Form 10-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2011
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File No. 0-22183
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
Organization)
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95-2988062
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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27 Hubble, Irvine, California
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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92618
(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (949) 451-1450
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class |
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
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NASDAQ Stock Market LLC |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if 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 þ 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 o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation
S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants knowledge in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
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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 definition of large accelerated filer, accelerated
filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Large Accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12(b)-2
of the Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant was approximately $3.7 million as of August 31, 2010, the last business day of the
Registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
As of May 27, 2011, there were 1,167,267 outstanding shares of the Registrants common stock,
par value $0.01 per share.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrants Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
on July 21, 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
PART I
General
Meade Instruments Corp., a Delaware corporation, (Meade or the Company) is a consumer
products company that designs, manufactures, imports and distributes telescopes, telescope
accessories, binoculars, spotting scopes, and other consumer products. Meade is dedicated to
bringing innovative, cutting-edge, consumer-friendly products to the consumer products marketplace.
The Companys brands, which include Meade® and Coronado®, are recognized throughout the world and
are associated with innovation in the amateur astronomy, consumer optical and sporting goods
markets. Products such as the LX200® series of telescopes that combine the state-of-the-art LX200
with the precision of Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optics; the LX90GPS that brings GPS capabilities
to a moderately priced Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope; LS, the newest additions to Meades line of
fully computerized telescopes using Lightswitch technology, which provides a revolutionary
self-alignment routine, allowing users with no astronomy experience to enjoy a multi-media
guided-tour of the night sky; the new LT series, which is our value platform, using the same
high-quality mechanics of the LS, but with Meades more traditional computer control; and the Deep
Sky Imager (DSI) series of high-performance charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras that have
advanced astro-imaging to near point-and-shoot simplicity, help sustain the Meade brand as a brand
known for innovation in amateur astronomy and other consumer products.
The Company continues to offer numerous telescope and binocular models as well as hundreds of
accessory products for amateur astronomy and sporting goods consumers. The Companys telescopes
range in aperture from 40mm to 20 inches and in retail price from less than $50 to approximately
$35,000. The Company offers several families of binoculars at retail price points from about $10 to
approximately $300. Whether a consumer is a serious amateur astronomer, a naturalist or someone
just looking for a good pair of binoculars, Meade offers a complete range of quality products to
satisfy the consumer optics buyer.
Founded in 1972, Meade has a reputation for providing the amateur astronomer with technically
sophisticated products at competitive prices. Combining its manufacturing expertise with its
dedication to innovation, quality and value, Meade has developed and produced some of the
industrys most technologically advanced consumer telescopes at affordable prices. Capitalizing on
its brand name recognition among serious amateur astronomers and its ability to bring advanced
technology to lower price points, the Company has marketed its less-expensive telescopes to
beginning and intermediate amateur astronomers. The Company is a supplier of consumer optics to
such retailers as Costco, Sams Club and Target, as well as a number of specialty dealers
worldwide.
The Company has consistently emphasized a business plan that concentrates on new product
development and effective targeted marketing. As an indication of its commitment to product
development, the Company spent $0.8 million on research and development during each of the fiscal
years ended February 28, 2011 and 2010. These research and development expenditures were centered
on the development of technologically advanced telescopes and other astronomy related products,
other new products for the general consumer and sports optics markets as well as product
improvement and industrial applications of the Companys existing technologies.
The Company manufactures a complete line of advanced astronomical telescopes. Parts and
components for the advanced telescopes are manufactured and assembled in the Companys Mexico
facility. Many of the Companys less-expensive telescopes and its binoculars, as well as certain
component parts for its small to midrange telescopes, are manufactured under our proprietary
designs by manufacturers located in Asia.
The Company complements its efforts in new product development with a targeted marketing plan.
The Companys marketing plan includes website, print advertising in astronomy, outdoor related
magazines and, at times, in general consumer magazines, as well as jointly developed advertising
campaigns with many of the Companys key retail partners, and point-of-sale marketing displays.
In the United States and Canada, the Company distributes its products through a network of
more than 300 specialty retailers, distributors and mass merchandisers, which offer the Companys
products in more than 5,000 retail store locations. The Company also sells certain of its products
to selected national mail order dealers. In December 2009, the Company began distributing weather
stations and timing devices. Meade also sells its products internationally through a network of
over 40 foreign distributors, many of which service dealer locations in their respective countries.
These foreign distributors include the Companys former European distribution operations (Meade
Europe). Including products sold to Meade Europe, net sales to customers outside North America
were
$6.7 million and $5.5 million for the years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010
representing approximately 25% and 23% of the Companys net sales, respectively. The Company
intends to continue to pursue an integrated strategy of product line expansion, targeted marketing,
and expansion of the Companys domestic and international distribution networks.
1
Industry Overview
Market-size data for the consumer optics industry are difficult to obtain because nearly all
of the companies in the industry are privately held. The Company believes the overall size of the
consumer optics market is driven, in part, by the introduction of new products.
The Company offers products at numerous price points in the consumer optics market, from
advanced astronomical telescopes and cutting-edge binoculars to less-expensive telescopes for
beginning amateur astronomers and low-priced binoculars for the casual user.
The advanced astronomical telescope market is characterized by frequent technological
developments, including the introduction of innovative optical designs and computer-aided features.
Serious amateur astronomers demand that the optical, electronic and mechanical performance of the
telescopes and accessories they purchase be of very high quality. These advanced telescopes
continue to drive the technological advances specifically in the telescope industry and generally
in the consumer optics industry.
Telescopes are generally offered in three different optical configurations: (a) refracting
telescopes, which use lenses to collect light; (b) reflecting telescopes, which use mirrors as the
primary optical element; and (c) catadioptric (mirror-lens) telescopes, which employ a combination
of mirrors and lenses to form the image. Each type has its own advantages: refractors are easy to
maintain, yield sharp images and are generally relatively inexpensive in smaller apertures;
reflectors generally are the lowest-cost means of purchasing larger apertures and are well suited
to the intermediate amateur astronomer; and mirror-lens telescopes are more portable.
The binocular market is typically characterized less by technological developments than by
styling, features, quality and price. The principal features generally considered by binocular
buyers include: (1) the diameter of the objective lenses, which serve to collect light, (2) the
types of prisms used to right the visual imageeither porro prisms (which give some binoculars the
familiar zig-zag profile) or roof prisms that permit straight line designs, and (3) the
magnification, or power, of the optical system. A binoculars field of view, anti-reflective lens
coatings and eye relief are also considered by consumers buying binoculars. Binoculars typically
range in size from mini-binoculars that generally have objective lenses not larger than 26mm to
professional-level binoculars that can support objective lenses exceeding 60mm in diameter.
Binocular retail prices range from under ten dollars to several thousand dollars. The Companys
binoculars offered under the Meade brand name, as well as under various private label names,
generally sell for between $10 and $300 at retail.
The Company believes that it is well positioned in the marketplace to capitalize on its strong
brand names, its research and development resources, its history of innovation and its
manufacturing capabilities to bring new and innovative products to market.
Products
The Company has developed and expanded its product line to include a full line of telescopes
and accessories for the beginning, intermediate and serious amateur astronomer. The Company offers
a complete line of binoculars from small aperture theater glasses to full-size waterproof
roof-prism glasses. Moreover, in addition to adding new products, the Company continually refines
and improves its existing products. Certain of the Companys products are described in greater
detail below:
Advanced Astronomical Telescopes. Among the Companys most sophisticated products are its LX
series ACF and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. The LX telescopes incorporate optical systems that
provide high-quality resolution, contrast and light transmission and offer the serious amateur
astronomer a broad range of products, from the attractively priced Autostar-controlled LX90GPS, to
the state-of-the-art LX200 lines. The LX200 telescopes, available in 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16-inch
apertures, are the most popular of the Companys telescopes among serious amateur astronomers. The
LX200 telescopes feature the Companys proprietary ACF optics, a Global Positioning System (GPS)
receiver for telescope alignment and a built-in computer library of more than 145,000 celestial
objects. These objects are cataloged in the Companys proprietary hand-held computerized Autostar
II control
system. By entering any of the celestial objects presented on the Autostar II display, the
telescope automatically locates and tracks the selected object. Advanced telescopes also include
the Companys LX90GPS, a moderately priced line of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes available in 8, 10
and 12 inch apertures. The Companys LXD75 series and Truss Dobsonian telescopes offer the more
serious amateur a wide variety of advanced features on larger aperture telescopes at economical
prices. The Company also has sophisticated, dedicated solar viewing telescopes in its Coronado®
telescope line. The SolarMax telescopes, ranging in aperture from 40mm to 90mm, feature Coronados
patented hydrogen-alpha (H-alpha) etalon filters. Coronados H-alpha etalons isolate the
hydrogen-alpha wavelength while rejecting all others allowing naked-eye observation of the sun,
its flares, prominences, filaments, spiculae, faculae, and active regions. Advanced astronomical
telescopes collectively represented approximately 5% of telescope units shipped and approximately
25% and 27% of the Companys net sales for the years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010,
respectively.
