Un iv er sal electronics inc . annUal report
06
oUr technology t
anything’s possible.
Uei
302,000 device function codes
3,100 brands
173 patents issued and pending
UEI’s wireless control technology can be found in millions of households worldwide. Our broad portfolio of patented technologies and database of infrared control technology have been adopted by Fortune 500 companies in the consumer electronics, subscription broadcast, and computing industries and now by professional custom installers worldwide. pa ge h eadin g t
t30%
t
increase
in revenUes
for 2006.
t
6
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2
$
8
$
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$
s t
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s i n m illi o
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anything’s possible.
0 05 06
at Universal electronics inc., we make all kinds of remote
control technologies. some come bundled with your cable or
satellite box; others come in a package at your favorite retailer.
But it’s not the remote controls themselves that set us apart as
a company — it’s the technology inside that’s the magic. that’s
where all the exciting possibilities lie. as you’ll see in the pages
that follow, we’re a lot more than a remote control company.
as a global leader in wireless control technology, we’re shaping
and defining what’s possible in the connected home.
s Upplying the market t
355
million
hoUseholds
worldwide
get caBle tv.
(in-stat)
2
3
Universal Electronics Inc. is one of the principal suppliers of remote control technologies to cable and satellite TV providers such as Comcast®, Cox Communications®, DirecTV®, Sky®, TimeWarner® and others. The demand for our remote control technologies among cable and satellite TV subscribers keeps growing. It’s a large market — with ever-increasing potential. According to the research firm In-Stat, 355 million households worldwide are currently cable households, and the number is projected to grow. 300%
increase in
hdtv homes
predicted
Between 2006
and 20.
(informa telecoms
and media)
206
By 206, there will Be
65 million vod homes
in the U.s. (Jupiter/kagan)
20
there will Be 5 million
hdtv homes worldwide
By the end of 20—
a three-fold increase
over 3 million in 2006.
(informa telecoms & media)
200
By 200, there will Be 80
million iptv sUBscriBers
worldwide, Up from six
million in 2006.
(strategy analytics)
i n ste p with the ma rket t
digital technology is everywhere, and so are we. Uei’s
leading-edge portfolio of wireless control technology is
making it possible for consumers all over the world to
connect, control, and interact with a variety of services
and devices in the home, including the very latest flat
panel hdtvs and dvrs that are growing in popularity
and rapidly penetrating the market. with the explosion of
these new devices as well as entertainment options like
pay-per-view and video-on-demand and even “place-
shifting”, Uei is leading the way in making everything work
together more easily and seamlessly, so consumers can
enjoy their media content, anytime and anywhere.
2009
dvr technology will
Be in 30 percent of all
U.s. hoUseholds By 2009.
(informa telecoms & media)
2008
By 2008, 37 million Us
hoUseholds will receive
high-definition program-
ming. By the end of 2007,
million Us hoUseholds
will own some type of
hdtv. (strategy analytics)
s
n
t i o
c
e
J
o
r
t p
e
k
r
a
m
5
an t icipating the need t
.
million
sUBscriBe
to satellite
radio. (e-marketer)
at Uei we don’t just follow the market, we
also anticipate it. key to our success is the
fact that we’re always thinking ahead to
what’s next.
One of our latest products, unveiled in October, is a handheld media
controller designed for SIRIUS Satellite Radio (SIRI). It allows SIRIUS
subscribers to wirelessly navigate through more than 130 radio chan-
nels. The handheld controller not only controls multiple devices, but it
also displays song and station information via two-way RF on the built-in
LCD screen. It also provides seamless universal control of other tradi-
tional home entertainment devices from up to 150 feet away. Other UEI
products, including NevoSL® and CrystalisTM, utilize the latest two-way
RF technology to make it easier than ever to manage, access, and inter-
act with media content from the palm of your hand.
the siriUs condUc-
tor handheld
controller makes
Use of Z-wavetm
wireless protocol,
an advanced radio
freqUency (rf)
commUnications
technology that’s
rapidly Becom-
ing the standard
in wireless home
control. it allows
the siriUs sUBscriB-
ers to access the
satellite network’s
more than 30
radio channels
as well as control
other traditional
home entertain-
ment devices wire-
lessly from Up to
50 feet away.
6
7
fillin g the need t
m o ve m y m ovies t o
lap t o p for travel
sy nc mUsic fr om ipod
to ca r ster eo
send video from phone
to digital media adapter
view vacation photos
on tv in living room
with the proliferation of digital media devices,
there’s a need to simplify — to make every-
thing work together more seamlessly so
content is more accessible.
30
million U.s.
hoUseholds
will have a
pc connected
entertainment
network By
200.
(parks associates)
UEI is leading the charge to simplify digital media access with technology
like our latest release of SimpleCenterTM. This PC software makes it pos-
sible to organize, enjoy, and share digital media at home or on the go — and
sync up with and stream to digital devices like the iPod®, Sony PSP® and
Xbox 360®. Imagine: You can now wirelessly transfer digital music, pic-
tures, and movies between your mobile phone and laptop computer. You
can use your mobile phone to stream digital media anywhere in the home.
And you can even have your car stereo start downloading new music from
your PC as soon as you pull into the garage. No wonder SimpleCenter
has earned the tagline, “All media. All devices. One application.”
8
9
pUshIn g ThE pArAmETErs t
22%
13 pErcEnT of
Us hoUsEholds
hAvE AT lEAsT
onE mId- or
hIgh-lEvEl
AfTErmArkET
conTrollEr.
IT Is ExpEcTEd
To grow To 22
pErcEnT by 2012.
(parks Associates)
At UEI, we’re delivering true automation to
the home with leading-edge wireless control
solutions that keep pushing the parameters of
what’s possible.
UEI utilizes the very latest
two-way RF wireless technologies,
including Z-Wave®, Zigbee®,
and Wi-Fi® to free the user to
control devices and content from
anywhere in the home. NevoSLTM,
our award-winning controller for
the broadband home and one of
the first wi-fi enabled controllers,
provides a simple and interac-
tive way to wirelessly access and
connect every device in every
room of the house. Simply touch
the appropriate icons on the
Nevo display. That’s all it takes
to control your TV, stereo, lights,
and even the thermostat, as well
as enjoy digital media anywhere
in the home. Advanced controllers
like these give new meaning to the
term “connected home” and are
pushing the parameters of what’s
possible in delivering control
solutions for the digital lifestyle.
ThAnks To UEI
TEchnology, homE
AUTomATIon hAs
TrUly bEcomE A
rEAlITy—mAkIng
IT possIblE noT
only To AccEss
And conTrol All
yoUr AUdIovIsUAl
dEvIcEs, bUT To
EvEn TUrn on yoUr
lIghTs And chAngE
yoUr ThErmosTAT,
from ThE pAlm of
yoUr hAnd.
10
11
more t han JUst possiBle. simple t
250+
million people
are estimated
to toUch oUr
technology
every week.
(Uei)
for us, it’s not enough to just introduce the latest in wireless
control technology. it’s an obsession of ours that all our
devices and technologies are simple enough for everyone to
use — even the least technically oriented user. thanks to a new
quick setup solution, for example, you can now set up your
universal remote quickly and easily while sitting on the sofa.
imagine controlling all your audiovisual equipment using a
simple 2-button remote, and even access your favorite
programs or channels by simply using your voice. these are
some of Uei’s new and innovative solutions that are leading
the way in simplifying the home entertainment environment.
At Universal Electronics Inc.,
we’re committed to connect-
ing people with the technol-
ogy they use every day —
and to simplifying how it all
works together. It’s a com-
mitment that drives every-
thing we do as a company.
And it’s our world-class
connectivity software, sec-
ond to none in the industry,
that is helping to make it all
possible, ensuring compat-
ibility with all kinds of home
entertainment devices, old
and new. TVs, DVD players,
DVRs, cable boxes, audio
receivers, you name it,
UEI allows you to control it,
simply. We’re also working
with leading consumer elec-
tronics, broadcast, mobile
and technology companies
worldwide to help shape
the next evolution of the
digital life with innovative
wireless technologies that
expand the user experience
in exciting new ways. UEI
is developing solutions that
allow consumers’ seamless
connectivity and control of
their media from traditional
audiovisual devices in their
living rooms to digital media
content on the PCs in their
home offices to mobile me-
dia solutions on their hand-
helds and in their cars. By
providing the software and
control solutions that enable
consumers to wirelessly
connect, control and inter-
act with a household full of
different devices — and by
investing in future technolo-
gies to control digital media
in the home, we’re making
the vision of the connected
home a reality for millions
of users all over the world.
2
3
a fUt Ure fUll of possiBilities t
00
t
million
BroadBand
sUBscriBers
worldwide
By 200. (idc)
for more than 20 years, Universal electronics inc. has built
the capabilities and the infrastructure to connect people
with the devices and entertainment they use everyday. and
as new digital media technology and content are introduced
into the home — adding new capabilities and complexities
— we will continue to deliver new and better control
solutions that are easy to use, intuitive, and accessible.
solutions that will empower everyone to access and
interact with an ever-increasing array of digital technology.
thanks to Uei innovation, anything’s possible.
5
To oUr ShArEholDErS t
hIghlIghTS
06
lISTED onE of forbES 200 bEST SmAll
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nAmED To DEloITTE’S prESTIgIoUS “TEChnol-
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A rAnkIng of ThE 50 fASTEST groWIng
TEChnology, mEDIA, TElECommUnICATIonS
AnD lIfE SCIEnCES CompAnIES In ThE ArEA.
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04 05 06
s
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n
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v
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i n m illi o
Dear Shareholders: It has been quite a year for us. The record sales and
earnings we achieved in 2006 proved that the Company is not only suc-
cessfully capitalizing on the explosive growth in digital media and home
entertainment, but also helping to shape the future of these industries.
We have truly solidified our position as a world leader in wireless control
technology. With the digital media revolution dramatically changing all
aspects of our culture, new technology such as digital video recorders,
high-definition televisions, and digital music services are driving demand
for more innovative and easier ways to control it all — which is what UEI
does best. As new devices and technologies continue to transform the
way people enjoy entertainment in the home, UEI remains at the fore-
front of this transformation — with wireless control technology that is
making media more accessible and enjoyable.
*The 2005 and 2006 earnings per diluted share listed above depict adjusted earnings per share of $0.81 and $1.06, respectively. In 2005, adjusted earnings per diluted
share exclude a $1.6 million write down of a balance due from a former European distributor. In 2006, adjusted earnings per diluted share exclude the share-based com-
pensation expense for employee stock options and the related income tax effect, as recognized in accordance with SfAS 123r. The 2005 and prior earnings per diluted
share do not include the effect of share-based compensation expense, because UEI implemented SfAS 123r effective January 1, 2006. management believes adjusted
earnings per share provides a more meaningful measure of year-over-year financial performance.
paul Arling,
Chairman and
Chief Executive officer
16
17
to oUr shareholders t
at the same time, as technology in the consumer electronics, cable
and satellite, and computing industries continue to proliferate, users
are increasingly looking for ways that technology can simplify life —
not complicate it further. and no other company is better positioned
to make this a reality than Uei.
our best financial year ever. Net sales for the
year-ended December 31, 2006 were $235.8 million,
compared to $181.3 million in 2005 — a total revenue
increase of more than 30 percent. Adjusted net
income for the full year 2006 was $15.3 million, or
$1.06 per diluted share, compared to $11.3 million,
or $0.81 per diluted share, for the full year 2005.
Looking ahead, we foresee continued strong
performance in 2007. We are projecting full year
revenues to grow 10 to 15 percent.
innovation remains the lifeblood of our orga-
nization. Over the past several years, UEI has
developed a broad portfolio of industry-leading
patented technologies and an extensive database of
infrared control software that have been adopted
by many Fortune 500 companies in the consumer
electronics, subscription broadcast and computing
industries. These include Comcast®, Cox Com-
munications®, DirecTV®, Sky®, and TimeWarner® in
the subscription broadcasting arena and consumer
electronics giants like Mitsubishi®, Panasonic®
and Pioneer®.
UEI also sells and licenses wireless control
products through distributors and retailers under
the One For All® brand name, and provides home
control solutions for the professional custom
installation market under the brand name Nevo®.
The Company also develops software solutions for
digital media control and enjoyment in the con-
sumer and original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
markets under the brand SimpleCenterTM.
Our entire platform is driven by one overarching
goal: to simplify the home technology environment.
As the digital entertainment landscape undergoes
radical transformation as technology — and how
people interact with it — continues to evolve rapidly,
UEI is enhancing the user experience for everyone by
making digital content and control easier and more
accessible, in every home and at every price point.
In October 2006, Universal Electronics Inc. an-
highlights of an extraordinary year.
n
nounced the release of SimpleCenterTM 4.1 at the
Digital Life Show in New York City, where it was
named one of the best Home Networking and Online
Entertainment Products. This digital media manage-
ment and control software allows users to move
music, movies, and other media from PC to iPod,
Sony PSP, Nokia cell phone or other multimedia
gadgets— and to stream digital media anywhere in
the home. SimpleCenter 4.1 even tracks the location
of all the digital files on a home’s computer network.
n A new limited-edition high gloss black ver-
sion of the award-winning NevoSLTM controller and
NevoStudio 2.0 software were introduced at the
Technology Fast 50 Program for Orange County,
California, a ranking of the 50 fastest-growing
technology, media, telecommunications and life sci-
ences companies in the area by Deloitte & Touche
USA LLP, one of the nation’s leading professional
services organizations. Rankings are based on the
percentage revenue growth over five years from
2001 to 2005.
We are very proud of the citations we have
received from Forbes and Deloitte & Touche as well
as the outstanding results the Company achieved
during the past year. Which brings me to the most
important part of this letter: recognition of everyone
on the UEI team who has made it all possible.
To our board of directors, executive management
team, dedicated employees, worldwide partners
and shareholders, I extend my sincere appreciation.
Thank you for your continued support and for
making this past year the most successful in our
Company’s history. Looking ahead, I can assure you
that the best is yet to come as our innovative solu-
tions continue to transform the industry. With our
strong balance sheet, our outstanding technology
portfolio and intellectual property, and our great
people, anything is possible.
Sincerely,
paul arling, chairman and chief executive officer
Custom Electronic Design and Installation Associa-
tion (CEDIA) Expo in September 2006 — with lots of
media fanfare. NevoSL, which provides a simple and
interactive way to wirelessly access and connect
every device in the home or office, is already being
distributed in over 16 countries worldwide and has
garnered numerous industry awards, including
Residential Systems’ RESI Award for Best Handheld
Controller, the Electronic House “Product of the
Year”, and CEDIA Australia’s Best in Show.
n
In September 2006, UEI began a development
relationship with SIRIUS Satellite Radio to create a
custom handheld media controller that will allow
SIRIUS subscribers to access the network’s 130+
channels throughout the home wirelessly as well as
control other home entertainment devices — from
up to 150 feet away. This unique and cost effec-
tive solution for SIRIUS subscribers will utilize the
Z-Wave TM protocol, a wireless radio frequency (RF)
based communications technology that is quickly
becoming the wireless standard for home control.
n The Company implemented key management
changes, including the hiring of Mark Kopaskie as
Executive Vice President and General Manager,
U.S.; the promotion of Paul Bennett to Executive
Vice President and Managing Director, UEBV; and
the promotion of Bryan Hackworth to Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer from his previous posi-
tion as Chief Accounting Officer.
These gentlemen, along with the rest of the
executive management team, form an experienced
and skilled group capable of taking our company to
the next level of perormance this year and beyond.
n UEI received the distinction of being named
to the list of the 200 Best Small Companies in
America, published in the October 30, 2006 issue
of Forbes magazine. The Forbes ranking is further
validation of the success we have achieved growing
our wireless control technology business through
innovation and hard work.
n For the second year in a row, Universal Elec-
tronics Inc. earned another important distinction.
The Company was named to Deloitte’s prestigious
8
9
2006 finan cial review t
21
27
35
36
51
52
59
89
91
92
Business
risk factors
selected consolidated financial data
management’s discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations
quantitative and qualitative disclosures
about market risk
financial statements and supplemental data
54
55
56
consolidated Balance sheets
consolidated income statements
consolidated statements of
stockholders’ equity
58
consolidated statements of cash flows
notes to consolidated financial statements
controls and procedures
gaap to non-gaap reconciliation tables
performance chart
FOR WA RD-LOOK ING STATEMENTSt This Annual Report, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Opera-
tions”, contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, our results may dif-
fer materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact
are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to any projections of revenue, margins, expenses, tax provisions,
earnings, cash flows, benefit obligations, share repurchases or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for
future operations; any statements concerning expected development or relating to products or services; any statements regarding future economic conditions or
performance; any statements regarding pending claims or disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any
of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the execution and performance of contracts
by customers, suppliers and partners; the challenge of managing asset levels, including inventory; the difficulty of aligning expense levels with revenue changes;
the outcome of pending legislation and accounting pronouncements; and other risks that are described herein, including but not limited to the items discussed in
“Risk Factors” of this report, and that are otherwise described from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed after the date of filing
this report. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
Univers al electronics financial review t
t
Business
BUsiness of Universal electronics inc.
Universal Electronics Inc. was incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1986 and began operations in
1987. The principal executive offices are located at 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630. As used
herein, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Universal Electronics Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the
context indicates to the contrary.
As a result of the integration, the performance-based payment expiring and our chief operating deci-
sion maker (“CODM”) no longer reviewing SimpleDevices’ financial statements on a stand alone basis,
commencing in the third quarter of 2006, we merged SimpleDevices into our Core Business segment
resulting in us operating in a single industry segment. Since acquiring SimpleDevices in October 2004,
we have integrated, and in certain respects improved upon, SimpleDevices’ technologies with and into our
own technology, resulting in the creation of new wireless control devices that will allow for media control.
Moreover, through this integration of technologies, we have improved and expanded our relationships with
our customers and with SimpleDevices’ customers, resulting in more cross-selling of products and tech-
nology. In addition, we have integrated their sales, engineering and administrative functions into our own,
resulting in both operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Additional information regarding UEI can be obtained at www.uei.com.
core BUsiness segment
overview t Our business is comprised of one reportable segment, Core Business. We have developed a
broad line of easy-to-use, pre-programmed universal wireless control products and audio-video acces-
sories that are marketed to enhance home entertainment systems. Additionally, we develop software and
firmware solutions that can enable devices such as TVs, set-top boxes, stereos, automotive audio systems,
cell phones and other consumer electronic products to wirelessly connect and interact with home net-
works and interactive services to deliver digital entertainment and information.
principal markets t Our primary markets include retail, private label, OEMs, custom installers, auto-
mobile, cellular phone, subscription broadcasting, cable and satellite service providers and companies in
the computing industry. We believe that our universal remote control database is capable of controlling
virtually all infrared remote (“IR”) controlled TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cable converters, CD players, audio
components and satellite receivers, as well as most other infrared remote controlled home entertainment
devices and home automation control modules worldwide.
We provide subscription broadcasters, namely cable operators and satellite service providers, both
domestically and internationally, with our wireless control devices and integrated circuits, on which our
software is embedded, to support the demand associated with the deployment of digital set-top boxes
that contain the latest technology and features. We also sell our universal wireless control devices and
integrated circuits, on which our software is embedded, to OEMs that manufacture cable converters and
satellite receivers for resale with their products.
We continue to pursue further penetration of the more traditional consumer electronics/OEM markets.
Customers in these markets generally package our wireless control devices for resale with their audio
and video home entertainment products. We also sell customized chips, which include our software and/or
customized software packages, to these customers. Growth in this line of business has been driven by the
proliferation and increasing complexity of home entertainment equipment, emerging digital technology,
multimedia and interactive internet applications, and the number of OEMs.
20
2
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
We also continue to place significant emphasis on expanding our sales and marketing efforts to sub-
scription broadcasters and OEMs in Asia, Latin America and Europe. We will continue to add new sales
people to support anticipated sales growth in these markets over the next few years. In addition, we
continue to improve on our development processes to increase cost savings and to provide more timely
delivery of our products to our customers.
In the international retail markets, our One For All® brand name products accounted for 20.4%, 25.4%,
and 32.1% of our sales for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. Throughout
2006, we continued our retail sales and marketing efforts in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa,
the Middle East, Mexico and selected countries in Asia and Latin America. Financial information relating to
our international operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is included in “Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 19”.
By providing our wireless control technology in many forms, including finished products and microcon-
trollers on which our software is embedded, we can meet the needs of our customers, enabling those who
manufacture or subcontract their manufacturing requirements to use existing sources of supply and more
easily incorporate our technology.
Beginning in 1986 and continuing today, we have compiled an extensive library that covers nearly
302,000 individual device functions and over 3,100 individual consumer electronic equipment brand names.
Our library is regularly updated with new infrared (“IR”) codes used in newly introduced audio and video
devices. All such IR codes are captured from the original manufacturer’s remote control devices or written
specifications to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the database.
Our proprietary software and know-how permit us to compress the IR codes before being loaded into
our products. This provides significant cost and space efficiencies that enable us to include more codes
and features in the memory space of the wireless control devices than are included in the similarly priced
products of our competitors.
With today’s rapidly changing technology, upgradeability ensures on-going compatibility with current
and future devices. We have developed a patented technology that provides the capability to easily upgrade
the memory of our wireless control devices by adding IR codes from our library that were not originally
included. These upgrade features, at no additional cost to the consumer, provide customers with the ability
to upgrade our wireless devices remotely using a personal computer or telephone, and directly at the fac-
tory or service locations. These upgrade options utilize one-way or two-way communication to upgrade the
wireless devices’ codes or data depending on the requirements.
Each of our wireless control devices is designed to simplify the use of audio, video and other devices. To
appeal to the mass market, the number of buttons is minimized to include only the most popular functions.
Our remotes are also designed for ease of set-up. For most of our products, the consumer simply inputs a
four-digit code for each video or audio device to be controlled. Another patented ease of use feature we offer
in several of our products is our user programmable macro key. This feature allows the user to program a
sequence of commands onto a single key, to be played back each time that key is subsequently pressed.
During 2006, we continued our product innovation by launching several new designs for our Kameleon®
line based on our technology platform developed in 2002. Kameleon®, a display technology, provides ease
of use by illuminating only the keys needed to control each entertainment device. We also expanded our
line of audio and video accessories including digital antennas, signal boosters, television brackets, and
audio and video cleaning products. In October 2006, we began shipping a custom remote designed for a
subscription customer, utilizing the Z-Wave® wireless protocol, a wireless radio frequency (RF) based
communications technology designed for residential control. SimpleCenter 4.1 was launched in 2006.
