Daktronics Inc (DAKT) SEC Quarterly Report (10-Q) for Q3 2016

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended July 30, 2016

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From to .

Commission File Number: 0-23246

Daktronics, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

(605) 692-0200

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Yes  x   No  o

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

Yes  x   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Yes ¨ No x

The number of shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding as of August 29, 2016 was 43,872,811 .

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended July 30, 2016

Table of Contents

P ART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts therein.  Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from those estimates.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  The balance sheet at April 30, 2016 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but it does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended April 30, 2016 , which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.

Daktronics, Inc. operates on a 52 to 53 week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13 week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53 week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week period.

An immaterial reclassification has been made to conform fiscal 2016 to the fiscal 2017 classifications of the statement of cash flows for comparative purposes due to retrospectively adopting Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 .

Investments in affiliates over which we do not have the ability to exert significant influence over the investee's operating and financing activities are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. We have evaluated our relationships with affiliates and have determined that these entities are not variable interest entities.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $ 1,211 at July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 . There have not been any identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on their fair value and it is not practical to estimate their fair value.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-09, which is intended to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax effects when awards vest or settle, repurchase of employees' shares to satisfy statutory tax withholding obligations, an option to account for forfeitures as they occur, and classification of certain amounts on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is permitted, and we adopted it during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.  We have elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period. Provisions related to income taxes have been adopted prospectively.  Provisions related to the statement of cash flows have been adopted retrospectively but did not have a material impact on our statement of cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which changes the measurement principle of inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance will require prospective application at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2018, but it permits adoption in an earlier period. ASU 2015-11 was adopted by the Company effective May 1, 2016 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. This ASU clarifies existing GAAP guidance about a customer's accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement ("CCA") with or without a software license. Examples of cloud computing arrangements include software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, and other similar hosting arrangements. Under ASU 2015-05, fees paid by a customer in a CCA for a software license are within the scope of the internal-use software guidance if certain criteria are met. If the criteria are not met, the fees paid are accounted for as a prepaid service contract and expensed. We have historically

accounted for all fees in a CCA as a prepaid service contract. We adopted ASU 2015-05 in first quarter fiscal 2017 when it became effective, using the prospective method. We did not pay any fees in a CCA in the current period that met the criteria to be in the scope of the internal-use software guidance, and ASU 2015-05 had no impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 will be effective for us on May 1, 2018, and will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case we would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on our consolidated cash flows and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (that is, lessees and lessors). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has also issued ASUs 2016-08, 2016-10, and 2016-12 to clarify guidance with respect to principal versus agent considerations, the identification of performance obligations and licensing and certain narrow areas and adds practical expedients. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (as stated in ASU 2015-14, which was issued in August 2015 and defers the effective date), and is now effective for the Company's fiscal 2019. We are evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2014-09, as clarified, will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, financial position, and related disclosures.

Note 2. Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

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

The following is a reconciliation of the income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended July 30, 2016  and August 1, 2015 : 

Options outstanding to purchase 2,603 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.50 for the three months ended July 30, 2016  and 1,437 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $18.33 for the three months ended August 1, 2015 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Note 3. Share Repurchase Program

On June 17, 2016 , our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which Daktronics, Inc. may purchase up to $40,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. During the three months ended July 30, 2016 , we repurchased 284 shares of common stock at a total cost of $1,825 . We may repurchase up to an additional $38,175 of common stock under the current Board authorization.

Note 4. Segment Disclosure

We have organized our business into five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 280-10, Segment Reporting : Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, Transportation, and International. These segments are based on the type of customer or geography and are the same as our business units.

Our Commercial business unit primarily consists of sales of our video display systems, digital billboards, and Galaxy ® and Fuelight ™ product lines to resellers (primarily sign companies), Out-of-Home ("OOH") companies, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos and petroleum retailers.  Our Live Events business unit primarily consists of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports facilities and convention centers and sales of our mobile display technology to video rental organizations and other live events type venues.  Our High School Park and Recreation business unit primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy ® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary education facilities.  Our Transportation business unit primarily consists of sales of our Vanguard ® and Galaxy ® product lines to governmental transportation departments, airlines and other transportation related customers.  Our International business unit consists of sales of all product lines outside the United States and Canada. In our International business unit, we focus on product lines related to integrated scoring and video display systems for sports and commercial applications, OOH advertising products, and European transportation related products.