2
Entry-Level Telescopes. Designed specifically for the beginning to intermediate amateur
astronomer or terrestrial observer, the Companys less-expensive 50mm to 130mm refracting,
reflecting and spotting scopes and the ETX series telescopes include many of the features of the
more advanced telescopes at economical prices. Meades revolutionary LS Lightswitch series of
telecopes use advanced technologies like GPS, LNT and ECLIPS CCD imaging, and automatically aligns
itself with ultimate tracking and pointing accuracy. Also, the LT-6 is a fully featured computer
controlled 6 ideal telescope for any astronomer who demands superior optics, mechanics and
computer controlled in a compact, high performance package. With the NG and NGC series of
telescopes (the NG telescopes) and the Digital Electronic Series telescopes (the DS
telescopes), with apertures ranging from 60mm to 130mm, and the ETX series, with apertures ranging
from 60mm to 125mm, some of the most sophisticated features of the Companys advanced telescopes
are made available at some of the Companys lowest retail price points. Equipped with the hand-held
Autostar Computer Controller, the ETX series and the DS telescopes can find and track any one of
one thousand or more celestial objects at the push of a button. The Autostar, with its go to
capability, brings to the general consumer, for prices starting at a few hundred dollars, features
that have previously been available only on the most sophisticated high-end telescopes selling for
thousands of dollars. The Company offers several variations of its small refracting and reflecting
telescopes (including its traditional models, the NG telescopes and the DS telescopes) for
distribution on a semi-exclusive basis to specific specialty retailers. The Company also has a
solar viewing telescope in its entry-level offerings, the Coronado Personal Solar Telescope
(PST). The PST is a 40mm dedicated solar telescope that makes solar viewing possible at a more
consumer friendly price. The PST uses a filtering technology similar to that which goes into a
SolarMax telescope but with unique design characteristics that allow for a lower price to the
consumer. These various telescope models comprise the lower-priced end of the Companys telescope
product lines. Sales of entry-level telescopes comprised approximately 95% of the Companys
telescope units shipped and approximately 49% of the Companys net sales for each of the years
ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, respectively.
Binoculars. The Company sells a complete line of consumer binoculars through its domestic
distribution network under the Meade brand name. The binoculars sold by the Company are purchased
from manufacturers outside the United States. Binocular sales in each of the years ended February
28, 2011 and February 28, 2010 represented approximately 1% and 2% of the Companys net sales
during those fiscal years, respectively.
Weather Stations and Digital Clocks. The Company sells a complete line of consumer digital
weather and time products from simple desktop units to full featured semi-professional weather
stations through its domestic distribution network under the Meade brand name. These products sold
by the Company are purchased from manufacturers outside the United States. Weather stations and
digital clock sales in each of the years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010 represented
approximately 4% and 1% of the Companys net sales during those fiscal years, respectively.
Accessories. The Company also offers accessories for each of its principal product lines that
range from additional eyepieces and multi-media celestial observation guides to software that
enhances the consumers telescope experience. The Coronado brand adds several high-end H-alpha
etalon filters to the list of telescope accessories for the serious amateur astronomer. Sales of
accessories represented approximately 15% and 18% of the Companys net sales for the years ended
February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, respectively. Other optical products accounted for
approximately 7% and 3% of the Companys net sales for the years ended February 28, 2011 and
February 28, 2010, respectively.
3
Operations
Supply Chain Management. Management of the supply chain is critical to complete and on-time
delivery of the Companys products to its customers. The Company works closely with factories
primarily in China to develop proprietary product designs for many of its products which are
purchased from Chinese manufacturers. The Company owns many of the key designs, molds and dies used
by such suppliers. The Company also utilizes its facility in Tijuana, Mexico, for its more advanced
telescopes. This facility employs over 125 people (which varies based upon product sales levels and
seasonal demand) engaged in the manufacture and assembly of telescopes, electronic sub-assemblies,
and accessory products, as well as certain general and administrative functions.
Materials and Supplies. The Company purchases high grade optical glass for its higher-end
telescopes in order to avoid imperfections that can degrade optical performance. Lenses and mirrors
for the Companys internally manufactured telescopes are individually polished and figured by
master opticians to precise tolerances to achieve a high level of resolution. The Company purchases
metal telescope components from numerous foundries, metal stamping and metal working companies.
Certain of the Companys products contain computerized drive systems and other electronic
circuitry. The components of these computerized drive and electronic systems are purchased from
various suppliers and are generally assembled by third party vendors.
Optical Testing. As each of Meades ACF and Schmidt-Cassegrain optical sets, or parabolic
Newtonian primary telescope mirrors, progress through the grinding, polishing and figuring stages
of development, they are repeatedly tested and re-tested for irregularities, smoothness of figure
and correction. Optical testing of the Companys products produced outside of the United States is
performed by trained optical technicians to comply with strict quality standards. The Company
maintains strict quality standards for all of its optics included in the Companys products from
telescopes and eyepieces to binoculars.
Optical Alignment and Centration. Finished, individually-matched and figured high-end optical
sets are sent to the optical alignment and centration process, where each optical set is placed
into a special optical tube that permits rotation of the optical elements about their optical axes.
A variation of this alignment and centration process is performed on all of the Companys optical
products.
Intellectual Property
The Company relies on a combination of patents, trademarks and trade secrets to establish and
protect its proprietary rights and its technology. In general, the Company pursues patent
protection both in the United States and selected foreign countries for subject matter considered
patentable and important to the Companys business strategy. The Company has patents either issued
and/or pending in the U.S. and in several foreign jurisdictions including Europe, Australia,
Canada, Japan and China.
Generally, patents issued in the U.S. are effective for 20 years from the original date of
application. The duration of foreign patents varies in accordance with applicable foreign local
law. While the duration of the Companys patents varies, most of its most important patents have
been issued within the last ten years.
The Company believes that its patents, proprietary technology, know-how and trademarks provide
significant protection for the Companys competitive position, and the Company intends to protect
and enforce its intellectual property assets. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the
steps taken by the Company in this regard will be adequate to prevent misappropriation or
infringement of its technologies or that the Companys competitors will not independently develop
technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to the Companys technologies. Effective
protection of intellectual property rights may be limited or unavailable in certain foreign
countries.
Seasonality
The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, substantial fluctuations
in its sales, gross margins and results from operations from quarter to quarter. Factors that
influence these fluctuations include the volume and timing of orders received, changes in the mix
of products sold, market acceptance of the Companys products, competitive pricing pressures, the
Companys ability to meet fluctuating demand and delivery schedules, the timing and extent of
research and development expenses, the timing and extent of product development activities and the
timing and extent of advertising expenditures. Historically, a substantial portion of the
Companys net sales
and results from operations typically occurred in the third quarter of the Companys fiscal
year primarily due to the disproportionately higher sales of its discontinued operations in Europe,
as well as higher customer demand for less-expensive telescopes during the holiday season. Mass
merchandisers, along with specialty retailers, purchase a considerable amount of their inventories
to satisfy seasonal customer demand. These purchasing patterns have caused the Company to increase
its level of inventory during its second and third quarters in response to such demand or
anticipated demand. As a result, the Companys working capital requirements have correspondingly
increased at such times. While seasonality is not as pronounced as it was prior to the sale of
Meade Europe, the Company continues to experience significant sales to mass merchandisers.
Accordingly, the Companys net sales and results from operations are expected to be higher in its
second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters of its fiscal year.
4
Sales and Marketing
The Companys products are sold through a domestic network of mail order and internet dealers,
specialty retailers, distributors and mass merchandisers. Internationally, the Companys products
are sold through a network of foreign distributors, including Meade Europe, and dealers in other
countries around the world. The Companys high-end telescopes are generally sold through mail order
and internet dealers or single and multiple-location specialty retailers. Meades less-expensive
telescopes are sold in similar venues but are sold principally through mass merchandisers. The
Companys binoculars are sold principally through a network of domestic distributors, as well as
through specialty retailers and mass merchandisers. The Company maintains direct contact with its
larger dealers and its domestic and foreign distributors through the Companys sales professionals.