SimpleCenter Software Application provides a PC application for the management, control, and distribu-
tion of digital media - music, pictures, and movies. This includes a media manager plus a unified platform
for connecting and synchronizing media to both home and mobile devices.
Wireless networking is one of today’s fastest growing trends. Combining our connectivity software and
patent portfolio with Universal Plug-n-Play (“UPnP”) standards and the 802.11 wireless networking proto-
cols, we developed our NevoSL® product line. NevoSL®, which began shipping during the second quarter
of 2005, is a stand alone universal wireless controller that uses Wi-Fi to control the play back or viewing
of MP3s, photos, and videos stored on a PC, through a media player attached to a home entertainment
center. By utilizing the touch screen user interface, customers can select play lists, slide shows, or videos
to be played via the media player from anywhere within the networks range. In addition, NevoSL® utilizes
infrared technology to control virtually all infrared controlled consumer electronic devices, and can also
be utilized to control wireless household appliances. NevoSL® supports the attainment of our strategic
goal to build our presence as a wireless control technology leader, enabling consumers to wirelessly con-
nect, control, and interact within the ever-increasingly complex home. In 2006, we launched NevoStudio
2.0, a software application as an update to our software suite for NevoSL®.
methods of Distribution and customerst Over the past 19 years, we have developed a broad portfolio
of patented technologies and the industry’s leading database of home connectivity software. We include
our technology in a broad family of products including universal standard and touch screen remote
controls, antennas and various audio/video accessories, as well as custom and customizable microcon-
trollers. To a lesser extent, we also license our technology to certain customers, including leading
Fortune 500 companies.
In addition, we sell our services and license our software to OEMs operating in the consumer electron-
ics, automobile, cellular phone, and subscription broadcasting industries for use in their products. These
services are performed in San Mateo, California. Licenses are delivered upon the transfer of a product
master or on a per unit basis when the software is loaded onto the OEM’s device.
In the United States, we sell our products to cable operators, satellite service providers, private label
customers, consumer electronics accessory manufacturers and companies in the computing industry for
resale under their respective brand names. In addition, we sell our wireless control products, and to a lesser
extent, license our proprietary technologies to OEMs for use in their products. We also license our One For
All® brand name to a third party, who in turn, sells the products directly to certain domestic retailers.
Outside the United States, we sell our wireless control devices and certain accessories under the
One For All® and certain other brand names under private labels to retailers, and to other customers,
through our international subsidiaries. Third party distributors are utilized in countries where we do not
have subsidiaries. We also sell our products and/or license our proprietary technology to OEMs, cable
operators and satellite service providers internationally.
We have nine international subsidiaries, Universal Electronics B.V., established in The Netherlands,
One For All GmbH and Ultra Control Consumer Electronics GmbH, both established in Germany, One for
All Iberia S.L., established in Spain, One For All UK Ltd., established in the United Kingdom, One For All
Argentina S.R.L., established in Argentina, One For All France S.A.S., established in France, Universal
Electronics Italia S.R.L., established in Italy, and UE Singapore Pte. Ltd., established in Singapore. UE
Singapore Pte. Ltd. was established in February 2007.
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For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, our sales to Comcast Communications, Inc.,
represented 12.0%, 12.2% and 11.0% of our net sales, respectively. No other single customer accounted for
10% or more of our net sales in 2006, 2005 or 2004. However, DirecTV and its subcontractors collectively
accounted for 17.7%, 16.6% and 10.4% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and
2004, respectively.
We provide domestic and international consumer support to our various universal remote control
marketers, including manufacturers, cable and satellite providers, retail distributors, and audio and video
original equipment manufacturers through our automated “InterVoice” system. Live agent help is also
available through certain programs. In 2006, we introduced a free web-based support resource, urcsup-
port.com, designed specifically for cable subscribers. This solution offers interactive online demos and
tutorials to help users easily setup their remote and commands, and as a result reduces call volume
at customer support centers. Additionally, ActiveSupport®, a call center, provides customer interaction
management services from service and support to retention. Pre-repair calls, post-install surveys, and
inbound calls to customers provide greater bottom-line efficiencies. We continue to review our programs
to determine their value in enhancing and improving the sales of our products. As a result of this continued
review, some or all of these programs may be modified or discontinued in the future and new programs
may be added.
raw materials anD DepenDence on suppliers
We utilize third-party manufacturers and suppliers primarily in Asia to produce our wireless control
products. In 2006, Computime, C.G. Development, Freescale and Jetta collectively provided 60.9% of our
total inventory purchases. In 2005, Computime provided 33.9% of our total inventory purchases. In 2004,
Computime and Samsung collectively provided 38.7% of our total inventory purchases.
As in the past, we continue to evaluate alternative and additional third-party manufacturers and
sources of supply. During 2006, we continued to diversify our suppliers and maintain duplicate tooling for
certain of our products. This has allowed us to stabilize our source for products and negotiate more favor-
able terms with our suppliers. In addition, where we can, we use standard parts and components, which
are available from multiple sources. To continue to reduce our dependence on suppliers, we continue to
seek additional sources of integrated circuit chips to help reduce the potential for manufacturing and ship-
ping delays. In addition, we have included flash microcontroller technology in some of our products. Flash
microcontrollers can have shorter lead times than standard microcontrollers and may be reprogrammed
if necessary, thus potentially reducing excess or obsolete inventory exposure.
patents, traDemarks anD copyrights
We own a number of United States and foreign patents related to our products and technology, and have
filed domestic and foreign applications for other patents that are pending. We had a total of 173 issued and
pending patents at the end of 2006, an increase from 156 at the end of 2005. Our patents have remaining
lives ranging from approximately one to eighteen years. We have also obtained copyright registration and
claim copyright protection for certain of our proprietary software and libraries of IR codes. Additionally,
the names of most of our products are registered or are being registered as trademarks in the United
States Patent and Trademark Office and in most of the other countries in which such products are sold.
These registrations are valid for a variety of terms ranging up to 20 years and may be renewed as long as
the trademarks continue to be used and are deemed by management to be important to our operations.
While we follow the practice of obtaining patent, copyright and trademark registrations on new develop-
ments whenever advisable, in certain cases, we have elected common law trade secret protection in lieu
of obtaining such other protection.
seasonality
Historically, our business has been influenced by the retail sales cycle, with increased sales in the last half
of the year and the largest proportion of sales occurring in the last quarter. This pattern is expected to con-
tinue and the impact will fluctuate as the sales mix varies between the consumer and business categories.
See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 23” for further details regarding our quarterly
results.
competition
Our principal competitors in the international retail and private label markets for our wireless controls
include Philips, Thomson, and Sony as well as various manufacturers of wireless controls in Asia. Our pri-
mary competitors in the OEM market are the original equipment manufacturers themselves and wireless
control manufacturers in Asia. NevoSL® product, which was released in the second quarter of 2005, com-
petes in the custom electronics installation market against AMX, RTI, Universal Remote Control, Philips,
Logitec, and many others. We compete in our markets on the basis of product quality, product features,
price, intellectual property, and customer and consumer support. We believe that we will need to continue
to introduce new and innovative products and to remain competitive and to recruit and retain competent
personnel to successfully accomplish our future objectives. Certain of our competitors have significantly
larger financial, technical, marketing and manufacturing resources than we do, and there can be no as-
surance that we will remain competitive in the future.
engineering, research anD Development
During 2006, our engineering efforts focused on modifying existing products and technologies to improve
features, to lower costs, and to develop measures to protect our proprietary technology and general know-
how. In addition, we continue to regularly update our library of IR codes to include IR codes for new features
and devices introduced worldwide. We also continue to explore ways to improve our software to pre-pro-
gram more codes into our memory chips and to simplify the upgrading of our wireless control products.
Also during 2006, our product development efforts continued to focus on new and innovative wireless
control and interface solutions resulting in the launch of new retail stock keeping units (“SKUs”) based on
the Kameleon® interface technology. We also broadened our product portfolio with solutions that address
emerging technology sectors like home media distribution and home automation. These advanced tech-
nology development efforts focused on both industry-based standards as well as specific universal exten-
sions that maximize the end user experience utilizing a set of heterogeneous protocols and technologies
that exist in the modern home today. This environment is driving the need for simplification of these new
protocols and devices, since they were originally engineered and targeted towards the enterprise custom-
er. We created the Nevo® product offerings to simplify and manage the end user’s experience interacting
with devices in the home — devices that may be used for a decade or more, including traditional IR based
devices, and the more complex TCP/IP consumer electronic devices utilizing both open and proprietary
protocols. During 2006 we also focused on developing and marketing additional products that are based
on the Zigbee, Z-Wave® and other radio frequency technology.
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We also developed technologies aimed at unifying traditional technologies that are encountered within
a home, and emerging technologies. This allows consumers to deploy our solutions ranging from a simple
IR based audio-visual stack to a modern digital media management experience allowing access to digital
content such as music, pictures and videos.
Our personnel are involved with various industry organizations and bodies, which are in the process of
setting standards for infrared, radio frequency, power line, telephone and cable communications and net-
working in the home. There can be no assurance that any of our research and development projects will be
successfully completed.
Our expenditures on engineering, research and development were:
i n M i L L i O n S
Research and Development
Engineering (1)
Total Engineering, Research and Development
(1) Engineering costs are included in SG&A.
2006
2005
2004
$
$
7.4
4.6
12.0
$
$
6.6
5.1
11.7
$
$
5.9
3.3
9.2
environmental matters
Many of our products are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws governing chemical
substances in products, including laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of chemical sub-
stances and laws restricting the presence of certain substances in electronics products. We could incur
substantial costs, including cleanup costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party damage or
personal injury claims, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws or if our prod-
ucts become non-compliant with environmental laws. We also face increasing complexity in our product
design and procurement operations as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the materials
composition of our products, including the restrictions on lead, cadmium and certain other substances
that will apply to specified electronics products put on the market in the European Union as of July 1, 2006
(Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) and the restrictions to be imposed by similar legislation in
China, the labeling provisions of which went into effect March 1, 2007.
We also could face significant costs and liabilities in connection with product take-back legislation. The
European Union (the “EU”) has enacted the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, which
makes producers of electrical goods, including computers and printers, financially responsible for speci-
fied collection, recycling, treatment and disposal of past and future covered products. The deadline for the
individual member states of the EU to enact the directive in their respective countries was August 13, 2004
(such legislation, together with the directive, the “WEEE Legislation”), although extensions were granted
in some countries. Producers participating in the market became financially responsible for implementing
their responsibilities under the WEEE Legislation beginning in August 2005. Requirements for implemen-
tation in certain EU member states have been delayed into 2007. Similar legislation has been or may be
enacted in other jurisdictions, including in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, and Japan.
We continue to work closely with our contract manufacturing base to move these manufacturers
toward becoming Sony Green Partners and we already work with several certified Green Partners. Our
goal is to provide a choice of three options to our customers: Sony Green compliant, Restriction of Hazard-
ous Substances Directive compliant, and Non-Green. All Green production processes will be segregated
physically from standard production processes to eliminate the possibility of contamination.
We believe that we have materially complied with all currently existing international and domestic fed-
eral, state and local statutes and regulations regarding environmental standards and occupational safety
and health matters to which we are subject. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004,
the amounts incurred in complying with federal, state and local statutes and regulations pertaining to
environmental standards and occupational safety and health laws and regulations did not materially affect
our earnings or financial condition. However, future events, such as changes in existing laws and regula-
tions or enforcement policies, may give rise to additional compliance costs that could have a material
adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or financial condition.
employees
At December 31, 2006, we employed 392 employees, of whom 116 work in engineering and research and
development, 67 in sales and marketing, 98 in consumer service and support, 39 in operations and ware-
housing and 72 are executive and administrative staff. None of our employees are subject to a collective
bargaining agreement or represented by a union. We consider our employee relations to be good.
international operations
Financial information relating to our international operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005
and 2004 is included in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 19”.
availaBle information
Our Internet address is www.uei.com. We make available free of charge through the website our an-
nual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any
amendments to these reports as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such reports
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports can be found on our website at www.uei.com
under the caption “SEC Filings” on the Investor page. Investors can also obtain copies of our SEC filings
from the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
risk factors
forwarD looking statements
We caution that the following important factors, among others (including but not limited to factors
discussed below in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Opera-
tions,” as well as those factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report, or in our other reports filed
from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission), could affect our actual results and could
contribute to or cause our actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any of
our forward-looking statements. The factors included here are not exhaustive. Further, any forward-look-
ing statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation
to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such
statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to
time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can we assess the impact of
each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Therefore,
forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual future results.
While we believe that the forward looking statements made in this report are based on reasonable
assumptions, the actual outcome of such statements is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties,
including the failure of our markets to continue growing and expanding in the manner we anticipated;
the failure of our customers to grow and expand as we anticipated; the effects of natural or other events
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beyond our control, including the effect a war or terrorist activities may have on us or the economy; the
economic environment’s effect on us or our customers; the growth of, acceptance of and the demand for
our products and technologies in various markets and geographical regions, including cable, satellite,
consumer electronics, retail, digital media/technology, CEDIA, interactive TV, automotive, and cellular
industries not materializing or growing as we believed; our inability to add profitable complementary prod-
ucts which are accepted by the marketplace; our inability to continue to maintain our operating costs at ac-
ceptable levels through our cost containment efforts; our inability to realize tax benefits from various tax
projects initiated from time to time; our inability to maintain the strength of our balance sheet; our inability
to continue selling our products or licensing our technologies at higher or profitable margins; our inability
to obtain orders or maintain our order volume with new and existing customers; the possible dilutive effect
our stock option program may have on our earnings per share and stock price; our inability to continue to
obtain adequate quantities of component parts or secure adequate factory production capacity on a timely
basis; and other factors listed from time to time in our press releases and filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Dependence upon key supplierst Most of the components used in our products are available from mul-
tiple sources. However, we have elected to purchase integrated circuits, used principally in our wireless
control products, from two main sources, Freescale and Samsung.
During 2006, four sources, Computime, C.G. Development, Freescale and Jetta, each provided over ten
percent (10%) of our total inventory purchases. Purchases from these suppliers collectively amounted to
$82.6 million, or 60.9%, of total inventory purchases during 2006. Purchases with the same suppliers col-
lectively amounted to $57.3 million and $41.6 million, representing 54.8% and 45.9%, of total inventory pur-
chases in 2005 and 2004, respectively. In 2004, we had an additional supplier who provided over 10% of our
inventory purchases. This supplier provided $9.5 million or 10.5% of our total inventory purchases in 2004.
We have identified alternative sources of supply for these integrated circuits, components, and finished
goods; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to obtain these inventory pur-
chases on a timely basis. We generally maintain inventories of our integrated chips, which could be used
in part to mitigate, but not eliminate, delays resulting from supply interruptions. An extended interruption,
shortage or termination in the supply of any of the components used in our products, or a reduction in their
quality or reliability, or a significant increase in prices of components, would have an adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and cash flows.
Dependence on foreign manufacturing t Third-party manufacturers located in Asia manufacture a ma-
jority of our products. Our arrangements with our foreign manufacturers are subject to the risks of doing
business abroad, such as tariffs, environmental and trade restrictions, intellectual property protection
and enforcement, export license requirements, work stoppages, political and social instability, economic
and labor conditions, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and other factors, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows. We believe that the loss of
any one or more of our manufacturers would not have a long-term material adverse effect on our busi-
ness, results of operations and cash flows, because numerous other manufacturers are available to fulfill
our requirements; however, the loss of any of our major manufacturers could adversely affect our busi-
ness until alternative manufacturing arrangements are secured.
potential fluctuations in Quarterly resultst Historically, our business has been influenced by the retail
sales cycle, with increased sales in the last half of the year and the largest proportion of sales occurring
in the last quarter. Factors such as quarterly variations in financial results could have a material adverse
affect on the volatility and market price of our common stock.
We may from time to time increase our operating expenses to fund greater levels of research and de-
velopment, sales and marketing activities, development of new distribution channels, improvements in our
operational and financial systems and development of our customer support capabilities, and to support
our efforts to comply with various government regulations. To the extent such expenses precede or are
not subsequently followed by increased revenues, our business, operating results, financial condition and
cash flows will be adversely affected.
In addition, we may experience significant fluctuations in future quarterly operating results that may be
caused by many other factors, including demand for our products, introduction or enhancement of prod-
ucts by us and our competitors, the loss or acquisition of any significant customers, market acceptance of
new products, price reductions by us or our competitors, mix of distribution channels through which our
products are sold, product or supply constraints, level of product returns, mix of customers and products
sold, component pricing, mix of international and domestic revenues, foreign currency exchange rate fluc-
tuations and general economic conditions. In addition, as a strategic response to changes in the competi-
tive environment, we may from time to time make certain pricing or marketing decisions or acquisitions
that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. As a
result, we believe period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not necessarily meaning-
ful and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
Due to all of the foregoing factors, it is possible that in some future quarters our operating results will
be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. If this happens the price of our common
stock may be materially adversely affected.
Dependence on consumer preferencet We have continually provided domestic and international con-
sumer service and support to our customers to add overall value and to help differentiate us from our
competitors. We continually review our service and support group and are marketing our expertise in this
area to other potential customers. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract new custom-
ers in the future.
In addition, Our Kameleon® and Nevo® line of products have more features and are more complex than
our older products and therefore require more end-user technical support. For our Nevo® product line, we
currently rely on the distributor or dealers to provide the initial level of technical support to the end-users.
We provide the second level of technical support for bug fixes and other issues at no additional charge.
Therefore, as the mix of our products includes Nevo® and other more complex product lines, support costs
could increase, which would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Dependence upon timely product introductiont Our ability to remain competitive in the wireless control
and audio/video accessory products market will depend considerably upon our ability to successfully iden-
tify new product opportunities, as well as developing and introducing these products and enhancements
on a timely and cost effective basis. There can be no assurance that we will be successful at developing
and marketing new products or enhancing our existing products, or that these new or enhanced products
will achieve consumer acceptance and, if achieved, will sustain that acceptance. In addition, there can be
no assurance that products developed by others will not render our products non-competitive or obsolete
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or that we will be able to obtain or maintain the rights to use proprietary technologies developed by others
which are incorporated in our products. Any failure to anticipate or respond adequately to technological
developments and customer requirements, or any significant delays in product development or introduc-
tion, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, the introduction of new products may require significant expenditures for research and
development, tooling, manufacturing processes, inventory and marketing. In order to achieve high volume
production of any new product, we may have to make substantial investments in inventory and expand our
production capabilities.
Dependence on major customerst The economic strength and weakness of our worldwide customers af-
fect our performance. We sell our wireless control products, audio/video accessory products, and propri-
etary technologies to private label customers, original equipment manufacturers, and companies involved
in the subscription broadcasting industry. We also supply our products to our wholly owned, non-U.S.
subsidiaries and to independent foreign distributors, who in turn distribute our products worldwide, with
Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia, and Argentina currently representing our principal foreign markets.
In each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, we had sales to one customer, Comcast,
that amounted to more than 10% of our net sales for the year. In addition, in each of these years, we had
sales to DirecTV and its sub-contractors, that when combined, exceeded 10% of our net sales. The loss of
either of these customers or of any other key customer, either in the United States or abroad or our inabil-
ity to maintain order volume with these customers, may have an adverse effect on our financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows.
internal investmentst We employ a small number of personnel to develop and market additional products
that are part of the Nevo® platform as well as products that are based on the Zigbee, Z-Wave® and other
radio frequency technology. Even after these hires, we continue to use outside resources to assist us in the
development of these products. While we believe that such outside services should continue to be available
to us, if they cease to be available, the development of these products could be substantially delayed.
competition t The wireless control industry is characterized by intense competition based primarily on
product availability, price, speed of delivery, ability to tailor specific solutions to customer needs, quality,
and depth of product lines. Our competition is fragmented across our products, and, accordingly, we do
not compete with any one company across all product lines. We compete with a variety of entities, some of
which have greater financial resources. Our ability to remain competitive in this industry depends in part
on our ability to successfully identify new product opportunities, develop and introduce new products and
enhancements on a timely and cost effective basis, as well as our ability to successfully identify and enter
into strategic alliances with entities doing business within the industries we serve. There can be no assur-
ance that our product offerings will be, and/or remain, competitive or that strategic alliances, if any, will
achieve the type, extent, and amount of success or business that we expect them to achieve. The sales of
our products and technology may not occur or grow in the manner we expect, and thus we may not recoup
costs incurred in the research and development of these products as quickly as we expect, if at all.
patents, trademarks, and copyrightst The procedures by which we identify, document and file for patent,
trademark, and copyright protection are based solely on engineering and management judgment, with no
assurance that a specific filing will be issued, or if issued, will deliver any lasting value to us. Because of
the rapid innovation of products and technologies that is characteristic of our industry, there is no assur-
ance that rights granted under any patent will provide competitive advantages to us or will be adequate
to safeguard and maintain our proprietary rights. Moreover, the laws of certain countries in which our
products are or may be manufactured or sold may not offer protection on such products and associated
intellectual property to the same extent that the U.S. legal system may offer.
In our opinion, our intellectual property holdings as well as our engineering, production, and marketing
skills and the experience of our personnel are of equal importance to our market position. We further be-
lieve that none of our businesses are materially dependent upon any single patent, copyright, trademark,
or trade secret.