Our segment reporting presents results through contribution margin, which is comprised of gross profit less selling costs. Segment profit excludes general and administration expense, product development expense, interest income and expense, non-operating income and income tax expense.  Assets are not allocated to the segments.  Depreciation and amortization are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures; however, some depreciation and amortization are corporate in nature and remain unallocated.  In general, our segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 .  Unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units based on cost of sales.  Shared manufacturing, buildings and utilities, and procurement costs are allocated based on payroll dollars, square footage and various other financial measures.

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

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

No single geographic area comprises a material amount of our net sales or property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, other than the United States.  The following table presents information about net sales and property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the United States and elsewhere:

We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services; therefore, we are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services except with respect to our dependence on two major digital billboard customers in our Commercial business unit. 

Note 5. Marketable Securities

We have a cash management program which provides for the investment of cash balances not used in current operations.  We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions of ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.   Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss .  As it relates to fixed income marketable securities, it is not likely we will be required to sell any of these investments before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In addition, as of July 30, 2016 , we anticipate we will recover the entire amortized cost basis of such fixed income securities, and we have determined no other-than-temporary impairments associated with credit losses were required to be recognized. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Where quoted market prices are not available, we use the market price of similar types of securities traded in the market to estimate fair value.  

As of July 30, 2016  and April 30, 2016 , our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:

Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations as other income (expense), net. Upon the sale of a security classified as available-for-sale, the security's specific unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of " accumulated other comprehensive loss " into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the three months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings were immaterial.

All available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets, as they are readily available to support our current operating needs. The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of July 30, 2016  were as follows:

Note 6. Business Combinations

Data Display Acquisition

We acquired 100 percent ownership in Data Display, a European transportation display company, on August 11, 2014 for an undisclosed amount. The results of its operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. We have not made pro forma disclosures because the results of its operations are not material to our consolidated financial statements.

Data Display is a European based company focused on the design and manufacture of transportation displays. This acquisition allows our organization to better service transportation customers world-wide and broaden our leadership position on a global scale. This acquisition included a manufacturing plant in Ireland to manufacture transportation displays. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the purchase price allocation for the Data Display acquisition was completed and the fair values of the consideration paid and contingent consideration were finalized. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill of $1,463 which primarily related to the value of an assembled workforce and is not deductible for tax purposes. Included in the purchase price allocation were acquired identifiable intangibles valued at $480 representing trademarks and technology with a useful life of 20 years and customer relationships valued at $84 with a useful life of 18 years. Also included in the purchase was $1,433 of property and equipment, $437 of investment in affiliates, $2,624 of inventory, $3,063 of accounts receivable, and $1,892 of other current assets, which was offset by current operating liabilities of $3,695 and long term obligations of $950 .

ADFLOW Acquisition

We acquired 100 percent ownership in ADFLOW Networks, Inc. ("ADFLOW"), a Canadian company, on March 15, 2016 for an undisclosed amount. The results of its operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. We have not made pro forma disclosures because the results of its operations are not material to our consolidated financial statements.

ADFLOW is a Canadian based company focused on digital media solutions. This acquisition will allow our organization to grow and strengthen our solution offering in Digital Media Networks (DMN). We believe this will broaden our value proposition for our customers and deliver new offerings to the market. This acquisition was funded with cash on hand.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we prepared the preliminary fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date using independent appraisals and other analysis. We are in the process of determining final working capital adjustments. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill of $2,502 which primarily related to the value of an assembled workforce and is not deductible for tax purposes. Included in the preliminary purchase price allocation were acquired identifiable intangibles valued at $3,176 representing software and trademarks and customer relationships valued at $2,692 . Based on the preliminary fair value measurements, also included in the purchase price was $58 of property and equipment, $230 of inventory, $1,283 of accounts receivable, and $513 of other current assets, which was offset by current operating liabilities of $935 and long term obligations of $1,545 .