A network of independent representatives is used to maintain contact with its smaller specialty
retailers.
The Companys sales force works closely with its dealers, specialty retailers, distributors
and mass merchandisers on product quality, technical knowledge and customer service. The Company
employs a sales and customer service force trained to assist the Companys customers in all facets
of its products operations. The Companys internal sales personnel are supplemented by a network
of regional sales representatives. Together, these individuals advise the Companys specialty
retailers about the quality features of the Companys products and provide answers to questions
from specialty retailers as well as directly from end users of the Companys products. The Company
stresses service to both its customers and end users by providing marketing assistance in the form
of hang-tags, catalog layouts and other print media as well as dedicated toll-free customer service
telephone numbers. In addition to giving its customers personal attention, the Company believes
toll-free telephone numbers also help reduce the number of product returns from end users who are
generally unfamiliar with the assembly and operation of telescopes and binoculars. Management
believes the Companys dedication to providing a high level of customer service is one factor that
sets Meade apart from its competition.
The Companys telescope products are regularly advertised in major domestic and international
telescope and astronomy-related magazines with comprehensive, full color, technically informative
advertisements which present a consistent message of innovation and quality about the Company and
its products. The Company also focuses advertising dollars on point-of-sale promotions and displays
in partnership with its retail customers to jointly market the Companys products to the end
consumer.
Throughout fiscal 2011, the Company sold its products to mail order dealers, to distributors,
and to more than 300 specialty retailers and mass merchandisers that offer the Companys products
in more than 5,000 retail store outlets. During the fiscal year ended 2011, one customer accounted
for approximately 15% of the Companys net sales. The Companys ten largest customers, in the
aggregate, accounted for approximately 60% and 56% of the Companys net sales for the years ended
February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, respectively. The loss of any significant portion of the
sales made to any significant customer could adversely affect the results of operations of the
Company to the extent the Company is not able to replace any such lost sales with increased sales
to existing or new customers.
5
Competitive Strengths
The Company believes that it derives significant benefits from its position as a leading
designer and distributor of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and other consumer optical
related products. These benefits include its ability to offer its customers a broad and innovative,
product line embodying both high quality and value. The Company believes it has the following
competitive strengths:
New Products/Research and Development. The Company places a primary emphasis on product
innovation and quality through its research and development efforts. The Company employs an
in-house engineering staff at its Irvine and Tijuana, Mexico facilities that develops new products
and applies technological advances and improvements to existing products. The Company is able to
obtain additional benefits by out-sourcing certain research and development services to supplement
its internal expertise. The Company, its management and its employees are dedicated to the goal of
producing technically superior yet price-competitive products and have been responsible for some of
the consumer optics industrys most technically advanced, easy to use, consumer optical products.
Broad Line of Products. The Company offers numerous different telescopes, spotting scope and
binocular models with several different optical configurations, as well as hundreds of accessory
products for the consumer optics and sports optics buyers. The Companys telescopes range in
aperture from 40mm to 20 inches, and in retail price from less than $50 to approximately $35,000.
The Company offers several families of binoculars (including digital camera binoculars) under its
several brand names at retail price points from about $10 to approximately $300. Whether a consumer
is a serious amateur astronomer or someone just looking for a good binocular, Meade offers a wide
range of quality products to satisfy the consumer optics buyer.
Optical Systems Expertise. The Company has made substantial investments to develop an
expertise in optical engineering, providing it with the ability to produce high quality optics. The
Company employs highly skilled opticians who use sophisticated manufacturing techniques and
equipment, including specialized optical polishing machines and vacuum-coating machines, to produce
what the Company believes to be the highest quality optics available in the more advanced consumer
telescope market. The Company uses its optical engineering expertise to ensure that the optics in
its foreign-sourced products meet the strictest of standards.
Quality Control. The Companys manufacturing and engineering personnel coordinate and oversee
the manufacturing process in order to ensure that product quality is maintained at a high level
within an efficient cost structure. The Company has in place quality controls covering all aspects
of the manufacturing process of its products, from each products precision optical system to its
final assembly and testing. Parts and components for the advanced telescopes are manufactured and
assembled in our Mexico facilities. The Companys binoculars, microscopes and many of its
less-expensive telescopes, as well as certain component parts for its small to midrange telescopes,
are manufactured under our proprietary designs by manufacturers located in Asia.
Broad Distribution Network. The Companys sales force works closely with specialty retailers,
distributors and mass merchandisers on product quality, technical knowledge and customer service.
Meade has its own graphic arts department which works directly with the Companys various types of
customers (specialty retailers, distributors and mass merchandisers) to produce print advertising,
hang-tags for displays within retail outlets and other point-of-sale support. This capability
provides the Companys customers with a comprehensive marketing program to assist in their sales
efforts.
Superior Customer Service. The Company believes that its high level of customer service and
technical support are important factors that differentiate it from its competitors. In addition to
providing toll-free phone access to customers in an effort to provide superior post-sale service,
Meade has consolidated its various customer service departments and increased its technical support
staff for all of its product offerings. Communications infrastructure has been upgraded with a new
phone system integrated with CRM software, and an on-line automated service request system that
tracks repairs and replacement parts while automatically reporting back to the customer that
submitted the request. The Companys internet support pages also include video how-to instruction
for many of the Companys products, as well as technical manuals to further educate users about
product operation.
6
Competition
The consumer optics market is competitive and sensitive to consumer needs and preferences. In
the telescope market, the Company competes in the United States and Canada with SW Technology
Corporation (Celestron), and Bushnell Performance Optics, Inc. (Bushnell) and, to a lesser
extent, with other smaller companies which service niche markets. In April 2005, SW Technology
Corporation (a Delaware corporation), an affiliate of Synta Technology Corporation of Taiwan, a
long-time supplier to Celestron, acquired all of the outstanding members ownership interests in
Celestron Acquisition LLC. The Company has seen increased pricing pressure as a result of the
change in ownership at Celestron. In Europe and Japan, the Company competes primarily with
Celestron, Vixen Optical Industries, Ltd., and with other smaller regional telescope importers and
manufacturers. Some of the Companys current and potential competitors in the telescope market may
possess greater financial or technical resources and competitive cost advantages due to a number of
factors, including, without limitation, lower taxes and lower costs of labor associated with
manufacturing.
The binocular market is generally more competitive than the telescope market with a greater
number of competitors at each price point. In the binocular market, the Company competes primarily
with Bushnell, Nikon Inc., Pentax Corporation and various smaller manufacturers and resellers. Many
of these competitors in the binocular market have significantly greater brand name recognition and
financial and technical resources than those of the Company, and many have long-standing positions,
customer relationships and established brand names in their respective markets.
Employees
As of February 28, 2011, the Company had approximately 155 full-time employees, worldwide. The
Company believes that it offers competitive compensation and benefits and that its employee
relations are good. None of the Companys United States-based employees is represented by a union.
The Companys employees at the Mexico facility are represented by a union. The success of the
Companys future operations depends in large part on the Companys ability to attract and retain
highly skilled technical, marketing and management personnel. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be successful in attracting and retaining such key personnel.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Set forth below are the names, ages, titles and present and past positions of the persons who
are the Companys executive officers:
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Name |
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Age |
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Position |
Steven G. Murdock |
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59 |
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Chief Executive Officer, Director |
John A. Elwood |
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40 |
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Senior Vice PresidentFinance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer |
Steven G. Murdock was appointed the Companys Chief Executive Officer on February 5, 2009 upon the
resignation of Steven L. Muellner. From May 2006 to February 2009, Mr. Murdock was a non-employee
Director of the Company. Mr. Murdock also served as the Companys Chief Executive Officer from June
2003 to May 2006 and as its President and Chief Operating Officer from October 1990 to June 2003.
From May 1980 to October 1990, Mr. Murdock served as the Companys Vice President of Optics. From
November 1968 to May 1980, Mr. Murdock worked as the optics manager for Coulter Optical, Inc., an
optics manufacturer. Mr. Murdock received a BS degree in business administration from California
State University at Northridge.