Some of our products include or use technology and/or components of third parties. While it may be
necessary in the future to seek or renew licenses relating to various aspects of such products, we believe
that, based upon past experience and industry practice, such licenses generally could be obtained on
commercially reasonable terms; however, there is no guarantee that such licenses could be obtained on
such terms or at all. Because of technological changes in the wireless and home control industry, current
extensive patent coverage, and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, it is possible certain components
of our products and business methods may unknowingly infringe upon the patents of others.
potential for litigation t As is typical in our industry and for the nature and kind of business in which we
are engaged, from time to time various claims, charges and litigation are asserted or commenced by third
parties against us or by us against third parties, arising from or related to product liability, infringement
of patent or other intellectual property rights, breach of warranty, contractual relations or employee rela-
tions. The amounts claimed may be substantial, but they may not bear any reasonable relationship to the
merits of the claims or the extent of any real risk of court awards assessed against us or in our favor.
risks of conducting Business internationallyt Risks of doing business internationally could adversely af-
fect our sales, operations, earnings and cash flows due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
• changes in a country’s or region’s economic or political conditions, including inflation, recession, interest
rate fluctuations and actual or anticipated military conflicts;
• currency fluctuations affecting sales, particularly in the Euro and British Pound, which contribute to
variations in sales of products and services in impacted jurisdictions and also affect our reported results
expressed in U.S. dollars;
• currency fluctuations affecting costs, particularly the Euro, British Pound and the Chinese Yuan, which
contribute to variances in costs in impacted jurisdictions and also affect our reported results expressed
in U.S. dollars;
• longer accounts receivable cycles and financial instability among customers;
• trade regulations and procedures and actions affecting production, pricing and marketing of products;
• local labor conditions, customs, and regulations;
• changes in the regulatory or legal environment;
• differing technology standards or customer requirements;
• import, export or other business licensing requirements or requirements related to making foreign
direct investments, which could affect our ability to obtain favorable terms for components or lead to
penalties or restrictions;
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• difficulties associated with repatriating cash generated or held abroad in a tax-efficient manner and
changes in tax laws;
• fluctuations in freight costs and disruptions at important geographic points of exit and entry.
effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting t Pursuant to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to include in our Annual Report on Form 10-K our assess-
ment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Furthermore, our independent
registered public accounting firm is required to audit our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal
controls over financial reporting and separately report on whether it believes we maintain, in all material
respects, effective internal controls over financial reporting. Although we believe that we currently have
adequate internal controls procedures in place, we cannot be certain that future material changes to our
internal controls over financial reporting will be effective. If we cannot adequately maintain the effective-
ness of our internal controls over financial reporting, we might be subject to sanctions or investigation by
regulatory authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any such action could adversely
affect our financial results and the market price of our common stock.
changes in accounting rulest Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. These principles are subject to interpretation by various governing bodies,
including the FASB and the SEC, who create and interpret appropriate accounting standards. A change
from current accounting standards could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations.
unanticipated changes in tax provisions or income tax liabilitiest We are subject to income taxes in
the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our tax liabilities are affected by the amounts we
charge for inventory and other items in intercompany transactions. From time to time, we are subject to
tax audits in various jurisdictions. Tax authorities may disagree with our intercompany charges or other
matters and assess additional taxes. We assess the likely outcomes of these audits in order to determine
the appropriateness of the tax provision. However, there can be no assurance that we will accurately pre-
dict the outcomes of these audits, and the actual outcomes of these audits could have a material impact on
our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition our effective tax rate in the future
could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax
rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and the discovery
of new information in the course of our tax return preparation process. Furthermore, our tax provisions
could be adversely affected as a result of any new interpretative accounting guidance related to accounting
for uncertain tax positions.
general economic conditionst General economic conditions, both domestic and international, have an
impact on our business and financial results. The global economy remains uncertain. As a result, individu-
als and companies may delay or reduce expenditures. Weak global economic conditions and/or softness
in the consumer, subscription broadcasting, and/or OEM channels could result in lower demand for our
products, resulting in lower sales, earnings and cash flows.
environmental matterst Many of our products are subject to various federal, state, local and interna-
tional laws governing chemical substances in products, including laws regulating the manufacture and
distribution of chemical substances and laws restricting the presence of certain substances in electron-
ics products. With the passage of the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive,
which makes producers of electrical goods responsible for collection, recycling, treatment and disposal
of recovered products, similar restrictions in China effective March 2007 and the European Union’s Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, we could face significant costs and liabilities in complying
with these and new laws and regulations or enforcement policies that could have a material adverse effect
upon our capital expenditures, earnings or financial condition.
leased propertyt We lease all of the properties used in our business. We can give no assurance that we
will enter into new or renewal leases, or that, if entered into, the new lease terms will be similar to the
existing terms or that the terms of any such new or renewal leases will not have a significant and material
adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
technology changes in wireless controlt We currently derive substantial revenue from the sale of
wireless remote controls based on infrared (“IR”) technology. Other control technologies exist or could be
developed that could compete with IR. In addition, we develop and maintain our own database of IR and RF
codes. There are several competing IR and RF libraries offered by companies that we compete with in the
marketplace. The advantage that we may have compared to our competitors is difficult to measure. If other
wireless control technology gains acceptance and starts to be integrated into home electronics devices
currently controlled through our IR remote controllers, demand for our products may decrease, resulting
in decreased revenue, earnings and cash flow.
failure to recruit, hire, and retain key personnelt Our ability to achieve growth in the future will
depend, in part, on our success at recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly skilled engineering, managerial,
operational, sales, and marketing personnel. In addition, our corporate office, including our advance tech-
nology engineering group, is based in Southern California. The high cost of living in Southern California
makes it difficult to attract talent from outside the region and may also put pressure on overall employ-
ment related expense. Additionally, our competitors seek to recruit and hire the same key personnel.
Therefore, if we fail to stay competitive in salary and benefits within the industry it may negatively impact
our ability to hire and retain key personnel. The inability to recruit, hire, and retain qualified personnel in
a timely manner, or the loss of any key personnel, could make it difficult to meet key objectives, such as
timely and effective product introductions.
credit facilityt We amended our Credit Facility in August 2006 by extending our credit facility for an ad-
ditional three years. Presently, we have no borrowings under this facility; however, we cannot make any
assurances that we will not need to borrow amounts under this facility or that this facility will continue to
be extended and thus available to us if we need to borrow. If this or any other credit facility is not available
to us at a time when we need to borrow, we would have to use our cash reserves which could have a mate-
rial adverse effect on our earnings, cash flow and financial position.
change in competition and pricing t We rely on third-party manufacturers to build our universal wireless
control products, based on our extensive IR code library and patented technology. Price is always an issue
in winning and retaining business. If customers become increasingly price sensitive, new competition
could arise from manufacturers who decide to go into direct competition with us or from current com-
petitors who perform their own manufacturing. If such a trend develops, we could experience downward
pressure on our pricing or lose sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations.
transportation costs; impact of oil pricest We ship products from our foreign manufacturers via ocean
and air transport. It is sometimes difficult to forecast swings in demand or delays in production and, as
a result, products may be shipped via air which is more costly than ocean shipments. Often, we typically
cannot recover the increased cost of airfreight from our customers. Additionally, tariffs and other export
32
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33
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
fees may be incurred to ship products from foreign manufacturers to the customer. The inability to predict
swings in demand or delays in production can increase the cost of freight which could have a material
adverse effect on our product margins.
In addition, we have an exposure to oil prices in two forms. The first is in the prices of the oil-based ma-
terials that we use in our products, which are primarily the plastics and other components that we include
in our finished products. The second is in the cost of delivery and freight, which would be passed on by the
carriers that we use in the form of higher rates. We record freight-in as a cost of sales, and freight-out in
operating expenses. Rising oil prices may have an adverse effect on cost of sales and operating expenses.
proprietary technologiest We produce highly complex products that incorporate leading-edge technol-
ogy, including hardware, firmware, and software. Firmware and software may contain bugs that can un-
expectedly interfere with operations. There can be no assurance that our testing programs will detect all
defects in individual products or defects that could affect numerous shipments. The presence of defects
may harm customer satisfaction, reduce sales opportunities, or increase returns. An inability to cure or
repair a product defect could result in the failure of a product line, temporary or permanent withdrawal
from a product or market, damage to our reputation, increased inventory costs, or product reengineering
expenses, any of which could have a material impact on our revenues, margins and net income.
strategic Business transactionst We may, from time to time, pursue strategic alliances, joint ventures,
business acquisitions, products or technologies (“strategic business transactions”) that complement
or expand our existing operations, including those that could be material in size and scope. Strategic
business transactions involve many risks, including the diversion of management’s attention away from
day-to-day operations. There is also the risk that we will not be able to successfully integrate the strate-
gic business transaction with our operations, personnel, customer base, products or technologies. Such
strategic business transactions could also have adverse short-term effects on our operating results, and
could result in dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of debt, and the loss of key employ-
ees. In addition, these strategic business transactions are generally subject to specific accounting guide-
lines that may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. For instance,
business acquisitions must be accounted for as purchases and, because most technology-related acquisi-
tions involve the purchase of significant intangible assets, these acquisitions typically result in substantial
amortization charges and charges for acquired research and development projects, which could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations. There can be no assurance that any such strategic
business transactions will occur or, if such transactions do occur, that the integration will be successful or
that the customer bases, products or technologies will generate sufficient revenue to offset the associated
costs or effects.
selected consolidated financial Data
The following selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2006 and Decem-
ber 31, 2005, and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2006 have been derived from and should
be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included else-
where in this report. The selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2004,
December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and for the two years ended December 31, 2003 have been
derived from our audited financial statements, which are not included in this report.
i n t h O u S a n d S , e xc e p t p e r S h a r e d ata
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
y e a r e n d e d d e c e M b e r 3 1 ,
Net sales
Operating income
Net income
Earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Shares used in calculating
earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
Cash dividend declared per
common share
Gross margin
Selling, general, administrative,
research and development
expenses as a % of net sales
Operating margin
Net income as a % of net sales
Return on average assets
$ 235,846
$ 181,349
$ 158,380
$ 120,468
$ 103,891
$
$
$
$
18,517
13,520
0.98
0.94
$
$
$
$
11,677
9,701
0.72
0.69
$
$
$
$
13,540
9,114
0.67
0.65
$
$
$
$
8,573
6,267
0.46
0.45
$
$
$
$
6,981
5,939
0.43
0.42
13,818
14,432
13,462
13,992
13,567
14,100
13,703
14,007
13,790
14,163
–
36.4%
–
37.0%
–
38.9%
28.5%
30.6%
30.3%
7.9%
5.7%
8.3%
6.4%
5.4%
6.8%
8.6%
5.8%
6.8%
–
38.4%
31.3%
7.1%
5.2%
5.5%
–
40.1%
33.4%
6.7%
5.7%
6.1%
Working capital
$ 106,179
$
77,201
$
75,081
$
82,191
$
71,457
Ratio of current assets to
current liabilities
3.4
2.8
3.1
3.7
5.3
Total assets
$ 178,608
$ 146,319
$ 140,400
$ 126,167
$ 100,016
Cash and cash equivalents
$
66,075
$
43,641
$
42,472
$
58,481
Short-term investments
Long-term debt
Stockholders’ equity
Book value per share (a)
Ratio of liabilities to liabilities
and stockholders’ equity
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$ 134,217
$ 103,292
$ 103,881
$
9.58
$
7.63
$
7.66
$
$
95,171
6.89
$
$
$
$
$
18,064
22,500
41
83,237
6.17
24.9%
29.4%
26.0%
24.6%
16.8%
34
un iv er s al electronics 2 00 6 an nual report
u ni ver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nu al re por t
35
(a) Book value per share is defined as stockholders’ equity divided by common shares issued, less treasury stock
The comparability of information between 2005 and 2004 with prior years is affected by the acquisition of
SimpleDevices Inc. in the fourth quarter of 2004.
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
management’s Discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations
We have developed a broad line of pre-programmed universal wireless control products and audio-video
accessories that are marketed to enhance home entertainment systems. Our channels of distribution
include international retail, U.S. retail, private label, OEMs, cable and satellite service providers, CEDIA,
and companies in the computing industry. We believe that our universal remote control database contains
device codes that are capable of controlling virtually all infrared remote (“IR”) controlled TVs, VCRs, DVD
players, cable converters, CD players, audio components and satellite receivers, as well as most other
infrared remote controlled devices worldwide.
Beginning in 1986 and continuing today, we have compiled an extensive library that covers nearly
302,000 individual device functions and over 3,100 individual consumer electronic equipment brand names.
Our library is regularly updated with new IR codes used in newly introduced video and audio devices. All
such IR codes are captured from the original manufacturer’s remote control devices or manufacturer’s
specifications to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the database. We have also developed patented tech-
nologies that provide the capability to easily upgrade the memory of the wireless control device by adding
IR codes from the library that were not originally included. In the second quarter of 2005, we introduced a
new product named “NevoSL”®. NevoSL® is a universal controller that delivers complete audio, visual and
Wi-Fi digital media control for the networked home. In 2006, we continued to enhance our product lines by
introducing NevoStudio 2.0, an update to our software suite for NevoSL®.
From October 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004, we acquired over 99% of the outstanding shares of
SimpleDevices, Inc. (“SimpleDevices”) for approximately $12.8 million in cash, including direct acquisition
costs, plus a performance-based payment of our unregistered common stock to be paid in the first quarter
of 2007 if certain financial objectives were achieved. The performance-based payment was not reflected as
part of the purchase price as of December 31, 2006, since the performance metrics were not met.
The value we received from this acquisition relates primarily to SimpleDevices’ unique capabilities, as
well as its complete and in-process technology. SimpleDevices has developed connected-device technol-
ogy solutions that link the home computer and the Internet to existing consumer electronic devices in the
home and car. The company provides UPnP-compatible software to transform common home devices into
“connected” devices — that is, devices that can find, control and share entertainment media across a home
network. UPnP is an architecture for pervasive peer-to-peer network connectivity of intelligent appli-
ances, wireless devices and PCs of all form factors. It is designed to bring standards-based connectivity to
ad hoc or unmanaged networks, whether in the home, in a small business, in public spaces or attached to
the Internet. UPnP is a distributed, open networking architecture that leverages TCP/IP and Web technolo-
gies to enable seamless proximity networking in addition to control and data transfer among networked
devices in the home, office and public spaces.
Since acquiring SimpleDevices, we have integrated, and in certain respects improved upon, SimpleDev-
ices’ technologies with and into our own technology, resulting in the creation of new wireless control devic-
es that will allow for media control. Moreover, through this integration of technologies, we have improved
and expanded our relationships with our customers and with SimpleDevices’ customers, resulting in more
cross-selling of products and technology. In addition, we have integrated SimpleDevices’ sales, engineer-
ing and administrative functions into our own, resulting in both operational efficiencies and cost savings.
critical accounting policies anD estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial state-
ments and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going
basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance
for sales returns and doubtful accounts, warranties, inventory valuation, business combination purchase
price allocations, our review for impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets, impairment of
goodwill, income taxes and stock-based compensation expense. Actual results may differ from the esti-
mates, and these estimates may be adjusted as more information becomes available and any adjustment
could be significant.
An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on
assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different esti-
mates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur
could materially impact the financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting
policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated
financial statements.
revenue recognition t We recognize revenue on the sale of products when delivery has occurred, there
is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is
reasonably assured.
We record a provision for estimated sales returns on product sales in the same period as the related
revenues are recorded. These estimates are based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo
data and other known factors. The provision recorded for estimated sales returns and allowances is de-
ducted from gross sales to arrive at net sales in the period the related revenue is recorded.
We accrue for discounts and rebates on product sales in the same period as the related revenues are
recorded based on historical experience. Changes in such accruals may be required if future rebates and
incentives differ from our estimates. Rebates and incentives are recognized as a reduction of sales if dis-
tributed in cash or customer account credits. Rebates and incentives are recognized as cost of sales if we
provide products or services for payment.
Sales allowances reduce gross accounts receivable to arrive at accounts receivable, net in the same
period the related receivable is recorded. We have no obligations after delivery of our products other than
the associated warranties. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting
from the inability of our customers to make payments for products sold or services rendered. The allow-
ance for doubtful accounts is based on a variety of factors, including historical experience, length of time
receivables are past due, current economic trends and changes in customer payment behavior. Also, we
record specific provisions for individual accounts when we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet
its financial obligations to us, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s
operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to a customer change, our estimates of the
recoverability of the receivables would be further adjusted, either upward or downward.
We generate service revenue, which is paid monthly, as a result of providing consumer support pro-
grams to some of our customers through our call centers. These service revenues are recognized when
services are performed, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or deter-
minable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.
36
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37
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
We also license our intellectual property (including our patented technologies), trade secrets, trade-
marks, and database of infrared codes. We record license revenue when our customers ship products
incorporating our intellectual property, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exist, the sales price is
fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.
When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as software products, licenses and/or
services, we allocate revenue to each element based on its relative fair value. The fair values for the
multiple elements are determined based on vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), or the price
charged when the element is sold separately. The residual method is utilized when VSOE exists for all the
undelivered elements, but not for the delivered element. This is performed by allocating revenue to the
undelivered elements (that have VSOE) and the residual revenue to the delivered elements. When the fair
value for an undelivered element cannot be determined, we defer revenue for the delivered elements until
the undelivered elements are delivered. We limit the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements
to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services or subject to customer-
specified return or refund privileges.
We account for revenue under software licensing arrangements involving significant production, modi-
fication or customization of software in accordance with SOP 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construc-
tion-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. We recognize revenue and profit as work progresses on
long-term, fixed price contracts using the percentage-of-completion method. When applying the percent-
age-of-completion method, we rely on estimates of total expected contract revenue and labor hours which
are provided by our project managers. We follow this method because reasonably dependable estimates
of the revenue and labor applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. Recognized revenue and
profit are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Revisions to revenue and profit
estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become
known, and losses are accrued when identified.
warrantyt We warrant our products against defects in materials and workmanship arising during normal
use. We service warranty claims directly through our customer service department or contracted third-
party warranty repair facilities. Our warranty period ranges up to three years. We provide for estimated
product warranty expenses, which are included in cost of sales, as we sell the related products. Because
warranty expense is a forecast based on the best available information, primarily historical claims experi-
ence, actual claim costs may differ from the amounts provided. If a significant product defect were to be
discovered on a high volume product, our financial statements could be materially impacted. Historically,
product defects have been less than 0.5% of net sales units. Each 0.1% change in the ratio of product de-
fects to net sales units impacts the warranty reserve and cost of sales by approximately $50 thousand.
inventoriest Our inventories consist of wireless control devices, including but not limited to universal
remote controls, antennas and integrated circuits and are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
determined using the first-in, first-out method. We carry inventory in amounts necessary to satisfy our
customers’ inventory requirements on a timely basis. New product innovations and technological advances
may shorten a given product’s life cycle. We continually monitor our inventory status to control inventory
levels and dispose of any excess or obsolete inventories on hand. We write down our inventory for esti-
mated obsolescence and unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the inventory’s cost and
its estimated market value based upon our best estimates about future demand and market conditions.
If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, new technology is
developed that renders our products obsolete or significant price decreases occur in component parts,
such as integrated circuits, additional inventory write-downs may be required, which could have a material
impact on our financial statements. Our total excess and obsolete inventory reserve as of December 31,
2006 and December 31, 2005 was approximately $2.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, or 7.6% and
7.8% of total inventory. Each 1% change in the ratio of excess and obsolete inventory reserve to inventory
would impact cost of sales by approximately $300 thousand.
Business combinationst We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the
tangible and intangible assets and the liabilities assumed, as well as in-process research and development
(“IPR&D”), based on their estimated fair values. In October 2004, we purchased SimpleDevices, for approx-
imately $12.8 million, including direct acquisition costs; the purchase price has been allocated to the net
assets acquired based on estimated fair values. Such valuations require management to make significant
estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. The significant purchased intan-
gible assets recorded by us include customer contracts, developed and core technology and trade names.
Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include but are not limited to:
• future free cash flow from customer contracts, customer lists, distribution agreements, acquired devel-
oped technologies and patents;
• expected costs to develop IPR&D into commercially viable products and cash flows from the products
once they are completed;
• brand awareness and market position, as well as assumptions about the period of time the brand will
continue to be used in our product portfolio; and
• discount rates utilized in discounted cash flow models.
Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inher-
ently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
valuation of long-lived assets and intangible assetst We assess long-lived and intangible assets for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be
recoverable. Factors considered important which could trigger an impairment review if significant include
the following:
• underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results;
• changes in the manner of use of the assets;
• changes in the strategy of our overall business;
• negative industry or economic trends;
• a decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and
• a variance between our market capitalization relative to net book value.
When we determine that the carrying value of a long-lived asset or an intangible asset may not be
recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment we perform
an impairment review. If the carrying value of the asset is larger than the undiscounted cash flows, the
asset is impaired. We measure an impairment based on the projected discounted cash flow method using
a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current
business model. In assessing the recoverability, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future
cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. If these estimates or their
related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges.
38
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39
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
goodwillt We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill as of December 31 of each year and between annual
evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value
of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to:
(1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, or (3)
an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.
When performing the impairment review, we determine the carrying amount of each reporting unit by
assigning assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill, to those reporting units. A reporting unit is
defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component). A
component of an operating segment is deemed a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for
which discrete financial information is available, and segment management regularly reviews the operat-
ing results of that component. Our domestic and international operations represent components of the
Core Business Segment.
To evaluate whether goodwill is impaired, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to which the
goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine the fair
value of each reporting unit using the present value of expected future cash flows for that reporting unit.
If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount of the impairment loss must
be measured.
The impairment loss would be calculated by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying
amount. In calculating the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill, the fair value is allocated to
all of the other assets and liabilities of that unit based on their fair values. The excess of the fair value of a
reporting unit over the amount assigned to its other assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of good-
will. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied
fair value.
income taxest As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we estimate
our income taxes in each of the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating
our actual current tax expense together with assessing any temporary differences resulting from the dif-
ferent treatment of certain items, such as the timing for recognizing expenses for tax and financial report-
ing purposes. These differences may result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our
consolidated balance sheet.
We are required to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets, which include net operating
loss carryforwards and temporary differences that are expected to be deductible in future years, will be
recoverable from future taxable income or other tax planning strategies. If recovery is not likely, we must
provide a valuation allowance based on our estimates of future taxable income in the various taxing juris-
dictions and the amount of deferred taxes that are ultimately realizable.
The provision for tax liabilities involves evaluations and judgments of uncertainties in the interpretation
of complex tax regulations by various taxing authorities. In situations involving tax related uncertainties,
we provide for tax liabilities when we believe such liabilities are probable under SFAS 5, Accounting for
Contingent Liabilities. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
stock-Based compensation expenset Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition
provisions of SFAS 123R, using the modified-prospective transition method, and therefore we have not
restated prior periods’ results. Under this method, we recognize compensation expense for all share-
based awards granted after January 1, 2006 or granted prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006,
in accordance with SFAS 123R. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, we recognize
such compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures, but only for those shares expected to vest on a
straight-line basis over the service period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of three
to four years. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”) regarding the SEC’s interpretation of SFAS 123R and the valuation of share-
based compensation for public companies. We have applied the provisions of SAB 107 in our adoption of
SFAS 123R.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for options granted under these plans using the recognition
and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees, (“APB 25”) and related interpretations, as permitted by SFAS 123. Under the intrinsic-
value method of APB 25, compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at
the grant date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. We grant options with an exer-
cise price equal to the market value of the common stock on the date of grant; therefore no compensation
expense was recognized related to those options for the 2005 and 2004 fiscal years.
