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Universal Electronics Inc.

ueic · NASDAQ Technology
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Ticker ueic
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Sector Technology
Industry Hardware, Equipment & Parts
Employees 3838
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FY2009 Annual Report · Universal Electronics Inc.
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U N I V E R S A L 
E L E C T R O N I C S   I N C.

A N N U A L   R E P O R T

09

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UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC. 
6101 GATEWAY DRIVE

CYPRESS, CA 90630

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BRIDGING TH E  GA P  BE TWEE N  T E C H N O LO GY   A ND N E EDS. CONSUMERS AND CUSTOMERS 
ARE THE DRIVING FORCE FOR ALL OF OUR TECHNOLOGICAL IDEAS AND APPLICATIONS. 

UEI LISTENS DILIGENTLY AND TURNS OUT SOLUTIONS ACCORDINGLY.

C E R T I F I C AT I O N S

The Company fi led with the 
Securities and Exchange com-
mission, as Exhibit 31 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the 2009 fi scal year, 
certifi cations of its Chief Executive 
Offi cer and Chief Financial Offi cer 
regarding the quality of the 
Company’s public disclosures.

F O R M 1 0 - K

Any stockholder who desires 
a copy of the Company’s 2009 
Annual Report on Form 10-K fi led 
with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission may obtain a copy 
(excluding exhibits) without charge 
by addressing a request to:

Investor Relations
Universal Electroncis Inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630

A charge equal to the reproduction 
cost will be made if the exhibits are 
requested.  Universal Electronics’ 
Internet address is www.uei.com.  
Universal Electronics makes avail-
able through its internet website 
its annual report on Form 10-K.  
Investors may also obtain a copy 
of our 2009 Annual Report on 
Form 10-K, including exhibits, 
from the “Investor” section of our 
website at www.uei.com, clicking 
on “SEC Filings.”

I N T E R N E T  U S E R S

We invite you to learn more 
about UEI’s business and growth 
opportunities by visiting the 
“Investor” section of our website 
at www.uei.com. This section 
includes investor presentations, 
earnings conference calls, press 
releases, SEC fi lings, company 
history, and information about 
the company’s governance and 
Board of Directors.

Universal Electronics Inc. is 
an equal opportunity employer.

At UEI, we are obsessed 
with a certain kind of 
technology; the kind 
that makes people’s lives 
infi nitely simpler. 

Our products are 
designed to cut through 
the complexity; utility sits 
up front, ego sits in back. 

We start with a simple 
premise. We ask people, 
“What do you want our 
products to do for you?” 
They tell us; we apply 
it; and amazing things 
happen. 

We’re obsessed with 
advancing the power of 
simplicity, and coming up 
with the most effi cient, 
practical, and cost 
effective solutions. 

1

A  PARTIAL LIST  OF  UEI’S GLOBAL  CUSTOMER BASE

Subscription Broadcasting
Airtel

Astro

Cablevision

Caiway

Canadian Cable Systems Alliance

Charter

Chungwa Telecom

Comcast

Cox Communications

DIRECTV

Dish Network

Echostar

Foxtel

Lodgenet

Motorola

Multichoice

PCCW

Reliance

Rogers

Scientifi c Atlanta

BSkyB

Sky Italia

Sky PerfecTV!

Time Warner Cable

Yes HD

Consumer Electronics
Bose

Denon

Escient

Microsoft

Mitsubishi Electric 

Monster

Onkyo 

Panasonic

Philips

Sony

Vizio

Yamaha

Consumer Accessories
Argos

Auchan

Audiovox

Best Buy

Carrefour

Costco

Crestron

Dixons

El Corte Ingles

Jasco

Littlewoods

Media Markt

Wal-Mart

SUCCESS B ELONG S  TO   THE   E FFI CI E NT.  INVESTING IN THE MOST ADVANCED MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGY GETS US 
TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF WIRELESS CONTROLS QUICKER. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS HELP EXPAND OUR BUSINESS IN 

EXCITING NEW WAYS. GOING GLOBAL HELPS US LEVERAGE OUR REACH TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

2

UEI is a truly global 
enterprise as diverse 
and collegial in 
the makeup of our 
employee teams as 
we are in the people, 
partners, and markets 
we serve.

And while we have 
unquestionably 
broadened our 
reach along with our 
products and services, 
today’s UEI is simply 
the latest expression 
of an idea that has 
never changed: we 
are still obsessed with 
turning technology into 
solutions for customers 
everywhere.

3

The art of turning 
technology into 
solutions

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Life is complicated enough. 
Do you really need one more 
complication to take time away 
from the things you truly enjoy? 
Things like your family, your 
friends, or the time you set aside 
to watch TV, listen to your music, 
surf the Internet, or just dim the 
lights and relax? UEI excels at 
making control technology simple. 
It helps all of the components in 
your home perform effortlessly 
together. Imagine technology 
that easy.

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Control

Connectivity

Interactivity

Consolidating and simplifying 
control of home devices demands 
the ability to understand and 
control every device in your home. 
Our global database of control 
codes and how it’s delivered is 
vital to utilizing every feature in 
a device — and assuring compat-
ibility of universal controllers. UEI 
owns over 180 innovative control 
patents, has over 200 customers 
worldwide in OEM, Subscription 
Broadcast, and retail markets, and 
counts over 20 years experience in 
leading edge control technology. 
We’ve got things under control.

A single wireless solution does not 
address all of the applications and 
devices connected in the home. 
UEI’s approach? Create custom-
ized solutions based on their 
intended applications and uses. 
This ensures simplifi ed, interactive 
setup and gives the user a per-
sonal sense of control. A diverse 
set of connecting technologies 
is available, from infrared (IR) to 
radio frequency (RF), and from 
Bluetooth® to Wi-Fi®. UEI has the 
expertise to match the right tech-
nology to the right solution. What 
new technology is coming up 
next? How about smart, wireless 
and wired translators seamlessly 
connecting all of the various 
“ecosystems” in the home? 

The content explosion in the home 
is astounding. From Internet, to 
cable, to satellite, to direct-to-home, 
the options for accessing content 
are ever-changing and ever-evolv-
ing. The more intuitive and interac-
tive the experience, the more likely 
the user is to stay engaged. The 
handheld controller is key to this 
experience. UEI has a multitude of 
advanced; interactive navigation 
solutions, such as familiar 1-D list 
navigation, 2-D click or fl ick naviga-
tion and selection; full, on-screen 
cursor control and easy text entry; 
and pointing devices for true 3-D 
navigation and interactive gaming. 
What’s on the horizon? Intelligent 
remotes that confi gure themselves 
based on consumer habits.

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5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

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Control

UEI understands every facet of 
the wireless control technology 
domain. We speak every code 
imaginable — fl uently — having 
translated it from virtually every 
make and every model. Over 180 
innovative control patents enrich 
this astounding device control 
database; the most respected 
in the world. 

W H AT M A K E S O U R D E V I C E S  T I C K ? At the heart of 
each solution is an array of sophisticated, yet practical
engineering. Layers of intelligence that encompass a 
multitude of protocols, brand and model relationnnshshshshshhipipipipipipipps,s,s,
extended metadata mappings, and visuall ccc cchahahahahaararactcterrisisstititicscc  
of the remote, all meshing seamlesesesesslslslslly.y. TThehe eexpxxpxpxpxponononononenenenee iitial 
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whwhwhwhwhicicicicich hhhhh it ressstststs. . KeKeKey to this design is UEI’s ability to
dededededed lilililil veveveveverrrr tthtttt e Global Device Control Database through:
ememememe bebbbedddddddddddded chip solutions; connected device widgets; 
onlillilline services such as EZ-RC® Remote Control Setup
Wizard and Code Finder; remote control applications
on smart devices; and embedded applications such as
UEI’s QuickSet and QuickSearch. 

UEI QuickSet represents the best of both worlds 
for consumers: ease of setup and ease of use. UEI’s 
automated remote control setup solution, powered
by back-end data services, removes all of the usual 

6

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M O R E  I N G E N U I T Y. Consumers can enable volume
and channel lock settings, backlight timeout, master 
power macros, and more. They have live access to 
UEI’s growing library of device codes with over 451,000
functions, so the remote won’t become obsolete. UEI 
QuickSet seamlessly supports bidirectional IR and RF 
protocols so the application and infrastructure remain 
“future proof” as protocols evolve. Replacement 
remotes can be programmed exactly as the original      
in a matter of seconds. Setting up a remote can’t get 
much easier.

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7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Connnectivity

We empower people with intelligent 
solutions to keep things simple. 
We are the architects of the 
connected home.

THE LIVING ROOM IS THE PLACE WE GO TO RELAX. 
It’s also our personal multimedia universe. At UEI, we 
are the innovators of control and happy to share what 
we know; how to manage easy control over a collection 
of distinct devices; how to get those devices to synch 
up and work together; how to fully utilize emerging 
technology; and how to stay in control of the exponen-
tial growth in functionality. That’s a huge to do list, 
and only the most intelligent interface technology 
can deliver. 

UEI’s early expertise in IR naturally led us to build 
a strong RF portfolio that meets the growing need to 
both access and control content in the home. UEI began 
building RF solutions in 1992. Our RF solutions enable 
a range of user applications: wireless transfer, stream-
ing digital media, remote control browsing, operation of 
in-home lighting, and universal control of an IR-device 
without line of sight. We build one-way custom RF solu-
tions based on our ASK and FSK technology, two-way RF 

8

solutions based on standards such as Z-wave®, ZigBee®, 
Wi-Fi®, and proprietary solutions for upcoming stan-
dards. Case in point, the 802.15.4 compliant platforms 
can be extended to the more energy effi cient RF4CE. 
Likewise, Bluetooth enables interoperability 
with a standard large system of connected devices in 
the home. Among them are game consoles, set-top 
boxes, smartphones, and wireless headsets, all promis-
ing exciting new applications. UEI can optimize any 
of these to meet basic to highly interactive customer 
application requirements.

Other building blocks of note include XMP2 (eXten-
sible Multimedia Protocol) two-way IR that is designed 
for interactive applications, and services. It is employed 
by consumer electronics partner Onkyo to enable our 
automated remote control setup solution, UEI QuickSet, 
in a line of receivers, and by DIRECTV® to control H24 
and HR24D set top boxes. 

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1

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Interactivity

Home is the center of our digital 
entertainment culture. The average 
American household owns 23 
CE products and has a growing 
appetite for more. UEI is at the 
center, providing simple, more 
intuitive, and engaging ways for 
people to interact with the explosion 
of content coming to home 
entertainment systems worldwide. 

BE FO RE WE  DE SI G N the most engaging 
interactive navigation solutions, we go to the 
most knowledgeable and valuable source we 
know: people who use these products. This has 
led to an advanced series of practical interactive 
navigational devices. 

Among them are UEI’s next generation 
remote, Dolphin, which translates all hand 
movements into on-screen cursor movements, 
making navigations as simple as pointing and 
clicking, and Scepter, which offers an ideal 
pointing device for true 3D navigation.

Glimmer is a demonstration platform that 
allows customers to experience new technolo-
gies in working remotes by integrating IR and 

Bluetooth compatible chip solutions. This com-
bination leverages an entire network of existing 
home devices so they can connect and interact 
with a multitude of other Bluetooth-enabled 
devices. These range from next-generation set-
top boxes to game consoles to SmartPhones. 
This provides a foundation for other intrigu-
ing and powerful applications to emerge. 
Glimmer2 uses a full touchpad to simplify the 
familiar remote key layout without sacrifi cing 
any functionality. It also provides full on-screen 
cursor control and an easy text entry keyboard.

The litmus test for all these devices is ease 
of setup, ease of use, and an uncompromising 
remote control experience.

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NAVIGATING THE EXPLOSION OF CONTENT:  WITH VIDEO-ON-DEMAND, IPTV, AND OTHER BROADBAND 
SERVICES ON THE RISE, TELEVISION CONTINUES TO GROW AS THE CENTRAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB. THE 

DOLPHIN REMOTE WITH POINT AND CLICK TECHNOLOGY MAKES NAVIGATION AND SELECTION EASIER THAN 

EVER BY CHANGING THE WAY VIEWERS INTERACT WITH CONTENT.

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHERE  DOES I T GO  F RO M H E RE ?  CREATIVE, SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS, AND ENGINEERING LIKE THIS 
UNIQUELY DESIGNED, RECHARGEABLE SOLUTION FOR YES HD, KEEPS UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS AT THE 

FOREFRONT OF HAND HELD REMOTE CONTROLS. FUTURE POSSIBILITIES ARE BOUNDLESS.

12

We live at net speed and work 
in a “real time” world. That’s the 
nature of our business. But we 
also think about the future. 

To help in that quest, UEI 
continues to empower its 
Innovations Group to constantly 
imagine the possibilities. We 
set objectives. We expect 
accomplishments, blue sky, 
yet down-to-earth.  

We envision the future as a place 
where UEI products, services, and 
technologies will fl ourish. Part 
of that success will come from 
the insights we draw from our 
customers. Part from continued 
growth of our own knowledge. 
And part from the strong 
partnerships we’ve developed 
with leading industry players.

We envision the future as a 
place where sustainable products 
make their way into everyday life. 
And we reach for solutions yet 
to be imagined. 

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13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear Stockholders

I am pleased to report that Universal Electronics Inc. 
achieved a record revenue year in 2009. Net sales 
reached a milestone level, topping $300 million at 
$317.6 million for the full year 2009. This is up from 
$287.1 million the previous year. The fourth quarter 
2009 revenue of $84.9 million was a quarterly record 
for revenue.

2009 represents the eighth straight year of continu-
ous revenue growth from just over $100 million in 2002 
to over $300 million in 2009, a threefold increase, and 
marks the company’s 12th straight year of profi tability. 
These results would be impressive in a normal eco-
nomic environment, but in today’s challenging times, 
perhaps even more so. 

S T R AT E G I C  E X PA N S I O N : UEI purchased assets from 
Zilog Inc. in February 2009, acquiring the company’s 
universal remote control software technology, intel-
lectual property, full library database of codes, software 
tools, personnel, and related assets. This acquisition 
expands the breadth and depth of UEI’s customer base 
in both subscription broadcasting and original equip-
ment manufacturing and strengthens our position, 
especially in Asia. Through additional patents and 
software, we have further strengthened our leadership 

position as a provider of wireless control solutions for 
which our customers will see immediate benefi ts. We 
also expanded our relationship with Maxim Integrated 
Products, a world-class, leading provider of high per-
formance semiconductor products. Maxim brings new 
options to UEI’s current array of diverse and powerful 
microcontrollers. 

M A J O R  C U S TO M E R W I N :  In the business segment, 
UEI extended its reach by adding Echostar, one of the 
world’s largest satellite dish technology and set-top box 
equipment providers as a new customer. This partner-
ship broadens UEI’s market share in the subscription  
TV industry. 

UEI QUICKSET DEBUTS, SIMPLIFYING REMOTE SETUP: 
Introduced in Fall 2009 on consumer electronics giant 
Onkyo’s latest line of receivers, UEI QuickSet turns UEI 
technology into a solution for one of the most frustrating 
problems people face: setting up their remote to com-
municate with their TV and other home theater devices. 

UEI QuickSet makes setting up a universal remote 

effortless by using interactive on-screen menus. 
People can say goodbye to the sometimes frustrating 
and lengthy user manual and replace it with a simple, 
on-screen set up process. UEI Quickset offers the 

8 YEARS OF R EVENU E  GROW TH : SINCE 2002 REVENUES HAVE GROWN CONTINUOUSLY, INCREASING 
THREEFOLD FROM $103.9 MILLION TO $317.6 MILLION. 2009 ALSO MARKS THE COMPANY’S 12TH 

STRAIGHT YEAR OF PROFITABILITY. 

in millions

$ 350

$317.6

$287.1

$272.7

$235.8

$181.3

$158.4

$120.5 

$103.9 

2 0 0 2

2 0 0 3

2 0 0 4

2 0 0 5

2 0 0 6

2 0 0 7

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 9

$ 300

$ 250

$ 200

$ 150

$ 100

14

additional benefi t of saving the settings that have been 
programmed into the remote. This enables consumers 
to transfer the setup confi gurations to a replacement 
remote. No more reprogramming required.

Our solution to the programming issue was to apply 
technology to simplify the viewer’s life. Installers benefi t 
too. UEI QuickSet’s simple, turnkey operation translates 
into fewer service calls and lower operating costs. 

UNIVERSAL SOLUTIONS VIA UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS:
Our vision—to be the interface for the connected 
home—and our mission—to turn technology into 
solutions to make it easy for users to connect, control, 
and interact with entertainment, information and other 
emerging services — is being played out through a vari-
ety of new technologies. UEI has more than a decade of 
experience developing advanced wireless solutions like 
RF for connectivity in the home.

We continue to invest resources in new and emerg-

ing technologies and applications that show promise 
in delivering solutions to consumer needs. Likewise, 
UEI has multiple advanced Point & Click control solu-
tions  and introduced innovative new products in 2009.

In addition to our strength in innovative product 
solutions, UEI also continues to be recognized for its 
fi scal responsibility. For the fourth straight year, UEI 
was named to Forbes “200 Best Small Companies in 
America”, based on return on equity, sales growth, 
profi t growth over the past 12 months and fi ve-year 
period. We were also named one of “America’s        
Most Trustworthy Companies” for the third year by 
Forbes.com, a ranking based on transparent accounting 
and conservative accounting procedures. 

W H AT W E D O  A N D W H Y  I T  M AT T E R S :  It is esti-
mated that more than 250 million people  touch our 
technology every week. This is a clear acknowledgement 
of something on which UEI has placed a high value 
since day one: affordable utility. 

We are convinced technology is only valuable when 

measured by its ability to provide solutions to the 
problems of the people, partners, and industries we 
serve — simply, quickly, intelligently, effortlessly, afford-
ably, and repeatedly. 

D R AW I N G  S T R E N G T H   F R O M  O U R   D I V E R S I T Y: 
The reason for our success in 2009 is no mystery. It 
stands squarely on the shoulders of our people. This 
is an enterprise of bright, confi dent, energetic, innova-
tive and diverse individuals—intellectually as well as 
geographically—who show a tireless willingness to 
try something new.

Ideas can come from anywhere. In our global 
company, they consistently do—California, Ohio, 
The Netherlands, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. 

But they all come from collaboration and a healthy 
competition to deliver the very best solutions. It’s all 
about diligence, effi ciency, and effort. We have made it a 
system-wide priority to deliver our world-class products 
and services reliably and economically to meet cus-
tomer needs across multiple international markets. 

K E E P I N G O U R  E Y E O N T H E  B A L L : To stay success-
ful, UEI continues to focus on the basics that work; 
maintaining strong existing customer relationships and 
bringing in new business opportunities by delivering 
innovative, customer friendly solutions. This sounds 
like a simple strategy but it takes lots of hard work and 
dedication from UEI employees worldwide; our board 
of directors; and the support of our partners. Thank 
you. And thank you to our stockholders for your trust 
and support.

Sincerely,

PAU L A R L I N G  | Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer

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09

UNIVERSAL 

ELECTRONICS INC.

Financial Review

  17  17  Business

  2 1  Risk Factors
  2 1

  27  27 

  28  28 

 Selected Consolidated 
Financial Data

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

  38  38 

 Quantitative and 
Qualitative Disclosures 
about Market Risk

  39  39 

 Financial Statements and 
Supplemental Data

4040 

4141 

4242 

4444 

 Consolidated 
Balance Sheets

 Consolidated  
Income Statements

 Consolidated 
Statements of 
Stockholders’ 
Equity 

 Consolidated 
Statements of 
Cash Flows

  45  45 

 Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements

  69  69 

 Controls and Procedures 

  71 
  71

Performance Chart

FORWARD-LOOKING  STATE M E NTS : This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations”, contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private 
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that may be deemed forward-looking 
statements. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to any projections of revenue, margins, expenses, tax provisions, earnings, 
cash fl ows, benefi t obligations, share repurchases or other fi nancial items; plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; 
expected development or relating to products or services; future economic conditions or performance; pending claims or disputes; expectation or 
belief; and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s assumptions. While we believe the forward-looking statements made in this 

report are based upon reasonable assumptions, any assumption is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. If these risks and uncertain-
ties ever materialize and management’s assumptions prove incorrect, our results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these 
forward-looking statements and assumptions. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date the statement is made. We are not 
obligated to update forward-looking statements to refl ect unanticipated events or circumstances occurring after the date the statement was made. 
New factors emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict or assess the impact of all factors on the business, or the extent 
they 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.

Management assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties include those that are made about macroeconomic and geopolitical trends 

and events; foreign currency exchange rates; the execution and performance of contracts by customers, suppliers and partners; the challenges of 
managing asset levels, including inventory; the diffi culty of aligning expense levels with revenue changes; the outcome of pending legislation and 
accounting pronouncements; and other risks described in this report, including those discussed in “Risk Factors”, and described in our Securities 
and Exchange Commission fi lings subsequent to this report.

16

 
 
 
 
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 offi ces 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.

Additional information regarding UEI may be obtained at www.uei.com. 

Business Segment

OVE RV IEW: Universal Electronics Inc. is a provider of a broad line of products, software, and technologies that are 
marketed to enhance home entertainment systems. Our offerings include the following:

• 

 easy-to-use, pre-programmed universal infrared (“IR”) and radio frequency (“RF”) remote controls that are sold 
primarily to multiple systems operators (“MSOs”), consumers, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), 
and private label customers,

•  audio-video (“AV”) accessories sold to consumers, 

• 

• 

• 

 integrated circuits, on which our software and universal IR remote control database is embedded, sold primarily 
to OEMs and private label customers,

 intellectual property which we license primarily to OEMs, software development companies, private label custom-
ers, and MSOs, and

 software, fi rmware and technology solutions that can enable devices such as TVs, set-top boxes, stereos, automo-
tive audio systems, cell phones and other consumer electronic devices to wirelessly connect and interact with 
home networks and interactive services to deliver digital entertainment and information.

Our business is comprised of one reportable segment. 

PR IN CI PAL  PR ODU CTS  AN D   MA RK E TS : Our principal markets include MSOs in the cable and satellite subscrip-
tion broadcasting markets, as well as OEM, private label, retail and custom installer companies that operate in the 
consumer electronics market.

We provide MSOs (cable, satellite and Internet protocol television providers) both domestically and internation-
ally, with our universal remote control devices and integrated circuits, on which our software and IR code database 
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 remote control devices and integrated circuits, on which our 
software and IR code database is embedded, to OEMs that manufacture wireless control devices, cable converters or 
satellite receivers.

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, our sales to DIRECTV® and its sub-contractors col-
lectively accounted for 21.1%, 19.3% and 16.9% of our net sales, respectively. Our sales to Comcast Communications, 
Inc. and its sub-contractors collectively accounted for 11.3%, 13.4% and 13.3% of our net sales for the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No other single customer accounted for 10% or more of our net 
sales in 2009, 2008, or 2007.

We continue to pursue further penetration of the more traditional OEM consumer electronics markets. 

Customers in these markets generally package our wireless control devices for resale with their AV home entertain-
ment 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 
increasing number of OEMs.

We continue to place signifi cant emphasis on expanding our sales and marketing efforts to subscription broad-

casters and OEMs in Asia, Latin America and Europe. We will continue to add new sales people to support antici-
pated sales growth in these markets over the next few years.

In the international retail markets, our One For All® brand name remote control and accessories accounted for 
12.6%, 15.6%, and 17.9% of our total net sales for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. 
Throughout 2009, we continued our international retail sales and marketing efforts. Financial information relating 
to our international operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 is included in “Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 14”.

17

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During the second quarter of 2008 we signed an agreement with Audiovox Accessories Corporation to be the 
exclusive supplier of embedded microcontrollers and infrared database software for Audiovox’s complete line of RCA 
universal remote controls sold in the North American retail market. We also agreed to develop remote controls in the 
future for existing brands in the Audiovox lineup and granted Audiovox an exclusive license to sell and distribute our 
One For All® brand remote controls and accessories in North America.

TEC HNOLOGY: We hold a number of patents in the United States and abroad related to our products and technol-
ogy, and have fi led domestic and foreign applications for other patents that are pending. We had a total of 187 and 
148 issued and pending United States patents at the end of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase in the number 
of issued and pending patents in the United States resulted from the purchase of 31 issued and pending patents 
from Zilog Inc. and 10 new patent fi lings, offset by our abandonment of 1 patent and the expiration of 1 patent.