John A. Elwood, was appointed the Companys Senior Vice PresidentFinance and Administration,
Chief Financial Officer on March 4, 2009. From July 2007 to March 2009, Mr. Elwood was the
Companys Vice President Finance and Corporate Controller. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
Elwood held a variety of financial management positions at DDi Corp., a Nasdaq-listed manufacturer
of time-critical printed circuit boards, including corporate controller, divisional controller, and
director of financial planning and analysis. Mr. Elwood received a BA degree in business
administration from California State University at Fullerton and became a Certified Public
Accountant while working in public accounting at Moss Adams LLP from February 1996 through July
2000.
7
Available Information
Meades website is located at http://www.meade.com. The Company makes available free of
charge, on or through our website, our annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to
those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such reports with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information contained on the Companys website is
not part of this report. The public may read and copy any materials filed by the Company with the
SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official
business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an
Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
1. |
|
We have in the past and may in the future incur losses despite our efforts to restructure our
business in an effort to return to profitability. |
We have incurred significant net losses since fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009,
we took several actions to restructure and reduce our business operations, overhead structure and
improve our financial position in an effort to return our Company to profitability and ensure it
has appropriate liquidity to fund its continuing operations. These actions included moving our
manufacturing from California to Mexico, lowering our administrative expenses by reducing our
executive team and employee headcount, monetizing certain assets and selling Meade Europe. However,
we cannot assure you that our restructuring actions will be adequate to achieve or sustain
profitability.
2. |
|
Our ability to borrow funds for working capital purposes is limited. |
The Company maintains a credit facility agreements with First Capital (the Agreements). The
Agreements primarily consists of a factoring arrangement for all of the Companys accounts
receivable and includes a smaller credit line component using the Companys inventory as
collateral. While the Agreements do not contain explicit financial covenants, the Agreement
provides First Capital with significant latitude in restricting, reducing, or withdrawing our lines
of credit at its sole discretion.
If First Capital restricts, reduces or eliminates the Companys access to credit, or requires
immediate repayment of the amounts outstanding under the Agreement, we will be required to pursue
additional or alternative sources of liquidity such as equity financings or a new debt agreement
with other creditors, both of which may contain less favorable terms. We can not assure that such
additional sources of capital will be available on reasonable terms, if at all. Our inability to
maintain a sufficient credit facility could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
The current credit agreement with First Capital expires in January 2012. Management is
currently working on obtaining a new agreement.
3. |
|
Our business may be negatively impacted as a result of changes in the economy. |
The United States and global economies have been in a state of recession. Our business depends
on the general economic environment and levels of consumer spending that affect not only the end
consumer, but also retailers who are our direct customers. Purchases of consumer optics decline in
periods of recession or uncertainty regarding future economic prospects, when consumer spending,
particularly on discretionary items, declines. During periods of recession or economic uncertainty,
we may not be able to maintain our sales to existing customers, make sales to new customers, or
improve our operating results as a percentage of net sales. As a result, our operating results may
be materially adversely affected by downward trends in the economy or the occurrence of events that
adversely affect the economy in general.
8
4. |
|
We depend on our key personnel and may have difficulty attracting and retaining skilled
employees. |
Our future success will depend to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our
key management, marketing, technical, financial, accounting and operational personnel, including
Steven G. Murdock, our Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of one or more key
employees could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We also believe that
our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract and retain additional
highly skilled managerial and technical resources. Competition for such personnel is intense. There
can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. In
addition, historical layoffs and potential future workforce reductions could have a negative impact
on employee recruiting and retention.
5. |
|
We rely on independent contract manufacturers and, as a result, we are exposed to potential
disruptions in product supply. |
All of our consumer optics products with retail prices under $500 are currently manufactured
by independent contract manufacturers, principally located in China. We do not have long-term
contracts with our Asian manufacturers, and we compete with other consumer optics companies for
production facilities. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, difficulties with these
manufacturers, including reductions in the availability of production capacity, failure to meet our
quality control standards, failure to meet production deadlines and increased manufacturing costs.
Some manufacturers in China have faced labor shortages and wage inflation as migrant workers seek
better wages and working conditions. In addition, the increase in certain commodity prices has
increased production costs for our manufacturers. If these trends continue, our current
manufacturers operations could be adversely affected.
If any of our current manufacturers cease doing business with us, we could experience an
interruption in the manufacture of our products. Although we believe that we could find alternative
manufacturers, we may be unable to establish relationships with alternative manufacturers that will
be as favorable as the relationships we have now. For example, new manufacturers may have higher
prices, less favorable payment terms, lower manufacturing capacity, lower quality standards or
higher lead times for delivery. If we are unable to provide products to our customers that are
consistent with our standards or the manufacture of our products is delayed or becomes more
expensive, this could result in our customers canceling orders, refusing to accept deliveries or
demanding reductions in purchase prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our
business and results of operations.
6. |
|
Our future success depends upon our ability to respond to changing consumer demands and
successfully develop and market new products. |
The consumer optics industry is subject to changing consumer demands and technology trends.
Accordingly, we must identify those trends and respond in a timely manner. Demand for and market
acceptance of new products are uncertain, and achieving market acceptance for new products
generally requires substantial product development and marketing efforts and expenditures. Due to
our reductions in headcount and our reduced resources, we may not be able to invest as much in
product development and marketing. If we do not continue to meet changing consumer demands and
develop successful products in the future, our growth and profitability will be negatively
impacted. We frequently make decisions about product designs and marketing expenditures several
months to years in advance of the time when consumer acceptance can be determined. If we fail to
anticipate, identify or react appropriately to changes in trends or we are not successful in
marketing new products, we could experience excess inventories, higher than normal markdowns or an
inability to profitably sell our products. Because of these risks, the consumer optics industry has
experienced periods of growth in revenues and earnings and thereafter periods of declining sales
and losses. Similarly, these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition or cash flows.
7. |
|
Our business and the success of our products could be harmed if we are unable to maintain our
brand image. |
Our principal brands include Meade® and Coronado®. If we are unable to timely and
appropriately respond to changing consumer demand, our brand names and brand images may be
impaired. Even if we react appropriately to changes in consumer preferences, consumers may consider
these brands to be outdated or undesirable. If we fail to maintain and develop our principal
brands, our sales and profitability will be adversely affected.
9
8. |
|
We depend upon a relatively small group of customers for a large portion of our sales. |
During fiscal 2011 and 2010, net sales to our ten largest customers accounted for
approximately 60% and 56%, of total net sales, respectively. During fiscal 2011 and 2010, our top
two customers accounted for approximately 22% and 18% of net sales, respectively. Although we have
long-term relationships with many of our customers, those customers do not have contractual
obligations to purchase our products and we cannot be certain that we will be able to retain our
existing major customers. Furthermore, the retail industry regularly experiences consolidation,
contractions and closings which may result in a loss of customers or the loss of our ability to
collect accounts receivable from major customers in excess of amounts that we have insured. If we
lose a major customer, experience a significant decrease in sales to a major customer or are unable
to collect the accounts receivable of a major customer in excess of amounts insured, our business
could be significantly harmed.
9. |
|
Our business could be harmed if we fail to maintain appropriate inventory levels. |
We place orders with suppliers for many of our products prior to the time we receive all of
our customers orders. We do this to minimize purchasing costs, the time necessary to fill customer
orders and the risk of non-delivery. We, at times, also maintain an inventory of certain products
that we anticipate will be in greater demand. However, we may be unable to sell the products we
have ordered in advance from manufacturers or that we have in our inventory. Inventory levels in
excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs, and the sale of excess inventory at
discounted prices could significantly impair our brand image and have a material adverse effect on
our operating results and financial condition. Conversely, if we underestimate consumer demand for
our products or if our suppliers fail to supply the products that we require with the quality and
at the time we need them, we may experience inventory shortages. Inventory shortages might delay
shipments to our customers, negatively impact our retailer and distributor relationships, reduce
future orders from customers and diminish brand loyalty.
10. |
|
The disruption, expense and potential liability associated with any litigation against us
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows. |
We are subject to various legal proceedings and threatened legal proceedings from time to
time. Any litigation in the future, regardless of its merits, could significantly divert
managements attention from our operations and result in substantial legal fees being borne by us.