We issue restricted stock awards to the outside directors for services performed. Under both APB
No. 25 and SFAS No. 123R, compensation expense related to restricted stock awards is based on the fair
value of the shares awarded as of the grant date. Compensation expense for the restricted stock awards is
recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of one year. The fair value of nonvested
shares is determined based on the closing trade price of the Company’s shares on the grant date.
Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, companies may no longer account for unrecognized compensa-
tion expense related to nonvested stock awards as deferred compensation. SFAS No. 123R requires that
any existing balance of deferred compensation as of the adoption date be reclassified to additional paid-in
capital. Because the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R on the modified prospective basis, results from
prior periods have not been restated to conform to the current presentation. During the year ended 2006,
2005 and 2004, restricted shares totaling 19,375, 20,000 and 9,077 were issued, respectively.
Stock-based compensation expense is presented in the same income statement line as cash compen-
sation paid to the same employees or directors. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded
$3.1 million in pre-tax stock-based compensation expense. Included in SG&A stock-based compensation
expense is $0.3 million in pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock.
The stock-based compensation expense was attributable to the following:
i n t h O u S a n d S
Cost of sales
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
d e c e M b e r 3 1 ,
2006
26
370
2,721
3,117
$
$
40
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41
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
The total amount of stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet rec-
ognized as of December 31, 2006 was $4.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-
average life of 2.0 years. Additionally, the total amount of compensation expense related to non-vested
restricted awards not yet recognized as of December 31, 2006 was $0.2 million, which is expected to be
recognized over a weighted-average life of 6 months.
Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment
awards requires the utilization of highly subjective assumptions, including with respect to the expected
life of the share-based payment awards and stock price volatility. Management determined that historical
volatility calculated based on our actively traded common stock is a better indicator of expected volatility
and future stock price trends than implied volatility. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of
share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inher-
ent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use
different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those
shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, the amount
of stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from the amount recorded. If the for-
feiture rate decreased by 1%, stock-based compensation expense would have increased by approximately
$0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. In 2006, we granted 46,000 stock options to employees.
Due to the minimal amount of stock options granted in 2006, our stock-based compensation expense relat-
ing to these stock options will not be materially affected by changes in our assumptions.
results of operations
The following table sets forth our results of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the
periods indicated.
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Research and development expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Interest income
Other (expense) income, net
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income
2006
100.0 %
63.6
36.4
3.1
25.4
7.9
0.5
(0.2)
8.2
2.5
5.7 %
y e a r e n d e d d e c e M b e r 3 1 ,
2005
100.0 %
2004
100.0 %
63.0
37.0
3.6
27.0
6.4
0.5
1.2
8.1
2.7
61.1
38.9
3.7
26.6
8.6
0.5
(0.4)
8.7
2.9
5.4 %
5.8 %
year enDeD DecemBer 31, 2006 compareD to year enDeD DecemBer 31, 2005
consolidated t Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 were $235.8 million, an increase of 30%
compared to $181.3 million for the same period last year. Net income for 2006 was $13.5 million or $0.98
per share (basic) and $0.94 per share (diluted) compared to $9.7 million or $0.72 per share (basic) and
$0.69 per share (diluted) for 2005.
Net Sales
Business
Consumer
Total Net Sales
y e a r e n d e d d e c e M b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
$ ( M i L L i O n S )
% O f t O t a L
$ ( M i L L i O n S )
% O f t O t a L
$
$
178.8
57.0
235.8
75.8 %
24.2 %
100.0 %
$
$
126.2
55.1
181.3
69.6 %
30.4 %
100.0 %
Net sales in our Business lines (subscription broadcasting, OEM, and computing companies) were
approximately 76% of net sales for 2006 compared to approximately 70% for 2005. Net sales in our busi-
ness lines for 2006 increased by 42% to $178.8 million from $126.2 million in 2005. This increase in sales
resulted primarily from an increase in the volume of remote control sales, which was partially offset by
lower prices. The increase in remote control sales volume was attributable to the continued deployment of
advanced function set-top boxes by the service operators and market share gains with a few key subscrip-
tion broadcasting customers. These advanced functions include digital video recording (“DVR”), video-on-
demand (“VOD”), and high definition television (“HDTV”). We expect that the deployment of the advanced
function set-top boxes by the service operators will continue into the foreseeable future as penetration
for each of the functions cited continues to increase. As a result, we expect Business category revenue to
range between $195 and $205 million in 2007.
Net sales in our Consumer lines (One For All® retail, private label, custom installers, and direct import)
were approximately 24% of net sales for 2006 compared to approximately 30% for 2005. Net sales in our
consumer lines for 2006 increased by 4% to $57.0 million, from $55.1 million in 2005. Retail sales outside
North America and Europe increased by $1.2 million compared to 2005 due to a new distributor in Austra-
lia and strong sales in Argentina, Brazil and New Zealand. The increase in consumer lines net sales was
also driven by the strengthening of both the Euro and the British Pound compared to the U.S. Dollar, which
resulted in an increase in net sales of approximately $1.0 million. However, excluding the positive foreign
exchange impact, the dollar amount of European Retail sales was constant, compared to the prior year.
This increase in consumer lines net sales was also driven by our entry into the custom electronic design &
installation association (“CEDIA”) market in the second quarter of 2005, as CEDIA sales increased by $0.8
million from 2005. Partially offsetting these increases was Private Label sales, which decreased by $0.5
million, or 12%, to $3.5 million in 2006 from $4.0 million in 2005. This was due to a decline in the volume
of Kameleon sales in the United States. Additionally, United States direct import licensing and product
revenues for 2006 decreased by $0.4 million or 16%, to $2.1 million in 2006 from $2.5 million in 2005, due
to a decline in royalty revenue. We expect Consumer category revenue to range between $60 and $70 mil-
lion in 2007.
Gross profit for 2006 was $85.9 million compared to $67.1 million for 2005. Gross profit as a percent of
sales for 2006 was 36.4% compared to 37.0% for 2005. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net
sales was primarily attributable to subscription broadcast sales, which generally have a lower gross profit
42
un iv er s al electronics 2 00 6 an nual report
u ni ver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nu al re por t
43
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
rate as compared to our other sales, representing a larger percentage of our total business. The impact
of this change in mix was a 3.3% reduction in the gross profit rate. Partially offsetting this decrease in the
gross profit rate was a reduction of $1.4 million of freight expense recorded in 2006 as compared to 2005.
In 2006, there was a decrease in the percentage of units that were shipped by air. Lower freight expense
contributed to a 1.2% increase in the gross profit rate. A reduction in inventory scrap expense of $0.9
million added 0.7% to the gross profit rate. Scrap expense has declined as inventory management has im-
proved. Royalty expense increased $41 thousand, but added 0.5% to the gross profit rate. Royalty expense
is tied to Consumer sales, which have declined as a percentage of our total business. Warranty expense
decreased by $0.2 million, which added 0.2% to the profit rate. Gross profit was also favorably impacted
by the strengthening of both the Euro and British Pound compared to the U.S. Dollar, which resulted in an
increase in gross profit of approximately $0.9 million and an increase of 0.2% in the gross profit rate.
Research and development expenses increased 13% from $6.6 million in 2005 to $7.4 million in 2006.
The expensing of stock options, which was adopted on January 1, 2006 (SFAS 123R), accounted for $0.4
million of the increase. The remainder of the increase is related to development efforts with radio frequen-
cy technology using the Z-Wave platform, continued expansion of the Nevo® platform and development
efforts taking place at our San Mateo location. We expect research and development expenses to remain
near current levels for the full year 2007.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 23% from $48.9 million in 2005 to $59.9 million
in 2006. Employee performance-based bonuses increased by $4.0 million, payroll and benefits increased
by $3.5 million due to the growth of our company, expensing of stock options, which was adopted on Janu-
ary 1, 2006 (SFAS 123R), amounted to $2.4 million, travel increased $0.8 million, delivery and freight costs
increased by $0.5 million due to the increase in sales volume, advertising increased by $0.5 million, $0.4
million is attributable to tradeshows and $0.4 million due to the strengthening of both the Euro and British
Pound compared to the U.S. Dollar. These items were partially offset by lower bad debt expense, which
decreased by $1.9 million. Fiscal 2005 bad debt expense included a $1.6 million write-down for a receiv-
able due from a former European distributor. We expect that selling, general, and administrative expenses
will range between $63.6 and $67.6 million for the full year 2007.
In 2006, we recorded $1.4 million of interest income compared to $0.8 million for 2005. This increase
is due to higher money market rates and a higher average cash balance. Net interest income will range
between $1.5 and $2.0 million in 2007.
In 2006, other expense, net was $0.5 million as compared to $2.2 million of other income, net for 2005.
Approximately $0.5 million of other expense in 2006 resulted from foreign currency losses, and approxi-
mately $2.1 million of other income in 2005 resulted from foreign currency gains.
We recorded income tax expense of $5.9 million in 2006 compared to $5.0 million in 2005. Our effective
tax rate was 30.4% in 2006 compared to 33.9% in 2005. The decrease in our effective tax rate is due pri-
marily to the Netherlands’ statutory tax rate decreasing from 31.5% in 2005 to 29.6% in 2006. We estimate
that our effective tax rate will range between 30.0% and 32.0% for the full year 2007.
year enDeD DecemBer 31, 2005 compareD to year enDeD DecemBer 31, 2004
consolidated t Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $181.3 million, an increase of 15%
compared to $158.4 million for the same period last year. Net income for 2005 was $9.7 million or $0.72
per share (basic) and $0.69 per share (diluted) compared to $9.1 million or $0.67 per share (basic) and
$0.65 per share (diluted) for 2004.
Net Sales
Business
Consumer
Total Net Sales
y e a r e n d e d d e c e M b e r 3 1 ,
2005
2004
$ ( M i L L i O n S )
% O f t O t a L
$ ( M i L L i O n S )
% O f t O t a L
$
$
126.2
55.1
181.3
69.6 %
30.4 %
100.0 %
$
$
97.6
60.8
158.4
61.6 %
38.4 %
100.0 %
Net sales in our Business lines (subscription broadcasting, OEM, and computing companies) were ap-
proximately 70% of net sales for 2005 compared to 62% for 2004. Net sales in our business lines for 2005
increased by 29% to $126.2 million from $97.6 million in 2004. This increase in sales resulted primarily
from an increase in the volume of remote control sales, which was partially offset by lower prices. The in-
crease in remote control sales volume was attributable to the continued deployment of advanced function
set-top boxes by the service operators and market share gains with a few key subscription broadcasting
customers. These advanced functions include digital video recording (“DVR”), video-on-demand (“VOD”),
and high definition television (“HDTV”). Royalty revenue (revenue earned through licensing of intellectual
property) recognized in 2005 attributable to agreements signed in the fourth quarter of 2004 of $1.5 million
and the acquisition of SimpleDevices also contributed to the increase in net sales. The acquisition of Sim-
pleDevices added net sales of $0.7 million and 1% to the Business category net sales growth.
Net sales in our Consumer lines (One For All® retail, private label, custom installers, and direct import)
were approximately 30% of net sales for 2005 compared to 38% for 2004. Net sales in our consumer lines
for 2005 decreased by 9% to $55.1 million, from $60.8 million in 2004. The decrease in sales resulted
primarily from a decrease in European retail sales, which were down 11% to $43.0 million in 2005 from
$47.6 million in 2004. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower volumes in the U.K. market and the
weakening of both the Euro and the British Pound compared to the U.S. Dollar. The impact of the weaken-
ing currencies resulted in a decrease in net sales of approximately $0.6 million. Excluding the negative
foreign exchange impact, European retail sales decreased $4.0 million compared to 2004. Private label
sales decreased by 41% to $4.0 million in 2005 from $6.8 million in 2004. This was due to a decline in the
volume of Kameleon® sales. Kameleon® sales declined during 2005 compared to 2004 as a result of fewer
new product introductions. United States direct import licensing and product revenues for 2005 decreased
by 21% to $2.5 million from $3.2 million in 2004 due to a decline in the volume of Kameleon® sales. Par-
tially offsetting these decreases was our entry into the CEDIA market, in the second quarter of 2005. This
added net sales of $2.5 million and 5% to the Consumer category net sales growth as compared to 2004.
Gross profit for 2005 was $67.1 million compared to $61.6 million for 2004. Gross profit as a percent of
sales for 2005 was 37.0% compared to 38.9% for 2004. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net
sales was primarily attributable to subscription broadcast sales, which generally have a lower gross profit
rate as compared to our other sales, representing a larger percentage of our total business. The impact of
this change in mix was a 1.8% reduction in the gross profit rate. Gross profit was also negatively impacted
44
un iv er s al electronics 2 00 6 an nual report
u ni ver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nu al re por t
45
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
by an additional $1.9 million of freight expense recorded in 2005 as compared to 2004. A portion of this
increase in freight relates to sales volume; however, the majority of the increase is due to a change in rate.
In 2005, there was an increase in the percentage of units that were shipped by air versus ocean as well
as a mix shift towards subscription broadcast sales. Freight contributed to a 0.8% reduction in the gross
profit rate. Duties increased $0.6 million, as a larger percentage of units were imported. The increase in
duty expense contributed to a 0.3% reduction in the gross profit rate. Gross profit was also negatively im-
pacted by the weakening of both the Euro and British Pound compared to the U.S. Dollar, which resulted in
a decrease in gross profit of approximately $0.6 million and a reduction of 0.2% in the gross profit rate. All
other product costs, which include warranty expense, quality assurance expense, and component costs,
increased $0.7 million and reduced the gross profit rate by 0.4%. Partially offsetting these decreases in
the gross profit rate was a reduction in inventory scrap expense of $1.1 million. This reduction added 0.9%
to the gross profit rate. In addition, royalty expense declined $0.7 million due to the decline in the volume
of Kameleon® sales, which added 0.7% to the gross profit rate.
Research and development expenses increased 12% from $5.9 million in 2004 to $6.6 million in 2005.
The increase is related to our continued expansion of the Nevo® platform and development efforts taking
place at SimpleDevices. Partially offsetting these increases was a reduction in the development of audio-
video accessories for sale in our retail channel.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 16% from $42.2 million in 2004 to $48.9 million
in 2005. Approximately $2.8 million of this increase was attributable to the acquisition of SimpleDevices,
$2.0 million to payroll and benefits, $1.9 million to bad debt expense, which included a $1.6 million reserve
for a receivable due from a former European distributor, $1.2 million to delivery and freight costs caused
by the increase in volume, $0.7 million to increased tax and audit fees, $0.6 million to sales commissions,
$0.5 million to travel, $0.3 million to trade shows, $0.3 million to temporary clerical and warehouse staff,
and $0.6 million to all other selling, general, and administrative costs. These items were partially offset by
lower employee bonus expense, which decreased by $2.8 million, temporary professional staff, which de-
creased by $0.9 million, outside legal fees, which decreased by $0.4 million, and employment and recruit-
ing costs, which decreased $0.3 million.
In 2005, we recorded $0.8 million of interest income compared to $0.7 million for 2004. This increase is
due to higher money market rates.
In 2005, other income, net was $2.2 million as compared to $0.5 million of other expense, net for 2004.
Approximately $2.1 million of other income in 2005 resulted from foreign currency transaction gains
reflecting the strengthening of the US Dollar. The results for 2004 included foreign currency exchange
losses of $0.2 million. An additional $0.4 million of other expense in 2004 was the result of our write-down
of an investment in a private company.
We recorded income tax expense of $5.0 million in 2005 compared to $4.6 million in 2004. Our effective
tax rate was 33.9% in 2005, and 33.6% in 2004.
liQuiDity anD capital resources
i n t h O u S a n d S
year ended
deceMber 31, 2006
increaSe
year ended
(decreaSe) deceMber 31, 2005
increaSe
year ended
(decreaSe) deceMber 31, 2004
Cash provided by operating activities
$ 17,212
$ 3,083
$ 14,129
$ 10,138
$
3,991
Cash used for investing activities
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes
(5,068)
5,183
(1,031)
8,429
5,107
10,784
(4,037)
12,521
(16,558)
(3,246)
(5,677)
1,565
(7,046)
(4,811)
1,369
i n t h O u S a n d S
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital
deceMber 31, 2006
(decreaSe) deceMber 31, 2005
increaSe
$ 66,075
$ 22,434
$ 43,641
106,179
28,978
77,201
cash provided by operating activitiest Our principal sources of funds are from operations. Cash pro-
vided by operating activities for 2006 was $17.2 million, compared to $14.1 million and $4.0 million during
2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in cash flows from operations in 2006 compared to 2005 is pri-
marily due to an increase in net sales, which resulted in an increase in net income of 39% from $9.7 million
in 2005 to $13.5 million in 2006, as well as improvement in our days sales outstanding and overall inven-
tory management. Our days sales outstanding improved from approximately 76 days at December 31, 2005
to approximately 67 days at December 31, 2006, due primarily to strong collections from our significant
customers. In addition, despite an increase in net sales of approximately 30% from 2005 to 2006, inventory
levels remained relatively constant with the prior year.
The increase in cash flow from operations in 2005 compared to 2004 was primarily due to lower income
tax payments in 2005, increased cash collections resulting from higher net sales offset partially by an
increase in our days sales outstanding (“DSO”) and accounts payable and accrued expenses increasing by
a greater amount in 2005 versus 2004.
cash used for investing activitiest Cash used for investing activities during 2006 was $5.1 million as
compared to $4.0 million and $16.6 million during 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in cash used
for investing activities in 2005 compared to 2004 was primarily caused by the purchase of SimpleDevices in
2004 for $12.8 million.
Capital expenditures in 2006, 2005, and 2004 were $4.1 million, $3.1 million, and $2.7 million, respec-
tively. Capital expenditures relate primarily to acquiring product tooling each year and we anticipate this
trend will continue in 2007. In order to accommodate the growth of our company, we plan to renovate and
expand our corporate headquarters in early 2007. Costs of this renovation are estimated to be approxi-
mately $1.0 million and will be financed through our current operations as well as a $0.4 million tenant
improvement allowance. We are currently evaluating our existing and future information system require-
ments, and we may make a significant investment to upgrade our systems in 2007.
cash provided by (used for) financing activitiest Cash provided by financing activities during 2006 was
$5.2 million as compared to cash used for financing activities of $3.2 million and $4.8 million during 2005
and 2004, respectively. Proceeds from stock option exercises were $7.5 million during 2006, compared to
proceeds of $2.9 million and $1.9 million during 2005 and 2004, respectively. We purchased 127,326 shares
of our common stock at a cost of $2.6 million during 2006, compared to 356,285 and 494,998 shares at a
46
un iv er s al electronics 2 00 6 an nual report
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47
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
cost of $6.1 million and $6.7 million during 2005 and 2004, respectively. We hold these shares as treasury
stock, and they are available for reissue. Presently, except for using a minimal number of these treasury
shares to compensate our outside board members, we have no plans to distribute these shares, although
we may change these plans if necessary to fulfill our on-going business objectives.
Effective August 31, 2006, we amended our original Credit Facility with Comerica, extending our line of
credit through August 31, 2009. Under the amended Credit Facility, we have authority to acquire up to an
additional 2.0 million shares of our common stock in the open market. From August 31, 2006, through De-
cember 31, 2006, we purchased 96,600 shares of our common stock, leaving 1,903,400 shares available for
purchase under the Credit Facility. During 2007 we may continue to purchase shares of our common stock
if we believe conditions are favorable or to offset the dilutive effect of stock option exercises.
The amended Credit Facility provides a $15 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with Co-
merica for an additional three years, expiring on August 31, 2009. Under the Credit Facility, the interest
payable is variable and is based on the bank’s cost of funds or the LIBOR rate plus a fixed margin of 1.25%.
The interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2006 using the LIBOR Rate option plus a fixed margin of
1.25% was 6.58%. We pay a commitment fee ranging from zero to a maximum rate of 1/4 of 1% per year on
the unused portion of the credit line depending on the amount of cash investment retained with Comerica
during each quarter. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, dividend payments are allowed for up to 100%
of the prior fiscal year’s net income, to be paid within 90 days of this period’s year end. We are subject to
certain financial covenants related to our net worth, quick ratio, and net income. Amounts available for
borrowing under the Credit Facility are reduced by the outstanding balance of import letters of credit. As
of December 31, 2006, we did not have any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility or any outstand-
ing import letters of credit. Furthermore, as of December 31, 2006, we were in compliance with all finan-
cial covenants required by the Credit Facility.
Historically, our working capital needs have typically been greatest during the third and fourth quarters
when accounts receivable and inventories increase in connection with the fourth quarter holiday selling
season. At December 31, 2006, we had $106.2 million of working capital as compared to $77.2 at December
31, 2005. The increase in working capital during these periods is principally due to higher cash and ac-
counts receivable balances at December 31, 2006 compared to December 31, 2005.
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2006 and the effect these
obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.
p a y M e n t S d u e b y p e r i O d
c O n t r a c t u a L O b L i g a t i O n S i n t h O u S a n d S
tOtaL LeSS than 1 year
1-3 yearS
4-5 yearS
after 5 yearS
Operating Lease Obligations
Purchase Obligations(1)
Total
$
6,266
$
1,653
$
2,250
$
1,681
$
20,606
20,590
16
–
$ 26,872
$ 22,243
$
2,266
$
1,681
$
682
–
682
(1) Purchase obligations primarily consist of an agreement with a specific vendor to purchase approximately 80% of our integrated circuits through
December 31, 2007 from this vendor.
At December 31, 2006, we did not have any bank guarantees that provide for the bank to make payment on
our behalf in the event of our non-payment for transactions with suppliers in the ordinary course of business.
At December 31, 2006, we had approximately $6.1 million and $60.0 million of cash and cash equiva-
lents in the United States and Europe, respectively. At December 31, 2005, we had approximately $1.0 mil-
lion and $42.6 million of cash and cash equivalents in the United States and Europe, respectively.
It is our policy to carefully monitor the state of our business, cash requirements, and capital structure.
We believe that funds generated from our operations and available from our credit facility will be sufficient
to fund current business operations as well as anticipated growth at least through the end of 2007; how-
ever, there can be no assurance that such funds will be adequate for that purpose.
off Balance sheet arrangements
We do not participate in any off balance sheet arrangements.
new accounting pronouncements
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB 108”), Considering the Effects of
Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. In SAB 108,
the SEC provides guidance on considering the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current
year misstatements for the purpose of materiality assessment. SAB 108 is effective for the first fiscal year
ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 had no effect on our consolidated financial posi-
tion, results of operations or cash flows.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines
fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements for assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 ap-
plies when other accounting pronouncements require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at
fair value. Accordingly, SFAS 157 does not require new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 157 will have on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. Interpretation 48, which clarifies
Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, establishes the criterion that an individual tax position has to
meet for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in the Company’s financial statements.