Our patents have remaining lives ranging from approximately one to eighteen years. We have also obtained 
copyright registration and claim copyright protection for certain 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 Offi ce and in most of the other countries in which such products are sold. These reg-
istrations are valid for a variety of terms ranging up to 20 years and may be renewed as long as the trademarks con-
tinue 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 developments whenever advisable, in certain cases, 
we have elected common law trade secret protection in lieu of obtaining such other protection.

Since our beginning in 1986, we have compiled an extensive IR code library that covers over 451,000 individual 

device functions and over 4,000 individual consumer electronic equipment brand names. Our library is regularly 
updated with IR codes used in newly introduced AV devices. These IR codes are captured directly from the remote 
control devices or the manufacturer’s written specifi cations to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the database. 
We believe that our universal remote control database is capable of controlling virtually all 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.

Our proprietary software and know-how permit us to compress IR codes before we load them into our prod-
ucts. This provides signifi cant cost and space effi ciencies that enable us to include more codes and features in the 
memory space of our wireless control devices than are included in the similarly priced products of our competitors.

With today’s rapidly changing technology, upgradeability ensures the compatibility of our remote controls with 
future home entertainment devices. We have developed patented technology that provides users the capability to 
easily upgrade the memory of our remote controls with IR codes that were not originally included using their enter-
tainment device, personal computer or telephone. These options utilize one or two-way communication to upgrade 
the remote controls’ IR codes or fi rmware depending on the requirements.

Each of our wireless control devices is designed to simplify the use of home entertainment and other equipment. 

To appeal to the mass market, the number of buttons is minimized to include only the most popular functions. 
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.

Our remote controls are also designed for easy set-up. For most of our products, the consumer simply inputs a 
four-digit code for each device to be controlled. During 2007, building on our strategy to develop new products and 
technologies to further simplify remote control set-up, we created the Xsight™ product line and the EZ-RC™ Remote 
Control Setup Wizard web-based remote control set-up application. The Xsight™ products may be setup in minutes 
utilizing the intuitive menu on their color LCD display, without an instruction manual. Alternatively, the mini USB 
port on the Xsight™ products may be connected to a personal computer. Once connected to a personal computer, 
our customers may utilize the EZ-RC™ Remote Control Setup Wizard web-based set-up application’s graphical 
interface to fully program the remote control. Each remote control user may create their own personal profi le on the 
device with their favorite channels, custom functions, and more. The Xsight™ product line and the EZ-RC™ Remote 
Control Setup Wizard web-based application were launched into the international retail market during the fourth 
quarter of 2008 and the North American retail market during the third quarter of 2009.

UEI QuickSet is a fi rmware application that may be embedded on an AV device, such as a set-top box. UEI 
QuickSet enables universal remote control set-up using guided on-screen instructions and a wireless two-way com-
munication link between the remote and the UEI QuickSet embedded AV equipment. UEI’s XMP2 technology, an 
extensible multimedia protocol, enables the two-way wireless communication between the universal remote control 
and the AV device, allowing IR code data and confi guration settings to be sent to the remote control from the AV 
equipment. The user identifi es the type and brand of the device to be controlled and then the UEI QuickSet appli-
cation performs a test to confi rm that the remote is controlling the equipment correctly. UEI QuickSet also saves 
the user-defi ned remote setting, enabling consumers to quickly transfer the setup confi guration to a replacement 
remote. When the AV device has network connectivity, the IR code database and application may be continually 
updated to include the latest devices and functions.

MET HO DS O F  DISTR IBUTIO N: Our distribution methods for our remote control devices are dependent on the 
sales channel. We distribute remote control devices directly to MSOs and OEMs, both domestically and internation-
ally. In the North American retail channel, we license our One For All® brand name to Audiovox, who in turn sells 

18

products directly to certain domestic retailers and third party distributors. Outside of North America, we sell our 
wireless control devices and AV accessories under the One For All® and private label brand names to retailers through 
our international subsidiaries. We utilize third party distributors for the custom installer channel and for retail in coun-
tries where we do not have subsidiaries.

We have thirteen international subsidiaries, Universal Electronics B.V., established in the Netherlands, One For 
All GmbH, 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, UE Singapore Pte. Ltd., established in Singapore, 
UEI Hong Kong Pte. Ltd., established in Hong Kong, UEI Electronics Pte. Ltd., established in India, UEI Cayman Inc., 
established in the Cayman Islands, Ultra Control Consumer Electronics GmbH, established in Germany and UEI 
Hong Kong Holdings Co. Pte. Ltd., established in Hong Kong.

We have developed a broad portfolio of patented technologies and the industry’s leading database of IR codes. 

We ship integrated circuits, on which our software and IR code database is embedded, directly to manufacturers 
for inclusion in their products. In addition, we license our software and technology to manufacturers. Licenses are 
delivered upon the transfer of a product master or on a per unit basis when the software or technology is used in a 
customer device.

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 available through certain programs. 
We also make available a free web-based support resource, www.urcsupport.com, designed specifi cally for MSOs. 
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, UEI, through its customer call centers, 
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 effi ciencies. We continue to review our 
programs to determine their value in improving the sales of our products.

Raw Materials and Dependence on Suppliers

We utilize third-party manufacturers and suppliers primarily in Asia to produce our wireless control products. In 
2009 and 2008, Computime, C.G. Development, Samsung and Samjin each provided more than 10% of our total 
inventory purchases. They collectively provided 77.5% and 73.1% of our total inventory purchases for 2009 and 2008, 
respectively. In 2007, Computime, C.G. Development, and Samsung each provided more than 10% of our total inven-
tory purchases. They collectively provided 63.2% of our total inventory purchases for 2007.

We continue to evaluate additional contract manufacturers and sources of supply. During 2009, we utilized 
multiple contract manufacturers and maintained duplicate tooling for certain of our products. Where possible we 
utilize standard parts and components, which are available from multiple sources. To reduce our dependence on our 
integrated circuits suppliers we continually seek additional sources, such as our new relationship with Maxim. To 
further manage our integrated circuit supplier dependence, we include fl ash microcontroller technology in most of 
our products. Flash microcontrollers can have shorter lead times than standard microcontrollers and may be repro-
grammed if necessary. This allows us fl exibility during any unforeseen shipping delays and has the added benefi t of 
potentially reducing excess and obsolete inventory exposure. This diversifi cation lessens our dependence on any one 
supplier and allows us to negotiate more favorable terms.

Seasonality

Historically, our business has been infl uenced by the retail sales cycle, with increased sales in the last half of the year. 
In 2007, our net sales in the fi rst half of the year exceeded our net sales in the second. This was primarily the result 
of strong demand from our domestic cable customers in the fi rst and second quarters of 2007. This demand was 
driven by their effort to meet the Open Cable Applications Platform (“OCAP”) July 1, 2007 deadline. In 2008 and 
2009, our sales cycle returned to its historical pattern and we expect this pattern to be repeated in 2010.

See “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 22” for further details regarding our quarterly results.

Competition

Our principal competitors in the domestic MSO market is Philips Consumer Electronics, Universal Remote Control 
and Contec. In the international retail and private label markets for wireless controls we compete with Philips 
Consumer Electronics, Logitech, Ruwido and Sony as well as various manufacturers of wireless controls in Asia. Our 
primary competitors in the OEM market are the original equipment manufacturers themselves and wireless control 
manufacturers in Asia. We compete against Universal Remote Control, Logitech, and Ruwido in the IR database 
market. Our Nevo product line competes in the custom electronics installation market against AMX, RTI, Control4, 
Universal Remote Control, Philips Consumer Electronics, Logitech, and many others. Our North American retail 
products compete against Universal Remote Control, Philips Consumer Electronics, Logitech, Sony and many others. 
We compete in our markets on the basis of product quality, features, price, intellectual property and customer sup-
port. We believe that we will need to continue to introduce new and innovative products to remain competitive and 
to recruit and retain competent personnel to successfully accomplish our future objectives.

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Engineering, Research and Development

During 2009, our engineering efforts focused on the following: 

•  broadening our product portfolio; 

•  modifying existing products and technologies to improve features and lower costs;

• 

• 

• 

formulating measures to protect our proprietary technology and general know-how;

improving our software so that we may pre-program more codes into our memory chips;

simplifying the set-up and upgrade process for our wireless control products; and

•  updating our library of IR codes to include IR codes for new features and devices introduced worldwide.

Our engineering efforts included the development of new remote controls that combine consumer friendly inter-

faces and intuitive setup with advance functions, such as our One For All® SmartControl released during the fi rst 
quarter of 2010. One For All® SmartControl enables the user to control multiple devices without the need to switch 
between devices on the remote control. One For All® SmartControl also leverages SimpleSet™ technology, and may 
be setup by simply identifying the target device type and brand.

We also developed new wireless control platforms. UEI’s Glimmer advanced wireless control platform (a joint 
development with Broadcom® (NASDAQ: BRCM)) integrates an infrared and Bluetooth® compatible chip solution. 
This platform is optimized to address the emerging Bluetooth eco-system of personal and networked entertainment 
devices within the home. The Glimmer platform leverages the existing devices in the home to connect and interact 
with a variety of Bluetooth®-enabled devices ranging from next generation set-top boxes, game consoles, and mobile 
phones creating an environment where interesting and powerful applications may emerge.

During 2009, we began to integrate the UEI QuickSet fi rmware application into some of our customer’s con-
sumer electronic devices. The UEI QuickSet fi rmware application will help our customers simplify the remote control 
setup process and improve the overall end-user experience.

We continued to improve our existing products during 2009. We released several software updates to our web 
based EZ-RC™ Remote Control Setup Wizard application and the Xsight™ fi rmware. Our NevoStudio® Pro update 
enables two-way Z-Wave™ control and communication for home control systems such as lighting, HVAC, window 
coverings, and others. In addition, this software update enables two-way serial communication, including meta-
data transmission, with select third-party devices. These devices include digital media servers and AV distribution 
systems.

On February 18, 2009, we acquired certain patents, intellectual property and other assets related to the univer-
sal remote control business from Zilog Inc. (NASDAQ: ZILG) for approximately $9.5 million in cash. The purchase 
included Zilog’s full library and database of infrared codes and software tools. We also hired 116 of Zilog’s sales and 
engineering personnel, including all 107 of Zilog’s personnel located in India. The engineering personnel acquired 
from Zilog are focused on the capture of IR codes and the development of fi rmware leading to more complete solu-
tions to customer needs, the conceptual formulation and design of possible alternatives, as well as the testing of 
process and product cost improvements. These efforts will enable us to provide customers with reductions in design 
cycle times, lower costs, and improvements in integrated circuit design, product quality and overall functional perfor-
mance. These efforts will also enable us to further penetrate existing markets, pursue new markets more effectively 
and expand our business.

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 networking 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: 

(in millions):

Research and development (1) 

Engineering (2) 

Total engineering, research and development 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

$ 

8.7

9.4

18.1

$ 

$ 

8.2

7.3

15.5

$ 

8.8

7.6

$ 

16.4

(1)  Research and development expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 includes $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense.
(2)  Engineering costs are included in SG&A. 

Environmental Matters

Many of our products are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws governing chemical sub-
stances in products, including laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of chemical substances and laws 
restricting the presence of certain substances in electronics products. We may incur substantial costs, including 
cleanup costs, fi nes and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party damages or personal injury claims, if we were to 
violate or become liable under environmental laws or if our products 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.

We may also face signifi cant costs and liabilities in connection with product take-back legislation. The European 
Union enacted the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (“WEEE”), which makes producers of electri-
cal goods, including computers and printers, fi nancially responsible for specifi ed collection, recycling, treatment 
and disposal of past and future covered products. During 2007, the majority of our European subsidiaries became 

20

   
 
 
WEEE compliant. Our Italian subsidiary became compliant in February 2008. Similar legislation has been or may be 
enacted in other jurisdictions, including in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, and Japan.

We believe that we have materially complied with all currently existing international and domestic federal, 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, 2009, 2008, and 2007, the amounts incurred in comply-
ing 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 fi nancial condition. However, future 
events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations or enforcement policies, may give rise to additional compli-
ance costs that may have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or fi nancial condition.

Employees

At December 31, 2009, we employed 565 employees, of which 261 worked in engineering and research and develop-
ment, 67 in sales and marketing, 104 in consumer service and support, 58 in operations and warehousing and 75 
in executive and administrative functions. On February 18, 2009, we acquired certain patents, intellectual property 
and other assets related to the universal remote control business from Zilog. As a result of this transaction, we hired 
116 of Zilog’s sales and engineering personnel, including all 107 of Zilog’s personnel located in India. 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, 2009, 2008, and 
2007 is incorporated by reference to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 14”.

Available Information

Our Internet address is www.uei.com. We make available free of charge through the website our annual 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 fi le such reports with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission. These reports may be found on our website at www.uei.com under the caption “SEC Filings” on the 
Investor page. Investors may also obtain copies of our SEC fi lings 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 Operations,” as well as those 
factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report, or in our reports fi led from time to time with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission), may affect our actual results and may 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-looking 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 refl ect events or circumstances after the date 
on which such statement is made or to refl ect 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 beyond our control, including the effects 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, auto-
motive, and cellular industries not materializing or growing as we believed; our inability to add profi table comple-
mentary products which are accepted by the marketplace; our inability to continue to maintain our operating costs at 
acceptable levels through our cost containment efforts; our inability to realize tax benefi ts from various tax projects 
initiated from time to time; our inability to continue selling our products or licensing our technologies at higher or 
profi table margins; our inability to obtain orders or maintain our order volume with new and existing customers; the 
possible dilutive effect our stock incentive programs may have on our earnings per share and stock price; our inabil-
ity 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 fi lings with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission.

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WE  FAC E A NU MBE R O F RI S KS  R E L AT E D  TO  T H E RECENT FINANCIAL CRISIS AND SEVERE TIGHTEN-
IN G  I N TH E  GLOBA L CR EDI T MA RK E TS :  General economic conditions, both domestic and international, have 
an impact on our business and fi nancial results. The ongoing global fi nancial crisis affecting the banking system and 
fi nancial markets has resulted in a severe tightening in the credit markets, a low level of liquidity in many fi nancial 
markets, and extreme volatility in credit and equity markets. This fi nancial crisis may impact our business in a number 
of ways, including:

Potential Deferment of Purchases and Orders by Customers: Uncertainty about current and future global 
economic conditions may cause consumers, businesses, and governments to defer purchases in response to tighter 
credit, decreased cash availability, and declining consumer confi dence. Accordingly, future demand for our products 
may differ materially from our current expectations.

Customers’ Inability to Obtain Financing to Make Purchases from Us and/or Maintain Their Business: Some 

of our customers require substantial fi nancing in order to fund their operations and make purchases from us. The 
inability of these customers to obtain suffi cient credit to fi nance purchases of our products may adversely impact our 
fi nancial results. In addition, if the fi nancial crisis results in insolvencies for our customers, it may adversely impact 
our fi nancial results.

Potential Impact on Trade Receivables: Credit market conditions may slow our collection efforts as custom-
ers experience increased diffi culty in obtaining requisite fi nancing, leading to higher than normal accounts receivable 
balances and longer DSOs. This may result in greater expense associated with collection efforts and increased bad debt 
expense.

Negative Impact from Increased Financial Pressures on Third-Party Dealers, Distributors and Retailers: 

We make sales in certain regions of the world through third-party dealers, distributors, and retailers. Although many 
of these third parties have signifi cant operations and maintain access to available credit, others are smaller and more 
likely to be impacted by the signifi cant decrease in available credit that has resulted from the current fi nancial crisis. If 
credit pressures or other fi nancial diffi culties result in insolvency for these third parties and we are unable to success-
fully transition our end customers to purchase products from other third parties or from us directly, it may adversely 
impact our fi nancial results.

Negative Impact from Increased Financial Pressures on Key Suppliers: Our ability to meet customers’ 
demands depends, in part, on our ability to obtain timely and adequate delivery of quality materials, parts and com-
ponents from our suppliers. Certain of our components are available only from a single source or limited sources. If 
certain key suppliers were to become capacity constrained or insolvent as a result of the fi nancial crisis, it may result 
in a reduction or interruption in supplies or a signifi cant increase in the price of supplies and adversely impact our 
fi nancial results. In addition, credit constraints at key suppliers may result in accelerated payment of accounts pay-
able by us, impacting our cash fl ow.

DEPEND EN CE  UPON K EY S U P P LI E RS :  During 2009 and 2008, Computime, C.G. Development, Samsung, 
and Samjin each provided over 10% of our total inventory purchases. Purchases from these suppliers collectively 
amounted to $147.1 million, or 77.5%, of our total inventory purchases in 2009. Purchases from these suppliers col-
lectively amounted to $135.5 million, or 73.1%, of total inventory purchases during 2008. During 2007, Computime, 
C.G. Development and Samsung, each provided over 10% of our total inventory purchases. Purchases from these 
suppliers collectively amounted to $100.7 million, representing 63.2% of total inventory purchases in 2007.

Most of the components used in our products are available from multiple sources. However, we have elected 

to purchase integrated circuits, used principally in our wireless control products, from three sources, Samsung, 
Freescale and Maxim. To reduce our dependence on our integrated circuits suppliers we continually seek additional 
sources. We generally maintain inventories of our integrated chips, which may be used in part to mitigate, but not 
eliminate, delays resulting from supply interruptions.

We have identifi ed alternative sources of supply for our integrated circuit, component parts, and fi nished goods 
needs; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to obtain these inventory purchases on a 
timely basis. Any 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 signifi cant increase in prices of components, would have an 
adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial position and cash fl ows.

DEPEND EN CE  ON FO REI GN  MA N U FACT U RI N G: Third-party manufacturers located in Asia manufacture a 
majority of our products. Our arrangements with our foreign manufacturers are subject to the risks of doing busi-
ness 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 fl uctuations, and other factors, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, 
results of operations and cash fl ows. We believe that the loss of any one or more of our manufacturers would not 
have a long-term material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash fl ows, because numerous 
other manufacturers are available to fulfi ll our requirements; however, the loss of any of our major manufacturers 
may adversely affect our business, operating results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows until alternative manufactur-
ing arrangements are secured.

POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY  RESULTS: Historically, our business has been infl uenced by the 
retail sales cycle, with increased sales in the last half of the year. In 2007, sales in the fi rst half of the year exceeded 
our sales in the second half. This was primarily the result of strong demand from our domestic cable customers in 
the fi rst and second quarters of 2007. This demand was driven by their effort to meet the July 1, 2007 Open Cable 

22

Applications Platform (“OCAP”) deadline. In 2008 and 2009, our sales cycle returned to its historical pattern and we 
expect this pattern to be repeated in 2010, however, factors such as those we experienced during 2007 may cause our 
sales cycles to deviate from historical patterns. Such factors, including quarterly variations in fi nancial results, may 
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 development, 

sales and marketing activities, development of new distribution channels, improvements in our operational and 
fi nancial 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, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows will be adversely affected.

In addition, we may experience signifi cant fl uctuations in future quarterly operating results that may be caused 
by many other factors, including demand for our products, introduction or enhancement of products by us and our 
competitors, the loss or acquisition of any signifi cant customers, market acceptance of new products, price reduc-
tions 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 fl uctuations and general economic conditions. In addition, as 
a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, we may from time to time make certain pricing or 
marketing decisions or acquisitions that may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or 
fi nancial condition. As a result, we believe period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not neces-
sarily meaningful 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.

DE PEND EN CE  ON CONS UME R P RE FE RE N CE : We are susceptible to fl uctuations in our business based upon 
consumer demand for our products. In addition, we cannot guarantee that increases in demand for our products 
associated with increases in the deployment of new technology will continue. We believe that our success depends 
on our ability to anticipate, gauge and respond to fl uctuations in consumer preferences. However, it is impossible to 
predict with complete accuracy the occurrence and effect of fl uctuations in consumer demand over a product’s life 
cycle. Moreover, we caution that any growth in revenues that we achieve may be transitory and should not be relied 
upon as an indication of future performance.

DEMAND FOR  CONSUMER  SERVICE AND SUPPORT: We have continually provided domestic and international 
consumer service and support to our customers to add overall value and to help differentiate us from our competi-
tors. 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 customers in the future.

In addition, certain of our products have more features and are more complex than others and therefore require 
more end-user technical support. In some instances, we rely on distributors or dealers to provide the initial level of 
technical support to the end-users. We provide the second level of technical support for bug fi xes and other issues at 
no additional charge. Therefore, as the mix of our products includes more of these complex product lines, support 
costs may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, fi nancial condition and 
cash fl ows.

DE PEND EN CE  UP ON N EW  PR O D U CT  IN TR O DU CTION: Our ability to remain competitive in the wireless con-
trol and AV accessory products market will depend considerably upon our ability to successfully identify new product 
opportunities, as well as develop and introduce 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 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 signifi cant delays in product develop-
ment or introduction, may have a material adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

In addition, the introduction of new products may require signifi cant 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.

DE PEND EN CE  ON MAJO R C U STO ME RS : The economic strength and weakness of our worldwide customers 
affect our performance. We sell our wireless control products, AV accessory products, and proprietary technologies to 
subscription broadcasters, original equipment manufacturers, and private label customers. We also supply our prod-
ucts 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, and Australia currently representing our principal foreign markets.

In each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we had sales to DIRECTV® and its sub-contrac-
tors and to Comcast Communications Inc. and its sub-contractors, that when combined, each 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 inability to maintain order volume with these customers, may have an adverse effect on our operating results, 
fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

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CHA NGE  IN WAR RA N TY CL AI M  COSTS : We rely on third-party companies to service a large portion of our cus-
tomer warranty claims. If the cost to service these warranty claims increases unexpectedly, or these outside services 
cease to be available, we may be required to increase our estimate of future claim costs, which may have a material 
adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

OUTS OU R CE D  LA BOR : 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 will continue to be available to us, if they cease to be available, 
the development of these products may be substantially delayed, which may have a material adverse effect on our 
operating results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

COMPE TI TI ON: The wireless control industry is characterized by intense competition based primarily on product 
availability, price, speed of delivery, ability to tailor specifi c 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 com-
pany across all product lines. We compete with a variety of entities, some of which have greater fi nancial 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 assurance 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,  TR ADEMAR KS, A ND  CO PY RI GH TS :  The procedures by which we identify, document and fi le for 
patent, trademark, and copyright protection are based solely on engineering and management judgment, with no 
assurance that a specifi c fi ling 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 can be no assurance 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 
United States 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 believe 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 may be obtained on commercially reasonable terms; how-
ever, there can be no guarantee that such licenses may 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.

POTE NTI AL  FO R  LI TIGATI ON :  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 relations. 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  CONDU CTIN G  BU S IN E SS   IN TE RN AT IO NALLY:  Risks of doing business internationally may adversely 
affect our sales, operations, earnings and cash fl ows due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 changes in a country or region’s economic or political conditions, including infl ation, recession, interest rate 
fl uctuations and actual or anticipated military confl icts;

 currency fl uctuations 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 fl uctuations 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 fi nancial 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; 

24

• 

• 

 import, export or other business licensing requirements or requirements related to making foreign direct invest-
ments, which may affect our ability to obtain favorable terms for components or lead to penalties or restrictions;

 diffi culties associated with repatriating cash generated or held abroad in a tax-effi cient manner and changes in tax 
laws; and

•  fl uctuations in freight costs and disruptions at important geographic points of exit and entry.

EFFE CT I VEN ESS O F OU R I NT E R NA L  CO N TR O L OVER FI NANCIAL REPORT ING:  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 assessment 
of the effectiveness of our internal control over fi nancial reporting. Furthermore, our independent registered public 
accounting fi rm is required to audit our internal control over fi nancial reporting and separately report on whether it 
believes we maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over fi nancial reporting. Although we believe 
that we currently have adequate internal control procedures in place, we cannot be certain that future material 
changes to our internal control over fi nancial reporting will be effective. If we cannot adequately maintain the effec-
tiveness of our internal control over fi nancial reporting, we may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory 
authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any such action may adversely affect our fi nancial results 
and the market price of our common stock.