Further, there can be no assurance that any actions that have been or will be brought against us
will be resolved in our favor or, if significant monetary judgments are rendered against us, that
we will have the ability to pay such judgments. Such disruptions, legal fees and any losses
resulting from these claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
11. |
|
We have divested significant portions of our business and are now a less diversified
enterprise focused primarily on telescopes. The lack of a diversified business makes us more
exposed to volatility in the telescope market, which is highly discretionary in nature and has
been contracting. |
During fiscal 2009, we divested our Simmons, Weaver and Redfield sports optics business as
well as our European operations. Each of these businesses had contributed profit to the Company and
diversified our sources of revenue and income. As a result, our business is now more dependent on
the sale of telescopes, the market for which is highly discretionary and competitive in nature and
has been contracting. If the telescope market continues to deteriorate, it could have an adverse
impact on our operating results. In addition, the sale of the divested businesses also generated
significant amounts of cash for the Company. The Company has few remaining divestiture options
should the need arise to raise additional cash, further limiting the Companys ability to raise
additional cash should the need arise.
12. |
|
We face intense competition, including competition from companies with significantly greater
resources, and, if we are unable to compete effectively with these competitors, our market
share may decline and our business could be harmed. |
We face intense competition from other established companies. A number of our competitors have
significantly greater financial, technological, engineering, manufacturing, marketing and
distribution resources than we do. Their
greater capabilities in these areas may enable them to better withstand periodic downturns in
the consumer optics market, compete more effectively on the basis of price and production and more
quickly develop new products. In addition, new companies may enter the markets in which we compete,
further increasing competition in the consumer optics industry.
10
We believe that our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including
the type and quality of our products and the strength of our brand names, as well as many factors
beyond our control. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future, and increased
competition may result in price reductions, reduced profit margins, loss of market share and an
inability to generate cash flows that are sufficient to maintain or expand the development and
marketing of new products, any of which would adversely impact our results of operations and
financial condition.
13. |
|
We may be unable to successfully execute our growth and profitability strategies. |
Our net sales and operating results have fluctuated significantly over the past five fiscal
years and we may experience similar fluctuations in the future. Our ability to grow in the future
depends upon, among other things, our ability to return to profitability, the maintenance and
enhancement of our brand image and expansion of our product offerings and distribution channels.
Furthermore, if our business becomes larger, we may not be able to effectively manage our growth.
We anticipate that as the business grows, we will have to improve and enhance our overall financial
and managerial controls, reporting systems and procedures. We may be unable to successfully
implement our current growth and profitability strategies or other growth strategies or effectively
manage our growth, any of which would negatively impact our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
14. |
|
Our international sales and manufacturing operations are subject to the risks of doing
business abroad, particularly in China and Mexico, which could affect our ability to sell or
manufacture our products in international markets, obtain products from foreign suppliers or
control product costs. |
Nearly all of our products are now manufactured in foreign countriesprimarily Mexico and
China. We also sell our products in several foreign countries and plan to increase our
international sales efforts as part of our growth strategy. Foreign manufacturing and sales are
subject to a number of risks, including the following: political and social unrest; changing
economic conditions; currency exchange rate fluctuations; international political tension and
terrorism; labor shortages and work stoppages; electrical shortages; transportation delays; loss or
damage to products in transit; expropriation; nationalization; the imposition of domestic and
international tariffs and trade duties, import and export controls and other non-tariff barriers;
exposure to different legal standards (particularly with respect to intellectual property);
compliance with foreign laws; and changes in domestic and foreign governmental policies. In
addition, there has been a significant increase in violence in Mexico due to the Mexican
governments attempts to stop the illegal drug trade. We have not, to date, been materially
affected by any such risks, but we cannot predict the likelihood of such developments occurring or
the resulting long-term adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
In particular, because our products are manufactured in China and Mexico, adverse changes in
trade or political relations with these countries, political instability, the occurrence of a
natural disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane or the outbreak of pandemic diseases such as
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Avian Flu or the Swine Flu could severely interfere
with the manufacture of our products in these countries and would have a material adverse effect on
our operations. In addition, electrical shortages, labor shortages or work stoppages may extend the
production time necessary to produce our orders, and there may be circumstances in the future where
we may have to incur premium freight charges to expedite the delivery of product to our customers.
If we incur a significant amount of premium charges to airfreight product for our customers, gross
profit will be negatively affected if we are unable to pass those charges on to our customers.
Also, the manufacturers of our products that are located in China may be subject to the
effects of exchange rate fluctuations should the Chinese currency not remain stable with the U.S.
dollar. The value of the Yuan, the Chinese currency depends to a large extent on the Chinese
governments policies and Chinas domestic and international economic and political developments.
The valuation of the Yuan may increase/decrease incrementally over time should the Chinese central
bank allow it to do so, which could significantly increase/decrease labor and other costs incurred
in the production of our products in China.
11
15. |
|
Our business could be harmed if our contract manufacturers or suppliers violate labor, trade
or other laws. |
We require our independent contract manufacturers to operate in compliance with applicable
United States and foreign laws and regulations. Manufacturers may not use convicted, forced or
indentured labor (as defined under United States law) nor child labor (as defined by the
manufacturers country) in the production process. Compensation must be paid in accordance with
local law, and factories must be in compliance with local safety regulations. Although we promote
ethical business practices and send sourcing personnel periodically to visit and monitor the
operations of our independent contract manufacturers, we do not control them or their labor
practices. If one of our independent contract manufacturers violates labor or other laws or
diverges from those labor practices generally accepted as ethical in the United States, it could
result in the loss of certain of our major customers, adverse publicity for us, damage our
reputation in the United States or render our conduct of business in a particular foreign country
undesirable or impractical, any of which could harm our business.
In addition, if we, or our foreign manufacturers, violate United States or foreign trade laws
or regulations, we may be subject to extra duties, significant monetary penalties, the seizure and
the forfeiture of the products we are attempting to import or the loss of our import privileges.
Possible violations of United States or foreign laws or regulations could include inadequate record
keeping of imported products, misstatements or errors as to the origin, quota category,
classification, marketing or valuation of our imported products, fraudulent visas or labor
violations. The effects of these factors could render our conduct of business in a particular
country undesirable or impractical and have a negative impact on our operating results.
16. |
|
Our quarterly revenues and operating results fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors,
including seasonal fluctuations in the demand for consumer optics, delivery date delays and
potential fluctuations in our annualized tax rate, which may result in volatility of our stock
price. |
Our quarterly revenues and net operating results have varied significantly in the past and can
be expected to fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our
control. Our major customers generally have no obligation to purchase forecasted amounts and may
cancel orders, change delivery schedules or change the mix of products ordered with minimal notice
and without penalty. As a result, we may not be able to accurately predict our quarterly sales or
net operating results. In addition, sales of consumer optics have historically been seasonal in
nature and tied to the winter holiday shopping season, with the strongest sales generally occurring
in our third fiscal quarter. Holiday shopping sales typically begin to ship in August, and delays
in the timing, cancellation, or rescheduling of the related orders by our wholesale customers could
negatively impact our net sales and results of operations. More specifically, the timing of when
products are shipped is determined by the delivery schedules set by our wholesale customers, which
could cause sales to shift between our second, third and fourth quarters. Because our expense
levels are partially based on our expectations of future net sales, expenses may be
disproportionately large relative to our revenues, and we may be unable to adjust spending in a
timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue shifts or shortfalls, which could have a
material adverse effect on our net operating results. Also, our annualized tax rate is based upon
projections of our operating results for the year, which are reviewed and revised by management as
necessary at the end of each quarter, and it is highly sensitive to fluctuations in the projected
mix of earnings. Any quarterly fluctuations in our annualized tax rate that may occur could have a
material impact on our quarterly net operating results. As a result of these specific and other
general factors, our net operating results vary from quarter to quarter and the results for any
particular quarter may not be necessarily indicative of results for the full year which may lead to
volatility in our stock price.
17. |
|
Changes in currency exchange rates could affect our revenues and operating results. |
A significant portion of our production is accomplished offshore, principally in China.
Accordingly, changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of Europe and
Asia could make our products less competitive in foreign markets. Additionally, such fluctuations
could result in an increase in cost of products sold in foreign markets, reducing margins and
earnings.
12
18. |
|
We may not be able to raise additional funds when needed for our business or to exploit
opportunities. |
We may need to raise additional funds to maintain sufficient working capital, support
expansion, develop new technologies, respond to competitive pressures, or take advantage of
unanticipated opportunities. If required, we will seek to raise additional funds through public or
private debt or equity financing, strategic relationships or other arrangements. However, there can
be no assurance that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all, and such
financing, if obtained, would be dilutive to our stockholders.