On initial application, Interpretation 48 will be applied to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations
remains open. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the adoption
date will be recognized or continue to be recognized. The cumulative effect of applying Interpretation 48 will
be reported as an adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the period in which it is adopted.
Interpretation 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and will be adopted by
us on January 1, 2007. We have not been able to complete our evaluation of the impact of adopting Inter-
pretation 48 and as a result, are not able to estimate the effect the adoption will have on our financial posi-
tion and results of operations, including our ability to comply with current debt covenants.
In March 2006, the Task Force of the FASB issued EITF No. 06-3, How Taxes Collected from Customers
and Remitted to the Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is Gross ver-
sus Net Presentation). EITF 06-3 provides guidance on the presentation of taxes remitted to governmental
authorities on the income statement. The Task Force reached the conclusion that the presentation of taxes
on either a gross (included in revenue and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues) basis is an accounting
policy decision that should be disclosed pursuant to APB Opinion No. 22, Disclosures of Accounting Policies.
Any such taxes that are reported on a gross basis should be disclosed if amounts are significant. EITF 06-3
is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2006. We record revenue net of sales tax and VAT. At
the time we record revenue, sales tax and VAT charged to customers are recorded as a liability in other ac-
crued expenses. The liability is reduced when the sales tax or VAT is remitted to the local government.
48
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univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
outlook
Our focus is to build technology and products that make the consumer’s interaction with devices and
content within the home easier and more enjoyable. The pace of change in the home is increasing. The
growth of new devices, such as DVD players, PVR/DVR technologies, HDTV and home theater solutions,
to name only a few, has transformed control of the home entertainment center into a complex challenge
for the consumer. The more recent introduction and projected growth of digital media technologies in the
consumer’s life will further increase this complexity. We have set out to create the interface for the con-
nected home, building a bridge between the home devices of today and the networked home of the future.
We intend to invest in new products and technology, particularly in the connected home space, which will
expand our business beyond the control of devices to the control of and access to content, such as digital
media, to enrich the entertainment experience.
We will continue enhancing our leadership position in our core business by developing custom products
for our subscription broadcasting, OEM, retail and computing customers, growing our capture expertise in
infrared technology and radio frequency standards, adding to our portfolio of patented or patent pending
technologies and developing new platform products. We are also developing new ways to enhance remote
controls and other accessory products.
Throughout 2007, we are continuing development of our Nevo® technology, an embedded solution that
transforms an electronic display into a sophisticated and easy-to-use wireless home control and automa-
tion device. New Nevo products will help us to increase the strength we have built in our custom installa-
tion business worldwide. We are continuing to seek ways to use our technology to make the set-up and use
of control products, and the access to and control of digital entertainment within the home entertainment
network, easier and more affordable. In addition, we are working on product line extensions to our One For
All® branded products which include digital antennas, signal boosters, and other A/V accessories.
We are also seeking ways to increase our customer base worldwide, particularly in the areas of sub-
scription broadcasting, OEM and One For All® international retail. We will continue to work on strengthen-
ing existing relationships by working with customers to understand how to make the consumer interac-
tion with products and services within the home easier and more enjoyable. We intend to invest in new
products and technology to meet our customer needs now and into the future.
We will continue developing software and firmware solutions that can enable devices such as TVs,
set-top boxes, stereos, automotive audio systems and other consumer electronic products to wirelessly
connect and interact with home networks and interactive services to deliver digital entertainment and
information. This “smart device” category is emerging, and in the remainder of 2007 we look to continue to
build relationships with our customers in this category.
Throughout 2007, we will continue to evaluate acceptable acquisition targets and strategic partner-
ship opportunities in our core business lines as well as in the networked home marketplace. We caution,
however, that no assurance can be made that any suitable acquisition target or partnership opportunity
will be identified and, if identified, that a transaction can be consummated. Moreover, if consummated, no
assurance can be made that any such acquisition or partnership will profitably add to our operations.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about market risk
We are exposed to various market risks, including interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluc-
tuations. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of
these risks and the use of financial instruments to mitigate our risk exposure.
On August 31, 2006, we amended our credit facility to extend for an additional three years, expiring
on August 31, 2009. The interest payable under our revolving Credit Facility with our bank is variable and
based on either (i) the bank’s cost of funds or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus a fixed margin of 1.25%; the rate is
affected by changes in market interest rates. At December 31, 2006, we had no borrowings on our credit
facility. The interest rate in effect on the credit facility as of December 31, 2006 using the LIBOR Rate op-
tion plus a fixed margin of 1.25% was 6.58%.
At December 31, 2006 we had wholly owned subsidiaries in The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ger-
many, France, Argentina, Spain and Italy. Sales from these operations are typically denominated in local
currencies including Euros, British Pounds and Argentine Pesos, thereby creating exposure to changes
in exchange rates. Changes in local currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. Dollar and, in some
cases, to each other, may positively or negatively affect our sales, gross margins and net income. From
time to time, we enter into foreign currency exchange agreements to manage our exposure arising from
fluctuating exchange rates that affect cash flows and our reported income. Contract terms for the foreign
currency exchange agreements normally last less than nine months. We do not enter into any derivative
transactions for speculative purposes.
The value of our net balance sheet positions held in foreign currency can also be impacted by fluctuat-
ing exchange rates, as can the value of the income generated by our European subsidiaries. It is difficult
to estimate the impact of fluctuations on reported income, as it depends on the opening and closing rates,
the average net balance sheet positions held in a foreign currency and the amount of income generated in
local currency. We routinely forecast what these balance sheet positions and income generated in local
currency may be, and we take steps to minimize exposure as we deem appropriate.
The sensitivity of earnings and cash flows to the variability in exchange rates is assessed by applying an
approximate range of potential rate fluctuations to our assets, obligations and projected results of opera-
tions denominated in foreign currency. Based on our overall foreign currency rate exposure at December
31, 2006, we believe that movements in foreign currency rates could have a material affect on our financial
position. We estimate that if the exchange rates for the Euro and the British Pound relative to the U.S.
Dollar fluctuate 10% from December 31, 2006, net income and cash flows in the first quarter of 2007 would
fluctuate by approximately $0.1 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
50
un iv er s al electronics 2 00 6 an nual report
u ni ver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nu al re por t
51
univ ersa l elec tron ics f ina nc i al re vi e w t
financial statements and supplementary Data
report of inDepenDent registereD puBlic accounting firm
Board of Directors and shareholders universal electronics inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Universal Electronics Inc. as of Decem-
ber 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2006. 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 audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes ex-
amining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by manage-
ment, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material re-
spects, the consolidated financial position of Universal Electronics Inc. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
and the consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the two years in
the period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
As discussed in Note 2 and Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its
method of accounting for stock-based compensation as a result of adopting Statement of Financial Ac-
counting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, effective January 1, 2006.
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion of the basic financial statements taken
as a whole. The Schedule II is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of
the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the
audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in rela-
tion to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the effectiveness of Universal Electronics Inc.’s internal control over financial re-
porting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report
dated March 9, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
grant thornton llp
irvine, california
march 9, 2007
report of inDepenDent registereD puBlic accounting firm
to the Board of Directors and stockholders of universal electronics inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash
flows for the year ended December 31, 2004, present fairly, in all material respects, the results of opera-
tions and cash flows of Universal Electronics Inc. and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31,
2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In
addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these
statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
pricewaterhousecoopers llp
orange county, california
march 16, 2005, except for note 18,
as to which the date is march 9, 2007
52
un iv er s al electronics 2 00 6 an nual report
u ni ver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nu al re por t
53
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
consolidated Balance sheets
consolidated income statements
i n t h o u s a n D s , e x c e p t s h a r e - r e l a t e D D a t a
assets
current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Income tax receivable
Deferred income taxes
Total current assets
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Other assets
Deferred income taxes
Total assets
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued sales discounts/rebates
Accrued income taxes
Accrued compensation
Other accrued expenses
Total current liabilities
long term liabilities:
Deferred income taxes
Deferred revenue
Other long term liability
Total liabilities
commitments and contingencies
stockholders’ equity:
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
$
66,075
$
43,641
51,867
26,459
2,722
—
3,069
150,192
5,899
10,644
5,587
221
6,065
41,861
26,708
3,841
903
2,971
119,925
4,352
10,431
6,007
403
5,201
i n t h o u s a n D s , e x c e p t s h a r e - r e l a t e D D a t a
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Research and development expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Interest income
Other (expense) income, net
Income before provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
$ 178,608
$ 146,319
Shares used in computing earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
$ 235,846
$ 181,349
$ 158,380
149,970
114,222
85,876
7,412
59,947
18,517
1,401
(498)
19,420
5,900
$
13,520
$
67,127
6,580
48,870
11,677
845
2,152
14,674
4,973
9,701
$
$
0.98
0.94
$ 0.72
$ 0.69
13,818
14,432
13,462
13,992
96,800
61,580
5,865
42,175
13,540
723
(540)
13,723
4,609
9,114
0.67
0.65
13,567
14,100
$
$
$
$
20,153
$
22,731
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4,498
4,483
7,430
7,449
44,013
103
—
275
3,406
7,551
2,766
6,270
42,724
74
229
—
44,391
43,027
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 17,543,235 and
16,963,748 shares issued at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively
Paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Retained earnings
Deferred stock-based compensation
175
94,733
2,759
68,514
—
—
169
83,220
(5,265)
54,994
(163)
Less cost of common stock in treasury, 3,528,827 and 3,420,876
shares at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
166,181
132,955
(31,964)
134,217
$ 178,608
(29,663)
103,292
$ 146,319
54
Uni v ers al elect ronics 2 00 6 an nUal report
U n iver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nU al r epo rt
55
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity
in thousanDs
Balance at December 31, 2003
Comprehensive income:
Net income
Currency translation adjustment
Total comprehensive income
Shares issued for retirement plan
Purchase of treasury shares
Stock options exercised
Restricted stock grants
Shares issued to Directors
Director stock-based compensation
Tax benefit from exercise of non - qualified stock options
Balance at December 31, 2004
Comprehensive Income:
Net income
Currency translation adjustment
Total comprehensive income
Shares issued for retirement plan
Purchase of treasury shares
Stock options exercised
Restricted stock grants
Shares issued to Directors
Director stock-based compensation
Tax benefit from exercise of non - qualified stock options
Balance at December 31, 2005
Comprehensive Income:
Net income
Currency translation adjustment
Total comprehensive income
Shares issued for retirement plan
Purchase of treasury shares
Stock options exercised
Shares issued to Directors
Stock-based compensation expense under SFAS 123R
Tax benefit from exercise of non - qualified stock options
Reclassification of deferred stock-based compensation on adoption of SFAS 123(R)
common stock issueD
shares
a mount
16,405
$
164
common stock in tre a sury
shares
a mount
paiD-in
c apital
accumulateD other
comprehensive
income (loss)
retaineD
e arnings
DeferreD
stock-ba seD
compensation
comprehensive
income
total s
(2,599)
$ (17,233)
$ 75,805
$
298
$ 36,179
$
(42)
$ 95,171
29
209
1
2
9,114
3,273
(495)
(6,696)
9
76
430
1,883
349
(76)
481
431
(6,696)
1,885
—
—
222
481
(349)
222
16,643
167
(3,085)
(23,853)
78,872
3,571
45,293
(169)
103,881
31
290
2
9,701
(8,836)
(356)
(6,110)
20
300
533
2,862
326
(300)
74
853
533
(6,110)
2,864
—
—
406
853
(326)
332
16,964
169
(3,421)
(29,663)
83,220
(5,265)
54,994
(163)
$ 103,292
13,520
8,024
$ 9,114
3,273
$ 12,387
$ 9,701
(8,836)
$
865
$ 13,520
8,024
$ 21,544
29
550
1
5
(127)
(2,589)
19
288
528
7,492
(288)
3,117
827
(163)
529
(2,589)
7,497
—
3,117
827
—
$ 134,217
163
—
Balance at December 31, 2006
17,543
$
175
(3,529)
$ (31,964)
$ 94,733
$ 2,759
$ 68,514
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
56
Uni v ers al elect ronics 2 00 6 an nUal report
U n iver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nU al r epo rt
57
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
consolidated statements of cash flows
Write down of investment in private company
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisition in 2004):
i n t h o u s a n D s , e x c e p t s h a r e - r e l a t e D D a t a
Cash provided by operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Provision for doubtful accounts
Provision for inventory write-downs
Deferred income taxes
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
Shares issued for employee benefit plan
Stock-based compensation
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Write-off of in-process R&D
Accounts receivable
Inventory
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Accrued income and other taxes
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash used for investing activities:
Acquisition of equipment, furniture and fixtures
Acquisition of intangible assets
Payments for business acquired, net of cash acquired
Net cash provided by investing activities
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities:
Proceeds from stock options exercised
Treasury stock purchased
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
$
13,520
$
9,701
$
9,114
4,187
210
1,810
(637)
552
529
3,117
—
—
—
(7,120)
(280)
1,459
2,546
(2,681)
17,212
(4,057)
(1,011)
—
(5,068)
7,497
(2,589)
275
5,183
5,107
22,434
43,641
3,702
2,121
2,735
(130)
853
533
406
—
—
3
(6,966)
(7,128)
(1,207)
5,416
4,090
14,129
(3,137)
(900)
—
(4,037)
2,864
(6,110)
—
(3,246)
(5,677)
1,169
42,472
3,093
161
3,788
349
481
431
222
192
240
357
(6,386)
(7,311)
(2,490)
2,329
(579)
3,991
(2,657)
(1,147)
(12,754)
(16,558)
1,885
(6,696)
—
(4,811)
1,369
(16,009)
58,481
$
66,075
$
43,641
$
42,472
Supplemental Cash Flow Information — Income taxes paid were $8.7 million, $0.3 million, and $4.5 million
in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activitiest In 2004 we purchased over 99% of the outstanding
shares of SimpleDevices, Inc. for $12.8 million, net of cash acquired (See Notes to Consolidated Financial State-
ments-Note 22). In conjunction with the acquisition, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows:
Fair value of assets acquired
Cash paid for capital stock, net
Liabilities assumed
58
Uni v ers al elect ronics 2 00 6 an nUal report
$
13,613
12,761
$
852
notes to consolidated financial statements
note 1 t D e s c r i p t i o n o f B u s i n e s s : Universal Electronics Inc., based in Southern California, has
developed a broad line of easy-to-use, pre-programmed universal wireless control products and au-
dio-video accessories that are marketed to enhance home entertainment systems as well as software
designed to enable consumers to wirelessly connect, control and interact with an increasingly complex
home environment. Our primary markets include retail, private label, original equipment manufacturers
(“OEMs”), custom installers, cable and satellite service providers, and companies in the personal comput-
ing industry. Over the past 19 years, we have developed a broad portfolio of patented technologies and a
database of home connectivity software that we license to our customers, including many leading Fortune
500 companies. In addition, we sell our universal wireless control products and other audio/visual acces-
sories through our European headquarters in The Netherlands, and to distributors and retailers in Europe,
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Middle East, Mexico, and selected countries in Asia and Latin
America under the One For All® brand name.
As used herein, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Universal Electronics Inc. and its subsidiaries
unless the context indicates to the contrary.
note 2 t summary of sig nifi cant acco unting po lici es
principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All the intercompany accounts and significant transactions have been
eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
reclassification and segment realignment: In the third quarter of 2006, we integrated the SimpleDevices
business segment into our Core Business segment in order to more closely align our financial reporting
with our business structure. The segment integration did not impact previously reported consolidated net
revenue, income from operations, net income or net earnings per share.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the presentation utilized in the cur-
rent year ended December 31, 2006.
estimates and assumptions: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting princi-
ples generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results may differ from these estimates and judgments. On an on-going basis, we evaluate
our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for sales returns
and doubtful accounts, warranties, inventory valuation, business combinations, purchase price alloca-
tions, review for impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, contingencies, stock-
based compensation expense and income taxes. These estimates may be adjusted as additional informa-
tion becomes available and any adjustment could be significant.
revenue recognition: We recognize revenue on the sale of products when delivery has occurred, there is
persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is rea-
sonably assured. We record a provision for estimated sales returns and allowances on product sales in the
same period as the related revenues are recorded. These estimates are based on historical sales returns,
analysis of credit memo data and other known factors. The provision recorded for estimated sales returns
U n iver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nU al r epo rt
59
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
and allowances is deducted from gross sales to arrive at net sales in the period the related revenue is
recorded. Sales allowances reduce gross accounts receivable to arrive at accounts receivable, net in the
same period the related receivable is recorded. We have no obligations after the delivery of our products
other than the associated warranties (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 21). We main-
tain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers
to make payments for products sold or services rendered. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on
a variety of factors, including historical experience, length of time receivables are past due, current eco-
nomic trends and changes in customer payment behavior. Also, we record specific provisions for individual
accounts when we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, such as in
the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If
circumstances related to a customer change, our estimates of the recoverability of the receivables would
be further adjusted, either upward or downward.
We generate service revenue, which is paid monthly, as a result of providing consumer support pro-
grams to some of our customers through our call centers. These service revenues are recognized when
services are performed, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or deter-
minable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.
We also license our intellectual property (including our patented technologies), trade secrets, trade-
marks, and database of infrared codes. We record license revenue when our customers ship products
incorporating our intellectual property, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exist, the sales price is
fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.
When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as software products, licenses and/or
services, we allocate revenue to each element based on its relative fair value. The fair values for the
multiple elements are determined based on vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), or the price
charged when the element is sold separately. The residual method is utilized when VSOE exists for all the
undelivered elements, but not for the delivered element. This is performed by allocating revenue to the
undelivered elements (that have VSOE) and the residual revenue to the delivered elements. When the fair
value for an undelivered element cannot be determined, we defer revenue for the delivered elements until
the undelivered elements are delivered. We limit the amount of revenue recognition for delivered elements
to the amount that is not contingent on the future delivery of products or services or subject to customer-
specified return or refund privileges. In certain arrangements, we may provide for services that are insig-
nificant and would not affect revenue recognition.
We account for revenue under software licensing arrangements involving significant production, modi-
fication or customization of software in accordance with SOP 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construc-
tion-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. We recognize revenue and profit as work progresses on
long-term, fixed price contracts using the percentage-of-completion method. When applying the percent-
age-of-completion method, we rely on estimates of total expected contract revenue and labor hours. We
follow this method because reasonably dependable estimates of the revenue and labor applicable to various
stages of a contract can be made. Recognized revenue and profit are subject to revisions as the contract
progresses to completion. Revisions to revenue and profit estimates are charged to income in the period in
which the facts that give rise to the revision become known and losses are accrued when identified.
foreign currency translation and foreign currency transactions: The functional currency for our foreign
operations is their local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for
balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and
expense accounts using the average exchange rate during the period. The gains and losses resulting from
the translation are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment account, a component of ac-
cumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity, and are excluded from net income.
The portions of inter-company accounts receivable and accounts payable that are not intended for settle-
ment are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.
We recorded a foreign currency translation gain of $8.0 million for the twelve months ended December
31, 2006 and a foreign currency translation loss of $8.8 million and a foreign currency translation gain of
$3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The foreign currency translation
gain of $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 is due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus
the Euro. The U.S. dollar/Euro spot rate was 1.32 and 1.18 at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005,
respectively. The foreign currency translation loss of $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 is
due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. The U.S. dollar/Euro spot rate was 1.18 and 1.35
at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The foreign currency translation gain of $3.3
million for the year ended December 31, 2004 is due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. The
U.S. dollar/Euro spot rate was 1.35 and 1.26 at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.
Transaction gains and losses generated by the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on recorded
assets and liabilities denominated in a currency different from the functional currency of the applicable en-
tity are recorded in other (expense) income, net (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 15).
cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash accounts and all investments purchased
with initial maturities of three months or less. We maintain cash and cash equivalents with various financial
institutions. These financial institutions are located in many different geographic regions. We mitigate our
exposure to credit risk by placing our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions.
At December 31, 2006, we had approximately $6.1 million and $60.0 million of cash and cash equiva-
lents in the United States and Europe, respectively. At December 31, 2005, we had approximately $1.0 mil-
lion and $42.6 million of cash and cash equivalents in the United States and Europe, respectively.
inventories: Inventories consisting of wireless control devices, including universal remote controls, anten-
nas, and related component parts, are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the
first-in, first-out method and includes integrated circuits, sub-contractor costs, and freight-in. We carry
inventory in amounts necessary to satisfy our customers’ inventory requirements on a timely basis.
New product innovations and technological advances may shorten a given product’s life cycle. We
continually monitor the inventory status to control inventory levels and dispose of any excess or obsolete
inventories on hand. We write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory
equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated fair value based upon our best
estimates about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than
those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Inventory write-downs
totaled approximately $1.8 million, $2.7 million and $3.8 million in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. The
decline in inventory write-downs is due to overall improvement in inventory management.
60
Uni v ers al elect ronics 2 00 6 an nUal report
U n iver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nU al r epo rt
61
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
equipment, furniture and fixtures: Equipment, furniture and fixtures are recorded at cost. For financial
reporting purposes, depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the respective assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated
depreciation are removed from the appropriate accounts and any gain or loss is included in operating
income. We utilize a threshold of $1,000 for capitalizing individual assets and $5,000 for capitalizing bulk
assets. Additionally, these assets must have a useful life greater than one year.
Estimated useful lives consist of the following:
Tooling and Equipment
Computer Equipment
Software
Furniture and Fixtures
Leasehold Improvements
2-7 Years
3-5 Years
3-5 Years
5-7 Years
Lesser of lease term or useful life (approximately 2 to 6 years)
long-lived assets and intangible assets: Intangible assets consist principally of distribution rights, patents,
trademarks, trade names, and developed and core technologies. Capitalized amounts related to patents
represent external legal costs for the application and maintenance of patents. Intangible assets are amor-
tized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit, ranging from two to ten years.
We assess the impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important
which could trigger an impairment review include the following: (1) significant underperformance relative
to expected historical or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner or use of
the assets or strategy for the overall business and (3) significant negative industry or economic trends.
When we determine that the carrying value may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or
more of the above indicators of impairment, we conduct an impairment review. The asset is impaired if its
carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and even-
tual disposition of the asset. In assessing recoverability, we must make assumptions regarding estimated
future cash flows and other factors.
The impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. We
calculate fair value by taking the sum of the discounted projected cash flows over the assets remaining
useful life, using a discount rate commensurate with the risks inherent in our current business model.
When calculating fair value, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, discount
rates and other factors. At December 31, 2006, it was determined there was no impairment of long-lived
assets or intangible assets.
goodwill: We record the excess purchase price of net tangible and intangible assets acquired over their
estimated fair value as goodwill. We have adopted the provisions of SFAS 142, Goodwill and Intangible
Assets. Under SFAS 142, we are required to test goodwill for impairment at least annually. We evaluate
the carrying value of goodwill as of December 31 of each year and between annual evaluations if events
occur or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying
amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: (1) a significant adverse change in legal
factors or in business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, or (3) an adverse action or assessment by a
regulator. In performing the impairment review, we determine the carrying amount of each reporting unit
by assigning assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill, to those reporting units (See Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 3). A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one
level below an operating segment (referred to as a component). A component of an operating segment is
deemed a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information
is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. Our do-
mestic and international components are “reporting units” within the operating segment “Core Business”.
To evaluate whether goodwill is impaired, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to which
the goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine the
fair value of each reporting unit using the present value of their expected future cash flows. If the car-
rying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the amount of the impairment loss must be
measured. The impairment loss would be calculated by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit
goodwill to its carrying amount. In calculating the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the
fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the other assets and liabilities of that unit based on their
fair values. The excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amount assigned to its other assets and
liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying
amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
We conducted annual impairment reviews as of December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004. Based on the anal-
ysis performed we determined that the fair value exceeded its carrying amount, and therefore concluded
that there was no indication of an impairment loss.
During the fourth quarter of 2004 we purchased SimpleDevices for approximately $12.8 million in cash,
including direct acquisition costs, and a potential performance-based payment of our unregistered com-
mon stock, if certain future financial objectives were achieved.
As a result of the performance-based incentive and other factors, our chief operating decision maker
(“CODM”) reviewed SimpleDevices’ discrete operating results through the second quarter of 2006, and
SimpleDevices was defined as an “operating segment” and a “reporting unit” as well.
Effective at the end of second quarter 2006, we completed our integration of SimpleDevices’ technolo-
gies with our existing technologies, merged SimpleDevices’ sales, engineering and administrative func-
tions into our “domestic” reporting unit, and the performance-based payment related to the acquisition
expired. Commencing in the third quarter of 2006, our CODM no longer reviews SimpleDevices’ financial
statements on a stand alone basis. As a result of these activities, SimpleDevices became part of the “do-
mestic” reporting unit within our single operating segment.
income taxes: Income tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes. We account for income
taxes using the liability method. We record deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities on our balance
sheet for expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in different periods for
financial statement purposes versus tax return purposes using enacted tax rates that will be in effect
when these differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce net deferred tax assets if we
determine that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A current tax
asset or liability is recognized for the estimated taxes refundable or payable for the current year. We also
make estimates for uncertain tax provisions and record reserves, if necessary, under SFAS 5, Accounting
for Contingencies.
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capitalized software costs: We account for software development costs in accordance with SFAS No. 86,
Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed. Costs incurred
internally while creating a computer software product are expensed when incurred as research and de-
velopment until technological feasibility has been established. The Company has determined that tech-
nological feasibility for its products is established when a working model is complete. Once technological
feasibility is established, software costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to
customers and is then amortized using the greater of (i) the ratio that current gross revenues for a product
bear to the total current and anticipated future gross revenues or (ii) the straight-line method over the re-
maining estimated economic life of the product. Software development costs consist primarily of salaries,
employee benefits, supplies and materials. The straight-line amortization periods for capitalized software
costs range from 2 to 5 years.
Capitalized software costs are stated at cost net of accumulated amortization. Unamortized capital-
ized software costs were $0.1 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We
capitalized $0, $0, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.
Amortization expense related to capitalized software costs was $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively (See Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements-Note 3).
research and Development: We account for research and development costs in accordance with SFAS No. 2,
Accounting for Research and Development Costs. As such, research and development costs are expensed as
incurred and consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, supplies and materials.
advertising: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $2.2 million, $1.5 mil-
lion and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
shipping and handling fees and costs: In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF
00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. EITF 00-10 requires shipping and handling fees
billed to customers to be classified as revenue and shipping and handling costs to be either classified as
cost of sales or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements if classified elsewhere in the income
statement. We include shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling
costs associated with in-bound freight are recorded in cost of goods sold. Other shipping and handling
costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $7.0 million, $6.3 million
and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Derivatives: Our foreign currency exposures are primarily concentrated in the Euro and British Pound.
Depending on the predictability of future receivables, payables and cash flows in each operating currency,
we periodically enter into foreign currency exchange contracts with terms normally lasting less than nine
months to protect against the adverse effects that exchange-rate fluctuations may have on our foreign
currency-denominated receivables, payables and cash flows. We do not enter into financial instruments
for speculation or trading purposes. These derivatives have not qualified for hedge accounting. The gains
and losses on both the derivatives and the foreign currency-denominated balances are recorded as for-
eign exchange transaction gains or losses and are classified in other (expense) income, net. Derivatives
are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The estimated fair value of derivative financial instruments
represents the amount required to enter into similar offsetting contracts with similar remaining maturities
based on quoted market prices.
We held foreign currency exchange contracts which resulted in a net pre-tax loss of approximately $97
thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006, a net pre-tax loss of approximately $409 thousand for
the year ended December 31, 2005 and a gain of approximately $5 thousand for the year ended Decem-
ber 31, 2004. We had two foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2006, known
as participating forwards, both with a notional value of $6.25 million each. We had two foreign currency
exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2005, a forward contract with a notional value of $11.0
million that settled on January 20, 2006, and a participating forward with a notional value of $25.0 million
that settled on January 3, 2006.
In April 2006, we entered into a USD/Euro and a USD/GBP participating forward with 50% participation
rates and notional values of $6.25 million each. The strike prices of the participating forwards are $1.1865
(USD/Euro) and $1.6900 (USD/GBP). Both contracts settled on January 3, 2007. The loss on the participat-
ing forward contracts was approximately ($0.6) million at December 31, 2006, which is included in other
accrued expenses. At December 31, 2005, we had a participating forward contract with a notional value of
$25 million. We recognized a gain of $1.1 million on the aforementioned contract, which was recorded in
prepaids and other current assets as of December 31, 2005. Additionally, at December 31, 2005, we held
a USD/Euro forward contract with a notional value of $11.0 million. We recognized a gain of $93 thousand
on the aforementioned contract, which was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets as of
December 31, 2005.
stock-based compensation: Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”)
using the modified-prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense
recognized for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes: (a) compensation expense for all share-based
awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006 based on the grant date fair value esti-
mated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123 and (b) compensation expense for all share-
based awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant-date fair value estimated in
accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. Results for prior periods have not been restated. We rec-
ognize such compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the service
period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of three to four years. Prior to January 1,
2006, we accounted for options granted under our plans using the intrinsic value method under Accounting
Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, (“APB 25”) and related
interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”). In
March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107
(“SAB 107”) regarding the SEC’s interpretation of SFAS 123R and the valuation of share-based compensa-
tion for public companies. We have applied the provisions of SAB 107 to our adoption of SFAS 123R.
We use the Black Scholes option pricing model to measure the stock-based compensation expense.
The assumptions used in the Black Scholes model includes the following: weighted average fair value of
grant, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected life in years.
new accounting pronouncements: In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108
(“SAB 108”), Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current
Year Financial Statements. In SAB 108, the SEC provides guidance on considering the effects of prior year
misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of materiality assessment. SAB
108 is effective for the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 had no
effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines
During the fourth quarter of 2004 we purchased SimpleDevices for approximately $12.8 million in cash,
fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements for assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 ap-
plies when other accounting pronouncements require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at
fair value. Accordingly, SFAS 157 does not require new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 157 will have on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. Interpretation 48, which clarifies
Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, establishes the criterion that an individual tax position has to
meet for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in the Company’s financial statements.
On initial application, Interpretation 48 will be applied to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations
remains open. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the adoption
date will be recognized or continue to be recognized. The cumulative effect of applying Interpretation 48 will
be reported as an adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the period in which it is adopted.
Interpretation 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and will be adopted by
us on January 1, 2007. We have not been able to complete our evaluation of the impact of adopting Inter-
pretation 48 and as a result, are not able to estimate the effect the adoption will have on our financial posi-
tion and results of operations, including our ability to comply with current debt covenants.
In March 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force of the FASB issued EITF No. 06-3, How Taxes Collected
from Customers and Remitted to the Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement
(That is Gross versus Net Presentation). EITF 06-3 provides guidance on the presentation of taxes remitted
to governmental authorities on the income statement. The Task Force reached the conclusion that the
presentation of taxes on either a gross (included in revenue and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues)
basis is an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed pursuant to APB Opinion No. 22, Disclosures
of Accounting Policies. Any such taxes that are reported on a gross basis should be disclosed if amounts
are significant. EITF 06-3 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2006. We record revenue net
of sales tax and VAT. At the time we record revenue, sales tax and VAT charged to customers are recorded
as a liability in other accrued expenses. The liability is reduced when the sales tax or VAT is remitted to the
local government.
note 3 t Goodwi ll a nd inta ngible assets
Under the requirements of SFAS 142, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, the unit of accounting for goodwill is at
a level of reporting referred to as a “reporting unit.” SFAS 142 defines a reporting unit as either (1) an oper-
ating segment - as defined in SFAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information
or (2) one level below an operating segment - referred to as a component. Our domestic and international
components are “reporting units” within our one operating segment “Core Business.” Goodwill is reviewed
for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year. Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment
between annual tests, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce
the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.
including direct acquisition costs, and a potential performance-based payment of our unregistered com-
mon stock, if certain future financial objectives were achieved.
As a result of the performance-based incentive and other factors, our chief operating decision maker
(“CODM”) reviewed SimpleDevices’ discrete operating results through the second quarter of 2006, and
SimpleDevices was defined as an “operating segment” and a “reporting unit” as well.
Effective at the end of second quarter 2006, we completed our integration of SimpleDevices’ technolo-
gies with our existing technologies, merged SimpleDevices’ sales, engineering and administrative func-
tions into our “domestic” reporting unit, and the performance-based payment related to the acquisition
expired. In addition our CODM no longer reviews SimpleDevices’ financial statements on a stand alone
basis, commencing in the third quarter of 2006. As a result of these activities, SimpleDevices became part
of the “domestic” reporting unit within our single operating segment.
Goodwill for the domestic operations was generated from the acquisition of a remote control company
in 1998 and the acquisition of a software and firmware solutions company, SimpleDevices, in 2004. Good-
will for international operations resulted from the acquisition of remote control distributors in the UK in
1998, Spain in 1999 and France in 2000.
Goodwill information for domestic and international components is as follows:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Goodwill
Domestic
International(1)
Total Goodwill
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
$ 8,314
2,330
$ 10,644
$ 8,314
2,117
$ 10,431
(1) The difference in international goodwill reported at December 31, 2006, as compared to the goodwill reported at December 31, 2005, was the
result of fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates used to translate the balance into U.S. dollars.
Besides goodwill, our intangible assets consist principally of distribution rights, patents, trademarks,
purchased technologies and capitalized software costs. Capitalized amounts related to patents represent
external legal costs for the application and maintenance of patents. Intangible assets are amortized using
the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit, ranging from two to ten years.
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Information regarding our intangible assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are listed below:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Carrying amount:
Distribution rights (10 years)
Patents (10 years)
Trademark and trade names (10 years)
Developed and core technology (5 years)
Capitalized software (2 years)
Other (5-7 years)
Total carrying amount
Accumulated amortization:
Distribution rights
Patents
Trademark and trade names
Developed and core technology
Capitalized software
Other
Total accumulated amortization
Net carrying amount:
Distribution rights
Patents
Trademark and trade names
Developed and core technology
Capitalized software
Other
Total net carrying amount
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
$
379
$
340
5,605
840
2,410
898
370
4,726
885
2,410
898
372
$ 10,502
$ 9,631
$
50
2,221
189
1,475
813
167
$
45
1,816
118
993
559
93
$ 4,915
$ 3,624
$
329
3,384
651
935
85
203
$
295
2,910
767
1,417
339
279
$ 5,587
$ 6,007
Amortization expense, including the amortization of capitalized software, which is recorded to cost of
sales, for 2006, 2005, and 2004 was approximately $1.5 million, $1.4 million, and $0.9 million, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense for existing intangible assets and capitalized software for each of the five
succeeding years ending December 31 and thereafter are as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Thereafter
The weighted average amortization period of intangible assets is 8.5 years.
$ 1,253
1,129
1,029
729
647
800
$ 5,587
note 4 t acco unts r e cei vab le
Accounts receivable consisted of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Trade receivable, gross
Note receivable(1)
Other (2)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for sales returns
Accounts receivable, net
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
$ 55,726
$ 45,732
200
437
(2,602)
(1,894)
—
—
(2,296)
(1,575)
$ 51,867
$ 41,861
(1) In April 1999, we provided a non-recourse interest bearing secured loan to our chief executive officer. The note is due by December 15, 2007 and
has been classified as a current asset. (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 20).
(2) Other receivable as of December 31, 2006, consisted primarily of a tenant improvement allowance provided by our landlord for the renovation and
expansion of our corporate headquarters in Cypress, California. Construction will begin in 2007, and completion is expected to occur by the end of
2007. The tenant improvement allowance will be paid upon completion of construction.
sales returns: We record a provision for estimated sales returns and allowances on product sales in the
same period as the related revenues are recorded. These estimates are based on historical sales returns,
analysis of credit memo data and other known factors. The provision recorded for estimated sales returns
and allowances is deducted from gross sales to arrive at net sales in the period the related revenue is
recorded. Sales allowances reduce gross accounts receivable to arrive at accounts receivable, net in
the same period the related receivable is recorded. Our contractual sales return periods range up to six
months. We have no other obligations after delivery of our products other than the associated warranties.
allowance for Doubtful accounts: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do
not bear interest. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of losses resulting from the in-
ability of our customers to make their required payments. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts
based on a variety of factors, including historical experience, length of time receivables are past due, cur-
rent economic trends and changes in customer payment behavior. Also, we record specific provisions for
individual accounts when we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us,
such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial
position. If circumstances related to a customer change, our estimates of the recoverability of the receiv-
ables would be further adjusted, either upward or downward.
The following changes occurred in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended Decem-
ber 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:
( i n t h o u s a n D s )
Year Ended December 31, 2006
Year Ended December 31, 2005
Year Ended December 31, 2004
b a l a n c e a t
b e g i n n i n g
o f p e r i o D
$ 2,296
$ 1,130
$ 2,565
a D D i t i o n s
c h a r g e D t o
c o s t s a n D
e x p e n s e s
$
210
$ 2,121
$
161
f x e f f e c t /
( W r i t e - o f f s )
b a l a n c e a t
e n D o f p e r i o D
$
$
$
96
(955)
(1,596)
$ 2,602
$ 2,296
$ 1,130
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note 5 t inventories
Inventory, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Components
Finished goods
Reserve for inventory obsolescence
Inventory, net
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
$ 6,101
22,537
(2,179)
$ 26,459
2005
$ 5,508
23,474
(2,274)
$ 26,708
During 2006, we recorded a charge to reduce our finished good inventories by $0.4 million ($0.2 million
after tax) for an error in our standard cost as of December 31, 2005. We believe the amounts are not mate-
rial to the current or prior year.
note 6 t equipment, furniture a nd fixtures
Equipment, furniture and fixtures consisted of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Tooling
Computer equipment
Software
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements
Machinery and equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Equipment, furniture and fixtures, net
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
$ 8,538
$ 5,977
3,131
1,858
1,459
1,212
728
16,926
(11,027)
$ 5,899
2,861
1,027
1,322
1,104
1,250
13,541
(9,189)
$ 4,352
Depreciation expense, including tooling depreciation, which is recorded in cost of goods sold, was $2.7
million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
note 7 t revolving credit line
Effective August 31, 2006, we amended our original Credit Facility with Comerica Bank (“Comerica”),
extending our line of credit through August 31, 2009. The amended Credit Facility provides a $15 million
unsecured revolving credit agreement with Comerica for an additional three years. Under the Credit Facil-
ity, the interest payable is variable and is based on the bank’s cost of funds or the LIBOR rate plus a fixed
margin of 1.25%. The interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2006 using the LIBOR Rate option plus a
fixed margin of 1.25% was 6.58%. We pay a commitment fee ranging from zero to a maximum rate of 1/4 of
1% per year on the unused portion of the credit line depending on the amount of cash investment retained
with Comerica during each quarter. At December 31, 2006, the commitment rate was 0.25%. Under the
terms of the Credit Facility, dividend payments are allowed for up to 100% of the prior fiscal year’s net
income, to be paid within 90 days of the current period’s year end. We are subject to certain financial cov-
enants related to our net worth, quick ratio, and net income. Amounts available for borrowing under the
Credit Facility are reduced by the outstanding balance of import letters of credit. As of December 31, 2006,
we did not have any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility or any outstanding import letters of
credit. Furthermore, as of December 31, 2006, we were in compliance with all financial covenants required
by the Credit Facility.
Under the amended Credit Facility, we have authority to acquire up to an additional 2.0 million shares of our
common stock in the open market. From August 31, 2006, through December 31, 2006, we purchased 96,600
shares of our common stock, leaving 1,903,400 shares available for purchase under the Credit Facility.
note 8 t o the r accr ued e xpe nse s
The components of other accrued expenses at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are listed below:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Accrued sales and VAT taxes
Accrued freight
Deferred revenue
Accrued advertising and marketing
Accrued warranties
Other
Other Accrued Expenses
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
$ 1,444
1,346
841
558
416
2005
$ 1,325
1,041
762
566
414
2,844
$ 7,449
2,162
$ 6,270
note 9 t financi al instr ume nts
Our financial instruments consist primarily of investments in cash and cash equivalents, accounts receiv-
able, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying value of these instruments approximate fair
value due to their short maturities.
note 10 t stoc kho lde rs’ e quity
fair price provisions and other anti-takeover measures: Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, contains certain provisions restricting business combinations with interested stockholders
under certain circumstances and imposing higher voting requirements for the approval of certain transac-
tions (“fair price” provisions). Any of these provisions could delay or prevent a change in control. The “fair
price” provisions require that holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of voting stock ap-
prove certain business combinations and significant transactions with interested stockholders.
treasury stock: During 2006, 2005 and 2004, we repurchased 127,326, 356,285 and 494,998 shares of
common stock, respectively on the open market at a cost of $2.6 million, $6.1 million and $6.7 million,
respectively. These shares were recorded as shares held in treasury at cost. The shares will generally be
held by us for future use as management and the Board of Directors deem appropriate, including the com-
pensation of our outside directors. During 2006, 2005 and 2004 shares totaling 19,375, 20,000 and 9,077,
respectively, were issued to the outside directors.
stock awards to outside Directors: On July 11, 2001, as compensation for the outside directors for the three
year period commencing July 1, 2001, we granted each director shares of our common stock with a fair
market value equivalent to approximately $278,833, based on the market price on the date of grant. These
shares were recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity and were amortized over their
three-year vesting period. Each calendar quarter, 1/12 of the total stock award vested and the shares were
distributed provided the director served the entire calendar quarter term. Amortization expense amounted
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to $42,012 in 2004. The stock awards to the directors were fully amortized as of June 30, 2004.
On July 1, 2004, as compensation for the outside directors for the one year period commencing July 1,
2004, we granted each director 5,000 shares of our common stock with an aggregate fair market value of
approximately $348,523, based on the market price on the date of grant. On July 30, 2004, we filed an S-8
Registration Statement covering all of the shares issued under this plan. These shares were recorded in a
separate component of stockholders’ equity and were amortized over their 1-year vesting period. Each cal-
endar quarter, 1/4 of the total stock award vested and the shares were distributed. Amortization expense
amounted to $168,700 and $179,823 in 2005 and 2004, respectively. The stock awards to the directors were
fully amortized as of June 30, 2005.
On July 1, 2005, as compensation for the outside directors for the one year period commencing July 1,
2005, we granted each director 5,000 shares of our common stock with an aggregate fair market value of
approximately $325,800, based on the market price on the date of grant. These shares have been recorded
in a separate component of stockholders’ equity and are being amortized over their 1-year vesting period.
Each calendar quarter, 1/4 of the total stock award will vest and the shares will be distributed provided
the director has served the entire calendar quarter term. Amortization expense amounted to $162,900 and
$162,900 in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
On July 1, 2006, as compensation for the outside directors for the one year period commencing July 1,
2006, we granted three directors 5,000 shares of our common stock each, with an aggregate fair market
value of approximately $272,100, based on the market price on the date of grant. This cost is being amor-
tized over their 1-year vesting period. Each calendar quarter, 1/4 of the total stock award will vest and the
shares will be distributed provided the director has served the entire calendar quarter term. Amortization
expense for shares granted on July 1, 2006 amounted to $136,050 in 2006. On August 14, 2006 an additional
outside director joined our Board of Directors. We granted him 4,375 shares of our common stock, with a
fair market value of approximately $79,406, based on the market price on the date of grant, which is being
amortized ratably over 10.5 months through June 30, 2007. On October 23, 2006, an additional outside
director joined our Board of Directors. We granted him 3,438 shares of our common stock, with a fair
market value of approximately $72,679, based on the market price on the date of grant, which is also being
amortized ratably through June 30, 2007. Amortization expense related to shares granted on August 14,
2006 and October 23, 2006, is $34,031 and $19,829, respectively. The total amortization expense related to
shares granted to our Board of Directors was $352,810 for the year ended December 31, 2006.
note 11 t stoc k options
stock-based compensation expense: At December 31, 2006, we have the stock-based employee compensa-
tion plans described below. The total compensation expense before taxes related to these plans was $2.8
million in fiscal 2006. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for options granted under our plans using the
intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Is-
sued to Employees, (“APB 25”). Under the intrinsic-value based method of APB 25, compensation cost is the
excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date over the amount an employee must
pay to acquire the stock. We grant options with an exercise price equal to the market value of the common
stock on the date of grant; therefore, no compensation expense was recognized related to those options for
the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”) using the modified-pro-
spective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation expense recognized for the year
ended December 31, 2006 includes: (a) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted prior to,
but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the
original provisions of SFAS 123 and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subse-
quent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions
of SFAS 123R. We recognize such compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures over the service
period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of three to four years. We estimated the an-
nual forfeiture rate for our executives and board of directors group and non-executive employees group to
be 2.41% and 5.95%, respectively, as of December 31, 2006, based on historical experience.