CH ANGES  I N  GENER A LLY ACCE P TE D  ACCO U N TING PRI NCIPLES:  Our fi nancial statements are prepared in 
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These principles are subject to revision and interpre-
tation by various governing bodies, including the FASB and the SEC. A change in current accounting standards or 
their interpretation may have a signifi cant adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

UNANTI C IPATED  CHA NG E S I N  TAX  P ROV IS I O N S OR INCOME TAX LIABILIT IES: 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 predict the outcomes of these audits, and the 
actual outcomes of these audits may have a material impact on our fi nancial condition, results of operations and 
cash fl ows. In addition, our effective tax rate in the future may 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 may be adversely affected as a result of any new interpretative accounting guidance related to 
accounting for uncertain tax positions.

IN AB ILITY  TO   USE DE FER R E D  TAX  ASS E TS : We have deferred tax assets that we may not be able to use under 
certain circumstances. If we are unable to generate suffi cient future taxable income in certain jurisdictions, or if there 
is a signifi cant change in the actual effective tax rates or a signifi cant change in the time period within which the 
underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we may be required to increase our valuation allow-
ances against our deferred tax assets resulting in an increase in our effective tax rate.

ENV I RO NMENTAL  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 substances and laws restricting the presence of certain substances in electronics products. With the pas-
sage 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 may 
face signifi cant costs and liabilities in complying with these laws and any future laws and regulations or enforcement 
policies that may have a material adverse effect upon our operating results, fi nancial condition, and cash fl ows. 

LEASED PROPERTY: 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 signifi cant and material adverse effect on our operat-
ing results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

TEC HNOLOGY  CH ANGE S  IN  WI RE LE SS   CO N TR OL: We currently derive substantial revenue from the sale of 
wireless remote controls based on IR technology. Other control technologies exist or may be developed that may 
compete with IR. In addition, we develop and maintain our own database of IR and RF codes. There are 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 diffi cult 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 operating results, fi nancial condition, and cash fl ows.

FAI LU RE  TO  R EC RU IT, H IR E , A ND  R E TAI N  K E Y PE RSONNEL: Our ability to achieve growth in the future will 
depend, in part, on our success at recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly skilled engineering, managerial, opera-
tional, sales and marketing personnel. Our corporate offi ce, including our advanced technology engineering group, 
is based in Southern California. The high cost of living in Southern California makes it diffi cult to attract talent from 
outside the region and may also put pressure on overall employment related expense. Additionally, our competi-
tors seek to recruit and hire the same key personnel. Therefore, if we fail to stay competitive in salary and benefi ts 

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within the industry it may negatively impact our ability to hire and retain key personnel. The inability to recruit, hire, 
and retain qualifi ed personnel in a timely manner, or the loss of any key personnel, may make it diffi cult to meet key 
objectives, such as timely and effective product introductions.

CRE DI T  FAC ILI TY: On January 8, 2010, we entered into a new $15 million unsecured revolving credit line with 
U.S. Bank (“Credit Facility”), expiring on October 31, 2011. Presently, we have no borrowings; however, we cannot 
make any assurances that we will not need to borrow amounts under this facility. 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, including potentially 
repatriating cash from foreign jurisdictions, which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial 
condition and cash fl ows.

CHA NGE  IN COMPE TITI ON  AN D  PR IC IN G:  We rely on third-party manufacturers to build our universal wireless 
control products. Price is always an issue in winning and retaining business. If customers become increasingly price 
sensitive, new competition may arise from manufacturers who decide to go into direct competition with us or from 
current competitors who perform their own manufacturing. If such a trend develops, we may experience downward 
pressure on our pricing or lose sales, which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial condi-
tion and cash fl ows.

TRANSPORTATION COSTS;  IMPACT  OF  OIL PRICES: We ship products from our foreign manufacturers via 
ocean and air transport. It is sometimes diffi cult 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. We typically cannot recover the 
increased cost of air freight from our customers. Additionally, tariffs and other export fees may be incurred to ship 
products from foreign manufacturers to the customer. The inability to predict swings in demand or delays in produc-
tion may increase the cost of freight which may have a material adverse effect on our product margins.

In addition, we have an exposure to oil prices in two forms. The fi rst is in the prices of the oil-based materials that 

we use in our products, which are primarily the plastics and other components that we include in our fi nished prod-
ucts. 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.

PR O PR I ETARY  TECH NO LO G IE S : We produce highly complex products that incorporate leading-edge technology, 
including hardware, fi rmware, and software. Firmware and software may contain bugs that may unexpectedly inter-
fere with product operation. There can be no assurance that our testing programs will detect all defects in individual 
products or defects that may affect numerous shipments. The presence of defects may harm customer satisfaction, 
reduce sales opportunities, or increase returns. An inability to cure or repair such a defect may 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 may have a material impact on our operating 
results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

STRATE GIC   BU SI NESS  TR AN SACTI O N S :  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 may 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 strategic business transaction with our operations, person-
nel, customer base, products or technologies. Such strategic business transactions may also have adverse short-term 
effects on our operating results, and may result in dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of debt, and 
the loss of key employees. In addition, these strategic business transactions are generally subject to specifi c account-
ing guidelines that may adversely affect our fi nancial condition, results of operations and cash fl ow. For instance, 
business acquisitions must be accounted for as purchases and, because most technology-related acquisitions 
involve the purchase of signifi cant intangible assets, these acquisitions typically result in substantial amortization 
charges, which may 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 success-
ful or that the customer bases, products or technologies will generate suffi cient revenue to offset the associated 
costs or effects.

GROWTH  PR OJECTION S: Management has made the projections required for the preparation of fi nancial state-
ments in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America regarding future 
events and the fi nancial performance of the company, including those involving:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 the benefi ts the company expects as a result of the development and success of products and technologies, 
including new products and technologies;

the recently announced new contracts with new and existing customers and new market penetrations;

the growth expected as a result of the digital from analog conversion; 

the expected continued growth in digital TVs, PVRs and overall growth in the company’s industry; and

 the effects we may experience due to the continued softness in worldwide markets driven by the current eco-
nomic environment.

Actual events or results may be unfavorable to management’s projections, which may have a material adverse 

effect on our projected operating results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

26

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The information below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in con-
junction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the 
Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” 
of this Annual Report, which are incorporated herein by reference, in order to understand further the factors that may 
affect the comparability of the fi nancial data presented below.

(in thousands, except per share data)

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

2 0 0 6

2 0 0 5

year ended december 31,

Net sales 

Operating income 

Net income 

Earnings per share:

Basic 

Diluted 

$  317,550

$  287,100

$ 272,680

$  235,846

$  181,349

$  21,947

$  20,761

$  26,451

$ 

14,675

$  15,806

$  20,230

$ 

$ 

1.07

1.05

$ 

$ 

1.13

1.09

$ 

$ 

1.40

1.33

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

18,517

13,520

0.98

0.94

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

11,677

9,701

0.72

0.69

Shares used in calculating earnings per share:

Basic 

Diluted 

13,667

13,971

14,015

14,456

14,410

15,177

13,818

14,432

13,462

13,992

Cash dividend declared per common share 

—  

—  

—  

—  

—

Gross margin 

32.0%  

33.5%  

36.4%  

36.4%  

37.0%

Selling, general, administrative, research and 
development expenses as a % of net sales 

25.1%  

26.3%  

26.7%  

28.5%  

30.6%

Operating margin 

6.9%  

7.2%  

9.7%  

7.9%  

Net income as a % of net sales 

4.6%  

5.5%  

7.4%  

5.7%  

Return on average assets 

Working capital 

6.5%  

7.3%  

10.2%  

8.3%  

$  127,086

$  122,303

$  140,330

$  106,179

$  77,201

6.4%

5.4%

6.8%

Ratio of current assets to current liabilities 

3.1

3.0

4.0

3.4

2.8

Total assets 

$  233,307

$  217,555

$  217,285

$  178,608

$  146,319

Cash and cash equivalents 

$  29,016

$  75,238

$  86,610

$  66,075

$  43,641

Long—term debt 

Stockholders’ equity 

Book value per share (a) 

—  

—  

—  

—  

—

$  169,730

$  153,353

$  168,242

$  134,217

$  103,292

$ 

12.40

$ 

11.24

$ 

11.55

$ 

9.58

$ 

7.63

Ratio of liabilities to liabilities and stockholders’ equity

27.3%  

29.5%  

22.6%  

24.9%  

29.4%

(a)  Book value per share is defi ned as stockholders’ equity divided by common shares issued, less treasury stock.

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27

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and 
the related notes that appear elsewhere in this document.

Overview

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 customers operate in the consumer electronics 
market and include OEMs, MSOs (cable and satellite service providers), international retailers, CEDIA (Custom 
Electronic Design and Installation Association), North American retailers, private labels, and companies in the 
computing industry. We also sell integrated circuits, on which our software and IR code database is embedded, to 
OEMs that manufacture wireless control devices, cable converters or satellite receivers for resale in their products. 
We believe that our universal remote control database contains device codes that are capable of controlling virtually 
all 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 IR code library that covers over 451,000 

individual device functions and over 4,000 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 specifi cations to ensure the 
accuracy and integrity of the database. We have also developed patented technologies 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.

We operate as one business segment. We have thirteen subsidiaries located in Argentina, Cayman Islands, 
France, Germany (2), Hong Kong (2), India, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain and the United Kingdom.

To recap our results for 2009: 

•  Our revenue grew 10.6% from $287.1 million in 2008 to $317.6 million in 2009.

• 

• 

 Our sales growth in 2009 was the result of strong demand from the customers in our business category, due in 
part to the continuation of the upgrade cycle from analog to digital, consumer demand for advanced-function 
offerings from subscription broadcasters, increased share with existing customers, and new customer wins.

 Our 2009 operating income increased 5.7% to $21.9 million from $20.8 million in 2008. Our operating margin 
percentage decreased from 7.2% in 2008 to 6.9% in 2009 due primarily to the decrease in our gross margin per-
centage from 33.5% in 2008 to 32.0% in 2009. The decrease in our gross margin rate was due primarily to sales 
mix, as a higher percentage of our total sales was comprised of our lower-margin business category. In addition, 
the weakening of both the Euro and the British Pound versus the U.S. dollar also contributed to the decline in our 
gross margin percentage. Partially offsetting the decrease in our gross margin percentage was a 120 basis point 
improvement in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales in 2009 compared to 2008.

• 

 In spite of challenging worldwide economic conditions that persisted throughout 2009, we continued to grow 
sales, acquired the remote control assets of Zilog, generated $24 million in cash fl ow from operations, and enter 
2010 well-positioned.

Our strategic business objectives for 2010 include the following: 

• 

increase our share with existing customers; 

•  acquire new customers in historically strong regions; 

• 

• 

• 

continue our expansion into new regions, Asia in particular; 

continue to develop industry-leading technologies and products; and 

continue to evaluate potential acquisition and joint venture opportunities that may enhance our business.

We intend for the following discussion of our fi nancial condition and results of operations to provide informa-
tion that will assist in understanding our consolidated fi nancial statements, the changes in certain key items in those 
fi nancial statements from period to period, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how 
certain accounting principles, policies and estimates affect our consolidated fi nancial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of fi nancial 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 fi nancial statements 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, 

28

warranties, inventory valuation, business combination purchase price allocations, our review for impairment of long- 
lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes and stock-based compensation expense. Actual results 
may differ from these judgments and estimates, and they may be adjusted as more information becomes available. 
Any adjustment may be signifi cant.

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assump-
tions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably may 
have been used, or if changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur may materially impact the fi nancial 
statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect our more signifi cant judgments 
and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated fi nancial statements.

RE VE NU E  RECOGN ITI ON: We recognize revenue on the sale of products when delivery has occurred, there is per-
suasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fi xed or determinable and collectability 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 specifi c 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 element is 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-specifi ed return or refund privileges.

Sales allowances reduce gross accounts receivable and gross sales to arrive at accounts receivable, net and net 
sales in the same period the related receivable and revenue is recorded. We have no obligations after the delivery of 
our products other than any associated warranties.

We record a provision for estimated retail sales returns. 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 allow-
ances is deducted from gross sales to arrive at net sales in the period the related revenue is recorded. The allow-
ance for sales returns balance at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $2.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively. The 
allowance for sales returns balance at December 31, 2009 and 2008 contained reserves for items returned prior to 
year-end, but that were not completely processed, and therefore not yet removed from the allowance for sales returns 
balance. We estimate that if these returns had been fully processed the allowance for sales returns balance would 
have been approximately $1.4 million and $0.8 million on December 31, 2009 and 2008. The value of these returned 
goods was included in our inventory balance at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

We accrue for discounts and rebates on product sales in the same period as the related revenues are recorded 
based on our current expectations, after considering 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 distributed in cash or customer account credits. Rebates and incentives are recognized as cost of sales if we 
provide products or services for payment.

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our custom-
ers to make payments for products sold or services rendered. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a vari-
ety of factors, including historical experience, length of time receivables are past due, current economic trends and 
changes in customer payment behavior. Also, we record specifi c provisions for individual accounts when we become 
aware of a customer’s inability to meet its fi nancial obligations to us, such as in the case of bankruptcy fi lings or 
deterioration in the customer’s operating results or fi nancial position. Our historical reserves have been suffi cient 
to cover losses from uncollectible accounts. We incurred $0.4 million of bad debt expense in 2009 to refl ect certain 
customer accounts where collection was highly uncertain in the current economic environment. If circumstances 
related to a customer change, our estimates of the recoverability of the receivables would be further adjusted, either 
upward or downward.

We have not made any material changes in our methodology for recognizing revenue during the past three 
fi scal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates 
or assumptions we use to recognize revenue. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or 
assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that may be material.

WAR RANTY: 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 periods range up to three years. We estimate and recognize product warranty costs, 
which are included in cost of sales, as we sell the related products. Warranty costs are forecasted based on the best 
available information, primarily historical claims experience and the expected cost per claim. The costs we have 
incurred to service warranty claims have been minimal. Historically, product defects have been less than 0.5% of the 
net units sold. As a result the balance of our reserve for estimated warranty costs is not signifi cant.

We have not made any material changes in our warranty reserve methodology during the past three fi scal years. 

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assump-
tions we use to calculate the warranty reserve. However, actual claim costs may differ from the amounts estimated. If 
a signifi cant product defect were to be discovered on a high volume product, our fi nancial statements may be materi-
ally impacted.

29

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IN VE NTORI ES : Our inventories consist primarily of wireless control devices and the related component parts, 
primarily integrated circuits, and are valued at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the fi rst-in, 
fi rst-out method. We write-down our inventory for the estimated difference between the inventory’s cost and its esti-
mated market value based upon our best estimates about future demand and market conditions.

We carry inventory in amounts necessary to satisfy our customers’ inventory requirements on a timely basis. We 

continually monitor our inventory status to control inventory levels and write-down any excess or obsolete invento-
ries on hand. Our total excess and obsolete inventory reserve as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $1.8 million 
and $1.5 million, respectively, or 4.1% and 3.5% of total inventory. The increase in our excess and obsolete reserve in 
2009 was the result of $3.4 million of additional write-downs, offset primarily by $3.1 million of scrapped inventory. 
This compared to additional write-downs of $2.4 million offset primarily by scrapped inventory of $2.7 million in 2008.

We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to establish our excess and obso-
lete inventory reserve during the past three fi scal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there 
will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our excess and obsolete inven-
tory reserve. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory 
write-downs may be required which may have a material impact on our fi nancial statements. Such circumstances 
may include, but are not limited to, the development of new competing technology that impedes the marketability 
of our products or the occurrence of signifi cant price decreases in our component parts, such as integrated circuits. 
Each percentage point change in the ratio of excess and obsolete inventory reserve to inventory would impact cost of 
sales by approximately $0.4 million.

BUS I NESS  COMBI NATI ONS : 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 
upon their estimated fair values. We engage independent third-party appraisal fi rms to assist us in determining the 
fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Such valuations require management to make signifi cant fair 
value estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Management estimates the fair value 
of certain intangible assets by utilizing the following (but not limited to):

• 

• 

• 

 future free cash fl ow from customer contracts, customer lists, distribution agreements, acquired developed tech-
nologies, and patents;

 expected costs to develop IPR&D into commercially viable products and cash fl ows from the products once they 
are completed;

 brand awareness and market position, as well as assumptions regarding the period of time the brand will con-
tinue to be used in our product portfolio; and

•  discount rates utilized in discounted cash fl ow models. 

Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable; however, unanticipated events or cir-
cumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy of our fair value estimates, including assumptions regarding 
industry economic factors and business strategies.

VALUATI ON  OF  LO NG-LIV E D  ASS E TS   AN D  I NTANGIBLE ASSETS:  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 may trigger an impairment review if signifi cant 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.

We perform an impairment review when we determine that the carrying value of a long-lived asset or an intan-
gible asset may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment. 
If the carrying value of the asset is larger than the undiscounted cash fl ows, the asset is impaired. We measure an 
impairment based on the projected discounted cash fl ow method using a discount rate determined by our manage-
ment to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. In assessing the recoverability, we 
must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash fl ows and other factors to determine the fair value of the 
respective assets.

We have not made any material changes in our impairment loss assessment methodology during the past three 
fi scal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or 
assumptions we use to calculate the impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets. However, if actual results 
are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions we may be exposed to material impairment charges.

CA PI TALIZED  S OFTWARE  DE V E LO P ME NT  COSTS: At each balance sheet date, we compare the unamortized 
capitalized software development costs to the net realizable value of the related product. The amount by which the 
unamortized capitalized software development costs exceed the net realizable value of the related product is written 
off. The net realizable value is the estimated future gross revenues attributable to each product reduced by its esti-
mated future completion costs and disposal. Any remaining amount of capitalized software development costs that 

30

have been written down are considered to be the cost for subsequent accounting purposes, and the amount of the 
write-down is not subsequently restored.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates 
of net realizable value we use to test for impairment losses on capitalized software development costs. However, if 
actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions we may be exposed to impairment charges.

GOO DWI LL: We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill as of December 31 of each year and between annual evalu-
ations 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 may include, but are not limited to: (1) a signifi cant 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 defi ned as an oper-
ating 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 fi nancial information 
is available, and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. Our domestic 
and international operations are components and reporting units of our sole operating segment. On December 31, 
2009, the goodwill allocated to the domestic and international reporting units was $8.3 million and $5.4 million, 
respectively.

To evaluate whether goodwill is impaired, we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the 

goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our 
reporting units based on income and market approaches. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of 
a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash fl ows. Under the market approach, we estimate 
the fair value based on market multiples of Enterprise Value to EBITDA for comparable companies. 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’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 reporting unit’s fair value 
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.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefi nite-lived purchased intangible asset is judgmental in 
nature and involves the use of signifi cant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include 
revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash fl ows, risk-adjusted discount 
rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparables. We base our 
fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. 
Actual future results may differ from those estimates. In addition, we make certain judgments and assumptions in 
allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of our reporting units.

We have not made any material changes in our impairment loss assessment methodology during the past three 
fi scal years. We continue to estimate the fair value of our reporting units to be in excess of their carrying value, and 
therefore have not recorded any impairment. The amount by which the fair value of our reporting units exceeded 
their book value utilizing the income and market approaches ranged from 33 percent to 632 percent and therefore we 
concluded our goodwill was not impaired at December 31, 2009. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood 
that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to test for impairment losses on 
goodwill. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions we may be exposed to 
material impairment charges.

IN CO ME TAXE S: We calculate our current and deferred tax provisions based on estimates and assumptions that 
may differ from the actual results refl ected in our income tax returns fi led during the subsequent year. We record 
adjustments based on fi led returns when we have identifi ed and fi nalized them, which is generally in the third and 
fourth quarters of the subsequent year for U.S. federal and state provisions, respectively.

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences 

between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year 
in which we expect the differences to reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to 
the amount that we are more likely than not to realize. We have considered future market growth, forecasted earn-
ings, future taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate and prudent and feasible 
tax planning strategies in determining the need for a valuation allowance. In the event we were to determine that 
we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, we would increase the valua-
tion allowance and make a corresponding charge to earnings in the period in which we make such determination. 
Likewise, if we later determine that we are more likely than not to realize the net deferred tax assets, we would 
reverse the applicable portion of the previously provided valuation allowance. In order for us to realize our deferred 
tax assets we must be able to generate suffi cient taxable income in the tax jurisdictions in which the deferred tax 
assets are located.

Our effective tax rate includes the impact of certain undistributed foreign earnings for which we have not pro-
vided U.S. taxes because we plan to reinvest such earnings indefi nitely outside the United States. The decision to 
reinvest our foreign earnings indefi nitely outside the United States is based on our projected cash fl ow needs as well 

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as the working capital and long-term investment requirements of our foreign subsidiaries and our domestic opera-
tions. Material changes in our estimates of cash, working capital and long-term investment requirements in the 
various jurisdictions in which we do business may impact our effective tax rate.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and foreign countries, and we are subject to routine corpo-
rate income tax audits in many of these jurisdictions. We believe that our tax return positions are fully supported, 
but tax authorities are likely to challenge certain positions, which may not be fully sustained. However, our income 
tax expense includes amounts intended to satisfy income tax assessments that result from these challenges in 
accordance with the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribed by U.S. GAAP. Determining the income 
tax expense for these potential assessments and recording the related assets and liabilities requires management 
judgments and estimates.

We have recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions of $2.8 million at December 31, 2009. We believe that our 

reserve for uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, is adequate. Our reserve for uncertain 
tax positions is primarily attributable to uncertainties concerning the tax treatment of our international operations, 
including the allocation of income among different jurisdictions, and any related interest. We review our reserves 
quarterly, and we may adjust such reserves due to proposed assessments by tax authorities, changes in facts and 
circumstances, issuance of new regulations or new case law, previously unavailable information obtained during 
the course of an examination, negotiations between tax authorities of different countries concerning our transfer 
prices, execution of advanced pricing agreements, resolution with respect to individual audit issues, the resolution of 
entire audits, or the expiration of statutes of limitations. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of audits may 
be materially different from the amounts previously included in our income tax expense and, therefore, may have a 
material impact on our operating results, fi nancial position and cash fl ows.

STO CK-BAS ED  CO MPE NSAT I O N  E X P E N S E :  Stock-based compensation expense for each employee and director 
is presented in the same income statement caption as their cash compensation. During the year ended December 
31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded $4.3 million, $4.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively, in pre-tax stock-based 
compensation expense. The income tax benefi t associated with stock-based compensation expense was $1.5 million, 
$1.5 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Stock-based compensation expense by income statement caption for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 

and 2007 was the following:

(in thousands)

Cost of sales 

Research and development 

Selling, general and administrative 

Total stock-based compensation expense 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

33

434

3,845

$ 

17

356

3,870

$ 

31

418

3,072

$ 

4,312

$ 

4,243

$ 

3,521

Selling, general and administrative expense includes pre-tax stock-based compensation related to restricted stock 

awards granted to outside directors of $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 
2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We issue restricted stock awards to the outside directors for services performed. 
Compensation expense for the restricted stock awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service 
period of one year.

Selling, general and administrative expense includes pre-tax stock-based compensation related to stock 
option awards granted to outside directors of $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0 for the years ended December 31, 
2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We issue stock option awards to the outside directors for services performed. 
Compensation expense for the stock option awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service 
period of three years.

STO CK  O PTION   GRAN TS : During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Compensation Committee and Board 
of Directors granted 233,400 stock options to our employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1.6 million 
under various stock incentive plans. The stock options granted to employees during 2009 consisted of the following:

(in thousands, except share amounts) 

Stock Option Grant Date

January 1, 2009 

February 18, 2009 

February 19, 2009 

February 21, 2009 

March 10, 2009 

Number 
of Shares 
Underlying 
Options

15,000

15,000

7,500

10,000

Grant Date 
Fair Value

Vesting Period

$ 

95

74

33

58

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

  185,900

1,340

4 -Year Vesting Period (6.25% each quarter)

  233,400

$ 

1,600

On October 30, 2009, our Board of Directors appointed Carl E. Vogel to serve as a Class II Director. In connec-
tion with his appointment, our directors granted Mr. Vogel 20,000 stock options under the 2006 Stock Incentive 
Plan. These options are subject to a three-year vesting period (33.3% each year) and are in addition to the employee 
grants above. The aggregate grant date fair value of this award was $0.2 million.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized $0.3 million of pre-tax stock-based compensation 

expense related to our 2009 stock option grants.