19. |
|
Our ability to compete could be jeopardized if we are unable to protect our intellectual
property rights or if we are sued for intellectual property infringement. |
We use trademarks on virtually all of our products and believe that having distinctive marks
that are readily identifiable is an important factor in creating a market for our products, in
identifying the Company and in distinguishing our goods from the goods of others. We consider our
Meade® and Coronado® trademarks and brand names to be among our most valuable assets and we have
registered these trademarks in many countries. In addition, we own many other trademarks and trade
names, which we utilize in marketing our products. We continue to vigorously protect our trademarks
against infringement. We also have a number of utility patents and design patents covering
components and features used in many of our telescopes, binoculars and other products. We believe
our success depends more upon skills in design, research and development, production and marketing
rather than upon our patent position. However, we have followed a policy of filing applications for
United States and foreign patents on designs and technologies that we deem valuable as critical
contributors to our business.
20. |
|
Our trademarks, design patents, utility patents and other intellectual property rights may
not be adequately protected outside the United States. |
We believe that our trademarks, design patents, utility patents and other proprietary rights
are important to our business and our competitive position. We devote substantial resources to the
establishment and protection of our trademarks, design patents and utility patents on a worldwide
basis. Nevertheless, we cannot assure that the actions we have taken to establish and protect our
trademarks and other proprietary rights outside the United States will be adequate to prevent
infringement of our technologies or trade names by others or to prevent others from seeking to
block sales of our products as a violation of the trademarks and proprietary rights of others.
Also, we cannot assure that others will not assert rights in, or ownership of, our trademarks,
patents, designs and other proprietary rights or that we will be able to successfully resolve these
types of conflicts to our satisfaction. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not
protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. We may face
significant expenses and liability in connection with the protection of our intellectual property
rights outside the United States, and if we are unable to successfully protect our rights or
resolve intellectual property conflicts with others, our business or financial condition may be
adversely affected.
21. |
|
We are exposed to potential risks from legislation requiring public companies to evaluate
controls under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
We are subject to various regulatory requirements, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
We, like all other public companies, are incurring expenses and diverting managements time in an
effort to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 404). We are
required to assess our compliance with Section 404 and we believe we have devoted the necessary
resources, including additional internal and supplemental external resources, to support our
assessment. However, if in the future, we identify one or more material weaknesses, or our external
auditors are unable to attest that our managements report is fairly stated or to express an
opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls, this could result in a loss of investor
confidence in our financial reports, have an adverse effect on our stock price and/or subject us to
sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities.
13
22. |
|
Our charter and bylaws, as well as applicable corporate laws, could limit the ability of
others to take over management control of the Company. We will have the ability to issue
preferred stock, which could adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock. |
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for:
|
|
|
advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations, |
|
|
|
a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, and |
|
|
|
limitations on calling Stockholder meetings. |
In addition, we are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law, which prohibits us from engaging in a business combination with an
interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the
person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a
prescribed manner. These provisions could have the effect of discouraging certain attempts to
acquire the Company, which could deprive our stockholders of the opportunity to sell their shares
of common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices. In addition, our Board of Directors
has authority to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to fix the price, rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without any
further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of the holders of our common stock will be
subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that
may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could affect adversely the voting
power of holders of our common stock and the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend
payments and payments upon liquidation. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have the
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company, may discourage bids
for our common stock at a premium over the market price of the common stock and may affect
adversely the market price of and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.
During fiscal 2008, the Company renewed a lease for a 161,000 square foot manufacturing,
distribution and corporate facility located in Irvine, California. This facility lease had an
expiration date of September 30, 2012. Due to the restructuring and relocation of manufacturing
operations, the Company terminated this lease as of February 28, 2009 and paid early lease
termination fees. The Company then entered into a new lease. The Company leases a building in
Irvine, California which is approximately 25,000 square feet and serves as its corporate office and
U.S. distribution center. The minimum lease payments on this building are approximately $0.3
million per year and the lease expires in February 2014.
The Company also leases a building in Tijuana, Mexico which is approximately 50,000 square
feet and serves primarily as its manufacturing and assembly operations for certain of the companys
products or components thereof. The minimum lease payments on this building are approximately $0.3
million per year and the lease expires in December 2012.
The Companys management believes that all facilities occupied by the Company are adequate for
present requirements, and that the Companys current equipment is in good condition and suitable
for the operations involved.
|
|
|
Item 3. |
|
Legal Proceedings |
Although the Company is involved from time to time in litigation incidental to its business,
management believes that the Company currently is not involved in any litigation which will have a
material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the
Company.
14
PART II
|
|
|
Item 5. |
|
Market for Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities |
Since June 15, 2009, the Companys common stock has been listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market
under the symbol MEAD. Previously, the Companys common stock was listed on the Nasdaq Global
Market. The high and low sales prices on a per share basis for the Companys common stock during
each quarterly period for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, 2011 |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
$ |
4.32 |
|
|
$ |
3.34 |
|
Third quarter |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
|
$ |
3.02 |
|
Second quarter |
|
$ |
3.48 |
|
|
$ |
3.13 |
|
First quarter |
|
$ |
4.13 |
|
|
$ |
3.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, 2010 |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
Fourth quarter |
|
$ |
3.75 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
Third quarter |
|
$ |
6.70 |
|
|
$ |
2.45 |
|
Second quarter |
|
$ |
6.98 |
|
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
First quarter |
|
$ |
5.40 |
|
|
$ |
2.60 |
|
The reported closing sales price of the Companys common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on
May 18, 2011 was $3.85. As of May 18, 2011, there were 25 holders of record of the Companys common
stock.
Since August 1996, the Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock and does
not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable
future.
|
|
|
Item 6. |
|
Selected Financial Data |
As a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.
|
|
|
Item 7. |
|
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read
in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in
this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors,
including those risks discussed in Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Those risk
factors expressly qualify all subsequent oral and written forward-looking statements attributable
to us or persons acting on our behalf. We do not have any intention or obligation to update
forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K after the date of this Form 10-K, except as
required by law.
Overview of the Company and Recent Developments
Meade Instruments Corp. is engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of consumer
products, primarily telescopes, telescope accessories and binoculars. We design our products
in-house or with the assistance of external consultants. Most of our products are manufactured
overseas by contract manufacturers in Asia, while our high-end telescopes are manufactured and
assembled in our Mexico facilities. Sales of our products are driven by an in-house sales force as
well as a network of sales representatives throughout the U.S. We currently operate out of two
primary locations: Irvine, California and Tijuana, Mexico. Our California facility serves as the
Companys corporate headquarters and U.S. distribution facility; our Mexico facility contains our
manufacturing, assembly, repair, packaging, research and development, and other general and
administrative operations. Our business is highly seasonal and our financial results have
historically varied significantly on a quarter-by-quarter basis throughout each year.
15
We believe that the Company holds valuable brand names and intellectual property that provide
us with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The Meade brand name is ubiquitous in the
consumer telescope market, while the Coronado brand name represents a unique niche in the area of
solar astronomy.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Companys consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these
consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and
assumptions that it believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates
and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
periods presented. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions. The significant accounting policies which management believes are the most critical to
assist users in fully understanding and evaluating the Companys reported financial results include
the following:
Revenue Recognition
The Companys revenue recognition policy complies with ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition. The
Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of
loss has passed to the customer, typically at the time of shipment, the price to the buyer is fixed
or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenue is not recognized at the time of
shipment if these criteria are not met. Under certain circumstances, the Company accepts product
returns or offers markdown incentives. Material management judgments must be made and used in
connection with establishing sales returns and allowances estimates. The Company continuously
monitors and tracks returns and allowances and records revenues net of provisions for returns and
allowances. The Companys estimate of sales returns and allowances is based upon several factors
including historical experience, current market and economic conditions, customer demand and
acceptance of the Companys products and/or any notification received by the Company of such a
return. Historically, sales returns and allowances have been within managements estimates;
however, actual returns may differ significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from
managements estimates depending on actual market conditions at the time of the return.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined using the first-in, first-out
(FIFO) method, or market. Costs include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. The Company
evaluates the carrying value of its inventories taking into account such factors as historical and
anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand and the price the Company expects to
obtain for its products in their respective markets. The Company also evaluates the composition of
its inventories to identify any slow-moving or obsolete product. These evaluations require material
management judgments, including estimates of future sales, continuing market acceptance of the
Companys products, and current market and economic conditions. Inventory may be written down based
on such judgments for any inventories that are identified as having a net realizable value less
than its cost. However, if the Company is not able to meet its sales expectations, or if market
conditions deteriorate significantly from managements estimates, reductions in the net realizable
value of the Companys inventories could have a material adverse impact on future operating
results.