As a result of adopting SFAS 123R, the impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements for income be-
fore income taxes and net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $2.8 million and $1.8 million
lower, respectively, than if we had continued to account for stock-based compensation under APB 25. The
impact on both basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $0.13 and
$0.12 per share, respectively. In addition, prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, we presented the tax benefit
of stock option exercises as operating cash flows. Upon the adoption of SFAS 123R, tax benefits result-
ing from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options are classified as
financing cash flows. In the year ended December 31, 2006, approximately $275 thousand of tax benefits
resulted from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we provided pro forma disclosures in accordance with SFAS No. 148, Account-
ing for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, as if the fair value method had been adopted as
defined by SFAS 123. Under SFAS 123, compensation expense is computed based on the fair value of the
stock options granted and is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide
service in exchange for the award. The fair value of the options granted was determined at the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.
SFAS 123R requires that we continue to provide the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS 123 for
all periods presented in which share-based payments to employees are accounted for under APB 25. The
following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share as of December 31, 2005
and December 31, 2004, respectively, as if we applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to
share-based employee compensation.
i n t h o u s a n D s , e x c e p t p e r s h a r e a m o u n t s
Net income as reported
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense
included in reported net income, net of related tax effects
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined
under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
Pro forma net income
Basic earnings per share:
As reported
Pro forma
Diluted earnings per share:
As reported
Pro forma
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2005
2004
$ 9,701
$ 9,114
268
147
(2,792)
$ 7,177
(2,374)
$ 6,887
$
$
$
$
0.72
0.53
0.69
0.51
$
$
$
$
0.67
0.51
0.65
0.49
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Stock-based compensation expense is presented in the same income statement line as cash compen-
sation paid to the same employees or directors. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded
$3.1 million in pre-tax stock-based compensation expense. Included in SG&A stock-based compensation
expense is $0.3 million in pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock.
The stock-based compensation expense was attributable to the following:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Cost of sales
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Total stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
26
370
2,721
3,117
$
$
The total amount of compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized as of Decem-
ber 31, 2006 was $4.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average life of 2.0 years.
In light of the new accounting guidance under SFAS 123R, beginning in the first quarter of 2006, we
re-evaluated the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted to employees in 2006. As
part of this assessment, management determined that historical volatility calculated based on our actively
traded common stock is a better indicator of expected volatility and future stock price trends than implied
volatility. Therefore, we continued to use historical volatility to determine expected volatility. We calcu-
late expected volatility using historical volatility of our common stock over a period of time equal to the
expected term of the stock option.
As part of SFAS 123R adoption, we examined the historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to
determine if there were any discernable activity patterns based on certain employee classifications. From
this analysis, we identified two employee classifications: (1) Executive and Board of Directors and (2) Non-
Executives. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the options for each of the employee
classifications. The table below presents the weighted average expected life in years. The expected life
computation is based on historical exercise patterns and post-vesting behavior within each of the two
classifications identified. The interest rate for any period within the expected contractual life of the awards
is based on the prevailing U.S. Treasury note rate for the applicable expected term.
We also estimated the annual forfeiture rate for our executives & board of directors and non-executive
employees to be 2.41% and 5.95% as of December 31, 2006, respectively, based on historical experience.
The fair value of share-based payment awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model with the following assumptions and weighted average fair values:
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 , ( 1 )
2006
2005
2004
Weighted average fair value of grants
$
7.50
$
9.28
$
7.94
Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Expected life in years
4.72%
39.27%
4.89
3.73%
58.35%
5.00
3.01%
65.51%
5.00
(1) The fair value calculation was based on stock options granted during the respective period. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we granted
30,000 stock options to an executive employee and 16,000 stock options to non-executive employees.
The following is a summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2006:
n u m b e r o f
o p t i o n s
( i n 0 0 0 ’ s )
W e i g h t e D -
a v e r a g e
e x e r c i s e
p r i c e
W e i g h t e D -
a v e r a g e
r e m a i n i n g
c o n t r a c t u a l
t e r m ( i n y e a r s )
a g g r e g a t e
i n t r i n s i c
v a l u e
( i n 0 0 0 ’ s )
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited/cancelled/ expired
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2006
Exercisable at December 31, 2006
3,151
46
(550)
(167)
2,480
2,411
1,848
$
$
$
$
13.70
18.15
13.58
16.08
13.73
13.64
12.91
$
3,036
$ 18,096
$
17,783
$ 14,994
5.51
5.43
4.67
During 2006, common stock options were modified due to an employee’s death, resulting in 2,875 un-
vested stock options becoming fully vested. The incremental stock-based compensation expense resulting
from the modification was $13,401.
Cash received from option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $7.5 million. The actual
tax benefit realized from option exercises of the share-based payment awards was $0.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 2006.
The following is a summary of stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:
Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Expired and/or forfeited
Outstanding at end of year
Options exercisable at year end
2005
2004
W e i g h t e D
a v e r a g e
( i n 0 0 0 ’ s ) e x e r c i s e p r i c e
s h a r e s
s h a r e s
( i n 0 0 0 ’ s )
W e i g h t e D
a v e r a g e
e x e r c i s e p r i c e
3,039
631
(290)
(229)
3,151
1,943
$
$
$
12.79
17.40
9.89
15.33
13.70
12.94
2,662
702
(209)
(116)
3,039
1,828
$
$
$
12.32
13.94
9.10
15.95
12.79
12.58
During 2005, common stock options were modified for two employees. One modification was part of a
severance agreement and the other modification resulted from an employee’s death. The total number of
options modified was 20,500, which resulted in new measurement dates. The difference between the ex-
ercise price and the fair value of the common stock on the new measurement dates for the options totaled
$73,863. As a result, $73,863 was charged to non-cash stock-based compensation.
During 2004, no common stock options were modified.
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Nonvested restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2006 and changes during 2006 were as follows:
Nonvested at December 31, 2005
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2006
s h a r e s
g r a n t e D
( i n 0 0 0 ’ s )
10
23
(20)
—
13
W e i g h t e D -
a v e r a g e
g r a n t D a t e
f a i r v a l u e
$
16.29
18.59
17.37
—
$
18.74
The total amount of compensation expense related to non-vested restricted awards not yet recognized
as of December 31, 2006 was $0.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average life
of 6 months.
stock incentive plans
1993 stock incentive plan: On January 19, 1993, the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan (“1993 Plan”) was approved.
Under the 1993 Plan, 400,000 shares of common stock are reserved for the granting of incentive and
other stock options to officers, key employees and non-affiliated directors. The 1993 Plan provided for the
granting of incentive and other stock options through January 18, 2003. All options outstanding at the time
of termination of the 1993 Plan shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. The
option price for incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options will not be less than the fair market
value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but
no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option is granted. The 1993 Plan also
provides for the award of stock appreciation rights subject to terms and conditions specified by the Com-
pensation Committee. No stock appreciation rights have been awarded under this 1993 Plan. There are no
remaining options available for grant under the 1993 Plan. There are 17,400 shares outstanding under this
plan as of December 31, 2006.
1995 stock incentive plan: On May 19, 1995, the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (“1995 Plan”) was approved.
Under the 1995 Plan, 800,000 shares of common stock were available for distribution to our key officers,
employees and non-affiliated directors. The 1995 Plan provided for the issuance of stock options, stock
appreciation rights, performance stock units, or any combination thereof through May 18, 2005, unless
otherwise terminated by resolution of our Board of Directors. The option prices for the stock options were
equal to the fair market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee shall determine when
each option is to expire, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option is
granted. No stock appreciation rights or performance stock units have been awarded under this 1995 Plan.
There are no remaining options available for grant under the 1995 Plan. There are 72,000 shares outstand-
ing under this plan as of December 31, 2006.
1996 stock incentive plan: On December 1, 1996, the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (“1996 Plan”) was approved.
Under the 1996 Plan, 800,000 shares of common stock are available for distribution to our key officers and
employees. The 1996 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, perfor-
mance stock units, or any combination thereof through November 30, 2007, unless otherwise terminated
by the resolution of our Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options will be equal to the fair
market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee shall determine when each option is to
expire, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option is granted. No stock
appreciation rights or performance stock units have been awarded under this 1996 Plan. There are no
remaining options available for grant under the 1996 Plan. There are 25,334 shares outstanding under this
plan as of December 31, 2006.
1998 stock incentive plan: On May 27, 1998, the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (“1998 Plan”) was approved.
Under the 1998 Plan, 630,000 shares of common stock are available for distribution to our key officers and
employees. The 1998 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, perfor-
mance stock units, or any combination thereof through May 26, 2008, unless otherwise terminated by
resolution of our Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options will not be less than the fair
market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee shall determine when each option is to
expire, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option is granted. No stock
appreciation rights or performance stock units have been awarded under this 1998 Plan. There are 1,500
remaining options available for grant under the 1998 Plan. There are 358,404 shares outstanding under
this plan as of December 31, 2006.
1999 stock incentive plan: On January 27, 1999, the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (“1999 Plan”) was approved.
Under the 1999 Plan, 630,000 shares of common stock are available for distribution to our key officers and
employees. The 1999 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, perfor-
mance stock units, or any combination thereof through January 26, 2009, unless otherwise terminated by
resolution of our Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options will not be less than the fair
market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee shall determine when each option is to
expire, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option is granted. No stock
appreciation rights or performance stock units have been awarded under this 1999 Plan. There are 4,500
remaining options available for grant under the 1999 Plan. There are 146,444 shares outstanding under
this plan as of December 31, 2006.
1999a stock incentive plan: On October 7, 1999, the 1999A Nonqualified Stock Plan (“1999A Plan”) was ap-
proved and on February 1, 2000, the 1999A Plan was amended. Under the 1999A Plan, 1,000,000 shares of
common stock are available for distribution to our key officers and employees. The 1999A Plan provides
for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock units, or any combination
thereof through October 6, 2009, unless otherwise terminated by resolution of our Board of Directors.
The option price for the stock options will not be less than the fair market value at the date of grant. The
Compensation Committee shall determine when each option is to expire, but no option shall be exercis-
able more than ten years after the date the option is granted. No stock appreciation rights or performance
stock units have been awarded under this 1999A Plan. There are 45,562 remaining options available for
grant under the 1999A Plan. There are 417,091 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2006.
2002 stock incentive plan: On February 5, 2002, the 2002 Nonqualified Stock Plan (“2002 Plan”) was ap-
proved. Under the 2002 Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock are available for distribution to our key
officers and employees. The 2002 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation
rights, performance stock units, or any combination thereof through February 4, 2012, unless other-
wise terminated by resolution of our Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options will not be
less than the fair market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee shall determine when
each option is to expire, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option
is granted. No stock appreciation rights or performance stock units have been awarded under this 2002
Plan. There are 14,497 remaining options available for grant under the 2002 Plan. There are 716,739
shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2006.
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2003 stock incentive plan: On June 18, 2003, the 2003 Nonqualified Stock Plan (“2003 Plan”) was approved.
Under the 2003 Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock are available for distribution to our key offi-
cers and employees. The 2003 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights,
performance stock units, or any combination thereof through June 17, 2013, unless otherwise terminated
by resolution of our Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options will not be less than the
fair market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee shall determine when each option is
to expire, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option is granted. No
stock appreciation rights or performance stock units have been awarded under this 2003 Plan. There are
196,938 remaining options available for grant under the 2003 Plan. There are 726,937 shares outstanding
under this plan as of December 31, 2006.
2006 stock incentive plan: On June 13, 2006, the 2006 Nonqualified Stock Plan (“2006 Plan”) was approved.
Under the 2006 Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock are available for distribution to our key offi-
cers and employees. The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights,
performance stock units, or any combination thereof through June 12, 2016, unless otherwise terminated
by resolution of our Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options will not be less than the
fair market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee shall determine when each option is
to expire, but no option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the option is granted. No
stock options, stock appreciation rights or performance stock units have been awarded under this 2006
Plan. There are 1,000,000 remaining options available for grant under the 2006 Plan. There are no shares
outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2006.
Vesting periods for the above referenced stock incentive plans range from three to four years.
It is our policy to retain our earnings to support the growth of the Company. Additionally, we may retain
earnings to repurchase shares of our common stock, when conditions are favorable.
Significant option groups outstanding at December 31, 2006 and the related weighted average exercise
price and life information are listed below:
o p t i o n s o u t s t a n D i n g
o p t i o n s e x e r c i s a b l e
range of exercise prices
$ 3.47 to $ 4.97
5.81 to
8.45 to
7.50
9.83
10.92 to
13.08
14.85 to 22.06
$ 3.47 to $ 22.06
number
outstanDing WeighteD-average WeighteD-average
exercise
at 12/31/06 remaining years of
price
contractual life
(in 000’s)
162
127
347
573
1,271
2,480
1.72
2.01
5.89
5.38
6.29
5.51
$
4.95
7.25
8.68
11.94
17.67
number WeighteD-average
exercise
price
(in 000’s)
exercisable
at 12/31/06
(in 000’s)
162
127
346
407
806
$
4.95
7.25
8.67
11.68
17.83
$
13.73
1,848
$
12.91
note 12 t signific ant customers and suppl ier s
significant customer: We had sales to one significant customer who contributed more than 10% of total
net sales. Sales made to this customer were $28.3 million, $22.2 million, and $17.5 million represent-
ing 12.0%, 12.2%, and 11.0% of our total net sales for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively. Trade receivables with this customer amounted to $3.1 million and $2.1 million or 5.9% and
5.1% of our total accounts receivable at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition, we had
sales to a customer and its sub-contractors that, when combined, totaled $41.6 million, $30.0 million, and
$16.4 million, accounting for 17.7%, 16.6%, and 10.4% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively. Trade receivables with this customer and its sub-contractors amounted to
$6.2 million and $3.3 million, or 12.0% and 7.8%, of our total accounts receivable at December 31, 2006 and
2005, respectively. The future loss of these customers or any key customer, either in the United States or
abroad, due to the financial weakness or bankruptcy of any such customer or our inability to obtain orders
or maintain our order volume with our major customers, may have an adverse effect on our financial con-
dition, results of operations and cash flows.
significant suppliers: Most of the components used in our products are available from multiple sources.
We have elected to purchase integrated circuits (“IC”), used principally in our wireless control products,
from two main sources. Purchases from one supplier amounted to more than 10% of total inventory pur-
chases. Purchases from this major supplier amounted to $14.2 million, $9.2 million and $7.8, representing
10.5%, 8.8% and 8.6%, respectively, of total inventory purchases for the years ended December 31, 2006,
2005 and 2004. Accounts payable with the aforementioned supplier amounted to $0.4 million and $1.1 mil-
lion, representing 2.0% and 4.7%, respectively, of total accounts payable at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
For the year ended December 2004, there was a different IC supplier who provided more than 10% of total
inventory purchases. Purchases from that supplier amounted to $9.5 million or 10.5% of total inventory
purchases in 2004.
In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2006, we purchased component and finished good
products from three major suppliers. Purchases from these three major suppliers amounted to $40.7 mil-
lion, $13.9 million and $13.8 million representing 30.0%, 10.2% and 10.2%, respectively, of total inventory
purchases for the year ended December 31, 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2005 purchases
from the same three suppliers amounted to $35.5 million, $8.4 million and $4.1 million representing
33.9%, 8.1% and 4.0%, respectively, of total inventory purchases. During the year ended December 31, 2004
inventory purchases from the aforementioned three suppliers amounted to $25.6 million, $8.2 million and
$0 representing 28.2%, 9.1% and 0.0%, respectively.
Accounts payable with the aforementioned three suppliers of component and finished good products
amounted to $8.1 million, $0.7 million and $2.0 million respectively, representing 40.9%, 3.6% and 9.8% of
the total accounts payable at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, accounts payable with the same
suppliers amounted to $6.5 million, $1.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively, representing 28.5%, 8.3% and
6.2% of the total accounts payable. There was no other component and finished goods supplier with inven-
tory purchases greater than ten percent of the total inventory purchases at December 2006, 2005 or 2004.
We have identified alternative sources of supply for these integrated circuits, components, and finished
goods; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to obtain these inventory pur-
chases on a timely basis. We generally maintain inventories of our integrated chips, which could be used
in part to mitigate, but not eliminate, delays resulting from supply interruptions. An extended interruption,
shortage or termination in the supply of any of the components used in our products, or a reduction in their
quality or reliability, or a significant increase in prices of components, would have an adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and cash flows.
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note 13 t leases
We lease office and warehouse space and certain office equipment under operating leases that expire at
various dates through December 31, 2012. Some of our rental leases are subject to rent escalations. For
these leases, we straight-line our rent expense over the lease term, ranging from 36 to 73 months. The
liability is recorded in other accrued expenses. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the liability related
to rent escalations was $51 thousand and $12 thousand, respectively. Additionally, our corporate lease
agreement contains a provision for a tenant improvement allowance of $0.4 million for us to renovate
the building, which is to be paid to us upon completion of the renovation. The renovation is expected to be
completed during 2007. We recorded the $0.4 million tenant improvement allowance in accounts receiv-
able at December 31, 2006. Additionally, the tenant improvement allowance was recorded as a component
of the lease liability in computing rent expense, and is amortized as a credit against rent expense, over 73
months, the term of the lease, beginning January 1, 2006.
Rent expense for our operating leases was $1.8 million, $1.7 million, and $1.8 million for the years
ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The following table summarizes future minimum non-cancelable operating lease payments with initial
terms greater than one year at December 31, 2006:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Year ending December 31:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Thereafter
Total operating lease commitments
a m o u n t
$
1,653
1,283
967
872
809
682
$
6,266
On January 31, 2007, we amended our existing lease agreement for our consumer and customer call
center facility located in Twinsburg, Ohio, which resulted in the leased square footage increasing from
8,509 square feet to 21,509 square feet. The amended lease agreement is effective after the completion of
certain leasehold improvements, which are expected to occur in April 2007 (the “commencement date”).
This lease agreement is effective for four years after the commencement date and is subject to rent esca-
lations each year. The total incremental operating lease payments from 2007 through 2011, based on the
expected commencement date, will be approximately $300 thousand.
note 14 t employee Benefit plans
We maintain a retirement and profit sharing plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for all
of our domestic employees that meet certain qualifications. Participants in the plan may elect to contrib-
ute from 1% to 15% of their annual salary to the plan. We match 50% of the participants’ contributions in
the form of newly issued shares of our common stock. We may also make other discretionary contribu-
tions to the plan. The expense recorded for company contributions during the years ended December 31,
2006, 2005 and 2004 amounted to $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
note 15 t o the r ( e xpe nse ) inco me, ne t
“Other (expense) income, net” in the Consolidated Income Statements consisted of the following:
i n t h o u s a n D s
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
Net (loss) gain on foreign currency exchange transactions
$
(508)
$
2,107
Write-down of investment
Other income (loss)
Other (expense) income, net
—
10
(3)
48
$
(498)
$
2,152
$
$
(152)
(357)
(31)
(540)
note 16 t inco me taxes
In 2006, 2005, and 2004, pre-tax income was attributed to the following jurisdictions:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Domestic operations
Foreign operations
Total
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
$
7,932
$
11,488
2005
6,206
8,468
$
2004
4,488
9,235
$
19,420
$
14,674
$
13,723
The provision for income taxes charged to operations was as follows:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Current tax expense:
U.S. federal
State and local
Foreign
Total current
Deferred tax expense/(benefit):
U.S. federal
State and local
Foreign
Total deferred
Total provision
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
$
2,934
$
1,382
$
2,572
687
2,997
6,618
(297)
(578)
157
(718)
280
3,311
4,973
460
(363)
(97)
—
216
1,515
4,303
564
(200)
(58)
306
$
5,900
$
4,973
$
4,609
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81
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
Net deferred tax assets were comprised of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory reserves
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Capitalized research costs
Capitalized inventory costs
Net operating losses
Amortization of intangibles
Accrued liabilities
Income tax credits
Depreciation
Stock based compensation
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liability:
Intangible assets
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
Less: Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax assets
2006
2005
$
448
46
581
470
4,480
639
1,103
1,072
434
890
196
$
514
59
885
727
4,798
645
837
748
338
—
285
$
10,359
$
9,836
(688)
(255)
(943)
9,416
(620)
(925)
(193)
(1,118)
8,718
(620)
$
8,796
$
8,098
As of December 31, 2006, $235 thousand of current deferred tax liability was recorded in other accrued
expenses.
There was no change in the deferred tax valuation allowance in 2006 compared to an increase of $0.1
million and $0.4 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the appli-
cable U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax income from operations as a result of the following:
The provision for income taxes charged to operations was as follows:
i n t h o u s a n D s
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
Tax provision at statutory U.S. rate
$
6,603
$
4,989
$
4,666
Increase (decrease) in tax provision resulting from:
State and local taxes, net
Foreign tax rate differential
Nondeductible items
In-process R&D
Federal valuation allowance
Federal research and development credits
Other
Tax provision
110
(391)
207
—
—
(872)
243
(83)
335
50
—
1
(601)
282
236
184
34
82
122
(521)
(194)
$
5,900
$
4,973
$
4,609
During 2004, pursuant to our purchase of SimpleDevices, pretax book income reflects the write-off of
IPR&D expenditures and amortization of certain acquired intangibles. The tax effects of intangibles, other
than goodwill, are included in deferred tax liabilities. In connection with the acquisition, we established a
$1.1 million deferred tax liability, and a $5.6 million deferred tax asset. The net result was an increase to
goodwill of $4.5 million.
At December 31, 2006, we had state Research and Experimentation (“R&E”) income tax credit carryfor-
wards of approximately $1.1 million. The state R&E income tax credits do not have an expiration date.
At December 31, 2006, we had federal, state and foreign net operating losses of approximately $8.6
million, $9.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively. All of the federal and state net operating loss carryfor-
wards were acquired as part of the acquisition of SimpleDevices. The federal and state net operating loss
carryforwards begin to expire in 2020 and 2011, respectively. Approximately $1.2 million of the foreign net
operating losses begin to expire in 2007, approximately $0.3 million expire in 2020 and the remaining $1.6
million of foreign net operating losses have an unlimited carryforward. At December 31, 2006, a valuation
allowance of approximately $0.5 million has been provided on certain foreign net operating losses.