At December 31, 2009, there was $2.9 million of unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related 

to non-vested stock options which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

During the annual review cycle for 2010, the Compensation Committee granted our Named Executives 99,900 
stock options under various Stock Incentive Plans. The options were granted as part of long-term incentive compen-
sation to assist us in meeting our performance and retention objectives. The grant, dated January 25, 2010, is subject 
to a four-year vesting period (0% each quarter during the fi rst year, 8.33% each quarter during the second, third and 
fourth years). The total grant date fair value of these awards was $1.1 million.

RESTRICTED STOCK GRANTS: During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Compensation Committee and 
Board of Directors granted 298,170 restricted stock awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan to our employees 
with an aggregate grant date fair value of $4.5 million. The restricted stock awards granted to employees during 2009 
consisted of the following:

(in thousands, except share amounts)

Restricted Stock Grant Date

January 1, 2009 

February 12, 2009 

March 4, 2009 

March 10, 2009 

March 10, 2009 

August 18, 2009 

Number of 
Shares Granted

Grant Date 
Fair Value

Vesting Period

5,000

$ 

77,146

74

925

4-Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

3-Year Vesting Period (5% each quarter during 
years 1-2 and 15% each quarter during year 3)

24,723

376

2-Year Vesting Period (12.5% each quarter)

147,693

2,400

40,500

3,108

658

60

  298,170

$ 

4,493

3-Year Vesting Period (8.75% each quarter during 
years 1-2 and 7.5% each quarter during year 3)

4-Year Vesting Period (6.25% each quarter)

3-Year Vesting Period (8.75% each quarter during 
years 1-2 and 7.5% each quarter during year 3)

In addition to the grants to employees, 28,333 shares of restricted stock were granted to our outside directors 
during 2009. On July 1, 2009, 25,000 shares of restricted stock, with a grant date fair value of $0.5 million, were 
granted to our outside directors as a part of their annual compensation package. These shares are subject to a one-
year vesting period (25% each quarter). On October 30, 2009, our Board of Directors appointed Carl E. Vogel to serve 
as a Class II Director. In connection with his appointment, Mr. Vogel was granted 3,333 shares of restricted stock with 
a grant date fair value of $70 thousand (a prorated portion of the annual restricted stock grant made to each direc-
tor). These shares are subject to an eight-month vesting period (833 shares vested during the fourth quarter 2009 
and 1,250 shares will vest in both the fi rst and second quarter of 2010).

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized $1.5 million of pre-tax stock-based compensation 

expense related to our 2009 restricted stock grants.

At December 31, 2009, there was $4.5 million of unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related 

to non-vested restricted stock awards which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

During the annual review cycle for 2010, the Compensation Committee granted our Named Executives 45,500 
restricted stock awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The awards were granted as part of long-term incentive 
compensation to assist us in meeting our performance and retention objectives. The grant, dated January 25, 2010, 
is subject to a four-year vesting period (0% each quarter during the fi rst year, 8.33% each quarter during the second, 
third and fourth years). The total grant date fair value of these awards was $1.1 million.

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards 
requires the utilization of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life and forfeiture rate 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 man-
agement’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s 
judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense 
may be materially different in the future.

We do not believe it is reasonably likely that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assump-
tions used to determine stock-based compensation expense. However, if actual results are not consistent with our 
estimates and assumptions we may be exposed to material stock-based compensation expense. Refer to “Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 15” for additional disclosure regarding stock-based compensation expense.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our results of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.

(in thousands)

Net sales 

Cost of sales 

Gross profi t 

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 

year ended december 31,

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$  317,550

  215,938

101,612

8,691

70,974

21,947

471

(241)

22,177

7,502

100.0% $  287,100

100.0% $ 272,680

100.0%

68.0

32.0

2.7

22.4

6.9

0.1

(0.0)

7.0

2.4

  190,910

96,190

8,160

67,269

20,761

3,017

311

24,089

8,283

66.5

33.5

2.8

173,329

99,351

8,820

23.5

  64,080

7.2

1.1

0.1

8.4

2.9

26,451

3,104

7

29,562

9,332

63.6

36.4

3.2

23.5

9.7

1.1

0.0

10.8

3.4

Net income 

$ 

14,675

4.6% $  15,806

5.5% $  20,230

7.4%

Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008

CONS OLIDATE D: Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $317.6 million, an increase of 11% com-
pared to $287.1 million for the same period last year. Net income for 2009 was $14.7 million or $1.05 per diluted 
share compared to $15.8 million or $1.09 per diluted share for 2008.

Net sales:

Business 

Consumer 

Total net sales 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

$ (millions)

% of total

$ (millions)

% of total

$ 

262.5

82.7% $ 

231.5

55.1

17.3%  

55.6

$ 

317.6

100.0% $ 

287.1

80.6%

19.4%

100.0%

Net sales in our Business lines (subscription broadcasting, OEM, and computing companies) were approximately 
83% of net sales for 2009 compared to approximately 81% for 2008. Net sales in our business lines for 2009 increased 
by approximately 13% to $262.5 million from $231.5 million in 2008. This increase in net 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 opera-
tors, market share gains with a few key subscription broadcasting customers and new customer wins. These advanced 
functions include digital video recording (“DVR”), video-on-demand (“VOD”), and high defi nition 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.

Net sales in our Consumer lines (One For All® retail, private label, custom installers, and direct import) were 
approximately 17% of net sales for 2009 compared to approximately 19% for 2008. Net sales in our consumer lines 
for 2009 decreased by 1% to $55.1 million from $55.6 million in 2008. The 2009 net sales were negatively impacted 
by the weakening of the Euro and the British Pound compared to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a decrease in net 
sales of approximately $3.6 million. Net of the currency effect, net retail sales outside of the United States were down 
by an additional $0.9 million. Net private label sales in the United States decreased by $1.4 million, or 70%, to $0.6 
million in 2009 from $2.0 million in 2008. In addition, net sales in the CEDIA market decreased by $0.8 million, 
or 11%, from $7.0 million in 2008 to $6.2 million in 2009. Partially offsetting these decreases was North American 
retail, which increased net sales by $6.2 million, from $2.0 million in 2008 to $8.2 million in 2009. The increase 
in North American retail was the result of our distribution agreement with Audiovox, which was signed during the 
second quarter of 2008.

Gross profi t for 2009 was $101.6 million compared to $96.2 million for 2008. Gross profi t as a percent of sales 

decreased to 32.0% in 2009 from 33.5% in 2008, due primarily to the following:

• 

• 

 Sales mix, as a higher percentage of our total sales was comprised of our lower margin Business category. In 
addition, sales mix within our sales categories also contributed to the decrease in our gross margin rate as 
consumers trended towards value-oriented products. Collectively, the aforementioned resulted in a decrease 
of 0.7% in the gross margin rate;

 Foreign currency fl uctuations caused a decrease of 0.7% in the gross margin rate driven by the weakening of the 
Euro and British Pound as compared to the U.S. dollar;

•  An increase in inventory scrap expense caused a decrease of 0.2% in the gross margin rate.

Included within the sales mix calculation was the positive benefi t of our relationship with Maxim Integrated 
Products which resulted in an increase in our gross margin percentage of approximately 1.0%. During 2009 we 
agreed to be Maxim’s sales agent in return for a sales agency fee. The sales agency fee during 2009 was $4.4 million. 

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During 2010, as the transition from the Zilog chip platform to the Maxim chip platform progresses, we will begin to 
take over full sales and distribution rights, procuring and selling the chips directly to Zilog’s former customers. We 
anticipate this relationship will lead to growth in revenue and earnings going forward.

Research and development expenses increased 7% from $8.2 million in 2008 to $8.7 million in 2009. The 

increase is primarily due to additional labor dedicated to general research & development activities.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 6% from $67.3 million in 2008 to $71.0 million in 2009. 

The weakening of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar resulted in a decrease of $1.6 million; net of the currency 
effect, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $5.3 million. Legal, accounting, and advisory profes-
sional service expense increased by $1.1 million, due to the acquisition of assets from Zilog, which was completed 
during the fi rst quarter of 2009. The newly-acquired Zilog operations increased operating expenses by an additional 
$3.8 million. In addition, severance costs of approximately $0.9 million were incurred in 2009. During the fourth 
quarter of 2009, we also settled a copyright infringement lawsuit which increased operating expenses by approxi-
mately $0.6 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in advertising and tradeshow expense which 
decreased by $1.1 million.

In 2009, we recorded $0.5 million of net interest income compared to $3.0 million for 2008. The decrease in 

interest income is due to signifi cantly lower interest rates.

We recorded income tax expense of $7.5 million in 2009 compared to $8.3 million in 2008. Our effective tax 
rate was 33.8% in 2009 compared to 34.4% in 2008. The decrease in our effective tax rate was due primarily to 
the completion of our Dutch tax audit for 2002 through 2006 which resulted in approximately $0.4 million of tax 
reserves being reversed and credited into income in the fourth quarter of 2009, offset partially by a higher percentage 
of income earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions in 2009 compared to 2008.

Management expects net sales for the year ended December 31, 2010 to be between $325 million and $340 mil-
lion as compared to $317.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. During 2009, we benefi ted from a signifi -
cant customer purchasing the majority of its remote controls from us. In 2010, we expect this customer to return to 
a more traditional dual source arrangement, where we will continue to supply one-hundred percent of their chipsets, 
but will share the remote control volume with an additional source. A chipset is sold for less than a fi nished good 
remote, however they command a slightly higher gross margin percentage. We estimate this will decrease our net 
sales to this customer by approximately $25.0 million during 2010 compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. 
However, we believe that growth from our existing customers and the addition of new customers, both domestically 
and internationally, as well as the impact of the Zilog acquisition, will more than offset this decrease in net sales.

Earnings per share for the year ending December 31, 2010 is expected to be between $1.20 and $1.35 as compared 

to the $1.05 per diluted share earned in the year ended December 31, 2009.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

CONS OLIDATE D: Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $287.1 million, an increase of 5% compared 
to $272.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Net income for 2008 was $15.8 million or $1.09 per diluted 
share compared to $20.2 million or $1.33 per diluted share for 2007.

Net sales:

Business 

Consumer 

Total net sales 

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ (millions)

% of total

$ (millions)

% of total

$ 

231.5

80.6% $ 

214.7

55.6

19.4%  

58.0

78.7%

21.3%

$ 

287.1

100.0% $ 

272.7

100.0%

Net sales in our Business lines (subscription broadcasting, OEM, and computing companies) were approxi-
mately 81% of net sales for 2008 compared to approximately 79% for 2007. Net sales in our business lines for 2008 
increased by approximately 8% to $231.5 million from $214.7 million in 2007. 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, market share gains with a few key subscription broadcasting customers and new customer wins. 
These advanced functions include digital video recording (“DVR”), video-on-demand (“VOD”), and high defi nition 
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.

Net sales in our Consumer lines (One For All® retail, private label, custom installers, and direct import) were 
approximately 19% of net sales for 2008 compared to approximately 21% for 2007. Net sales in our consumer lines 
for 2008 decreased by 4% to $55.6 million from $58.0 million in 2007. The sales were negatively impacted by the 
weakening of the British Pound compared to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a decrease in net sales of approxi-
mately $2.1 million. The strengthening of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar positively impacted sales, which 
resulted in an increase of $1.0 million. Net of the currency effect, retail sales outside of the United States were down 
by $3.1 million, primarily due to lower sales in the UK, Spain and France. Additionally, Private Label sales in the 
United States decreased by $1.2 million, or 38%, to $2.0 million in 2008 from $3.2 million in 2007. Partially offsetting 
these decreases is our expanding presence in the CEDIA market which increased sales by $2.2 million, or 47%, from 
2007. In addition, other US Retail increased by $0.8 million, from $1.2 million in 2007 to $2.0 million in 2008, due to 
customer wins.

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Gross profi t for 2008 was $96.2 million compared to $99.4 million for 2007. Gross profi t as a percent of sales for 

2008 was 33.5%, compared to 36.4% for 2007, due primarily to the following reasons:

• 

 Sales mix, as a higher percentage of our total sales was comprised of our lower margin Business category. In 
addition, sales mix within our sales categories also contributed to the decrease in our gross margin rate as con-
sumers trended towards value-oriented products. Collectively, the aforementioned resulted in a decrease of 3.2% 
in the gross margin rate;

•  Foreign currency fl uctuations caused a decrease of 0.3% in the gross margin rate;

• 

 A decrease in freight and handling expense (due to a lower percentage of air freight) caused an increase of 0.5% 
in the gross margin rate.

Research and development expenses decreased 8% from $8.8 million in 2007 to $8.2 million in 2008. The 
decrease is primarily due to the completion of the latest development phase for the Nevo platform in late 2007.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 5% from $64.1 million in 2007 to $67.3 million in 2008. 
The strengthening of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar resulted in an increase of $2.2 million; payroll and benefi ts 
increased by $0.8 million due to new hires and merit increases; stock-based compensation increased by $0.8 mil-
lion; depreciation expense in 2008 increased by $0.7 million, primarily due to increased tooling to support a higher 
volume of sales and an offi ce renovation completed in early 2008; sales commissions increased by $0.4 million; bad 
debt expense increased by $0.4 million; and trade show expense increased by $0.4 million. These items were partially 
offset by lower long term incentive compensation, which decreased by $1.5 million, and a decline in net outside prod-
uct development spending, which decreased by $0.9 million.

In 2008, we recorded $3.0 million of net interest income comparable to $3.1 million for 2007.

We recorded income tax expense of $8.3 million in 2008 compared to $9.3 million in 2007. Our effective tax rate 

was 34.4% in 2008 compared to 31.6% in 2007. The increase in our effective tax rate is due primarily to additional 
income earned in higher tax-rate jurisdictions as well as lower federal research and development credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

SOU R C ES  AND  U SE S  OF C AS H :

(In thousands)

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2009

Increase 
(Decrease)

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2008

Increase 
(Decrease)

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2007

Cash provided by operating activities 

$  23,987

$ 

(6,165)

$ 

30,152

$ 

10,215

$ 

19,937

Cash used for investing activities 

Cash (used for) provided by fi nancing activities 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 

(66,091)

(58,671)

(4,222)

104

20,965

9,021

(7,420)

(25,187)

(8,917)

(1,237)

(26,585)

(14,300)

(6,183)

1,398

5,383

Cash and cash equivalents

Working capital

December 31, 2009

Increase(Decrease)

December 31, 2008

$ 

29,016

127,086

$ 

(46,222)

$ 

4,783

75,238

122,303

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2009 was $24.0 million compared to $30.2 million during 2008. The 
decrease in cash fl ows from operating activities in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to our deliberate effort 
to improve our vendor management which commenced during 2008 and resulted in a $15.6 million cash infl ow by 
the end of 2008. As a result of the improved vendor terms being negotiated and implemented in 2008, there was 
minimal opportunity for improvement relating to accounts payable in 2009. Days in payables actually decreased 
from 81 days at December 31, 2008 to 67 days at December 31, 2009 resulting in a cash outfl ow of approximately 
$2.1 million in 2009. In addition, during 2009 we had cash outfl ows related to accounts receivable of $4.2 million 
compared to cash outfl ows of $1.5 million during 2008 due primarily to higher net sales over the last couple of years. 
Partially offsetting the aforementioned activity was an improvement in inventory turns from 4.4 turns in 2008 to 5.3 
turns in 2009. Despite having higher sales, our inventory levels decreased from $43.7 million at December 31, 2008 
to $40.9 million at December 31, 2009 compared to an inventory build of $8.8 million from December 31, 2007 to 
December 31, 2008.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2008 was $30.2 million compared to $19.9 million during 2007. 
The increase in cash fl ows from operating activities in 2008 compared to 2007 was primarily due to an increase in 
accounts payable. Accounts payable increased at a higher rate compared to the prior year due to improved vendor 
management, including negotiating better payment terms with certain signifi cant vendors.

Our days sales outstanding improved from 82 days for the fourth quarter 2007 to 68 days for the fourth quarter 
2008 resulting in a $3.5 million improvement in working capital in 2008 compared to 2007. Partially offsetting the 
improvement in days sales outstanding is the decrease in inventory turns from 5.0 during 2007 to 4.4 during 2008. 
The decrease in inventory turns was a result of our deliberate effort to reduce costly air shipments by carrying addi-
tional safety stock as well as maintain high customer service levels with existing and newly acquired customers.

Net cash used for investing activities during 2009 was $66.1 million as compared to $7.4 million and $6.2 mil-
lion during 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in cash used for investing activities in 2009 was primarily due 
to the acquisition of intangible assets and goodwill of $9.5 million from Zilog and our term deposit investment of 
$49.2 million. Please refer to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Notes 7 and 21” for additional disclo-
sure regarding our purchase of goodwill and intangible assets from Zilog.

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash used for financing activities was $4.2 million during 2009 compared to $25.2 million during 2008 and 
cash provided by fi nancing activities of $1.4 million during 2007. Proceeds from stock option exercises were $3.3 
million during 2009 compared to proceeds of $1.2 million and $12.6 million during 2008 and 2007, respectively. In 
2009, gains from stock option exercises resulted in a $0.3 million excess tax benefi t compared to $0.3 million and 
$3.3 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, we purchased 404,643 shares of our common stock at a 
cost of $7.7 million during 2009, compared to 1,118,318 and 471,300 shares at a cost of $26.7 million and $14.5 mil-
lion during 2008 and 2007, 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 fulfi ll our on-going 
business objectives.

On February 11, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized management to continue repurchasing up to an 
additional 1,000,000 shares of our issued and outstanding common stock. Repurchases may be made to manage 
dilution created by shares issued under our stock incentive plans or whenever we deem a repurchase is a good use of 
our cash and the price to be paid is at or below a threshold approved by our Board.

On January 8, 2010, we entered into a new $15 million unsecured revolving credit line with U.S. Bank (“Credit 
Facility”), expiring on October 31, 2011. Amounts available for borrowing under the Credit Facility are reduced by the 
balance of any outstanding import letters of credit and are subject to certain quarterly fi nancial covenants related to 
our cash fl ow, fi xed charges, quick ratio, and net income.

At December 31, 2009 we had no debt, however we cannot make any assurances that we will not need to borrow 
amounts under this Credit Facility. If this or any other facility is not available to us at a time when we need to borrow, 
we would have to use our cash reserves, including potentially repatriating cash from foreign jurisdictions, which may 
have a material adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial position and cash fl ows.

CONTR AC TUA L OBLIGATI ONS : The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and the effect these 
obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash fl ow in future periods.

(in thousands)

Contractual obligations:

payments due by period

Total

Less than 
1 year

1–3 years

4–5 years

After 
5 years

  Operating lease obligations 

$  4,649

$ 

1,905

$ 

2,376

$ 

368

$ 

Purchase obligations(1) 

Total contractual obligations 

39,516

11,516

16,000

12,000

$  44,165

$ 

13,421

$ 

18,376

$ 

12,368

$       —

  —

  —

(1)  Purchase obligations primarily include contractual payments to purchase minimum quantities of inventory under vendor agreements.

LIQ UI DITY: Historically, we have utilized cash provided from operations as our primary source of liquidity, as internally 
generated cash fl ows have been suffi cient to support our business operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions and 
discretionary share repurchases. We are able to supplement our short-term liquidity, if necessary, with our Credit Facility.

Our working capital needs have typically been greatest during the third and fourth quarters when accounts receiv-
able and inventories increase in connection with the fourth quarter holiday selling season. At December 31, 2009, we 
had $127.1 million of working capital compared to $122.3 million at December 31, 2008.

Our cash balances are held in numerous locations throughout the world, including substantial amounts held 
outside of the United States. Most of the amounts held outside of the United States may be repatriated to the United 
States but, under current law, would be subject to United States federal income taxes, less applicable foreign tax 
credits. Repatriation of some foreign balances is restricted by local laws. We have not provided for the United States 
federal tax liability on these amounts for fi nancial statement purposes as this cash is considered indefi nitely rein-
vested outside of the United States. Our intent is to meet our domestic liquidity needs through ongoing cash fl ows, 
external borrowings, or both. We utilize a variety of tax planning strategies in an effort to ensure that our worldwide 
cash is available in the locations in which it is needed.

At December 31, 2009, we had approximately $9.3 million, $14.2 million, $2.4 million and $3.1 million of cash 
and cash equivalents in the United States, Europe, Asia and Cayman Islands, respectively. In addition, at December 
31, 2009 we had a six-month term deposit of $49.2 million in Asia which matured on January 21, 2010. A new term 
deposit of $50.3 million was entered into on March 11, 2010 and will mature on June 11, 2010. We attempt to mitigate 
our exposure to interest rate, liquidity, credit and other relevant risks by placing our cash, cash equivalents, and term 
deposit with fi nancial institutions we believe are high quality.

For information regarding our Credit Facility, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

It is our policy to carefully monitor the state of our business, cash requirements and capital structure. We believe 

that the cash generated from our operations and funds from our Credit Facility will be suffi cient to support our cur-
rent business operations as well as anticipated growth at least through the end of 2010; however, there can be no 
assurance that such funds will be adequate for that purpose.

OFF  B ALANCE  S HE ET AR RA N GE ME NTS  We do not participate in any off balance sheet arrangements. 

NEW  ACCOU NTIN G P RONO U NCE ME N TS  See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 2” for a 
discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

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Quantitative and Qualitative 
Disclosures about Market Risk 

We are exposed to various market risks, including interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fl uctuations. We 
have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of these risks and the use 
of fi nancial instruments to mitigate our risk exposure.

On January 8, 2010, we entered into a new $15 million unsecured revolving credit line with U.S. Bank (“Credit 
Facility”), expiring on October 31, 2011. Amounts available for borrowing under the Credit Facility are reduced by the 
balance of any outstanding import letters of credit and are subject to certain quarterly fi nancial covenants related to 
our cash fl ow, fi xed charges, quick ratio, and net income. Under the Credit Facility, we may elect to pay interest based 
on the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR plus a fi xed margin of 1.8%. The applicable LIBOR (1, 3, 6, or 12-month LIBOR) 
corresponds with the loan period we select. At December 31, 2009, the 12-month LIBOR plus the fi xed margin was 
2.8% and the bank’s prime rate was 3.25%. If a LIBOR rate loan is prepaid prior to the completion of the loan period, 
we must pay the bank the difference between the interest the bank would have earned had prepayment not occurred 
and the interest the bank actually earned. We may prepay prime rate loans in whole or in part at any time without a 
premium or penalty.

At December 31, 2009 we had no debt, however we cannot make any assurances that we will not need to borrow 
amounts under this Credit Facility. If this or any other facility is not available to us at a time when we need to borrow, 
we would have to use our cash reserves, including potentially repatriating cash from foreign jurisdictions, which may 
have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash fl ow and fi nancial position.

At December 31, 2009 we had wholly owned subsidiaries in Argentina, Cayman Islands, France, Germany, Hong 
Kong, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom. We are exposed to foreign currency 
exchange rate risk inherent in our sales commitments, anticipated sales, anticipated purchases, assets and liabilities 
denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The most signifi cant foreign currencies to our operations for 
fi scal 2009 were the Euro and the British Pound. For most currencies, we are a net receiver of the foreign currency 
and therefore benefi t from a weaker U.S. dollar and are adversely affected by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the 
foreign currency. Even where we are a net receiver, a weaker U.S. dollar may adversely affect certain expense fi gures 
taken alone.

From time to time, we enter into foreign currency exchange agreements to manage the foreign currency exchange 

rate risks inherent in our forecasted income and cash fl ows denominated in foreign currencies. The terms of these 
foreign currency exchange agreements normally last less than nine months. We recognize the gains and losses on 
these foreign currency contracts in the same period as the remeasurement losses and gains of the related foreign 
currency-denominated exposures.

It is diffi cult to estimate the impact of fl uctuations on reported income, as it depends on the opening and clos-
ing 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. Alternatively, we may choose not to hedge 
the foreign currency risk associated with our foreign currency exposures, primarily if such exposure acts as a natural 
foreign currency hedge for other offsetting amounts denominated in the same currency or the currency is diffi cult or 
too expensive to hedge. We do not enter into any derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

The sensitivity of earnings and cash fl ows to the variability in exchange rates is assessed by applying an approxi-
mate range of potential rate fl uctuations to our assets, obligations and projected results of operations denominated 
in foreign currency with all other variables held constant. The analyses cover all of our foreign currency contracts 
offset by the underlying exposures. Based on our overall foreign currency rate exposure at December 31, 2009, we 
believe that movements in foreign currency rates may have a material affect on our fi nancial position. We estimate 
that if the exchange rates for the Euro and the British Pound relative to the U.S. dollar fl uctuate 10% from December 
31, 2009, net income and cash fl ows in the fi rst quarter of 2010 would fl uctuate by approximately $0.6 million and 
$6.7 million, respectively.