Acquisition-related intangible assets
The Company accounts for acquisition-related intangible assets in accordance with FASB
Accounting Standards Codification No. 805-10, Business Combinations, and ASC No. 350-20, Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets. A portion of the remaining difference between the purchase price and
the fair value of net tangible assets at the date of acquisition is included in the balance sheet
as acquisition-related intangible assets. Amortization periods for the intangible assets subject to
amortization range from seven to fifteen years depending on the nature of the assets acquired. The
carrying value of acquisition-related intangible assets, including the related amortization period,
is evaluated in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the
carrying amount exceeds the fair value, which is determined based upon estimated discounted future
cash flows based upon our estimated cost of capital, an
impairment loss is reflected in loss from operations. Such estimates are subject to change
and we may be required to recognize an impairment loss in the future.
16
Income taxes
In accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company has determined that as of
February 28, 2010 there was sufficient uncertainty surrounding the future realization of its
deferred tax assets to warrant the recording of a full valuation allowance. The valuation allowance
was recorded based upon the Companys determination that there was insufficient objective evidence,
at the time, to recognize those assets for financial reporting purposes. For the fiscal year ended
February 28, 2011, the Company has not changed its assessment regarding the recoverability of its
deferred tax assets. Ultimate realization of the benefit of the deferred tax assets is dependent
upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income in future periods, including periods prior to
the expiration of certain underlying tax credits.
As of February 28, 2011 and as of February 28, 2010, unrecognized tax benefits, all of which
affect the effective tax rate if recognized, were $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Management does not anticipate that there will be a material change in the balance of unrecognized
tax benefits within the next 12 months.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in
income tax expense. At February 28, 2011, there were no accrued interest and penalties related to
uncertain tax positions.
The provision for income taxes consists of minimum tax in various U.S. states and income taxes
on the Companys operations in Mexico. This income tax expense is offset by a benefit recorded for
refundable federal tax credits.
The tax years 2007 through 2010 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions
to which the Company is subject. However, the amount of a net operating loss carryforward can be
adjusted for federal tax purposes for the three years (four years for the major state jurisdictions
in which the Company operates) after the net operating loss is utilized.
17
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items from the Companys
statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Net sales |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
77.5 |
|
|
|
78.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
22.5 |
|
|
|
21.1 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling |
|
|
9.3 |
|
|
|
11.2 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
15.9 |
|
|
|
22.5 |
|
Research and development |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(5.7 |
) |
|
|
(16.0 |
) |
Interest income, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
|
(5.7 |
) |
|
|
(15.8 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
(5.4 |
)% |
|
|
(16.0 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes our net sales by product category:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Telescopes & related products |
|
$ |
23.3 |
|
|
$ |
21.9 |
|
Weather Stations |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
Binoculars |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
Other |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
26.3 |
|
|
$ |
23.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010
The Company reported net sales of $26.3 million in fiscal 2011, an increase of $3.0 million or
13% from net sales of $23.3 million in fiscal 2010. The increase in sales was generally due to
increased sales of the Companys telescope products, as well as increases in sales of other optical
products and weather stations and timing devices, offset partially by reductions in sales of
accessories and sports optics products (including binoculars). Sales of high-end telescopes were
higher primarily due to increased demand attributed to product enhancements, sales promotions and
improved order fulfillment. Most of the increase in mid-range products was due to increased
availability of newly introduced products and reduced returns due to improvements in quality.
Sales of low-end telescopes were mainly higher due to increased demand attributable to the products
being featured at the respective retailers for a longer period than in the prior year. Sales of
other optical products were higher due to increased demand, while sales of weather stations and
timing devices increased in fiscal 2011 due to the products having only been introduced in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. The lower sales for accessory products and the Companys sports
optics products such as spotting scopes and binoculars were due to lower demand. Management
believes that as the Company introduces new and innovative products into the telescope market that
demand for some of the Companys products may be stimulated. Management also believes that demand
for the Companys less-expensive telescope and binocular products can be enhanced with new product
introductions, targeted marketing and competitive pricing. Approximately 15% and 10% of the
Companys net sales during each of the fiscal years ended February 28, 2011 and 2010, respectively,
were from one customer.
The gross profit margin during fiscal 2011 increased to 23% of net sales, compared with 21% of
net sales in fiscal 2010. This improvement in the gross profit margin was driven by (1) a
favorable change in product mix, (2) improved operating efficiency at the Companys manufacturing
facility in Mexico (higher fixed cost absorption) and (3) reduced returns and credits. However,
these improvements in gross margin were partially offset by reductions in the Companys average
selling price for certain of its products which was attributable to increased competition, sales
promotions and inventory reduction efforts. In addition, gross margin was negatively impacted by
higher labor costs attributable to increased production, new product enhancements, new product
introductions and increased warranty
claims. Gross margin was also marginally negatively affected by unfavorable exchange rate
fluctuations of the US Dollar relative to the Mexican Peso. Most of the Companys employees at its
manufacturing facility in Mexico, as well as certain other manufacturing costs, are paid in Mexican
Pesos.
18
Selling expenses decreased from $2.6 million (11% of net sales) in fiscal 2010 to $2.4 million
(9% of net sales) in fiscal 2011. This decrease was attributable to fluctuations in product mix,
reductions in headcount and reduced discretionary spending such as advertising.
General and administrative expenses for fiscal 2011 were $4.2 million (16% of net sales), a
decrease of $1.0 million or 19% compared to $5.2 million (22% of net sales) in fiscal 2010. Most
of the decrease in general and administrative expenses was due to lower stock compensation expense,
reductions in headcount, reductions in professional fees and insurance premiums and reductions in
certain non-recurring expenses of fiscal 2010 such as the legal fees in connection with the
Companys reverse stock-split.
Research and development expenses for fiscal 2011 and 2010 were unchanged at $0.8 million, due
to the Companys continued but measured focus on new product development and enhancement
activities.
The Company earned interest income in fiscal 2011 and 2010, due to the continued cash balance
the Company maintains. The reduction in interest income from $42 thousand in fiscal 2010 to $3
thousand in fiscal 2011 was due to changes in the administration of fees associated with the
Companys bank accounts. In fiscal 2011, reductions in fees were provided in lieu of interest
income; whereas more interest income was paid and more fees were charged to the Company in fiscal
2010.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $5.1 million at February 28, 2011 and 2010, as
the Company was able to maintain its cash position due primarily to improved results from
operations.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.1 million in fiscal 2011, compared to net
cash used by operating activities of $1.5 million during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2010, a
decrease of $1.6 million or 106% in net cash used by operating activities. This improvement was
attributable primarily to the reduction of approximately $2.3 million in the Companys net loss;
however, approximately $0.8 million of the reduction in the Companys net loss was attributable to
decreases in net non-cash charges, such as depreciation and stock-based compensation. Therefore,
only approximately $1.5 million of the reduction in the Companys net loss benefited net cash
provided by operations. A net reduction of approximately $1.0 million in restructuring costs paid
in early fiscal 2010, was offset by the net changes in assets and liabilities (excluding
restructuring costs) totaling $1.1 million which was due primarily to an increase in accounts
receivable that was attributable to the timing of shipments at the end of fiscal 2011.
The Company currently has in place an undrawn $10.0 million secured credit facility with First
Capital. Availability of funds under this facility is based on a percentage of eligible accounts
receivable and inventory. Availability on this facility amounted to over $2.1 million as of
February 28, 2011. While the Companys credit facility does not contain explicit financial
covenants, the Companys lender has significant latitude in restricting, reducing or withdrawing
the Companys credit facility at its sole discretion with limited notice, as is customary with
these types of arrangements.
In the event the Company requires more capital than is presently anticipated due to unforeseen
factors, the Company may need to rely on its credit facility. In such an instance, if its lender
restricts, reduces or eliminates the Companys access to credit, or requires immediate repayment of
the amounts outstanding under the agreement, the Company would be required to pursue additional or
alternative sources of liquidity such as equity financings or a new debt agreement with other
creditors, either of which may contain less favorable terms. The Company cannot assure that such
additional sources of capital would be available on reasonable terms, if at all.
The Company currently anticipates that cash on hand and funds generated from operations will
be sufficient to meet the Companys anticipated cash requirements for fiscal 2012.
