
reasonably  estimable.  As  of  September  30,  2014,  the  Company  is  not  aware  of  any  material  pending  legal 
proceedings or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition 
or results of operations, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of pending actions.  

On October 26, 2012, a complaint was filed by Astute Technology, LLC (“Astute”) against one of our customers in 
the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Case No. 2:012-cv-689).  The complaint alleges 
patent  infringement.  Because  we  agreed  to  indemnify  our  customers  from  costs  and  damages  in  connection  with 
infringement we defended the complaint.  

On February 5, 2013, we filed a complaint against Astute in the Western District of Wisconsin (Case No. 13-cv-87).  
The complaint is for declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of three Unites States patents held by 
Astute. 

In June, 2014 the Company entered into an agreement with Astute which resolved the matters referenced above. The 
key terms of the agreement are: 1) grant non-revocable license of Astute patents to the Company; 2) grant a fully 
paid, non-refundable license of certain Sonic patents to Astute; 3) Both Astute and our customer agree to identify 
three meetings they currently capture that the other party will not seek or respond to any request for proposal; and 4) 
payment of $1.35 million to Astute.  The payment will be made in three equal amounts with the first paid in June 
2014, the second paid in October 2014 and the final payment due March 2015.  The Company is contributing $1.1 
million toward the amount payable to Astute, with $428 thousand relating to prior use and recorded as a charge to 
income. The remaining $672 thousand was recorded as a product right asset, which is being amortized, straight line, 
over the remaining life of the patents, through 2020. Future amounts due to Astute were accrued for as of the time of 
settlement. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

16.   

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)  

The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial information for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 
2013. The operating results are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.   

(in thousands except per share 
data) 

Revenue 
Gross margin 
Income (loss) from operations 
Equity in earnings from 

investment in Mediasite KK 

Net income (loss) 
Basic and diluted net income 

Quarterly Financial Data 

Q4-’14  Q3-’14 

Q2-’14 

Q1-’14 

Q4-’13  Q3-’13 

Q2-’13 

Q1-’13 

$ 8,479 $ 11,267 $ 8,878
6,499
7,789
(1,022)
(77)
15
-

5,871
(1,357)
-

$ 7,206
5,396
(626)
23

$ 6,761 $ 8,013  $ 6,430  $ 6,552
4,867
(131)
78

4,690 
(34) 
90 

5,611 
109 
11 

4,892
(582)
30

(1,288)

33

(871)

(690)

(666)

40 

(27) 

(139)

(loss) per share  

$(0.30) 

$  0.01 

$(0.21)

$(0.17)

$(0.17) 

$  0.01 

$(0.01)

$(0.04)

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ITEM 9. 

CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE  

Not applicable.  

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Based on evaluations as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal 
financial officer, with the participation of our management team, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure 
controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Rules  13a-15(e),  and  15d-15(e)  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act). 
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports 
that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the 
time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that material information relating to the Company is 
accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial 
officer,  as  appropriate  to  allow  timely  decisions  regarding  required  disclosures.  Based  on  this  evaluation,  our 
principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were 
not effective as of September 30, 2014 solely as a result of three material weaknesses. These related weaknesses are 
discussed further in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting below. 

Limitations on the effectiveness of Controls and Permitted Omission from Management’s Assessment 

Our internal control over financial reporting is 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.    All  internal  control  systems,  no  matter  how  well  designed,  have  inherent 
limitations, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls.  Accordingly, 
even  effective  internal  controls  can  only  provide  reasonable  assurance  with  respect  to  financial  statement 
preparation.  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. 

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 Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and 
principal  financial  officer,  we  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting based on the framework in the 1992 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our internal 
controls  over  financial  reporting  were  not  effective  as  of  September  30,  2014  due  to  three  identified  material 
weaknesses  in  internal  control.  The  first  material  weakness  is  in  internal  control  over  the  financial  reporting  and 
monitoring  of  Mediasite  KK  (“MSKK”)  which  was  identified  in  fiscal  2013  and  continues  to  exist.  Our  internal 
controls related to the capture of MSKK’s historical information, the accounting for our investment in MSKK based 
on that information and the review of such accounting did not operate effectively and were not sufficient to ensure 
that  our  accounting  was  in  accordance  with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  The  second  material 
weakness relates to controls over the research and analysis of accounting for non-standard contract provisions. The 
company did not adequately assess some unique contract implications of one large contract with a customer during 
the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2014.  The  third  material  weakness  relates  to  controls  over  the  preparation  of 
consolidated financial information.   