38

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. (a Delaware corpora-
tion) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, 
and cash fl ows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. Our audits of the basic fi nancial 
statements included the fi nancial statement schedule listed in the index to the consolidated fi nancial statements. 
These fi nancial statements and fi nancial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these fi nancial statements and fi nancial statement schedule based on 
our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated fi nancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 

fi nancial position of Universal Electronics Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations 
and its cash fl ows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related fi nancial statement 
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic fi nancial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all mate-
rial respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States), Universal Electronics Inc.’s internal control over fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 2009, 
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 15, 2010 expressed an unqualifi ed 
opinion.

Irvine, California

March 15, 2010

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39

 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share-related data)

A S S E T S :

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents 

Term deposit 

Accounts receivable, net 

Inventories, net 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

Deferred income taxes 

Total current assets 

Equipment, furniture and fi xtures, net 

Goodwill 

Intangible assets, net 

Other assets 

Deferred income taxes 

Total assets 

L I A B I L I T I E S  A N D S TO C K H O L D E R S ’ E Q U I T Y:

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable 

Accrued sales discounts, rebates and royalties 

Accrued income taxes 

Accrued compensation 

  Other accrued expenses 

Total current liabilities 

Long-term liabilities:

Deferred income taxes 

Income tax payable 

  Other long-term liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

december 31,

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

$  29,016

$  75,238

  49,246

64,392

40,947

2,423

3,016

—

59,825

43,675

3,461

2,421

  189,040

  184,620

9,990

13,724

11,572

1,144

7,837

8,686

10,757

5,637

609

7,246

$  233,307

$  217,555

$ 

39,514

$  44,705

6,028

3,254

4,619

8,539

61,954

153

1,348

122

4,848

2,334

3,617

6,813

62,317

130

1,442

313

63,577

  64,202

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding 

—  

Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 19,140,232 and 18,715,833 shares 

issued at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively 

Paid-in capital 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

Retained earnings 

191

128,913

1,463

118,989

—

187

120,551

750

104,314

Less cost of common stock in treasury, 5,449,962 and 5,070,319 shares at 

December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively 

Total stockholders’ equity 

  Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated fi nancial statements.

  249,556

  225,802

  (79,826)

  (72,449)

  169,730

153,353

$  233,307

$  217,555

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Income Statements

(In thousands, except per share amounts) 

Net sales 

Cost of sales 

Gross profi t 

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 

Shares used in computing earnings per share:

Basic 

Diluted 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated fi nancial statements.

year ended december 31,

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$  317,550

$  287,100

$ 272,680

  215,938

  190,910

101,612

96,190

173,329

99,351

8,691

70,974

21,947

471

(241)

22,177

7,502

8,160

8,820

67,269

  64,080

20,761

3,017

311

24,089

8,283

26,451

3,104

7

29,562

9,332

$ 

14,675

$  15,806

$  20,230

$ 

$ 

1.07

1.05

$ 

$ 

1.13

1.09

$ 

$ 

1.40

1.33

13,667

13,971

14,015

14,456

14,410

15,177

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Consolidated Statements of 
Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2006 

Comprehensive income:

  Net income 

Currency translation adjustment 

Total comprehensive income 

Shares issued for employee benefi t plan 

Purchase of treasury shares 

Stock options exercised 

Shares issued to Directors 

Stock—based compensation expense 

Adoption of FIN 48 (Note 8) 

Tax benefi t from exercise of non-qualifi ed stock options 

Balance at December 31, 2007 

Comprehensive income: 

  Net income 

Currency translation adjustment 

Total comprehensive income 

Shares issued for employee benefi t plan and compensation

Purchase of treasury shares 

Stock options exercised 

Shares issued to Directors 

Stock—based compensation expense 

Tax benefi t from exercise of non-qualifi ed stock options and vested restricted stock

Balance at December 31, 2008 

Comprehensive income: 

  Net income 

Currency translation adjustment 

Total comprehensive income 

Shares issued for employee benefi t plan and compensation

Purchase of treasury shares 

Stock options exercised 

Shares issued to Directors 

Stock—based compensation expense 

Common Stock Issued

Shares

Amount

17,543

$ 

175

23

981

1

9

18,547

$ 

185

55

114

1

1

18,716

$ 

187

145

279

1

3

Tax benefi t from exercise of non-qualifi ed stock options and vested restricted stock

Balance at December 31, 2009 

19,140

$ 

191

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated fi nancial statements.

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock In Treasury

Shares

Amount

Paid-in Capital

Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)

Retained Earnings

Totals

Comprehensive 
Income

(3,529)

$ 

(31,964)

$ 

94,733

$ 

2,759

$ 

68,514

$ 

134,217

20,230

8,462

$ 

20,230

8,462

$ 

28,692

(471)

(14,519)

25

370

630

12,588

(370)

3,521

3,339

631

(14,519)

12,597

—

3,521

(236)

3,339

(236)

(3,975)

$ 

(46,113)

$ 

114,441

$ 

11,221

$ 

88,508

$ 

168,242

15,806

(10,471)

$   

15,806

(10,471)

$    

 5,335

(1,118)

(26,689)

23

353

632

1,157

(353)

4,243

431

633

(26,689)

1,158

—

4,243

431

(5,070)

$ 

(72,449)

$ 

120,551

$ 

750

$ 

104,314

$ 

153,353

14,675

713

$ 

14,675

  713

$ 

15,388

(405)

(7,747)

25

370

740

3,272

(370)

4,312

408

741

(7,747)

3,275

—

4,312

408

(5,450)

$ 

(79,826)

$ 

128,913

$ 

1,463

$ 

118,989

$ 

169,730

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Consolidated Statements 
of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

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 benefi t from exercise of stock options and vested restricted stock

Excess tax benefi t from stock-based compensation 

Shares issued for employee benefi t plan 

Stock-based compensation 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

  Accounts receivable 

Inventories 

  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:

Term deposit 

Acquisition of equipment, furniture and fi xtures 

Acquisition of intangible assets 

Acquisition of assets from Zilog, Inc. 

  Net cash used for investing activities 

Cash (used for) provided by financing activities:

Proceeds from stock options exercised 

Treasury stock purchased 

Excess tax benefi t from stock–based compensation 

  Net cash (used for) provided by fi nancing activities 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

year ended december 31,

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

14,675

$  15,806

$  20,230

6,801

363

3,480

(1,141)

408

(250)

741

4,312

(4,206)

(354)

552

(2,096)

702

23,987

6,084

442

2,671

(448)

431

(344)

633

4,243

(1,478)

(12,219)

(1,888)

15,557

662

30,152

4,675

23

2,146

219

3,339

(3,320)

631

3,521

(5,033)

(9,194)

837

3,982

(2,119)

19,937

  (49,246)

—  

—

(6,171)

(1,172)

(9,502)

(5,945)

(1,475)

(4,802)

(1,381)

—  

—

(66,091)

(7,420)

(6,183)

3,275

1,158

(7,747)

  (26,689)

250

(4,222)

104

  (46,222)

75,238

344

(25,187)

(8,917)

(11,372)

86,610

12,597

(14,519)

3,320

1,398

5,383

20,535

66,075

$  29,016

$  75,238

$  86,610

Supplemental Cash Flow Information — Income taxes paid were $7.3 million, $8.2 million and $8.1 million in 2009, 
2008, and 2007, respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated fi nancial statements.

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements

NOTE   1 :  Description of Business 

Universal Electronics Inc., based in Southern California, has developed a broad line of easy-to-use, pre-programmed 
universal wireless control products and audio-video accessories that are marketed to enhance home entertain-
ment 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 cable and satellite service providers, retail, 
original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), custom installers, private label, and companies in the personal com-
puting industry. Over the past 22 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 accessories 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 : Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

PR IN CI PLE S  OF  CONS OL IDAT IO N : The consolidated fi nancial statements include our accounts and those of our 
wholly-owned subsidiaries. All the intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated 
fi nancial statements.

ESTIMATES  AND  ASS UMPTI O N S : The preparation of fi nancial statements in conformity with accounting prin-
ciples generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the fi nan-
cial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going 
basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for 
sales returns and doubtful accounts, warranties, inventory valuation, business combination purchase price alloca-
tions, our review for impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes and stock-based 
compensation expense. Actual results may differ from these assumptions and estimates, and they may be adjusted 
as more information becomes available. Any adjustment may be material.

RE VE NU E  RECOGN ITI ON AN D  SAL E S   ALLOWA NCE S: We recognize revenue on the sale of products when 
delivery has occurred, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fi xed or determinable and 
collectability is reasonably assured. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear 
interest. Sales allowances reduce gross accounts receivable and gross sales to arrive at accounts receivable, net 
and net sales in the same period the related receivable and revenue is recorded (see Note 4 for further information 
concerning our sales allowances).

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. These estimates are based on historical sales returns, analysis 
of credit memo data and other known factors. We have no obligations after delivery of our products other than the 
associated warranties (see Note 12 for further information concerning our warranty obligations).

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 distributed in cash or cus-
tomer account credits. Rebates and incentives are recognized as cost of sales if we provide products or services for 
payment.

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our custom-
ers to make payments for products sold or services rendered. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a vari-
ety of factors, including historical experience, length of time receivables are past due, current economic trends and 
changes in customer payment behavior. Also, we record specifi c provisions for individual accounts when we become 
aware of a customer’s inability to meet its fi nancial obligations to us, such as in the case of bankruptcy fi lings or 
deterioration in the customer’s operating results or fi nancial 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 programs to 

some of our customers through our call centers. These service revenues are recognized when services are per-
formed, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fi xed or determinable, and collectability is 
reasonably assured.

We also license our intellectual property including our patented technologies, trade secrets, trademarks, and data-

base of infrared codes. We record license revenue when our customers ship a product incorporating our intellectual 
property, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fi xed or determinable, and collectability is 
reasonably assured.

45

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We may from time to time initiate the sale of certain intellectual property, including patented technologies, trade-
marks, or a particular database of infrared codes. When a fi xed upfront fee is received in exchange for the conveyance 
of a patent, trademark, or database delivered that represents the culmination of the earnings process, we record rev-
enue when delivery has occurred, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fi xed or determin-
able and collectability 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 specifi c 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 deliv-
ered element. This is performed by allocating revenue to the undelivered elements (that have VSOE) and the residual 
revenue is allocated 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 element is 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-specifi ed return or refund privileges.

We present all non-income government-assessed taxes (sales, use and value added taxes) collected from our cus-
tomers and remitted to governmental agencies on a net basis (excluded from revenue) in our fi nancial statements. The 
government-assessed taxes are recorded in other accrued expenses until they are remitted to the government agency.

IN CO ME TAXE S: Income tax expense includes U.S. and foreign 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 recognized in our fi nancial statements in a different period than our tax return 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.

A tax position that is more likely than not is measured as the largest amount of benefi t that is greater than fi fty 
percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement, or else a full reserve is established against the tax asset or a 
liability is recorded. See Note 8 for further information concerning income taxes.

RES EARC H  AND  DE VE LO PME N T: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and consist primar-
ily of salaries, employee benefi ts, supplies and materials.

ADVERTISING: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $1.3 million, $2.1 million 
and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

SHIPP ING  AND   HAND LING  FE E S  A ND  COSTS :  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 $7.9 million, 
$8.4 million and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

STO CK-BAS ED  CO MPE NSAT I O N : We recognize the grant date fair value of stock-based compensation awards as 
expense, net of estimated forfeitures, in proportion to vesting during the requisite service period, which is generally 
one to four years. We determined the fair value of the restricted stock awards utilizing the average of the high and 
low trade prices of our Company’s shares on the date they were granted. We have evaluated the available option 
pricing models and the assumptions we may utilize to estimate the grant date fair value of stock options granted 
to employees and directors. We have elected to utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions 
utilized in the Black-Scholes model include the following: weighted average fair value of grant, risk-free interest 
rate, expected volatility and expected life in years. As part of our assessment of possible assumptions, 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 calculate the expected volatility 
of our common stock utilizing its historical volatility over a period of time equal to the expected term of the stock 
option. In addition, we examined the historical pattern of stock option exercises in an effort to determine if there 
were any discernable patterns based on employee classifi cation. From this analysis, we identifi ed two classifi cations: 
(1) Executives and Board of Directors and (2) Non-Executives. Our estimate of expected life is computed utilizing 
historical exercise patterns and post-vesting behavior within each of the two identifi ed classifi cations. The risk-free 
interest rate over the expected term is equal to the prevailing U.S. Treasury note rate over the same period. See Notes 
13 and 15 for further information regarding stock-based compensation.

FOR EI GN C UR RENCY  TR AN S LATIO N  AN D  FO RE IGN CURRENCY  TRANSACT IONS: We use the U.S. dollar 
as our functional currency for fi nancial reporting purposes. The functional currency for most of our foreign subsid-
iaries 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 each period. The gains and losses resulting from the translation are included in 
the foreign currency translation adjustment account, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income 
in stockholders’ equity, and are excluded from net income. The portions of intercompany accounts receivable and 
accounts payable that are not intended for settlement are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet 
date. Our intercompany foreign investments and long-term debt that are not intended for settlement are translated 
using historical exchange rates.

46

We recorded a foreign currency translation gain of $0.7 million, a loss of $10.5 million and a gain of $8.5 million 

for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The foreign currency translation gain of $0.7 
million for the year ended December 31, 2009 was driven by the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. The 
U.S. dollar/Euro spot rate was 1.43 and 1.39 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The foreign currency translation loss of $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 was driven by the 
strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. The U.S. dollar/Euro spot rate was 1.39 and 1.46 at December 31, 
2008 and 2007, respectively. The foreign currency translation loss during 2008 was compounded by our transfer of 
€47.0 million, or $60.2 million, into Hong Kong dollars (which are indexed to the U.S. dollar) in November 2008. 
The U.S. dollar/Euro spot rate at the time of transfer was 1.28. This composed approximately $7.2 million of the 
foreign currency translation loss for 2008.

The foreign currency translation gain of $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 was driven by the 
weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro. The U.S. dollar/Euro spot rate was 1.46 and 1.32 at December 31, 2007 
and December 31, 2006, respectively.

Transaction gains and losses generated by the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on recorded 

assets and liabilities denominated in a currency different than the functional currency of the applicable entity are 
recorded in other (expense) income, net (see Note 16 for further information concerning transaction gains and losses).

FINANC IAL  IN STRU ME NTS : Our fi nancial instruments consist primarily of investments in cash and cash equiva-
lents, a term deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying value of our fi nancial 
instruments approximate fair value as a result of their short maturities (see Notes 3, 4, 5 and 9 for further informa-
tion concerning our fi nancial instruments).

CASH,  CASH  EQUIVALENTS,  AND  TERM DEPOSIT: Cash and cash equivalents include cash accounts and all 
investments purchased with initial maturities of 3 months or less. We attempt to mitigate our exposure to interest 
rate, liquidity, credit and other relevant risks by placing our cash, cash equivalents, and term deposit with fi nancial 
institutions we believe are high quality. These fi nancial institutions are located in many different geographic regions. 
As part of our cash and risk management processes, we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing 
of our fi nancial institutions. We have not sustained credit losses from instruments held at fi nancial institutions (see 
Note 3 for further information concerning cash, cash equivalents, and term deposit).

IN VE NTORI ES : Inventories consist of remote controls, audio-video accessories and the related component parts. 
Inventoriable costs include materials, labor, freight-in and manufacturing overhead related to the purchase and pro-
duction of inventories. We value our inventories at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the fi rst-in, 
fi rst-out method. We attempt to carry inventories in amounts necessary to satisfy our customer requirements on a 
timely basis (see Note 5 for further information concerning our inventories and suppliers).

Product innovations and technological advances may shorten a given product’s life cycle. We continually moni-
tor our inventories to identify any excess or obsolete items on hand. We write-down our inventories for estimated 
excess and obsolescence in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of the inventories and its estimated 
net realizable value. These estimates are based upon management’s judgment about future demand and market 
conditions. Actual results may differ from management’s judgments and additional write-downs may be required. 
Our total excess and obsolete inventory reserve as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $1.8 million and $1.5 million, 
respectively, or 4.1% and 3.5% of our total inventory balance.  

EQU I PMENT,  F UR NITU RE  AN D  FI X TU RE S :  Equipment, furniture and fi xtures are recorded at cost. To qualify 
for capitalization an asset must have a useful life greater than one year and a cost greater than $1,000 for individual 
assets or $5,000 for assets purchased in bulk.

We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal use software, principally 

related to software coding, designing system interfaces and installation and testing of the software.

For fi nancial reporting purposes, depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated use-

ful lives of the respective assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depre-
ciation are removed from the appropriate accounts and any gain or loss is included as a component of depreciation 
expense in operating income.

Estimated useful lives consist of the following: 

Tooling and equipment 

Computer equipment 

Software 

Furniture and fi xtures 

Leasehold improvements 

2-7 Years

3-7 Years

3-5 Years

5-7 Years

Lesser of lease term or useful life (approximately 2 to 6 years)

See Note 6 for further information concerning our equipment, furniture and fi xtures.

GOO DWI LL: We record the excess purchase price of net tangible and intangible assets acquired over their esti-
mated fair value as goodwill. 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 may include, but are not limited to: (1) a signifi cant adverse change in legal 
factors or in business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, or (3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.

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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 defi ned as an oper-
ating 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 fi nancial information 
is available, and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. Our domestic and 
international operations are components and reporting units of our sole operating segment.

To evaluate whether goodwill is impaired, we compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the 

goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our 
reporting units based on income and market approaches. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of 
a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash fl ows. Under the market approach, we estimate 
the fair value based on market multiples of Enterprise Value to EBITDA for comparable companies. 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 measured by comparing the implied fair value of 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 reporting unit’s fair value 
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 goodwill impairment reviews as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Based on the anal-
ysis performed, we determined that the fair values of our reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, including 
goodwill, and therefore they were not impaired. See Notes 7 and 21 for further information concerning goodwill.

LONG -LI VED  AND  INTAN G IB LE   ASS E TS  I MPAI RMENT: Intangible assets consist principally of distribution 
rights, patents, trademarks, trade names, developed and core technologies, capitalized software development costs 
(see also Note 2 under the caption Capitalized Software Development Costs) and customer relationships. 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 benefi t, ranging from two to 
fi fteen years.

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets whenever events or changes in circum-
stances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important which may trigger an 
impairment review include the following: (1) signifi cant underperformance relative to expected historical or pro-
jected future operating results; (2) signifi cant changes in the manner or use of the assets or strategy for the overall 
business; (3) signifi cant negative industry or economic trends and (4) a signifi cant decline in our stock price for a 
sustained period.

We conduct an impairment review when we determine that the carrying value of a long-lived or intangible asset 
may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment. The asset 
is impaired if its carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash fl ows expected to result from the use and 
eventual disposition of the asset. In assessing recoverability, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future 
cash fl ows and other factors.

The impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. We estimate fair 

value utilizing the projected discounted cash fl ow method and a discount rate determined by our management to 
be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. When calculating fair value, we must make 
assumptions regarding estimated future cash fl ows, discount rates and other factors.

See Notes 6 and 14 for further information concerning long-lived assets. See Notes 7 and 21 for further informa-

tion concerning intangible assets.

CA PI TALIZED  S OFTWARE  DE V E LO P ME NT  COSTS: Costs incurred to develop software for resale are expensed 
when incurred as research and development until technological feasibility has been established. We have determined 
that technological feasibility for our products is established when a working model is complete. Once technological 
feasibility is established, software development costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release 
to customers.

Capitalized software development costs are amortized on a product-by-product basis. Amortization is recorded in 

cost of sales and is the greater amount computed using:

a. 

b. 

 the net book value at the beginning of the period multiplied by the ratio that current gross revenues for a 
product bear to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product; or

 the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product including the period 
being reported on.

The amortization of capitalized software development costs begins when the related product is available for gen-

eral release to customers. The amortization periods normally range from one to two years.

We compare the unamortized capitalized software development costs of a product to its net realizable value at 
each balance sheet date. The amount by which the unamortized capitalized software development costs exceed the 
product’s net realizable value is written off. The net realizable value is the estimated future gross revenues of a prod-
uct reduced by its estimated completion and disposal costs. Any remaining amount of capitalized software develop-
ment costs are considered to be the cost for subsequent accounting purposes and the amount of the write-down is 
not subsequently restored. See Note 7 for further information concerning capitalized software development costs.

48

DE RI VATIVE S:  Our foreign currency exposures are primarily concentrated in the Euro, British Pound and Hong 
Kong dollar. 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 fl uctuations may have on our foreign currency-
denominated receivables, payables, cash fl ows and reported income. We do not enter into fi nancial instruments for 
speculation or trading purposes.

The derivatives we enter into have not qualifi ed for hedge accounting. The gains and losses on both the deriva-
tives and the foreign currency-denominated balances are recorded as foreign exchange transaction gains or losses 
and are classifi ed in other (expense) income, net. Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The 
estimated fair value of derivative fi nancial instruments represents the amount required to enter into similar offset-
ting contracts with similar remaining maturities based on quoted market prices. See Note 18 for further information 
concerning derivatives.

FAI R -VALUE MEAS UR EME NTS : We measure fair value using the framework established by the FASB accounting 
guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. This framework requires fair value to be determined based on 
the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or 
most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

The valuation techniques are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable or market inputs 
refl ect market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain 
assumptions and judgments based on the best information available. Observable inputs are the preferred source of 
values. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1:

Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2:

Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instru-
ments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all signifi cant 
assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for sub-
stantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3:

Prices or valuations that require management inputs that are both signifi cant to the fair value measure-
ment and unobservable.

NEW  ACCOU NTIN G P RONO U NCE ME N TS :  In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 
(“ASU”) No. 2010-6 to improve the disclosure and transparency of fair value measurements. These amendments 
clarify the level of disaggregation required, and the necessary disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs 
used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The amendments in the 
update are effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2009, except for 
the separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements, which 
are effective for fi scal years beginning on or after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fi scal 
years. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet adopted this ASU, and we do not expect its adoption will have a 
material effect on our consolidated results of operations and fi nancial condition.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-14 to address accounting for arrangements that contain 
tangible products and software. The amendments in this update clarify what guidance should be utilized in allocat-
ing and measuring revenue for products that contain software that is “more than incidental” to the product as a 
whole. Currently, products that contain software that is “more than incidental” to the product as a whole are within 
the scope of software accounting guidance. Software accounting guidance requires a vendor to use vendor-specifi c 
objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price to separate the software from the product and account for the two 
elements as a multiple-element arrangement. A vendor must sell, or intend to sell, a particular element separately 
to assert VSOE for that element. Third-party evidence for selling price is not allowed under the software accounting 
model. If a vendor does not have VSOE for the undelivered elements in the arrangement, the revenue associated with 
both the delivered and undelivered elements is combined into one unit of accounting. Any revenue attributable to 
the delivered elements is then deferred and recognized at a later date, which in many cases is as the undelivered ele-
ments are delivered by the vendor. This ASU addresses concerns that the current accounting model may not appro-
priately refl ect the economics of the underlying transactions because no revenue is recognized for some products for 
which the vendor has already completed the related performance. In addition, this ASU addresses the concern that 
more software enabled products fall within the scope of the current software accounting model than was originally 
intended because of ongoing technical advancements. The amendments in the update are effective prospectively for 
revenue arrangements entered into or materially modifi ed in fi scal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early 
adoption is permitted, however, if early adoption is elected, we would be required to apply the amendments retro-
spectively from the beginning of the fi scal year of adoption and make specifi c disclosures. We have not yet adopted 
this ASU, and we are currently evaluating the impact it may have on our consolidated fi nancial statements.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13 to address the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrange-

ments to enable vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined 
accounting unit. Current accounting guidance requires a vendor to use VSOE or third-party evidence (“TPE”) of 
selling price to separate deliverables in a multiple-deliverable arrangement. VSOE of selling price is the price charged 
for a deliverable when it is sold separately or, for a deliverable not yet being sold separately, the price established 
by management with the appropriate authority. If a vendor does not have VSOE for the undelivered elements in the 
arrangement, the revenue associated with both the delivered and undelivered elements is combined into one unit of 
accounting. Any revenue attributable to the delivered products is then deferred and recognized at a later date, which 

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in many cases is as the undelivered elements are delivered by the vendor. An exception to this guidance exists if the 
vendor has VSOE or TPE of selling price for the undelivered elements in the arrangement but not for the delivered 
elements. In those situations, the vendor uses the residual value method to allocate revenue to the delivered ele-
ment, which results in the allocation of the entire discount in the arrangement, if any, to the delivered element. 
This ASU addresses concerns that the current accounting model may not appropriately refl ect the economics of 
the underlying transactions because sometimes no revenue is recognized for products for which the vendor has 
already completed the related performance. As a result of this amendment, multiple element arrangements will be 
separated in more circumstances than under the existing accounting model. This amendment establishes a selling 
price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The selling price utilized for each deliverable will be 
based on VSOE if available, TPE if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price if neither VSOE or TPE evidence is 
available. The residual method is eliminated. The amendments in the update are effective prospectively for revenue 
arrangements entered into or materially modifi ed in fi scal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is 
permitted, however, if early adoption is elected, we would be required to apply the amendments retrospectively from 
the beginning of the fi scal year of adoption and make specifi c disclosures. We have not yet adopted this ASU, and we 
are currently evaluating the impact it may have on our consolidated fi nancial statements.