The purchase price includes deferred payments of $1,833 to be made over three years unless certain conditions in the business are not met. We have included the payment obligation in other long-term obligations in our consolidated balance sheet.

ADFLOW contributed net sales of $2,026 during the three months ended July 30, 2016 . General and administrative expenses were immaterial in the three months ended July 30, 2016 for professional fees relating to the acquisition.

Note 7. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the three months ended July 30, 2016  were as follows: 

We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis, and it is tested for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. We performed our annual analysis based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third quarter in fiscal 2016, which was November 1, 2015. The result of the analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed as of that date.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis due to economic conditions causing slowing orders. The results of our analysis indicated no goodwill impairment was necessary.

Note 8. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following: 

Note 9. Receivables

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,263 and $2,797 at July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 was $293 and $437 , respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and sales-type leases.  The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and profit is recognized to the extent the present value is in excess of cost.  We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid.  The present value of long-term contracts and lease receivables, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $6,606 and $7,038 as of July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , respectively.  Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates ranging from 4.8 to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through August 2024.  The face amount of long-term receivables was $6,585 and $7,236 as of July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , respectively.

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

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

As of July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , we did not believe there was a reasonable probability any material loss for these various claims or legal actions, including reviews, inspections or other legal proceedings, if any, would be incurred. Accordingly, no accrual or disclosure of a potential range of loss has been made related to these matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of all unresolved legal proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

Warranties:   We offer a standard parts coverage warranty for periods varying from one to five years for most of our products.  We also offer additional types of warranties to include on-site labor, routine maintenance and event support.  In addition, the terms of warranties on some installations can vary from one to 10 years.  The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary primarily depending on the type of the product sold.  We estimate the costs which may be incurred under the warranty obligations and record a liability in the amount of such estimated costs at the time the revenue is recognized.  Factors affecting our estimate of the cost of our warranty obligations include historical experience and expectations of future conditions.  We continually assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accruals and, to the extent we experience any changes in warranty claim activity or costs associated with servicing those claims, our accrued warranty obligation is adjusted accordingly.

We discovered a warranty issue caused by a mechanical device failure within a module for displays primarily in our OOH applications built prior to fiscal 2013. The device failure causes a visual defect in the display. We are deploying preventative maintenance to sites impacted and can repair the device in our repair center. When certain site locations have exceeded an acceptable failure rate, we have refurbished the display to meet customers' expectations under contractual obligations. We increased our accrued warranty obligations by $247 during the first quarter of fiscal 2017, $9,174 during fiscal 2016, and $1,168 during fiscal 2015 for probable and reasonably estimable costs to remediate this issue. As of July 30, 2016, we had $4,567 remaining in accrued warranty obligations for the estimate of probable future claims related to this issue. Because failure rates are unpredictable, the final outcome of this matter is dependent on many factors that are difficult to predict. Accordingly, it is possible that the ultimate cost to resolve this matter may increase and may be materially different from the amount of the current estimate and accrual.

Changes in our warranty obligation for the three months ended July 30, 2016 consisted of the following:

Performance guarantees:   We have entered into standby letters of credit and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on contracts, primarily construction-type contracts.  As of July 30, 2016 , we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $9,479 and $38,808 , respectively.  Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract.  These performance guarantees have various terms, which are generally one year.

Leases:   We lease vehicles, office space and equipment for various global sales and service locations, including manufacturing space in the United States and China. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The lease for the facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota can be extended for an additional five years past its current term, which ends March 31, 2022, and it contains an option to purchase the property subject to the lease from March 31, 2017 to March 31, 2022 for $9,000 , which approximates fair value.  If the lease is extended, the purchase option increases to $9,090 for the year ending March 31, 2023 and $9,180 for the year ending March 31, 2024.  Rental expense for operating leases was $849 and $717 for the three months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , respectively.  

Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at July 30, 2016 :

Purchase commitments:   From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, information technology maintenance and support services, and various other products and services over periods that extend beyond one year.  As of July 30, 2016 , we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $500 in conditional purchase commitments:

Note 11. Income Taxes

We are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions.  As a result of the completion of examinations by the Internal Revenue Service on prior years and the expiration of statutes of limitations, our fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015 are the remaining years open under statutes of limitations.  Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2005.

As of July 30, 2016 , we had $3,134 of unrecognized tax benefits which would reduce our effective tax rate if recognized.  

Note 12. Fair Value Measurement

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

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

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

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

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

The following table sets forth by Level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derivatives – currency forward contracts : Consists of currency forward contracts trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on a valuation from a third-party bank. See Note 13. Derivative Financial Instruments for more information regarding our derivatives.

The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  For example, certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value in connection with business combinations or when an impairment is recognized and the related assets are written down to fair

value.  We utilized the fair value measurement standard, using primarily Level 3 inputs, to value the assets and liabilities for the business combinations. We did not have any material business combinations or recognize significant impairment losses during the three months ended July 30, 2016 or during fiscal 2016 . See Note 6. Business Combinations for more information.

Note 13. Derivative Financial Instruments

We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar.  We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks.  We account for all derivatives on the balance sheet within accounts receivable or accounts payable measured at fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net investment hedges. As of July 30, 2016  and April 30, 2016 , we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as accounting hedges, and thus we recorded the changes in fair value in other income (expense), net.

The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange U.S. Dollars at July 30, 2016  and April 30, 2016 were as follows:

As of July 30, 2016 and April 30, 2016 , there was a net asset and liability of $122 and $453 , respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

Note 14. Subsequent Events

On September 1, 2016 , our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share on our common stock for the three months ended July 30, 2016 , payable on September 23, 2016 to holders of record of our common stock on September 12, 2016 .

Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this Report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future.  These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: (i.) our competition; (ii.) our financing plans; (iii.) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iv.) our growth strategy and operating strategy; (v.) the declaration and payment of dividends; (vi.) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vii.) parts shortages and lead times; (viii.) fluctuations in margins; (ix.) the seasonality of our business; (x.) the introduction of new products and technology; and (xi.) the timing and magnitude of any acquisitions or dispositions.  The words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plans" and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 in the section entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and those factors discussed in detail in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The following discussion highlights the principal factors impacting our financial condition and further describes our results of operations.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

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

OVERVIEW

We design, manufacture and sell a wide range of display systems to customers throughout the world.  We focus our sales and marketing efforts on markets, geographical regions and products.  Our five business segments consist of four domestic business units and the International business unit.  The four domestic business units consist of Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, all of which include the geographic territories of the United States and Canada. Disclosures related to our business segments are provided in Note 4. Segment Disclosure of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report.

Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of large project orders, such as display systems for professional sports facilities, colleges and universities, and spectacular projects in the commercial area, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Large project orders can include a number of displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds, each of which can occur on varied schedules according to the customer's needs. Net sales and gross profit percentages also have fluctuated due to other seasonal factors, including the impact of holidays, which primarily affects our third quarter.  

Our gross margins on large custom and large standard orders tend to fluctuate more than on small standard orders.  Large product orders involving competitive bidding and substantial subcontract work for product installation generally have lower gross margins.  Although we follow the percentage of completion method of recognizing revenues for large custom orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.

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

For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects of those pronouncements on our financial results, refer to Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report.

GENERAL

Our mission is to be the world leader at informing and entertaining audiences through dynamic audio-visual communication systems. We measure our success through estimated market share based on estimated market demand for digital displays and generating profits over the long-term. Our success is contingent on the depth and quality of our products, including related control systems, the depth of our service offerings and our technology serving these market demands.  These qualities are important for our long-term success because our products have finite lifetimes and we strive to win replacement business from existing customers.

Increases in user adoption; the acceptance of a variety of digital solutions; and the decline of digital solution pricing over the years has increased the size of the global market.  With this positive demand, strong competition exists across all of our business units, which causes margin constraints.  Projects with multi-million revenue potential also attract competition, which generally reduces profitability.