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

In  light  of  the  material  weakness  described  above,  additional  procedures  were  performed  by  our  management  to 
ensure that the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report were prepared in accordance with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

The Company is in the process of making changes to its internal control over financial reporting (as referred to in 
Paragraph  4(b)  of  the  Certifications  of  the  Company’s  principal  executive  officer  and  principal  financial  officer 
included  as  exhibits  to  this  report)  as  it  relates  to  the  acquisitions  that  have  materially  affected, or  are  reasonably 
likely to affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

In the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, we instituted certain controls and procedures to obtain the necessary 
information  to  properly  consolidate  the  foreign  operations  and  added  additional  resources  to  address  any  non-
standard  contract  provisions.  The  controls  and  procedures  allow  the  Company  to  obtain  accurate  financial 
information in a timely fashion which is in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. The third 
quarter  of  fiscal  2014  also  represents  the  first  full  quarter  of  operations  of  the  foreign  subsidiaries  as  part  of 
consolidated operations. Over time, we have continued to gain an understanding of the laws and customs which we 
were previously unfamiliar with, overcome certain challenges with language barriers and time zone differences, and 
implement controls surrounding the consolidation of these foreign operations with our domestic operations.  

Remediation 

The aforementioned internal controls over financial reporting of our foreign operations have provided a framework 
to remediate the material weakness surrounding our consolidation process. We are currently reviewing our processes 
and controls and deploying our additional accounting resources to design and implement effective controls over our 
consolidation process. Finally, we have utilized our additional resources to appropriately address any non-standard 
contract provisions during the quarter. There can be no assurances that we have fully remediated the weaknesses in 
the  controls  over  the  foreign  operations.  However,  we  feel  that  our  remediation  efforts  to  establish  processes  and 
controls  as  well  as  adding  additional  resources  to  our  accounting  team  made  significant  improvements  to  our 
processes and controls in an effort to address each of the aforementioned material weaknesses.  

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION 

None. 

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

PART III 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to directors and executive officers is incorporated 
herein by reference to the information contained in the section entitled “Proposal One:  Election of Directors” and 
“Executive  Officers  of  Sonic”,  respectively,  in  the  Company’s  definitive  Proxy  Statement  to  be  filed  with  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2013 Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed no later than January 28, 2015 (the “Proxy Statement”). 

Item  405  of  Regulation  S-K  calls  for  disclosure  of  any  known  late  filings  or  failure  by  an  insider  to  file  a  report 
required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Act.  This information is contained in the Section entitled “Section 16(a) 
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 401 of Regulation S-K calls for disclosure of whether or not the Company has a financial expert serving on the 
audit  committee  of  its  Board  of  Directors,  and  if  so  who  that  individual  is.    This  information  is  contained  in  the 
Section  entitled  “Meetings  and  Committees  of  Directors”  in  the  Proxy  Statement  and  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference. 

Item  407  of  Regulation  S-K  calls  for  disclosure  of  whether  or  not  the  Company  has  an  audit  committee  and  a 
financial expert serving on the audit committee of the Board of Directors, and if so, who that individual is.  Item 407 
also requires disclosure regarding the Company’s nominating committee and the director nomination process.  This 
information is contained in the section entitled “Meetings and Committees of Directors” in the Proxy Statement and 
is incorporated herein by reference. 

Sonic Foundry has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all officers and employees, including Sonic Foundry’s 
principal  executive  officer,  its  principal  financial  officer, and persons  performing  similar  functions.    This  code  of 
ethics is available, without charge, to any investor who requests it.  Requests should be addressed in writing to Mr. 
Kenneth A. Minor, Corporate Secretary, 222 West Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. 

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Sonic Foundry, Inc. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained 
in  the  sections  entitled  “Directors  Compensation”,  “Executive  Compensation  and  Related  Information”  and 
“Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Proxy Statement. 

ITEM 12.  SECURITY  OWNERSHIP  OF  CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL  OWNERS  AND  MANAGEMENT 

AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained 
in  the  sections  entitled  “Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management”  in  the  Proxy 
Statement.  Information related to equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 5 herein. 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN  RELATIONSHIPS  AND  RELATED  TRANSACTIONS,  AND  DIRECTOR 

INDEPENDENCE 

The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained 
in the section entitled “Certain Transactions”  and “Meetings and Committees of Directors” in the Proxy Statement. 

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 

The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained 
in  the  section  entitled  “Ratification  of  Appointment  of  Independent  Auditors  –  Fiscal  2013  and  2014  Audit  Fee 
Summary” in the Proxy Statement. 

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