REC ENTLY AD OPTE D ACCO U N TI NG  P RO N O U N CEMENTS:  In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that 
established principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its fi nancial statements 
the identifi able assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill 
acquired. This guidance also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and fi nancial 
effects of the business combination. The adoption of this guidance will affect the total purchase price of acquisi-
tions, as acquisition costs will now be expensed, and the allocation of fair value to specifi c assets and liabilities will 
be different. This guidance was effective for us January 1, 2009. As a result of adopting this guidance, we recognized 
$1.1 million of acquisition costs during the year ended December 31, 2009 related to our purchase of assets from 
Zilog. The acquisition costs recognized during 2009 included $0.1 million of acquisition costs that were capitalized 
at December 31, 2008.

In addition to the recently adopted accounting standard above, we adopted the following accounting standards 

during 2009, none of which had a material effect on our consolidated fi nancial position and results of operations:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 In September 2009, the FASB issued an ASU to address the need for additional implementation guidance on 
accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended September 30, 
2009.

 In August 2009, the FASB issued an ASU addressing the measurement of liabilities at fair value and reaffi rmed 
the practice of measuring fair value using quoted market prices when a liability is traded as an asset. We adopted 
this guidance during the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

 In June 2009, the FASB issued new guidance establishing the FASB Accounting Standards Codifi cation as the 
source of authoritative U.S. GAAP and identifi ed the framework for selecting the principles to utilize in the prepa-
ration of fi nancial statements for nongovernmental entities. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended 
September 30, 2009.

 In April 2009, the FASB issued additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity 
for an asset or liability have signifi cantly decreased and identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is 
not orderly. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended June 30, 2009.

 In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance requiring disclosures about the fair value of fi nancial instruments 
for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual fi nancial statements. We adopted 
this guidance during the quarter ended June 30, 2009.

 In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance to address application issues raised by preparers, auditors, and 
members of the legal profession on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and account-
ing, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. We adopted 
this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 In December 2008, the FASB issued guidance requiring employers to disclose certain information about plan 
assets of a defi ned benefi t pension or other postretirement plan. We adopted this guidance during the quarter 
ended March 31, 2009.

 In November 2008, the FASB issued guidance clarifying how to account for defensive intangible assets subse-
quent to initial measurement. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 In June 2008, the FASB issued new guidance addressing whether instruments granted in share-based payment 
transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings alloca-
tion in computing earnings per share. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance amending the factors that should be considered while developing 
renewal or extension assumptions to be utilized when determining the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. 
We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance that amended and expanded the disclosure requirements for deriva-
tive instruments and hedging activities to provide improved transparency into their uses and fi nancial statement 
impact. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

50

• 

• 

• 

 In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance changing the accounting for, and the fi nancial statement pre-
sentation of, non-controlling equity interests in a consolidated subsidiary. We adopted this guidance during the 
quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 In November 2007, the FASB issued guidance defi ning collaborative arrangements and establishing reporting 
requirements for transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement and between participants in 
the arrangement and third parties. We adopted this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 In September 2006, the FASB issued new guidance on fair value measurements. This guidance clarifi es the 
defi nition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosures of fair value 
measurements. In February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date of the fair value measurements guidance 
for certain non-fi nancial assets and liabilities. We adopted this new guidance for fi nancial assets and liabilities 
during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. We adopted this new guidance for non-fi nancial assets and liabilities 
during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

NOTE   3 : Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Term Deposit 

The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents, and term deposit that were accounted for at fair value on a 
recurring basis as of December 31, 2009:

(in thousands) 

Description

Cash and cash equivalents 

Term deposit 

fair value measurement using

Year Ended 
12/31/2009

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
for Identical Asset 
(Level 1)

Signifi cant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)

Signifi cant 
Unobservable Inputs 
(Level 3)

$ 

29,016

$ 

29,016

49,246

49,246

$ 

78,262

$ 

78,262

$ 

$ 

—

—

—

$ 

$ 

—

—

—

At December 31, 2009, we had approximately $9.3 million, $14.2 million, $2.4 million and $3.1 million of cash and 

cash equivalents in the United States, Europe, Asia and Cayman Islands, respectively. In addition, at December 31, 
2009, we had a six-month term deposit cash account at Wells Fargo Bank denominated in Hong Kong dollars. The 
term began on July 21, 2009 and ended on January 21, 2010. The term deposit earned interest at an annual rate of 
0.57%. The deposit amount and interest receivable related to this account as of December 31, 2009 was $49.2 mil-
lion and 0.1 million, respectively.

On March 11, 2010, we entered into a three-month term deposit cash account at Wells Fargo Bank denominated 

in Hong Kong dollars. The term deposit of $50.3 million earns interest at an annual rate of 0.09%.

At December 31, 2008, we had approximately $8.4 million, $6.1 million and $60.7 million of cash and cash 

equivalents in the United States, Europe, and Asia, respectively.

See Note 2 under the caption Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Term Deposit for further information regarding our 

accounting principles.

NOTE   4 : Accounts Receivable, net and Revenue Concentrations 

Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

(in thousands)

Trade receivables, gross 

Allowance for doubtful accounts 

Allowance for sales returns 

  Net trade receivables 

Other(1) 

Accounts receivable, net 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

$  68,458

$  65,014

(2,423)

(1,999)

  64,036

356

(2,439)

(2,823)

59,752

73

$  64,392

$  59,825

(1) 

 Other receivables as of December 31, 2009 consisted primarily of a reimbursement due from a vendor for quality issues, sales tax receivables, and interest due 
from Wells Fargo Bank on our term deposit (see Note 3).

TRADE  RECEIVABLES, GROSS: Trade receivables, gross increased from $65.0 million at December 31, 2008 
to $68.5 million at December 31, 2009. The increase in trade receivables, gross was driven primarily by net sales 
increasing from $78.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 to $84.9 million for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2009. Our days sales outstanding were approximately 68 days at both December 31, 2009 and 2008.

ALLOWANC E  FOR DO UBTFU L  ACCO U N TS : The following changes occurred in the allowance for doubtful 
accounts during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007: 

(in thousands)

Description

Year Ended December 31, 2009 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

Balance at 
Beginning of 
Period

Additions to 
Costs and 
Expenses

(Write-offs)/
FX Effects

Balance at 
End of Period

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,439

2,330

2,602

$ 

$ 

$ 

363

442

23

$ 

$ 

$ 

(379)

(333)

(295)

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,423

2,439

2,330

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SAL ES  RETU R NS: The allowance for sales returns balance at December 31, 2009 and 2008 contained reserves for 
items returned prior to year-end, but that were not completely processed, and therefore had not yet been removed 
from the allowance for sales returns balance. We estimate that if these returns had been fully processed, the allow-
ance for sales returns balance would have been approximately $1.4 million and $0.8 million on December 31, 2009 
and 2008, respectively. The value of these returned goods was included in our inventory balance at December 31, 
2009 and 2008.

SIG NIF I CANT  CU STOM ERS :  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we had net sales to two 
customers, that when combined with their subcontractors, each amounted to more than 10% of our total net sales.

Net sales to the fi rst signifi cant customer, when combined with its sub-contractors, totaled $66.8 million, 
$55.3 million and $46.0 million, accounting for 21.1%, 19.3% and 16.9% of our total net sales for the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Trade receivables with this customer and its sub-contractors 
amounted to $7.0 million and $11.7 million, or 10.9% and 19.5% of our accounts receivable, net at December 31, 
2009 and 2008, respectively.

Net sales to our second signifi cant customer, when combined with its sub-contractors, totaled $35.8 million, 
$38.6 million, and $36.4 million, accounting for 11.3%, 13.4% and 13.3% of our total net sales for the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Trade receivables with this customer and its sub-contractors 
amounted to $6.5 million and $9.1 million, or 10.1% and 15.3% of our accounts receivable, net at December 31, 2009 
and 2008, respectively. The December 31, 2008 trade receivables balance for this customer and its sub-contractors 
was signifi cantly higher compared to the balance at December 31, 2009 as a result of an increase in large orders 
shipped late in the fourth quarter 2008 as compared to fourth quarter 2009.

We had a third customer that accounted for greater than 10% of accounts receivable, net at December 31, 2009, 
but did not account for greater than 10% of net sales for the year then ended. Trade receivables with this customer 
amounted to $6.9 million, or 10.7%, of our accounts receivable, net at December 31, 2009.

The loss of these customers or any other customer, either in the United States or abroad, due to their fi nancial 
weakness or bankruptcy, or our inability to obtain orders or maintain our order volume with them, may have a mate-
rial effect on our fi nancial condition, results of operations and cash fl ows. Please see Note 2 under the captions 
Revenue Recognition and Sales Allowances and Financial Instruments for further information regarding our account-
ing principles.

NOTE   5 : Inventories, net and Significant Suppliers 

Inventories, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008: 

(in thousands)

Components 

Finished goods 

Reserve for inventory obsolescence 

Inventories, net 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

$ 

7,277

$ 

7,879

35,420

(1,750)

37,331

(1,535)

$  40,947

$  43,675

  During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, inventory write-downs totaled $3.4 million and $2.4 mil-
lion, respectively. Inventory write-downs are a normal part of our business and result primarily from product life cycle 
estimation variances and manufacturing yield loss.

Please see Note 2 under the caption Inventories for further information regarding our accounting principles.

SIG NIF I CANT  SU PPL IE R S : We have elected to purchase integrated circuits (“IC”), used principally in our wireless 
control products, from two main sources. Purchases from one of these suppliers amounted to more than 10% of 
total inventory purchases in 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Purchases from this IC supplier amounted to $28.1 million, $28.2 million and $23.7 million, representing 14.8%, 
15.2% and 14.9% of total inventory purchases for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. 
Accounts payable amounted to $3.6 million and $3.6 million, representing 9.1% and 8.1% of total accounts payable 
at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, purchases from three of our component and fi nished good 
suppliers amounted to more than 10% of total inventory purchases. In addition, purchases from two of these suppli-
ers amounted to more than 10% of total inventory purchases in 2007.

Purchases from the fi rst signifi cant component and fi nished good supplier amounted to $44.1 million, $50.6 
million and $46.5 million, representing 23.2%, 27.3% and 29.2% of total inventory purchases for the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Accounts payable amounted to $8.3 million and $11.0 million, 
representing 21.0% and 24.7% of total accounts payable at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Purchases from the second signifi cant component and fi nished good supplier amounted to $46.0 million, $38.1 

million and $30.4 million, representing 24.3%, 20.6% and 19.1% of total inventory purchases for the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Accounts payable amounted to $11.9 million and $15.6 million, 
representing 30.1% and 35.0% of total accounts payable at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Purchases from the third signifi cant component and fi nished good supplier amounted to $28.9 million and $18.6 

million, representing 15.2% and 10.0% of total inventory purchases for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 

52

 
 
 
 
2008, respectively. Accounts payable amounted to $6.8 million and $5.4 million, representing 17.1% and 12.0% of 
total accounts payable at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

We have identifi ed alternative sources of supply for these integrated circuits, components, and fi nished goods; 
however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to obtain these inventory purchases on a timely 
basis. We generally maintain inventories of our integrated circuits, which may 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, a reduction in their quality or reliability, or a signifi cant increase in 
the prices of components, would have an adverse effect on our operating results, fi nancial condition and cash fl ows.

MINIMU M IN VENTORY P URC H AS E   O B LI GATI O NS: At December 31, 2009 we had contractual obligations to 
purchase $38.7 million of inventory from various suppliers over the subsequent fi ve years.

NOTE   6 : Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures, net 

Equipment, furniture, and fi xtures, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

(in thousands)

Tooling 

Computer equipment 

Software 

Furniture and fi xtures 

Leasehold improvements 

Machinery and equipment 

Accumulated depreciation 

Construction in progress 

Total equipment, furniture and fi xtures, net 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

$ 

12,816

$ 

10,567

2,701

3,066

1,651

2,932

1,482

24,648

(17,868)

6,780

3,210

2,588

2,937

1,740

2,824

1,040

21,696

(14,275)

7,421

1,265

$  9,990

$ 

8,686

Depreciation expense, including tooling depreciation which is recorded in cost of goods sold, was $5.0 million, 

$4.6 million and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

We purchase tooling and machinery and equipment for the production of our products. The net book value of 
tooling and machinery and equipment located at our third party manufacturers primarily in China was $3.9 million 
and $3.7 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

As of December 31, 2009, construction in progress included $0.6 million of tooling, $2.2 million of internal use 
software costs and $0.3 million of machinery and equipment. We expect that approximately 32% of the construction 
in progress costs will be placed in service during the fi rst and second quarters of 2010. We will begin to depreciate 
those assets at that time. As of December 31, 2008, construction in progress included $0.7 million of tooling and 
$0.5 million of software.

Please see Note 2 under the captions Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures and Long-Lived and Intangible Assets 

Impairment for further information regarding our accounting principles.

NOTE   7 : Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

GOO DWI LL: Goodwill related to our domestic component was the result of our acquisition of a remote control 
company in 1998 and a software company (SimpleDevices, Inc.) in 2004. Goodwill related to our international com-
ponent resulted from the acquisition of remote control distributors in the UK in 1998, Spain in 1999 and France in 
2000 and the acquisition of certain assets and intellectual property from Zilog in the fi rst quarter of 2009.

The goodwill amounts allocated to our domestic and international components as of December 31, 2009 and the 

changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fi scal year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 (in thousands)

 Domestic

International

Total

Balance at December 31, 2008 

$ 

8,314

$ 

Goodwill acquired during the period (1) 

Goodwill adjustments (2) 

Balance at December 31, 2009 

—

—

2,443

2,902

65

$ 

10,757

2,902

65

$ 

8,314

$ 

5,410

$ 

13,724

(1) 

(2) 

 During the fi rst quarter of 2009, we acquired certain assets and intellectual property from Zilog which resulted in $2.9 million of goodwill. Refer to Note 21 for 
further discussion related to the purchase.

 The adjustment included in international goodwill reported at December 31, 2009, was the result of fl uctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates used to 
translate the balance into U.S. dollars.

We conducted annual goodwill impairment reviews as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 utilizing signifi cant 
unobservable inputs (level 3). Based on the analysis performed, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired. 
Please see Note 2 under the captions Goodwill and Fair-Value Measurements for further information regarding our 
accounting principles and the valuation methodology utilized.

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IN TANGIB LE  ASS E TS : Detailed information regarding our intangible assets, net is as follows: 

(in thousands)

Carrying amount(1):

2 0 0 9

Accumulated 
Amortization

Gross

Net

Gross

2 0 0 8

Accumulated 
Amortization

Net

  Distribution rights (10 years) 

$ 

411

$ 

(54)

$ 

357

$ 

$ 

(53)

$ 

346

  Patents (10 years) 

  Trademark and trade names (10 years)

  Developed and core technology 

(5 -15 years)(2)

  Capitalized software development  
  costs (1-2 years)

  Customer relationships (15 years)(3)

7,810

840

3,500

1,420

3,100

(3,925)

(441)

3,885

399

399

7,115

840

(3,292)

(357)

(204)

3,296

1,630

(1,386)

(704)

716

1,030

(289)

(181)

2,919

—  

—  

3,823

483

244

741

—

Total carrying amount 

$ 

17,081

$ 

(5,509)

$ 

11,572

$ 

11,014

$ 

(5,377)

$ 

5,637

(1)  This table excludes fully amortized intangible assets of $7,598 thousand and $5,928 thousand as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
(2) 

 During the fi rst quarter of 2009, we purchased core technology from Zilog valued at $3.5 million, which is being amortized ratably over fi fteen years. 
Refer to Note 21 for further discussion regarding the purchase.
 During the fi rst quarter of 2009, we purchased customer relationships from Zilog valued at $3.1 million, which is being amortized ratably over fi fteen years. 
Refer to Note 21 for further discussion regarding the purchase.

(3) 

Amortization expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, except for amortization 

expense related to capitalized software development costs which is recorded in cost of sales. Amortization expense 
recorded in selling, general and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was 
$1.4 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Amortization expense related to capitalized software develop-
ment costs and recorded in cost of goods sold was $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Estimated future amortization expense related to our intangible assets at December 31, 2009, is as follows:

(in thousands)

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Thereafter 

$ 

1,713

1,478

1,237

1,237

1,216

4,691

$ 

11,572

The remaining weighted average amortization period of intangible assets is 10.1 years.

IN TANGIB LE S  MEASUR E D AT  FAI R  VA LU E  O N  A  NONRECURRING BASIS: We recorded impairment 
charges related to our intangible assets of $0.01 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 
31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Impairment charges related to intangible assets are recorded in amortization 
expense. The fair value adjustments for intangible assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the 
year ended December 31, 2009 were the following:

(in thousands)

Description

Year Ended 
12/31/2009

Quoted Prices 
in Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1)

Signifi cant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)

Signifi cant 
Unobservable Inputs 
(Level 3)

Total 
Gains (Losses)

Patents and trademarks

$ 

4,284

$ 

4,284

$ 

(13)

fair value measurement using

Eleven patents and ten trademarks with an aggregate carrying amount of $13 thousand were disposed of, result-
ing in impairment charges of $13 thousand during 2009 which was included in selling, general, and administrative 
expenses. We disposed of patents with a carrying amount of $27 thousand, capitalized software development costs 
with a carrying value of $46 thousand, and other intangibles with a carrying amount of $55 thousand in 2008. We 
disposed of patents with carrying amounts of $73 thousand in 2007. These assets no longer held any probable 
future economic benefi ts and were written-off. Impairment charges are included in selling, general and administra-
tive expenses except for capitalized software development impairment charges which are included in cost of goods 
sold. Please see Note 2 under the captions Long-Lived and Intangible Assets Impairment, Capitalized Software 
Development Costs, and Fair-Value Measurements for further information regarding our accounting principles and 
the valuation methodology utilized.

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE   8 : Income Taxes 

In 2009, 2008 and 2007, pre-tax income was attributed to the following jurisdictions:

(in thousands)

Domestic operations 

Foreign operations 

Total 

The provision for income taxes charged to operations was as follows: 

(in thousands)

Current tax expense:

U.S. federal 

State and local 

Foreign 

Total current 

Deferred tax expense (benefi t):

U.S. federal 

State and local 

Foreign 

Total deferred 

Total provision 

year ended december 31,

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$  17,060

$  16,650

$ 

18,332

5,117

7,439

11,230

$  22,177

$  24,089

$  29,562

year ended december 31,

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

7,003

$ 

5,407

$ 

5,537

631

904

8,538

(918)

(376)

258

(1,036)

1,230

2,205

8,842

206

(627)

(138)

(559)

490

3,130

9,157

(60)

84

151

175

$ 

7,502

$ 

8,283

$ 

9,332

Net deferred tax assets were comprised of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

(in thousands)

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 

Long term incentive 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 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

$ 

$ 

272

154

105

768

2,046

572

1,155

1,763

991

2,769

—  

450

11,045

(154)

(495)

(649)

10,396

(179)

258

117

19

757

2,473

686

764

1,476

786

2,270

201

530

10,337

(292)

(675)

(967)

9,370

(189)

$ 

10,217

$ 

9,181

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of current deferred tax liabilities 

were recorded in other accrued expenses (see Note 9).

The deferred tax valuation allowance was $0.2 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

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The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. 

statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax income from operations as a result of the following:

(in thousands)

Tax provision at statutory U.S. rate 

Increase (decrease) in tax provision resulting from:

State and local taxes, net 

Foreign tax rate differential 

  Nondeductible items 

Federal research and development credits 

Change in tax rate related to deferred taxes 

Settlements 

  Other 

Tax provision 

year ended december 31,

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

7,764

$ 

8,431

$ 

10,347

166

(36)

682

(272)

392

(154)

251

(424)

—  

(449)

(353)

—  

—  

(213)

373

(649)

302

(918)

(147)

—

24

$ 

7,502

$ 

8,283

$ 

9,332

At December 31, 2009, we had state Research and Experimentation (“R&E”) income tax credit carryforwards of 

approximately $1.7 million. The state R&E income tax credits do not have an expiration date.

At December 31, 2009, we had federal, state and foreign net operating losses of approximately $4.6 million, $5.0 

million and $0.4 million, respectively. All of the federal and state net operating loss carryforwards were acquired as 
part of the acquisition of SimpleDevices. The federal and state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 
2020 and 2012, respectively. Approximately $0.2 million of the foreign net operating losses will begin to expire in 
2020 and the remaining $0.2 million have an unlimited carryforward.

Internal Revenue Code Section 382 places certain limitations on the annual amount of net operating loss carryfor-
wards that may 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 are limited but considered realizable in future periods.

The annual federal limitation is as follows: approximately $1.2 million for 2009 and approximately $0.6 million 

thereafter. California has suspended utilization of net operating losses for 2008 and 2009.

As of December 31, 2009, we believed it was more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets related 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, 2009 and 2008. Additionally, we recorded $0.1 million of various state and foreign valu-
ation allowances at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 we recognized a credit to paid-in capital and a reduc-
tion to income taxes payable of $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively, related to the tax benefi t from 
the exercises of non-qualifi ed stock options and vesting of restricted stock under our stock-based incentive plans.

During 2009, we settled an audit in the Netherlands by the Dutch Tax Authorities for the fi scal years 2002 
through 2006, which resulted in the reversal of $0.4 million of previously recorded uncertain tax positions being 
credited into income.

The undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefi nitely reinvested. Accordingly, 
no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been provided on such undis-
tributed earnings. Determination of the potential amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. 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.

UNCERTAIN  TAX  POSITIONS: On January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10. As a result of the 
implementation of ASC 740-10, we recognized a $0.2 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefi ts, 
which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. We also recognized a 
decrease of $0.3 million in other comprehensive income related to foreign currency translation. At December 31, 
2009 and 2008, we had unrecognized tax benefi ts of approximately $2.8 million and $8.7 million, including interest 
and penalties, respectively.

In accordance with accounting guidance, we have elected to classify interest and penalties as components of 
tax expense. Interest and penalties were $0.2 million, $1.2 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007, respectively. Interest and penalties are included in the unrecognized tax benefi ts.

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our gross unrecognized tax benefi ts as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the changes in those balances for 

the years then ended are as follows:

(in thousands)

Beginning balance 

Additions as a result of tax provisions taken during the current year 

Subtractions as a result of tax provisions taken during the prior year 

Foreign currency translation 

Lapse in statute of limitations 

Settlements 

  Other 

Ending balance 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

7,504

$ 

7,817

$ 

6,778

324

(82)

146

(80)

404

—  

(410)

(307)

(5,232)

—  

—  

—  

485

—

609

(54)

—

(1)

$ 

2,580

$ 

7,504

$ 

7,817

Approximately $2.3 million and $8.0 million of the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefi ts at December 

31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, would affect the annual effective tax rate, if recognized. Further, we are unaware of 
any positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefi ts will signifi cantly 
increase within the next twelve months. We anticipate a decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefi ts of approximately 
$0.3 million within the next twelve months based on federal, state, and foreign statute expirations in various jurisdic-
tions. Additionally, as a result of the completion of the Dutch tax audit in 2009, unrecognized tax benefi ts decreased 
by $6.1 million, including interest of $0.9 million, during 2009.