Internal Revenue Code Section 382 places certain limitations on the annual amount of net operating
loss carryforwards that can be utilized if certain changes to a company’s ownership occur. Our acquisition
of SimpleDevices was a change in ownership pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, and
the federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of SimpleDevices (approximately $8.6 million and
$9.3 million, respectively) are limited but considered realizable in future periods. The annual limitation is
as follows: approximately $1.3 million for 2006 through 2008 and approximately $0.6 million thereafter.
As of December 31, 2006, we believed it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets re-
lated to the impairment of the investment in a private company (a capital asset) would not be realized due
to uncertainties as to the timing and amounts of future capital gains. Accordingly, a valuation allowance
of approximately $0.1 million was recorded as of December 31, 2006 (See Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements-Note 2).
During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 we recognized a credit to additional paid-in
capital and a reduction to income taxes payable of $0.8 million, $0.9 million, and $0.5 million, respectively,
related to the tax benefit from the exercises of non-qualified stock options under our stock option plans.
The undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested.
Accordingly, no provision for US federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been pro-
vided on such undistributed earnings. Determination of the potential amount of unrecognized deferred US
income tax liability and foreign withholding taxes is not practicable because of the complexities associated
with its hypothetical calculation; however, unrecognized foreign tax credits would be available to reduce
some portion of the U.S. liability.
During 2006, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its audit of the December 31, 2002 and
2003 tax years which resulted in an increase to our 2006 tax provision of approximately $0.1 million. We
also concluded our appeal with the California Franchise Tax Board (“FTB”) for the years ended December
31, 1999 and 2000 which resulted in an immaterial adjustment to our 2006 tax provision.
note 17 t e arning s pe r share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the
weighted average number of our common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per
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Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive
potential common shares, which includes the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock grants.
Dilutive potential common shares for all the periods presented are computed utilizing the treasury stock
method. In the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2006,
2005 and 2004, approximately 5,333, 999,506 and 988,250 stock options, respectively, with exercise prices
greater than the average market price of the underlying common stock, were excluded because their
inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were calculated as follows:
i n t h o u s a n D s , e x c e p t s h a r e - r e l a t e D a m o u n t s
Basic
Net Income
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic earnings per share
Diluted
Net Income
Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock
Weighted-average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
$
13,520
$
9,701
13,818
13,462
$
0.98
$ 0.72
$
$
9,114
13,567
0.67
$
13,520
$
9,701
$
9,114
13,818
614
14,432
13,462
530
13,992
13,567
533
14,100
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.94
$ 0.69
$
0.65
note 18 t Business segment
industry segment: SFAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, defines
an operating segment, in part, as a component of an enterprise whose operating results are regularly
reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the
segment and assess its performance. Operating segments may be aggregated only to the limited extent
permitted by the standard.
As a result of the performance-based incentive and other factors, management reviewed SimpleDev-
ices’ discrete operating results through the second quarter of 2006, and as a result, defined SimpleDevices
as a separate segment. Since acquiring SimpleDevices, we have integrated SimpleDevices’ technologies
with and into our own technology. In addition, we have integrated SimpleDevices’ sales, engineering and
administrative functions into our own. As a result of the integration, the performance-based payment
expiring and our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) no longer reviewing SimpleDevices’ financial
statements on a stand alone basis, commencing in the third quarter of 2006, we merged SimpleDevices
into our Core Business segment, resulting in us operating in a single industry segment.
note 19 t fo rei gn o pe ratio ns
geographic information: Our sales to external customers and long-lived tangible assets by geographic area
for years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are presented below:
i n t h o u s a n D s
Net sales
United States
International:
United Kingdom
Asia
South Africa
Spain
Germany
France
Australia
Italy
Switzerland
All Other
Total International
Total Net Sales
i n t h o u s a n D s
Long-Lived Assets
United States
All Other countries
y e a r e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
$ 126,522
$ 95,252
$
75,121
29,025
30,285
8,140
7,513
7,014
4,846
3,028
1,799
851
16,823
109,324
22,977
18,773
3,685
6,484
7,357
5,852
2,678
1,026
4,689
12,576
86,097
26,395
9,068
1,793
10,535
8,620
7,021
2,217
682
3,194
13,734
83,259
$ 235,846
$ 181,349
$ 158,380
D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2005
2004
$
$
3,921
2,199
6,120
$
$
3,137
1,618
4,755
$
$
2,956
3,711
6,667
Specific identification was the basis used for attributing revenues from external customers to individual
countries.
note 20 t r e late d party transac ti ons
In April 1999, we provided a non-recourse interest bearing secured loan to our chief executive officer. The
loan in the amount of $200,000 bears interest at the rate of 5.28% per annum, with interest payable annu-
ally to us on each December 15th. The loan is collateralized by the primary residence purchased and the
principal is payable on the earlier of (i) December 15, 2007, (ii) within twelve months following a demand
from us but only in the event the executive officer ceases being our employee or in the event of a default
under the loan; or (iii) on the closing of a sale or transfer of the property. This related party note receivable
is included in accounts receivable on our balance sheet at December 31, 2006 and included in other assets
on our balance sheet at December 31, 2005.
note 21 t co nti ng e ncie s
product Warranties: We warrant our products against defects in materials and workmanship arising during
normal use. We service warranty claims directly through our customer service department or contracted
third-party warranty repair facilities. Our warranty period ranges up to three years. We provide for es-
timated product warranty expenses, which are included in cost of goods sold, as revenue is recognized.
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85
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
Because warranty expense is a forecast based on the best available information, mostly historical claims
experience, actual claim costs may differ from the amounts provided. The change in the liability for prod-
uct warranties is presented below (in thousands):
D e s c r i p t i o n
Year Ended December 31, 2006
Year Ended December 31, 2005
Year Ended December 31, 2004
b a l a n c e a t
b e g i n n i n g o f
p e r i o D
a c c r u a l s f o r
W a r r a n t i e s
i s s u e D D u r i n g
t h e p e r i o D
s e t t l e m e n t s
( i n c a s h o r i n
k i n D ) D u r i n g
t h e p e r i o D
$
$
$
414
183
95
$
$
$
202
443
285
$
$
$
(200)
(212)
(197)
b a l a n c e a t
e n D o f
p e r i o D
$
$
$
416
414
183
In 2006, the warranty accrual remained consistent with the prior year, despite an increase in sales
volume, due to the per unit warranty cost decreasing by approximately 13%.
litigation: In 2002, one of our subsidiaries (One For All S.A.S.) brought an action against a former distribu-
tor of the subsidiary’s products seeking a recovery of accounts receivable. The distributor filed a coun-
terclaim against our subsidiary seeking payment for amounts allegedly owed for administrative and other
services rendered by the distributor for our subsidiary. In January 2005, the parties agreed to include in
that action all claims between the distributor and two of our other subsidiaries, Universal Electronics
BV (“UEBV”) and One For All Iberia SL; as a result, the single action covers all claims and counterclaims
between the various parties. The parties further agreed that, before any judgment is paid, all disputes
between the various parties would be concluded. These additional claims involve nonpayment for products
and damages resulting from the alleged wrongful termination of agency agreements. On March 15, 2005,
the court in one of the litigation matters brought by the distributor against one of our subsidiaries, ren-
dered judgment against the subsidiary and awarded damages and costs to the distributor in the amount
of approximately $102,000. The amount of this judgment was charged to operations during the second
quarter of 2005 and has been paid. With respect to the remaining matters before the court, the parties met
with the court appointed expert in December 2006 and at that time, the expert again asked the court for an
extension to finalize and file his pre-trial report with the court and the court granted this request. We now
expect the expert to finalize and file his pre-trial report with the court during the quarter ending March 31,
2007, at which time we will respond.
On June 20, 2006, we filed suit against Remote Technologies, Inc. (“RTI”) alleging that RTI has infringed
certain of our patents. On July 28, 2006, we served RTI with a complaint, and RTI answered our complaint
on August 28, 2006, denying our claims of infringement. In its answer, RTI also filed a counterclaim alleg-
ing that our patents are invalid and not infringed. On September 19, 2006, we answered RTI’s counterclaim
by denying its allegations and reasserting our original complaint. Principals of both companies have been
involved in settlement discussions, and those discussions will continue. Because of the settlement discus-
sions, we have not yet commenced significant discovery in this matter. If we are not able to settle this mat-
ter, we will vigorously pursue this matter against RTI and will defend against RTI’s counterclaims.
There are no other material pending legal proceedings, other than litigation that is incidental to the
ordinary course of our business, to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party or of which our respective
property is the subject. We do not believe that any of the claims made against us in any of the pending mat-
ters have merit and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against them.
We maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance which insures our individual directors and of-
ficers against certain claims such as those alleged in the above lawsuits, as well as attorney’s fees and
related expenses incurred in connection with the defense of such claims.
note 22 t simple De vice s, inc.
From October 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004, we acquired over 99% of the outstanding shares of
SimpleDevices, Inc. for approximately $12.8 million in cash, including direct acquisition costs of $0.3 mil-
lion. We intend to purchase the remaining shares when the sellers are located. The results of SimpleDe-
vices’ operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition
(October 1, 2004).
pro forma results (unaudited): The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the com-
bined results of our operations and SimpleDevices as if the acquisition had occurred at January 1, 2004. An
adjustment of $84 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2004 was made to the combined results of
operations, reflecting primarily the amortization of purchased intangible assets, net of tax. The pro-forma
net income does not reflect the write-off of $240,000 of acquired in-process research and development of
SimpleDevices.
Pro forma results for the year ended December 31, 2004 are listed below (in thousands):
Revenue:
Net income:
Basic and diluted net income per share:
Basic
Diluted
$ 159,760
$
$
$
7,474
0.55
0.53
The unaudited pro forma financial information is not intended to represent or be indicative of the con-
solidated results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition actually been completed
as of the dates presented, and should not be taken as a projection of the future consolidated results of our
operations.
potential performance-based payment of unregistered common stock: On October 1, 2004, in conjunction
with the purchase of SimpleDevices, we executed a Stock Option Exchange Agreement (“agreement”) with
the holders of non-vested options to purchase the common stock of SimpleDevices. The terms of this
agreement included the cancellation of these non-vested options. In consideration for this cancellation
we extended the right to receive 65,842 shares of Universal Electronic Inc. unregistered stock contingent
on meeting certain performance based criteria, including specified operating income levels through the
years ending December 31, 2005 and 2006. As of December 31, 2006, these performance targets were not
met. As such, the performance-based payment has not been reflected as part of the purchase price as of
December 31, 2006.
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Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
note 23 t Quarterly financia l Da ta (Una udit ed )
Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are presented
below:
i n t h o u s a n D s , e x c e p t p e r s h a r e a m o u n t s
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Net income (1)
Earnings per share (2):
Basic
Diluted
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
i n t h o u s a n D s , e x c e p t p e r s h a r e a m o u n t s
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Net income (3)
Earnings per share (2):
Basic
Diluted
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic
Diluted
2006
march 31,
June 30,
september 30,
December 31,
$ 54,173
$ 52,370
$ 59,612
$ 69,691
18,488
19,582
21,579
26,227
3,130
2,136
4,043
2,419
4,628
3,533
6,716
5,432
$
$
0.16
0.15
$
$
0.18
0.17
$
$
0.26
0.25
$
$
0.39
0.37
13,643
14,240
13,802
14,356
13,845
14,415
13,982
14,717
2005
march 31,
June 30,
september 30,
December 31,
$ 41,502
$ 44,322
$ 46,206
$ 49,319
15,716
1,684
1,856
15,718
16,994
18,699
974
1,545
3,671
2,777
5,348
3,523
$
$
0.14
0.13
$
$
0.11
0.11
$
$
0.21
0.20
$
$
0.26
0.25
13,518
14,082
13,467
13,983
13,391
13,918
13,472
13,984
(1) During the fourth quarter of 2006, the federal research and development tax credit statute was re-enacted, resulting in a tax benefit of approxi-
mately $500 thousand for the quarter.
(2) The earnings per common share calculations for each of the quarters were based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding dur-
ing each period, and the sum of the quarters may not be equal to the full year earnings per common share amounts.
(3) The comparability of the financial data for the second quarter of 2005 is affected by a one-time $1.6 million write down of a balance due from a
former European distributor.
controls and procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures: Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) defines “disclosure controls and pro-
cedures” to mean controls and procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s
rules and forms. The definition further states that disclosure controls and procedures include, without
limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by a
company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated
to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons
performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our principal executive and principal financial officers, of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Based on that evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to
provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or
submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting: Management is responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined
in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may
not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods
are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal execu-
tive and principal financial officers, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting based on the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control Integrated Framework. Based on
our evaluation under this framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial
reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006.
Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2006 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting
firm, as stated in its attestation report which is included herein.
changes in internal control over financial reporting: There have been no changes in internal controls or in
other factors that could significantly affect our internal controls subsequent to the date the Chief Executive
Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) completed their
evaluation.
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89
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
report of inDepenDent reGistereD pUBlic accoUntinG firm
on internal control over financial reportinG
to the Board of Directors and stockholders of Universal electronics inc.:
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Universal Electronics Inc. Man-
agement’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Universal Electronics Inc. maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO). Universal Electronics Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over finan-
cial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsi-
bility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assess-
ment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial report-
ing includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstate-
ments. 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 proce-
dures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that Universal Electronics Inc. maintained effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria estab-
lished in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO. Also, in our opinion, Universal Electronics Inc.
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006,
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Universal Electronics Inc. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and
the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 2006, and our report dated March 9, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Grant thornton llp
irvine, california
march 9, 2007
Gaap to non-Gaap reconciliation tables
in thousanDs, except per share amounts (unauDiteD)
ga ap
aDJ. (1)
non-ga ap (4)
ga ap
aDJ. (3)
non-ga ap (4)
t h r e e m o n t h s e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2006
2006
2005
2005
2005
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Research and development
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest income, net
Other (income) expense, net
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income
69,691
43,464
26,227
1,838
17,673
19,511
6,716
(343)
(104)
7,163
(1,731)
5,432
Earnings per share diluted
$
0.37
$
—
(6)
6
(79)
69,691
43,458
26,233
1,759
(540)
17,133
(619)
18,892
625
—
—
625
(223)
402
0.03
7,341
(343)
(104)
7,788
(1,954)
5,834
49,319
30,621
18,698
1,628
11,723
13,351
5,347
(206)
(21)
5,574
(2,051)
3,523
$
0.40
$
0.25
$
—
—
—
—
49,319
30,621
18,698
1,628
—
11,723
—
—
—
—
—
201
201
0.02
13,351
5,347
(206)
(21)
5,574
(1,850)
3,724
$
0.27
t W e l v e m o n t h s e n D e D D e c e m b e r 3 1 ,
2006
2006
2006
2005
2005
2005
ga ap
aDJ. (1)
non-ga ap (4)
ga ap
aDJ. (2)
non-ga ap (4)
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Research and development
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest income, net
Other expense (income), net
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income
235,846
149,970
85,876
7,412
—
235,846
181,349
(26)
149,944
114,222
26
85,902
(370)
7,042
67,127
6,580
—
—
—
—
59,947
67,359
18,517
(1,401)
498
19,420
(5,900)
13,520
(2,368)
57,579
48,870
(2,738)
64,621
55,450
(1,592)
(1,592)
2,764
21,281
11,677
1,592
13,269
—
—
2,764
(987)
(1,401)
498
22,184
(6,887)
1,777
15,297
(845)
(2,152)
14,674
(4,973)
9,701
—
—
(845)
(2,152)
1,592
16,266
—
(4,973)
1,592
11,293
181,349
114,222
67,127
6,580
47,278
53,858
Earnings per share diluted
$
0.94
$
0.12
$
1.06
$
0.69
$
0.12
$
0.81
(1) The adjustments between the GAAP and non-GAAP consolidated statements of income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2006
consist of share-based compensation expense for employee stock options and the related income tax effect, as recognized in accordance with
SFAS 123R. The consolidated statements of income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2005 do not include the effect of share-
based compensation expense, because UEI implemented SFAS 123R effective January 1, 2006.
(2) The adjustments between the GAAP and non-GAAP consolidated statements of income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 exclude
the second quarter 2005 write down of a receivable due from a former European distributor.
(3) The adjustment between the GAAP and non-GAAP consolidated statements of income for the three months ended December 31, 2005 includes the
tax effect of the second quarter 2005 write down of a receivable due from a former European distributor.
(4) The non-GAAP consolidated statement of income are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, generally accepted accounting principles and
may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. UEI’s management believes these non-GAAP measures, when shown in
conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures, facilitate the comparison of results for current periods with past periods.
90
Uni v ers al elect ronics 2 00 6 an nUal report
U n iver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nU al r epo rt
91
Universal elect ro nics f inanc i a l rev i ew t
co rpo r ate in fo rma ti on t
performance chart
(unauDiteD)
The following graph and table compares the cumulative total stockholder return with respect to our Com-
mon Stock versus the cumulative total return of our Peer Group Index (the “Peer Group Index”) and the Nas-
daq Composite Index (the “Nasdaq Composite Index”) for the five (5) year period ended December 31, 2006.
The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2001 in each of our Common Stock, the
Peer Group Index and the Nasdaq Composite Index and that all dividends were reinvested. We have not
paid any dividends and, therefore, our cumulative total return calculation is based solely upon stock price
appreciation and not upon reinvestment of dividends. The graph and table depicts year-end values based on
actual market value increases and decreases relative to the initial investment of $100, based on information
provided for each calendar year by the Nasdaq Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange.
The comparisons in the graph and table below are based on historical data and are not intended to
forecast the possible future performance of our common stock.
comparison of stockholder returns among universal electronics inc.,
the peer group index (1) and the nasDaQ composite index
$350
$300
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
12/31/01
12/31/02
12/31/03
12/31/04
12/31/05
12/31/06
Ueic
peer Group average
nasDaQ
12/31/01
12/31/02
12/31/03
12/31/04
12/31/05
12/31/06
Universal Electronics Inc.
Peer Group Index
NASDAQ Composite Index
$
$
$
100
100
100
$
$
$
57
119
68
$
$
$
74
215
103
$
$
$
102
310
112
$
$
$
100
240
113
$
$
$
122
237
124
Information presented is as of the end of each calendar year for the periods December 31, 2001 through
2006. This information shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities
and Exchange Commission nor shall this information be incorporated by reference into any future filing
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except
to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a filing.
(1) Companies in the Peer Group Index are as follows: Harman International Industries, Inc.; Koss Corporation; and Interlink Electronics.
Recoton Corporation, which was included in the Peer Group Index in prior years, was not included in the Peer Group Index for the disclosure above. On April 8, 2003, Recoton Corporation and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The terms of the Bankruptcy required Recoton to sell its remaining businesses and
all related assets.
AMX Corporation, which was included in the Peer Group Index in prior years, was not included in the Peer Group Index for the disclosure above. On February 15, 2005, AMX Corporation (“AMX”), Thrall
Omni Company, Inc. (“Parent”), and Amherst Acquisition Co. (“Subcorp”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger that allowed, among other things, Subcorp to purchase all of the outstanding
shares of AMX’s common stock. Following the completion of the purchase of AMX’s common stock, Subcorp was merged with and into AMX, with AMX surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.
Boston Acoustics Inc., which was included in the Peer Group Index in prior years, was not included in the Peer Group Index for the disclosure above. On June 8, 2005, Boston Acoustics, Inc. (“BA”)
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), with D&M Holdings U.S. Inc. (the “Buyer”) and Allegro Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Buyer (the “Merger
Sub”). The Merger Agreement provided that the Merger Sub be merged with and into BA. As a result of the merger, BA became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Buyer.
Direc tors
officers
officers (continUeD)
investor inform ation
Paul D. Arling
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Universal Electronics Inc.
Cypress, California
Satjiv S. Chahil2, 3
Senior Vice President
of Marketing
Hewlett-Packard
Personal Sysems Group
Cupertino, California
Bruce A. Henderson1, 2
Former Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Imation Corporation
Oakdale, Minnesota
William C. Mulligan1, 3
Managing Director
Primus Venture Partners, Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio
J.C. Sparkman2, 3
Retired Executive
Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
TCI
Denver, Colorado
Ed Zinser1
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
THQ, Inc.
Agoura Hills, California
1 Member, Audit Committee
2
Member, Compensation
Committee
3
Member, Corporate
Governance & Nominating
Committee
Universal Electronics Inc.
is an equal opportunity employer
Paul D. Arling
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Em Klaver
Vice President of Business
Development, Europe
Paul J.M. Bennett
Executive Vice President and
Managing Director, Europe
Patrick Lems
Vice President of Corporate
Development, Europe
Mark S. Kopaskie
Executive Vice President
and General Manager, US
Jacques Mathijsen
Vice President of Product
Mangement, Europe
Annual Meeting
4:00 p.m. PT - June 14, 2007
Universal Electronics Inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
Grant Thornton LLP
Irvine, California
Richard A. Firehammer, Jr.
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary
Olav Pouw
Senior Vice President Control
and Technology Group, Europe
Pam Price
Senior Vice President of Sales
Ramzi S. Ammari
Vice President of
Product Development
Steve Gutman
Vice President of Cable Sales
Bryan Hackworth
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Patrick H. Hayes
Vice President of Core
Technology Development
Lou Hughes
Vice President of
Digital Media
Brian Minor
Vice President of OEM
Sales & North America CEDIA
Registrar & Transfer Agent
Computershare Investor
Services, LLC
Dann Vidana
Vice President of Operations
Graham Williams
Vice President of Engineering
corpor ate office
Universal Electronics Inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
Locations:
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
1864 Enterprise Parkway West
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
2121 El Camino Real,
11th Floor
San Mateo, California 94403
The Netherlands
Universal Electronics BV
Institutenweg 21 7521 PH
Enschede, Netherlands
2 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone (312) 588-4991
form 10-k
Any stockholder who desires
a copy of the Company’s
2006 Annual Report on Form
10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission
may obtain a copy (excluding
exhibits) without charge by
addressing a request to:
Investor Relations
Universal Electronics Inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
A charge equal to the repro-
duction cost will be made if the
exhibits are requested.
Universal’s Internet address
is www.uei.com. Universal
makes available through its
internet web site its annual
report on Form 10-K. Investors
can also obtain copies of our
SEC filings from the SEC web
site at www.sec.gov
92
Uni v ers al elect ronics 2 00 6 an nUal report
U n iver sal el ectro n ics 2006 an nU al r epo rt
93
Universa l electron ics inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
cypress, ca 90630
www.Uei.com