We organize around customer segments and geographic regions as further described in Note 4. Segment Disclosure of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report. Each business segment also has unique key growth drivers and challenges.

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

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

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

Transportation Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Transportation business unit will result from increasing applications and acceptance of electronic displays to manage transportation systems, including roadway, airport, parking, transit and other applications. Effective use of the United States transportation infrastructure requires intelligent transportation systems. This growth is highly dependent on government spending, primarily by the federal government, along with the continuing acceptance of private/public partnerships as an alternative funding source.

International Business Unit: Over the long-term, we believe growth in the International business unit will result from achieving greater penetration in various geographies and building products more suited to individual markets. We are broadening our product offerings into the transportation segment in Europe and the Middle East. We currently focus on third-party advertising market opportunities and the factors listed in each of the other business units to the extent they apply outside the United States and Canada.

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 30, 2016 AND AUGUST 1, 2015

Net Sales

Commercial: The decrease in net sales for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of the volatility of large custom video demand in our spectacular niche. Sales in our billboard and on-premise niche compared to last year were relatively flat. ADFLOW sales in the Commercial business unit were $2.0 million during the three months ended July 30, 2016 . ADFLOW was acquired in March 2016, and its financial results were not included in the quarter ended August 1, 2015.

The increase in orders for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of the timing of awards of large custom projects in the spectacular niche and an increase in business in our on-premise niche, offset by a decline in digital billboard orders.

Live Events:   The increase in net sales for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to work completed for football stadiums.

Orders decrease d for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago due to order timing variability of large projects. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we booked a large multi-million new stadium order and did not have a similar booking during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

High School Park and Recreation: The increase in net sales for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to increased video project sizes with higher average selling prices and more indoor video demand compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016.

Orders increase d for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago due to strong market demand for video in sporting applications with larger average sale prices than orders for scoring or message centers.

Transportation: Net sales for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago remained relatively flat.

Orders for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago decrease d primarily due to the variability caused by large order timing.

International:   Net sales for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago decrease d due to sales earned on a large transportation project during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, with no similar sized project in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Orders increase d for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to sports stadium projects awarded in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Backlog

The product order backlog as of July 30, 2016 was $197.9 million as compared to $205.5 million as of August 1, 2015 and $181.2 million at the end of fiscal 2016 .  Historically, our backlog varies due to the seasonality of our business, the timing of large projects, and customer delivery schedules for these orders.  The backlog as of July 30, 2016 increased from August 1, 2015 in our Commercial, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units and decreased in our Live Events and International business units.  

Gross Profit

The increase in our gross profit percentage for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to lower warranty charges, a change in sales mix with higher gross margins, and the impact of sales volumes across the relatively fixed manufacturing capability costs. The following describes the overall impact by business unit:

Commercial:   The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of lower warranty charges as the first quarter of fiscal 2016 had specific warranty obligations for particular projects with no recurrence, the non-recurrence of the licensing charge which impacted the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and increased gross margins in our spectacular niche mix of projects, offset by lower volumes of sales over our primarily fixed manufacturing capability costs.

Live Events: The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of increased volumes of sales over our relatively fixed manufacturing cost infrastructure and a favorable sales mix impacted by project sizes and type.

High School Park and Recreation:   The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended July 30, 2016 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to increased volumes of sales over our relatively fixed manufacturing cost infrastructure.

Transportation:   The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to improved gross margins, the sales mix and lower warranty costs as a percent of sales.

International:   The gross profit percent decrease for the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of lower sales volumes across the fixed manufacturing cost infrastructure offset by lower warranty costs as a percent of sales.

Selling Expense

Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demos, and supplies.

The primary increase in selling expense was in our Commercial business unit due to a full quarter of expenses from ADFLOW, the company we acquired late in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Live Events, Transportation and International business units had slight increases in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the same quarter a year ago, mainly related to increases in personnel related expenses.

Selling expenses in our High School Park and Recreation business unit decreased in the three months ended July 30, 2016 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to lower personnel related expenses.

Other Operating Expenses