We fi le income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2009, 
the open statutes of limitations for our signifi cant tax jurisdictions are as follows: federal and state are 2005 through 
2009 and non-U.S. are 2001 through 2009. We settled an audit in the Netherlands with the Dutch Tax Authorities 
and as a result, we had no unrecognized tax benefi ts being classifi ed as short term at December 31, 2009. As of 
December 31, 2009, our gross unrecognized tax benefi ts of $2.8 million are classifi ed as long term because we do 
not anticipate payment of cash related to those unrecognized tax benefi ts within one year..

Please see Note 2 under the caption Income Taxes for further information regarding our accounting principles.

NOTE   9 : Other Accrued Expenses 

The components of other accrued expenses as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are listed below:

(in thousands)

Accrued freight 

Accrued professional fees 

Accrued advertising and marketing 

Deferred income taxes 

Accrued third-party commissions 

Accrued sales and VAT taxes 

Sales tax refundable to customers 

Legal settlement 

Other 

Total other accrued expenses 

NOTE   1 0 : Leases 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

$ 

1,525

1,512

$ 

1,846

1,245

589

483

301

845

454

575

644

356

262

410

—

—

2,255

2,050

$ 

8,539

$ 

6,813

We lease offi ce and warehouse space and certain offi ce equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates 
through September 2013. Some of our leases are subject to rent escalations. For these leases, we recognize rent 
expense for the total contractual obligation utilizing the straight-line method over the lease term, ranging from 12 to 
73 months. The related short term liability is recorded in other accrued expenses (see Note 9) and the related long 
term liability is recorded in other long term liabilities. The total liability related to rent escalations was $0.1 million at 
both December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The lease agreement for our corporate headquarters contains an allowance for tenant improvements of $0.4 mil-
lion, which was paid to us upon completion of the renovation in 2008. This tenant improvement allowance is being 
amortized as a credit against rent expense over the 73 month term of the lease, which began on January 1, 2006.

The lease agreement for our customer call center contains an allowance for tenant improvements of $0.2 million, 
which was paid to us upon completion of the renovation in 2007. This tenant improvement allowance is being amor-
tized as a credit against rent expense over the 48 month term of the lease, which began on June 1, 2007.

Rent expense for our operating leases was $2.5 million, $2.6 million and $2.2 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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The following table summarizes future minimum non-cancelable operating lease payments with initial terms 

greater than one year at December 31, 2009:

(in thousands)

Year ending December 31:

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

Thereafter 

Total operating lease commitments 

NOTE   1 1 : Revolving Credit Line 

Amount

$ 

1,905

1,572

804

360

8

—

$  4,649

Our $15 million unsecured revolving credit line with Comerica Bank expired on November 30, 2009.

On January 8, 2010, we entered into a new $15 million unsecured revolving credit line with U.S. Bank (“Credit 
Facility”), expiring on October 31, 2011. Amounts available for borrowing under the Credit Facility are reduced by the 
balance of any outstanding import letters of credit and are subject to certain quarterly fi nancial covenants related to 
our cash fl ow, fi xed charges, quick ratio, and net income. Under the Credit Facility, we may elect to pay interest based 
on the bank’s prime rate or LIBOR plus a fi xed margin of 1.8%. The applicable LIBOR (1, 3, 6, or 12-month LIBOR) 
corresponds with the loan period we select. At December 31, 2009, the 12-month LIBOR plus the fi xed margin was 
2.8% and the bank’s prime rate was 3.25%. If a LIBOR rate loan is prepaid prior to the completion of the loan period, 
we must pay the bank the difference between the interest the bank would have earned had prepayment not occurred 
and the interest the bank actually earned. We may prepay prime rate loans in whole or in part at any time without a 
premium or penalty.

Presently, we have no debt, however we cannot make any assurances that we will not need to borrow amounts 
under this Credit Facility or that this Credit Facility will be extended to us under comparable terms or at all. If this or 
any other facility is not available to us at a time when we need to borrow, we would have to use our cash reserves, 
including potentially repatriating cash from foreign jurisdictions, which may have a material adverse effect on our 
operating results, fi nancial position and cash fl ows.

NOTE   1 2 : Commitments and Contingencies 

IN DE MNI FI C ATI ON S: We indemnify our directors and offi cers to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of 
the State of Delaware and we have entered into Indemnifi cation Agreements with each of our directors and executive 
offi cers. In addition, we insure our individual directors and offi cers against certain claims and attorney’s fees and 
related expenses incurred in connection with the defense of such claims. The amounts and types of coverage may 
vary from period to period as dictated by market conditions. Management is not aware of any matters that require 
indemnifi cation of its offi cers or directors.

FAIR   PR ICE  PR OVIS IONS  A N D  OTH E R A N TI -TA K EOVER MEASURES: Our Restated Certifi cate of 
Incorporation, as amended, contains certain provisions restricting business combinations with interested stockhold-
ers under certain circumstances and imposing higher voting requirements for the approval of certain transactions 
(“fair price” provisions). Any of these provisions may 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 approve certain business combi-
nations and signifi cant transactions with interested stockholders.

PR O DU C T WAR R ANTI ES : Changes in the liability for product warranty claim costs are presented below:  

(in thousands)

Description

Year Ended December 31, 2009 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

Balance at Beginning 
of Period

$ 

$ 

$ 

90

178

416

Accruals for 
Warranties Issued 
During 
the Period(1)

$ 

$ 

$ 

(4)

(31)

(146)

Settlements (in Cash 
or in Kind) During the 
Period

Balance at 
End of Period

$ 

$ 

$ 

(4)

(57)

(92)

$ 

$ 

$ 

82

90

178

(1) 

 In the second quarter 2007, we renegotiated pricing terms with our third-party warranty repair vendor which resulted in lower warranty costs per unit. As a result, 
our warranty accrual was reduced to refl ect the lower pricing. An unexpected increase in our pricing for warranty claims, or the discovery of a signifi cant product 
defect, would result in an increase in our warranty accrual and our fi nancial statements may be materially impacted.

LITI GATI ON: In 2002, one of our subsidiaries (One For All France S.A.S.) brought an action against a former 
distributor of the subsidiary’s products seeking a recovery of accounts receivable. The distributor fi led a counterclaim 
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 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 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
March 15, 2005, the court in one of the litigation matters brought by the distributor against one of our subsidiar-
ies, rendered judgment against our 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, we were awaiting the expert to fi nalize 
and fi le his pre-trial report with the court. On November 15, 2009, the expert issued his draft report in which he pre-
liminarily concluded that One For All France is owed  €342,555 from DAM. The expert asked us and DAM to each pro-
vide him with our comments regarding his draft report. After he receives each of our comments, he will fi nalize and 
fi le the report with the court. DAM has asked for and received an extension to respond until March 31, 2010. Until the 
expert’s report is fi nal and has been accepted and entered as judgment by the court, management will continue to 
pursue this matter in the courts and remains unable to estimate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome, and the 
amount of loss, if any, in the case of an unfavorable outcome.

On February 19, 2009, we fi led suit against Warren Communications News, Inc. claiming that through the unau-

thorized use of embedded email tracking and intercepting software and code, Warren had violated the Computer 
Fraud and Abuse Act, the Stored Communications Act, and various applicable California laws. In addition we asked 
for a declaration that we are not infringing Warren’s copyright to a daily electronic publication. On March 19, 2009, 
Warren answered our complaint with a general denial of all of our allegations. On the same date as fi ling their 
answer, Warren counterclaimed alleging copyright infringement seeking unspecifi ed damages. On January 20, 2010, 
we entered into a confi dential Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with Warren in which we paid a one-time 
amount and all claims between the parties have been settled and release with prejudice. Due to the confi dential 
nature of this agreement, certain terms of the settlement and agreement may not be disclosed.

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 matters have merit and we 
intend to vigorously defend ourselves against them.

We maintain directors’ and offi cers’ liability insurance to insure our individual directors and offi cers against cer-

tain claims and attorney’s fees and related expenses incurred in connection with the defense of such claims.

LONG -TE RM I NCE NTIV E P LA N: During the second quarter of 2007, we adopted an Executive Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (“ELTIP”). The ELTIP provided a bonus pool for our executive management team contingent on 
achieving certain performance goals during a two-year performance period commencing on January 1, 2007 and 
ending on December 31, 2008. The performance goals were based on the compound annual growth rate of net sales 
and earnings per diluted share during the performance period. The ELTIP had a maximum pay out of $12 million if 
the highest performance goals were met. Management did not earn a bonus under the ELTIP based on our results 
through December 31, 2008. As a result, we lowered our ELTIP accrual from $1.0 million at December 31, 2007 to 
$0 at December 31, 2008. This adjustment resulted in a $1.0 million benefi t to pre-tax income for the twelve months 
ended December 31, 2008.

In light of the ELTIP results, our Compensation Committee awarded a discretionary bonus of $1.0 million, 
to be paid out quarterly in 2009 and 2010. The Compensation Committee came to this decision after reviewing 
the economic environment and our relative fi nancial and operating performance. The Compensation Committee 
believes this bonus is in alignment with our stockholders’ interests as well as our performance, alignment and 
retention objectives. The amount of a participant’s earned award will be paid in cash, in common shares or in any 
combination, as determined by the Compensation Committee. A participant’s earned award will vest in eight equal 
quarterly installments beginning March 31, 2009 and ending December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, 
$0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, has been included in accrued compensation for this discretionary bonus. 
Approximately $0.5 million was paid out in cash during 2009 to our executive management team for this discretion-
ary bonus. In the event a participant terminates their employment during the remaining service period (January 1, 
2010 through December 31, 2010), they will forfeit their right to any remaining installments where the payment date 
has not yet occurred.

NO N-Q UA LI FIED  DEFE R RED  CO MP E N SATI O N  PLAN: We have adopted a non-qualifi ed deferred compensa-
tion plan for the benefi t of a select group of highly compensated employees. For each plan year a participant may 
elect to defer compensation in fi xed dollar amounts or percentages subject to the minimums and maximums estab-
lished under the plan. Generally, an election to defer compensation is irrevocable for the entire plan year. A partici-
pant is always fully vested in their elective deferrals and may direct these funds into various investment options avail-
able under the plan. These investment options are utilized for measurement purposes only, and may not represent 
the actual investment made by us. In this respect, the participant is an unsecured creditor of ours. At December 31, 
2009, the amounts deferred under the plan were immaterial to our fi nancial statements.

DE FI NED  BENEF I T PLA N: Our India subsidiary maintains a defi ned benefi t pension plan (“India Plan”) for 
local employees, which is consistent with local statutes and practices. The pension plan was adequately funded as 
of December 31, 2009 based on its latest actuarial report. The India Plan has an independent external manager that 
advises us of the appropriate funding contribution requirements to which we comply. At December 31, 2009, approxi-
mately 20 percent of our India subsidiary employees had qualifi ed for eligibility. Generally, an employee must be 
employed by our India subsidiary for a minimum of fi ve years before becoming eligible. At the time of eligibility we are 
liable, on termination, resignation or retirement, to pay the employee an amount equal to fi fteen days salary for each full 
year of service completed. The total amount of liability outstanding at December 31, 2009 for the India Plan is not mate-
rial. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the net periodic benefi t costs were also not material.

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NOTE   1 3 : Treasury Stock 

During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we repurchased 404,643, 1,118,318 and 471,300 shares 
of our common stock at a cost of $7.7 million, $26.7 million and $14.5 million, respectively. Repurchased shares 
are recorded as shares held in treasury at cost. We generally hold these shares for future use as management and 
the Board of Directors deem appropriate, including compensating our outside directors. During the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we issued 25,000, 23,438 and 24,688 shares, respectively, to outside directors 
for services performed (see Note 15).

On February 11, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized management to continue repurchasing up to an addi-
tional 1,000,000 shares of our issued and outstanding common stock. Repurchases may be made whenever we deem a 
repurchase is a good use of our cash and the price to be paid is at or below a threshold approved by our Board.

STO CK  AWARDS   TO  OU TSI DE  D I RE CTO RS :  We issue restricted stock awards to our outside directors as com-
pensation for services performed. We grant each of our outside directors 5,000 shares of our common stock annually 
each July 1st. When an additional outside director is appointed to our Board of Directors, they receive a prorated 
number of shares based on the number of months they will serve during the initial year. Compensation expense 
related to restricted stock awards is based on the grant date fair value the shares awarded. The fair value of these 
shares is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of one year (see Note 2 under the cap-
tion Stock-Based Compensation and Note 15). The shares are issued from treasury stock using a fi rst-in-fi rst-out cost 
basis, which amounted to $0.4 million and $0.4 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE   1 4 : Business Segment and Foreign Operations 

REPORTABLE  SEGMENT: An operating segment, in part, is 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 a limited extent. We operate in 
a single operating and reportable segment.

FOR EI GN OP ER AT IO N S : Our net sales to external customers by geographic area for the years ended December 31, 
2009, 2008 and 2007 were the following:

(in thousands)

Net sales:

United States 

International:

Asia 

United Kingdom 

Australia 

France 

Germany 

Italy 

Portugal 

South Africa 

Spain 

Switzerland 

All Other 

Total international 

Total net sales 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$  194,279

$  162,855

$  151,034

54,931

20,873

1,558

3,603

6,752

3,471

4,168

6,495

3,929

578

16,913

123,271

48,511

21,234

4,190

5,359

7,771

2,608

1,780

5,827

7,523

1,099

18,343

124,245

31,624

31,290

2,772

4,940

6,228

2,506

816

7,192

8,483

6,473

19,322

121,646

$  317,550

$  287,100

$ 272,680

Specifi c identifi cation of the customer location was the basis used for attributing revenues from external custom-

ers to individual countries.

Long-lived asset information by our domestic and international components as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 

2007 were as follows:

Long-lived tangible assets:

United States 

All other countries 

Total 

60

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

7,440

$ 

6,525

$ 

5,238

3,693

2,770

2,689

$ 

11,133

$ 

9,295

$ 

7,927

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE   1 5 : Stock-Based Compensation 

Stock-based compensation expense for each employee and director is presented in the same income statement cap-
tion as their cash compensation. We recorded $4.3 million, $4.2 million and $3.5 million (including stock-based com-
pensation related to directors) of total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense during the years ended December 
31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. The income tax benefi t associated with stock-based compensation expense 
was $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Stock-based compensation expense by income statement caption for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 

and 2007 was the following:

(in thousands)

Cost of sales 

Research and development 

Selling, general and administrative 

Total stock-based compensation expense 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

33

434

3,845

$ 

17

356

3,870

$ 

31

418

3,072

$ 

4,312

$ 

4,243

$ 

3,521

STO CK  O PTION S: During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Compensation Committee and Board of 
Directors granted 233,400 stock options to our employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1.6 million 
under various stock incentive plans. The stock options granted to employees during 2009 consisted of the following:

(in thousands, except share amounts)

Stock Option Grant Date

January 1, 2009 

February 18, 2009 

February 19, 2009 

February 21, 2009 

March 10, 2009 

Number of Shares 
Underlying Options

Grant Date Fair 
Value

Vesting Period

15,000

15,000

7,500

10,000

185,900

233,400

$ 

95

74

33

58

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

4 -Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

1,340

4 -Year Vesting Period (6.25% each quarter)

$ 

1,600

On October 30, 2009, our Board of Directors appointed Carl E. Vogel to serve as a Class II Director. In connec-
tion with his appointment, our directors granted Mr. Vogel 20,000 stock options under the 2006 Stock Incentive 
Plan. These options are subject to a three-year vesting period (33.3% each year) and are in addition to the employee 
grants above. The aggregate grant date fair value of this award was $0.2 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized $0.3 million of pre-tax stock-based compensation 

expense related to our 2009 stock option grants.

The assumptions we utilized in the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the resulting weighted average fair 

value of stock option grants were the following:

Weighted average fair value of grants 

Risk-free interest rate 

Expected volatility 

Expected life in years 

december 31,(1)

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

7.20

$ 

9.08

$ 

11.77

1.95%  

2.75%  

4.56%

49.54%  

40.85%  

39.06%

4.85

4.74

5.25

(1)  The weighted average fair value of grants was calculated utilizing the stock options granted during each respective period.

We recognize the compensation expense related to stock option awards net of estimated forfeitures over the ser-
vice period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of three to four years. We estimated the annual 
forfeiture rate for our executives and board of directors group to be 2.65%, 2.66%, and 2.41% as of December 31, 
2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, based upon our historical forfeitures. We estimated the annual forfeiture rate for 
our non-executive employee group to be 6.51%, 6.31%, and 5.95% as of December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respec-
tively, based on our historical forfeitures.

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Stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was the following:

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

Number of 
Options 
(in 000’s)

Weighted- 
Average 
Exercise 
Price

Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
(in 000’s)

Number of 
Options 
(in 000’s)

Weighted- 
Average 
Exercise 
Price

Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
(in 000’s)

Number of 
Options 
(in 000’s)

Weighted- 
Average 
Exercise 
Price

Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
(in 000’s)

Outstanding 
at beginning 
of the year

1,729

  $ 17.64

Granted 

253

  16.26

1,739

$  16.83

140

  23.46

  2,480

$  13.73

329

  27.80

Exercised 

(278)

11.75

$  2,320

(114)

10.19

$  1,562

(981)

12.83

$ 17,263

Forfeited/
cancelled/ 
expired 

Outstanding 
at end 
of year 

Vested and 
expected 
to vest at end 
of year

Exercisable at 
end of year 

(11)

  22.43

(36)

  24.70

(89)

14.91

1,693

$  18.37

5.40

$  9,677

1,729

$  17.64

5.06

$  3,045

1,739

$  16.83

5.58

$ 28,884

1,655

$  18.30

5.33

$  9,532

1,688

$  17.42

4.98

$  3,045

1,650

$  16.43

5.41

$ 28,079

  1,239

$  17.33

4.30

$ 8,034

  1,267

$  15.34

3.97

$ 3,044

  1,081

$  13.84

  4.05

$ 21,187

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between 
our closing stock price on the last trading day of 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the exercise price, multiplied by the num-
ber of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised 
their options on December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. This amount will change based on the fair market value of our 
stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $2.3 million, $1.6 million and 
$17.3 million, respectively.

During 2009, 2008 and 2007, there were no modifi cations made to outstanding stock options.

Cash received from option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $3.3 million, 
$1.2 million and $12.6 million, respectively. The actual tax benefi t realized from option exercises of the share-based 
payment awards was $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007, respectively.

As of December 31, 2009, we expect to recognize $2.9 million of total unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compen-

sation expense related to non-vested stock options over a remaining weighted-average life of 2.2 years.

RESTR I C TED  STO CK: During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Compensation Committee and Board of 
Directors granted 298,170 restricted stock awards to our employees with an aggregate grant date fair value of $4.5 
million under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The restricted stock awards granted to employees during 2009 con-
sisted of the following:

(in thousands, except share amounts)

Restricted Stock Grant Date

January 1, 2009 

February 12, 2009 

March 4, 2009 

March 10, 2009 

March 10, 2009 

August 18, 2009 

Number of 
Shares Granted

Grant Date 
Fair Value

Vesting Period

5,000

$ 

74

4-Year Vesting Period (25% each year)

77,146

925

3-Year Vesting Period (5% each quarter during years 
1-2 and 15% each quarter during year 3)

24,723

147,693

40,500

3,108

376

2-Year Vesting Period (12.5% each quarter)

2,400

3-Year Vesting Period (8.75% each quarter during years 
1-2 and 7.5% each quarter during year 3)

658

4-Year Vesting Period (6.25% each quarter)

60

3-Year Vesting Period (8.75% each quarter during years 
1-2 and 7.5% each quarter during year 3)

  298,170

$ 

4,493

In addition to the grants to employees, 28,333 shares of restricted stock were granted to our outside directors 
during 2009. On July 1, 2009, 25,000 shares of restricted stock, with a grant date fair value of $0.5 million, were 
granted to our outside directors as a part of their annual compensation package. These shares are subject to a 
one-year vesting period (25% each quarter). On October 30, 2009, our Board of Directors appointed Carl E. Vogel 
to serve as a Class II Director. In connection with his appointment, 3,333 shares of restricted stock with a grant date 
fair value of $0.07 million were granted to Mr. Vogel (a prorated portion of the annual restricted stock grant made 
to each director). These shares are subject to an eight-month vesting period (833 shares vested during the fourth 
quarter 2009 and 1,250 shares will vest in both the fi rst and second quarter of 2010).

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized $1.5 million of pre-tax stock-based compensation 

expense related to our 2009 restricted stock grants.

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-vested restricted stock award activity during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (including 

restricted stock issued to directors as described in Note 13) was the following:

Non-vested at December 31, 2006

Granted 

Vested 

Forfeited 

Non-vested at December 31, 2007 

Granted 

Vested 

Forfeited 

Non-vested at December 31, 2008 

Granted 

Vested 

Forfeited 

Weighted- 
Average Grant 
Date Fair Value

$ 

18.74

Shares Granted 
(in 000’s)

13

25

(25)

(3)

10

142

(62)

—  

90

326

—  

36.25

27.49

36.25

36.25

23.15

25.15

—

23.23

15.58

18.66

—

Non-vested at December 31, 2009 

280

$ 

16.54

As of December 31, 2009, we expect to recognize $4.5 million of total unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compen-

sation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards over a weighted-average life of 1.9 years.

See Note 2 under the caption Stock-Based Compensation for further information regarding our accounting 

principles.

STOCK INCENTIVE  PLA N S

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 were reserved for the granting of incentive and other stock options 
to offi cers, key employees and 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-qualifi ed stock 
options was not less than the fair market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determined when 
each option was to expire, but no option was exercisable more than ten years after the date the option was granted. 
The 1993 Plan also provided for the award of stock appreciation rights subject to terms and conditions specifi ed by 
the Compensation 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, 2009.

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 offi cers, employees and direc-
tors. The 1995 Plan provided for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock units, or 
any combination thereof through May 18, 2005. The option prices for the stock options were equal to the fair market 
value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but no option 
was exercisable more than ten years after the date the option was granted. No stock appreciation rights or perfor-
mance stock units have been awarded under this 1995 Plan. There are no remaining options available for grant under 
the 1995 Plan. There are 20,910 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

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 were available for distribution to our key offi cers and employ-
ees. The 1996 Plan provided for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock units, 
or any combination thereof through November 30, 2007. The option price for the stock options was equal to the fair 
market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but 
no option was exercisable more than ten years after the date the option was 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 21,334 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

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 were available for distribution to our key offi cers, employees, and 
directors. The 1998 Plan provided for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock 
units, or any combination thereof through May 26, 2008. The option price for the stock options was not less than the 
fair market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but 
no option was exercisable more than ten years after the date the option was granted. No stock appreciation rights or 
performance stock units have been awarded under this 1998 Plan. There are no remaining options available for grant 
under the 1998 Plan. There are 83,865 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

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 were available for distribution to our key offi cers and employees. 

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The 1999 Plan provided for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock units, or 
any combination thereof through January 26, 2009. The option price for the stock options was not less than the fair 
market value at the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but 
no option was exercisable more than ten years after the date the option was granted. No stock appreciation rights or 
performance stock units have been awarded under this 1999 Plan. There are no remaining options available for grant 
under the 1999 Plan. There are 14,510 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

1999A Stock Incentive Plan: On October 7, 1999, the 1999A Nonqualifi ed Stock Plan (“1999A Plan”) was 
approved and on February 1, 2000, the 1999A Plan was amended. Under the 1999A Plan, 1,000,000 shares of 
common stock were available for distribution to our key offi cers and employees. The 1999A Plan provided for the 
issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance stock units, or any combination thereof through 
October 6, 2009. The option price for the stock options was not less than the fair market value at the date of grant. 
The Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but no option was exercisable more than 
ten years after the date the option was granted. No stock appreciation rights or performance stock units have been 
awarded under this 1999A Plan. There are no remaining options available for grant under the 1999A Plan. There are 
190,497 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

2002 Stock Incentive Plan: On February 5, 2002, the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (“2002 Plan”) was approved. 
Under the 2002 Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock were available for distribution to our key offi cers, employ-
ees, and directors. 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 otherwise terminated by resolution of our 
Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options was not less than the fair market value at the date of grant. 
The Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but no option was exercisable more than 
ten years after the date the option was granted. No stock appreciation rights or performance stock units have been 
awarded under this 2002 Plan. As of December 31, 2009, there was 1 remaining option available for grant under the 
2002 Plan. There are 383,671 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

2003 Stock Incentive Plan: On June 18, 2003, the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”) was approved. Under 
the 2003 Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock were available for distribution to our key offi cers, employees, and 
directors. 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 was not less than the fair market value at the date of grant. The 
Compensation Committee determined when each option was to expire, but no option was exercisable more than 
ten years after the date the option was granted. No stock appreciation rights or performance stock units have been 
awarded under this 2003 Plan. As of December 31, 2009, there were 2,750 remaining options available for grant 
under the 2003 Plan. There are 619,583 shares outstanding under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

2006 Stock Incentive Plan: On June 13, 2006, the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) was approved. Under 
the 2006 Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock were available for distribution to our key offi cers, employees, and 
directors. The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, 
performance stock units, or any combination thereof through June 12, 2016, unless otherwise terminated by resolu-
tion of our Board of Directors. The option price for the stock options was not less than the fair market value at the 
date of grant. The Compensation Committee determined when each option is to expire, but no option was exercis-
able more than ten years after the date the option was granted. No stock appreciation rights or performance stock 
units have been awarded under this 2006 Plan. As of December 31, 2009, there were 244,926 remaining shares avail-
able for grant under the 2006 Plan. There are 278,435 restricted stock awards and 341,282 stock options outstanding 
under this plan as of December 31, 2009.

Vesting periods for the above referenced stock incentive plans range from two to four years.

Signifi cant option groups outstanding at December 31, 2009 and the related weighted average exercise price and 

life information are listed below:

options outstanding

options exercisable

range of exercise prices

Number Outstanding 
at 12/31/09 
(in 000’s)

Weighted-Average 
Remaining Years of 
Contractual Life

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price

Number Exercisable 
at 12/31/09 
(in 000’s)

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price

120

224

429

276

317

320

7

1,693

2.89

4.70

6.07

5.05

4.10

7.47

7.94

5.40

$ 

$ 

8.67

12.60

16.13

17.58

20.20

27.56

34.51

18.37

$ 

120

201

253

275

234

153

3

1,239

$ 

8.67

12.58

16.08

17.58

19.85

27.79

34.86

17.33

$  8.45 

to  $ 9.83

  10.92 

to    13.27

  14.85 

to    16.88

17.11 

to    17.62

  18.01 

to    21.95

  23.66 

to   28.08

  32.40 

to    35.35

$  8.45 

to  $ 35.35

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE   1 6 : Other (Expense) Income, net 

Other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated Income Statements consisted of the following:

(in thousands)

Net (loss) gain on foreign currency exchange transactions 

Other income (expense) 

Other (expense) income, net 

NOTE   1 7 : Earnings Per Share 

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

$ 

(246)

$ 

5

$ 

(241)

$ 

315

(4)

311

$ 

$ 

(35)

42

7

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted 
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by divid-
ing 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 
periods presented are computed utilizing the treasury stock method.

In the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 
2007, we have excluded 785,186, 534,418 and 153,705 stock options, respectively, with exercise prices greater than 
the average market price of the underlying common stock, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. 
Furthermore, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we have excluded 235,887, 105,944 and 10,174 
of unvested shares of restricted stock, respectively, whose combined unamortized fair value and excess tax benefi ts 
were greater in each of those periods than the average market price of the underlying common stock, as their effect 
would be anti-dilutive.

Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were calculated as follows:

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

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 

Diluted earnings per share 

NOTE   1 8 : Derivatives 

$ 

14,675

$  15,806

$  20,230

13,667

14,015

14,410

$ 

1.07

$ 

1.13

$ 

1.40

$ 

14,675

$  15,806

$  20,230

13,667

304

13,971

14,015

441

14,456

14,410

767

15,177

$ 

1.05

$ 

1.09

$ 

1.33

DE RI VATIVE S MEAS U RED  AT FA IR  VA LU E   O N  A RECURRING BASIS:  We are exposed to market risks from 
foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and fi nancial position. Our foreign 
currency exposures are primarily concentrated in the Euro, British Pound, and Hong Kong dollar. 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 fl uctuations may have on our foreign currency-denominated receivables, pay-
ables, cash fl ows and reported income. Derivative fi nancial instruments are used to manage risk and are not used for 
trading or other speculative purposes. We do not use leveraged derivative fi nancial instruments and these derivatives 
have not qualifi ed 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 classifi ed in other (expense) income, net. Derivatives are recorded 
on the balance sheet at fair value. The estimated fair values of our derivative fi nancial instruments represent the 
amount required to enter into offsetting contracts with similar remaining maturities based on quoted market prices.

We have determined that the fair value of our derivatives is derived from level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy 

(see Note 2 under the captions Derivatives and Fair-Value Measurements for further information concerning the 
accounting principles and valuation methodology utilized). The following table sets forth our fi nancial assets that 
were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009:

(in thousands)

Description

Foreign currency exchange futures contract

Foreign currency exchange put option contract

fair value measurement using

Year Ended 
12/31/2009

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1)

Signifi cant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)

Signifi cant 
Unobservable Inputs 
(Level 3)

$ 

$ 

(5)

2

(3)

$ 

$ 

—

—

—

$ 

$ 

(5)

2

(3)

$ 

$ 

—

—

—

We held foreign currency exchange contracts which resulted in a net pre-tax loss of approximately $0.7 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2009, a net pre-tax loss of approximately $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 
2008 and a net pre-tax gain of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

65

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FUT U R ES CO NT R ACTS: We held one USD/Euro futures contract with a notional value of $1.5 million and a for-
ward rate of $1.4386 USD/Euro at December 31, 2009. We held the Euro position on this contract, which settled on 
January 15, 2010. The loss on this contract as of December 31, 2009 was $5 thousand and is included in other accrued 
expenses. This contract was settled at a loss of $11 thousand resulting in a loss of $6 thousand in January 2010.

We held one USD/Euro futures contract with a notional value of $9.0 million and a forward rate of $1.277 USD/
Euro at December 31, 2008. We held the Euro position on this contract, which settled on January 7, 2009. The gain 
on this contract as of December 31, 2008 was $0.8 million and is included in prepaid expenses and other current 
assets. This contract was settled at $0.4 million resulting in a loss of $0.4 million in January 2009.

PUT  OPT I ON: We entered into a USD/GBP put option with a notional value of $4.3 million in July 2009. The strike 
price of the put is $1.64 USD/GBP. The contract expired on December 31, 2009 and settled on January 5, 2010. The 
loss recorded related to this contract was $138 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2009. The fair value 
of this put option was approximately $2 thousand at December 31, 2009 and is included in accounts receivable, net 
(see Note 4).

We entered into a USD/GBP put option with a notional value of $5.0 million in August 2008. The strike price 
of the put is $1.85 USD/GBP. The contract expired on December 31, 2008 and settled on January 5, 2009. The gain 
recorded related to this contract was $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2008. The fair value of this 
put option was approximately $0.6 million at December 31, 2008 and was included in prepaid expenses and other 
current assets.

NOTE   1 9 : Employee Benefit Plans 

We maintain a retirement and profi t sharing plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for all of our 
domestic employees that meet certain qualifi cations. Participants in the plan may elect to contribute up to the 
maximum allowed by law. We match 50% of the participants’ contributions up to 15% of their gross salary in the 
form of newly issued shares of our common stock. We may also make other discretionary contributions to the plan. 
We recorded $0.8 million, $0.7 million, and $0.6 million of expense for company contributions for the years ended 
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NOTE   2 0 : Related Party Transactions 

In April 1999, we provided a non-recourse interest bearing secured loan to our chief executive offi cer. The loan was 
in the amount of $200,000 and bore interest at the rate of 5.28% per annum, with interest payable annually to us on 
each December 15. The loan was collateralized by the primary residence purchased and the principal was payable on 
the earlier of (i) December 15, 2007, (ii) within twelve months following a demand from us but only in the event the 
chief executive offi cer 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 note, including accrued interest, was paid in full on December 14, 2007.

NOTE   2 1 : Business Combination 

On February 18, 2009, we acquired certain patents, intellectual property and other assets related to the universal 
remote control business from Zilog (NASDAQ: ZILG) for approximately $9.5 million in cash. The purchase included 
Zilog’s full library and database of infrared codes, software tools and certain fi xed assets. We also hired 116 of Zilog’s 
sales and engineering personnel, including all 107 of Zilog’s personnel located in India. In a related transaction, 
Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) acquired two of Zilog’s product lines, namely, the hardware portion of 
Zilog’s remote control business and Zilog’s secured transaction product line.

We have cross—licensed the remote control technology and intellectual property with Maxim Integrated Products 
for purpose of conducting our respective businesses. The arrangement involves an agreement to source silicon chips 
from Maxim. During 2009, we agreed to be Maxim’s sales agent in return for a sales agency fee. The sales agency fee 
during 2009 was $4.4 million. This arrangement was mildly accretive to our earnings in 2009, excluding acquisition 
costs. During 2010, as the transition from the Zilog chip platform to the Maxim chip platform progresses, we will 
begin to take over full sales and distribution rights, procuring and selling the chips directly to Zilog’s former custom-
ers. We anticipate this position will lead to growth in revenue and earnings going forward. Our consolidated fi nancial 
statements include the operating results of the acquired assets, employees hired, and the related agreement with 
Maxim from February 18, 2009.

The total purchase price of approximately $9.5 million has been allocated to the net assets acquired based on 

their estimated fair values as follow:

(in thousands)

Intangible assets:

Database 

Customer relationships 

Goodwill 

Equipment, furniture and fi xtures 

Purchase price 

66

$ 

3,500

3,100

2,902

44

$ 

9,546

 
 
 
 
 
INTANGIBLE  ASSETS SUBJECT TO AMORTIZATION: Of the total purchase price, approximately $6.6 million 
was allocated to intangible assets subject to amortization including the database and customer relationships.

The database intangible is composed of the estimated fair value of patents, intellectual property and other assets 
related to Zilog’s database of infrared codes, and software tools. When determining the fair value of the database, we 
utilized the cost approach. In our valuation, we estimated the total costs to recreate the database, including the asso-
ciated opportunity costs (or revenue lost while recreating). We discounted the after-tax cash fl ows to present value to 
arrive at our estimate of the fair value of the database. We are amortizing the database on a straight-line basis over 
an estimated useful life of approximately fi fteen years.

The customer relationship intangible is composed of the fair value of customer relationships acquired as a result 
of the Zilog purchase. We utilized the income approach to estimate the fair value of the customer relationships intan-
gible. We developed after-tax cash fl ows based on forecasted revenue from these customers assuming a customer 
attrition rate based on our analysis of customer data for UEI and Zilog. We discounted the after-tax cash fl ows to 
present value to arrive at our estimate of the fair value of the customer relationships intangible. We are amortizing the 
customer relationships intangible on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of approximately fi fteen years.

GOO DWI LL: Goodwill represents the excess of the cost (purchase price) over the estimated fair value of identifi able 
tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill from this transaction of $2.9 million will not be amortized, but will 
be analyzed for impairment at least on an annual basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We review our goodwill for 
impairment annually as of December 31 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impair-
ment loss may have occurred. We have not recorded any impairment related to the goodwill recognized as a result of 
the Zilog acquisition. Of the total goodwill recorded, none is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The goodwill recognized is attributable to the following value we received from this acquisition:

• 

• 

• 

 This acquisition will expand the breadth and depth of our customer base in both subscription broadcasting and 
original equipment manufacturing, particularly in Asia.

 We believe integrating Zilog’s technologies with and into our own technology will reduce design cycle times, 
lower costs, and lead to improvements in our integrated circuit design, product quality and overall functional 
performance.

 The acquisition of former Zilog employees will allow us to leverage their experience to our advantage in the wire-
less control industry.

ACQ UI SI TI O N  COSTS : We recognized $1.1 million of total acquisition costs related to the Zilog transaction in sell-
ing, general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2009. The acquisition costs consisted 
primarily of legal and investment banking services. Of the $1.1 million of acquisition costs recognized during the year 
ended December 31, 2009, $0.1 million was capitalized at December 31, 2008.

PR O  FO R MA  RESULTS (UNAU DI TE D) : The following unaudited pro forma fi nancial information presents 
the combined results of our operations and the operations of the acquisition from Zilog as if the acquisition had 
occurred at the beginning of the periods presented. Adjustments netting $0.04 million for the year ended December 
31, 2009 have been made to the combined results of operations, primarily refl ecting net sales, salary costs and the 
amortization of purchased intangible assets that would have occurred had the acquisition date been January 1, 2009. 
Net adjustments of $0.4 million have been subtracted to the combined results of operations for the years ended 
December 31, 2008 and 2007, refl ecting primarily net sales, salary costs, amortization of purchased intangible assets 
and the acquisition costs that would have occurred had the acquisition date been January 1 of each respective year. All 
adjustments are net of their related tax effects.

Pro forma results were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

2 0 0 9

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 7

Net sales 

Net income 

Basic and diluted net income per share:

Basic 

Diluted 

$  318,037

$  291,975

$  277,555

$  14,636

$ 

15,441

$  19,848

$ 

$ 

1.07

1.05

$ 

$ 

1.10

1.07

$ 

$ 

1.38

1.31

The unaudited pro forma fi nancial information is not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated 

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.

67

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NOTE   2 2 : Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 

Summarized quarterly fi nancial data for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:

2 0 0 9

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

Net sales 

Gross profi t 

Operating income 

Net income 

Earnings per share (1):

Basic 

Diluted 

Shares used in computing earnings per share:

Basic 

Diluted 

Net sales 

Gross profi t 

Operating income 

Net income 

Earnings per share (1):

Basic 

Diluted 

Shares used in computing earnings per share:

Basic 

Diluted 

$ 

71,126

$  78,303

$  83,182

$  84,939

21,437

1,536

796

25,495

5,687

3,816

26,070

6,644

4,223

28,610

8,080

5,840

$ 

$ 

0.06

0.06

$ 

$ 

0.28

0.27

$ 

$ 

0.31

0.30

$ 

$ 

0.43

0.42

13,658

13,831

13,621

13,981

13,687

14,008

13,700

14,063

2 0 0 8

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

$  61,191

$  70,684

$  76,532

$  78,693

21,735

2,683

2,473

24,212

4,357

3,495

24,928

5,910

4,005

25,315

7,811

5,833

$ 

$ 

0.17

0.17

$ 

$ 

0.25

0.24

$ 

$ 

0.29

0.28

$ 

$ 

0.43

0.42

14,474

14,957

14,033

14,547

13,919

14,420

13,638

13,903

(1) 

 The earnings per common share calculations for each of the quarters were based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period, 
and the sum of the quarters may not be equal to the full year earnings per share amounts.

SCHE D U L E II :  Valuation And Qualifying 
Accounts and Reserves 

FOR  T H E  YEA R S  ENDE D DEC E M B E R   3 1 ,   2 0 0 9 ,   2 008, AND 2007

Balance at 
Beginning of 
Period

Additions Charged 
to Costs and 
Expenses

Write-offs

Balance at End of 
Period

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,535

1,826

2,179

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,342

2,411

2,146

$ 

$ 

(3,127)

(2,702)

$  (2,499)

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,750

1,535

1,826

 Balance at 
Beginning of 
Period

 Additions 
Charged to Costs 
and Expenses

 Reduction/
Write-offs

Balance at End of 
Period

$ 

$ 

$ 

189

264

620

—

—

—

$ 

$ 

$ 

(10)

(75)

(356)

$ 

$ 

$ 

179

189

264

description

Valuation account for inventory:

Year Ended December 31, 2009 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

Description

Valuation account for income tax: 

Year Ended December 31, 2009 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 

Year Ended December 31, 2007 

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in and Disagreements with 
Accountants on Accounting and 
Financial Disclosure

None. 

Controls And Procedures 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) defi nes “disclosure controls and procedures” 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 
fi les or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods 
specifi ed in the Commission’s rules and forms. The defi nition 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 fi les or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to 
the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal fi nancial offi cers, 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 fi nancial offi cers, 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 fi nancial offi cers 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 fi le or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and 
reported within the time periods specifi ed in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and is accumu-
lated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over fi nancial reporting, 
as such term is defi ned in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over fi nancial reporting is a process 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and preparation of fi nancial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America. Because of inherent limitations, internal control over fi nancial 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.

  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive and 
principal fi nancial offi cers, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over fi nancial 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 fi nancial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.

The effectiveness of our internal control over fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by 
Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting fi rm, 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 may signifi cantly affect our internal controls 
during 2009.

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Report Of Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Universal Electronics Inc.

We have audited Universal Electronics Inc.’s (a Delaware Corporation) internal control over fi nancial reporting as of 
December 31, 2009, 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 fi nancial reporting and for its assessment of the effective-
ness of internal control over fi nancial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Universal Electronics Inc.’s 
internal control over fi nancial 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 fi nancial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included 
obtaining an understanding of internal control over fi nancial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, 
and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit 
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of fi nancial reporting and the preparation of fi nancial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over fi nancial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly refl ect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of fi nancial 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 fi nancial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over fi nancial 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, Universal Electronics Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
fi nancial reporting as of December 31, 2009, 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, 2009 and 2008, 
and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash fl ows for each of the three years in 
the period ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated March 15, 2010 expressed an unqualifi ed opinion.

Irvine, California

March 15, 2010

70

Performance Chart

The following graph and table compares the cumulative total stockholder return with respect to our common stock 
versus the cumulative total return of our Peer Group Index, Standard & Poor’s Small Cap 600 (the “S&P Small 
Cap 600”) and the NASDAQ Composite Index for the fi ve year period ended December 31, 2009. The comparison 
assumes that $100 is invested on December 31, 2004 in each of our common stock, the Peer Group Index, S&P 
Small Cap 600 and the NASDAQ Composite Index and that all dividends are reinvested. We have not paid any divi-
dends 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.

During the fi ve years ended December 31, 2009, three of our peer group companies were acquired and as a result 

the Peer Group Index is composed of only two companies. Given the decrease in the number of companies and its 
composition, we believe the relevance of the Peer Group Index has been impaired. As a result we have replaced the 
Peer Group Index with the S&P Small Cap 600 (of which we are a member). In this year of change we have shown 
the new and old index for comparison purposes. Beginning with our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we will no 
longer include the Peer Group Index.

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 of Universal Electronics Inc., 
the Peer Group Index (1), S&P Small Cap 600 and the NASDAQ Composite Index

$ 200

$ 150

$ 100

$ 50

$  0

12/31/2004

12/31/2005

12/31/2006

12/31/2007

12/31/2008

12/31/2009

12/31/2004

12/31/2005

12/31/2006

12/31/2007

12/31/2008

12/31/2009

Universal Electronics Inc.

Peer Group Index

S&P Small Cap 600

NASDAQ Composite Index

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

100

100

100

100

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

98

107

107

101

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

119

105

122

111

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

190

82

120

122

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

92

36

82

72

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

132

50

101

104

(1)  Companies in the Peer Group Index are as follows: Harman International Industries, Inc. and Koss Corporation.

Information presented is as of the end of each calendar year for the period December 31, 2004 through 2009. 
This information shall not be deemed to be “solicited material” or to be “fi led” with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) nor 
shall this information be incorporated by reference into any prior or future fi lings under the Securities Act of 1933 or 
the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifi cally incorporate it by reference into a fi ling.

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71

 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Information

D I R E C TO R S

O F F I C E R S

O F F I C E R S

Paul D.  Arling*
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Offi cer

Norman G. Sheridan
Senior Vice President 
Engineering

Bryan M. Hackworth*
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Offi cer

Graham S. Williams
Senior Vice President 
Technology Development

Paul J.M. Bennett*
Executive Vice President 
and Managing Director, 
Europe

Mark S. Kopaskie*
Executive Vice President 
and General Manager, 
U.S.

Richard A. Firehammer, Jr.*
Senior Vice President, 
General Counsel 
and Secretary

Ramzi S. Ammari
Senior Vice President
Global Product Planning 
and Strategy

David C.H. Chong
Senior Vice President 
OEM Global

Joseph E. Miketo
Senior Vice President 
Global Operations

Olav B.M. Pouw
Senior Vice President 
Subscription Broadcast 
EMEA & Asia

Pamela L. Price
Senior Vice President 
Subscription Broadcast 
Americas

Bruce G. Annis
Vice President 
Retail Sales, North 
America

Douglas J. Durrant
Vice President
Global Information 
Technology

Stephen L. Gutman
Vice President
Cable Sales Americas

J. Lee Haughawout
Vice President
Program Management

Patrick H. Hayes
Vice President
Intellectual Property

Louis S. Hughes
Vice President 
Corporate Development

Emmelyn A. Klaver
Vice President 
Custom Electronics 
Global

Michael J. Koch
Vice President 
Finance and Treasurer

Menno V. Koopmans
Vice President 
Retail Sales 
EMEA/International

Hrag G. Ohannessian
Vice President 
Subscription Broadcast 
OEM Americas

Kenneth G. Sweeney
Vice President 
Global OEM Sales

Paul D. Arling*
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Offi cer
Universal Electronics Inc.

Cypress, California

Satjiv S. Chahil 2, 3
Executive Advisor
Hewlett-Packard 

Company

Palo Alto, California

William C. Mulligan 1, 3
Managing Director
Primus Capital Funds

Cleveland, Ohio

J.C. Sparkman 2, 3
Retired Executive Vice 
President and Chief 
Operating Offi cer 
Telecommunications, Inc. 

(TCI) Denver, Colorado

Gregory P. Stapleton 2
Founder and Owner
Falcon One Enterprises

Camarillo, California

Carl E. Vogel 1
Partner
SCP Worldwide

New York City, New York

Edward K. Zinser 1
Chief Financial Offi cer
Boingo Wireless Inc.

Los Angeles, California

1  Member, Audit Committee

2  Member, Compensation 

Committee

3  Member, Corporate Governance 
and Nominating Committee

*   Executive Offi cer as defi ned 

by the Security Exchange Act 
of 1934.

72

WO R L DW I D E 
H E A D Q UA R T E R S

Universal Electronics Inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, CA  90630

E U R O P E A N 
H E A D Q UA R T E R S

The Netherlands
Universal Electronics BV
Institutenweg 21 7521 PH
Enschede, Netherlands

I N V E S TO R 
I N F O R M AT I O N

Annual Meeting 
of Stockholders
June 15, 2010
4:00 p.m. PT
Universal Electronics Inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, CA  90630

Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm
Grant Thornton LLP
Irvine, California

Registrar & 
Transfer Agent
Computershare 

Trust Company, N.A.
250 Royall Street
Canton, MA  02021
(800) 962-4284

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BRIDGING TH E  GA P  BE TWEE N  T E C H N O LO GY   A ND N E EDS. CONSUMERS AND CUSTOMERS 
ARE THE DRIVING FORCE FOR ALL OF OUR TECHNOLOGICAL IDEAS AND APPLICATIONS. 

UEI LISTENS DILIGENTLY AND TURNS OUT SOLUTIONS ACCORDINGLY.

C E R T I F I C AT I O N S

The Company fi led with the 
Securities and Exchange com-
mission, as Exhibit 31 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the 2009 fi scal year, 
certifi cations of its Chief Executive 
Offi cer and Chief Financial Offi cer 
regarding the quality of the 
Company’s public disclosures.

F O R M 1 0 - K

Any stockholder who desires 
a copy of the Company’s 2009 
Annual Report on Form 10-K fi led 
with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission may obtain a copy 
(excluding exhibits) without charge 
by addressing a request to:

Investor Relations
Universal Electroncis Inc.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630

A charge equal to the reproduction 
cost will be made if the exhibits are 
requested.  Universal Electronics’ 
Internet address is www.uei.com.  
Universal Electronics makes avail-
able through its internet website 
its annual report on Form 10-K.  
Investors may also obtain a copy 
of our 2009 Annual Report on 
Form 10-K, including exhibits, 
from the “Investor” section of our 
website at www.uei.com, clicking 
on “SEC Filings.”

I N T E R N E T  U S E R S

We invite you to learn more 
about UEI’s business and growth 
opportunities by visiting the 
“Investor” section of our website 
at www.uei.com. This section 
includes investor presentations, 
earnings conference calls, press 
releases, SEC fi lings, company 
history, and information about 
the company’s governance and 
Board of Directors.

Universal Electronics Inc. is 
an equal opportunity employer.

U
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T

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UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC. 
6101 GATEWAY DRIVE

CYPRESS, CA 90630