19
Capital expenditures, including financed purchases of equipment, aggregated $0.1 million for
each of the years ended February 28, 2011 and 2010. The Company had no material capital
expenditure commitments at February 28, 2011.
Inflation
The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on the results of
operations during the past two years. However, there can be no assurance that the Companys
business will not be affected by inflation in fiscal 2012 and beyond.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and
the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles A Replacement of FASB Statement No.
162 (SFAS 168). The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) became the source
of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be
applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP
for SEC registrants. On the effective date of this Statement, the Codification superseded all
then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC
accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. Since the new
codifications did not change U.S. GAAP, there was no change to our consolidated financial
statements other than to update all references to U.S. GAAP to be in conformity with the provisions
of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).
Forward-Looking Information
The preceding Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations section contains various forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, which represent the Companys reasonable judgment concerning the future and are subject
to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Companys actual operating results and financial
position to differ materially, including the following: the Companys ability to expand the markets
for telescopes, binoculars, and other optical products; the Companys ability to continue to
develop and bring to market new and innovative products that will be accepted by consumers; the
Companys ability to increase production of its high-end products and stimulate demand for those
products; the Companys ability to overcome intense competition in its low-end products and
increase demand for those products; the Companys ability to further develop its wholly-owned
manufacturing facility in Mexico in combination with its existing manufacturing capabilities; the
Company expanding its distribution network; the Companys ability to further develop its
international business; the Company experiencing fluctuations in its sales, gross margins and
profitability from quarter to quarter consistent with prior periods; the Companys expectation that
its contingent liabilities will not have a material effect on the Companys financial position or
results of operations; the extent to which the Company will be able to leverage its design and
manufacturing expertise into markets outside its core consumer markets; the Companys expectations
that certain new accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on the Companys results
of operations or financial position; the Companys expectation that it will have sufficient funds
to meet any working capital requirements during the foreseeable future with internally generated
cash flow and borrowing ability; and the Companys ability to become and sustain profitability.
|
|
|
Item 8. |
|
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
The information required by this item appears beginning on page F-1 of this Report, and an
index thereto is included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Report.
|
|
|
Item 9. |
|
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
20
|
|
|
Item 9A. |
|
Control and Procedures |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
The Companys management (with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer) evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the Exchange Act)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and
procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the
reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
on a timely basis and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management,
including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well designed and
operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control
system are met. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation
of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any,
have been or will be detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide
reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
The Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, based on their
evaluation, that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of
the period covered by this report.
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange
Act. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting based on the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our
management has concluded that as of February 28, 2011, our internal control over financial
reporting is effective. This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Companys
registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Managements report was not subject to attestation by the Companys registered public accounting
firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide
only managements report in this annual report.
Changes in Controls over Financial Reporting.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting, known to the Chief
Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer that occurred during the last fiscal quarter
covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
|
Item 9B. |
|
Other Information |
None.
21
PART III
|
|
|
Item 10. |
|
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
Certain biographical information required by this Item with respect to our executive officers
is set forth in Item 1, Business. Other required information with respect to this item is
incorporated by reference from the Companys definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the Companys fiscal year.
|
|
|
Item 11. |
|
Executive Compensation |
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the Companys
definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days
after the close of the Companys fiscal year.
|
|
|
Item 12. |
|
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters |
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the Companys
definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days
after the close of the Companys fiscal year.
|
|
|
Item 13. |
|
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the Companys
definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days
after the close of the Companys fiscal year.
|
|
|
Item 14. |
|
Principal Accounting Fees and Services |
Information with respect to this item is incorporated by reference from the Companys
definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days
after the close of the Companys fiscal year.
22
PART IV
|
|
|
Item 15. |
|
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
|
(a) |
|
The following documents are filed as part of this report: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
1. Financial Statements: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. Financial Statement Schedule: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Exhibits included or incorporated herein: See Exhibit Index |
|
|
|
|
23
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Stockholders and Board of Directors of Meade Instruments Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Meade Instruments Corp. (the
Company) as of February 28, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of
material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an
audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express
no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position of Meade Instruments Corp. as of February
28, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years
then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material
respects the information set forth therein.
|
|
|
/s/ MOSS ADAMS LLP |
|
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2011 |
|
|
F-1
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
5,076 |
|
|
$ |
5,055 |
|
Accounts receivable, less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $408 in 2011 and
$416 in 2010 |
|
|
2,784 |
|
|
|
2,183 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
6,038 |
|
|
|
7,494 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
273 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
14,143 |
|
|
|
15,005 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
496 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
875 |
|
|
|
1,046 |
|
Other assets, net |
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,384 |
|
|
$ |
16,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
1,704 |
|
|
$ |
1,711 |
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
2,149 |
|
|
|
2,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
3,853 |
|
|
|
4,035 |
|
Deferred rent |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 2,500
shares authorized; 1,167 shares issued
and outstanding at February 28, 2011 and
February 28, 2010 |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
52,572 |
|
|
|
52,249 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(41,077 |
) |
|
|
(39,656 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
11,507 |
|
|
|
12,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,384 |
|
|
$ |
16,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
26,340 |
|
|
$ |
23,345 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
20,406 |
|
|
|
18,412 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
5,934 |
|
|
|
4,933 |
|
Selling |
|
|
2,457 |
|
|
|
2,603 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
4,199 |
|
|
|
5,243 |
|
Research and development |
|
|
778 |
|
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss |
|
|
(1,500 |
) |
|
|
(3,714 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
|
(1,497 |
) |
|
|
(3,672 |
) |
Income tax (benefit) expense |
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(1,421 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,715 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per sharebasic and diluted |
|
$ |
(1.22 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstandingbasic and diluted |
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(In thousands, Shares and US Dollars) |
|
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 28,
2009 (as adjusted) |
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
$ |
51,463 |
|
|
$ |
(35,941 |
) |
|
$ |
15,534 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
786 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
786 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,715 |
) |
|
|
(3,715 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE AT FEBRUARY 28, 2010 |
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
52,249 |
|
|
|
(39,656 |
) |
|
|
12,605 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
323 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE AT February 28, 2011 |
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
$ |
52,572 |
|
|
$ |
(41,077 |
) |
|
$ |
11,507 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(1,421 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,715 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations
to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
634 |
|
Bad debt expense |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(114 |
) |
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
323 |
|
|
|
786 |
|
Deferred rent amortization |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Gain on disposal of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(593 |
) |
|
|
419 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
1,456 |
|
|
|
1,397 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
280 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
9 |
|
Accrued lease termination fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(700 |
) |
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
(175 |
) |
|
|
(468 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
(1,469 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
(79 |
) |
Reduction in restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
700 |
|
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
(835 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at beginning of year |
|
|
5,055 |
|
|
|
5,890 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at end of year |
|
$ |
5,076 |
|
|
$ |
5,055 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid in cash |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Income taxes paid in cash |
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
43 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The Company and Operations
Meade Instruments Corp. (the Company) is engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing and
sale of consumer products, primarily telescopes, telescope accessories and binoculars. The Company
designs its products in-house or with the assistance of external consultants. Most of the entry
level products are manufactured overseas by contract manufacturers in Asia, while the high-end
telescopes are manufactured and assembled at the Companys Mexico facility. Sales of the Companys
products are driven by an in-house sales force as well as a network of sales representatives
throughout the U.S. and through distributors internationally. The Company currently operates out
of two primary locations: Irvine, California and Tijuana, Mexico. The California facility serves as
the Companys corporate headquarters, research and development facility and U.S. distribution
center; the Mexico facility contains the Companys manufacturing, assembly, repair, packaging and
other general and administrative functions. The Companys business is highly seasonal and the
financial results have historically varied significantly on a quarter-by-quarter basis throughout
each year.
The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, substantial fluctuations
in its sales, gross margins and profitability from year to year. Factors that influence these
fluctuations include the volume and timing of orders received, changes in the mix of products sold,
market acceptance of the Companys products, competitive pricing pressures, the Companys ability
to meet fluctuating demand and delivery schedules, the timing and extent of research and
development expenses, the timing and extent of product development costs and the timing and extent
of advertising expenditures.
2. Liquidity
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $5.1 million at February 28, 2011. The Company
funded its operations with internally generated cash flows and did not draw any funds against its
secured credit facility during fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010. The Company currently anticipates that
cash on hand and funds generated from operations will be sufficient to meet the Companys
anticipated cash requirements for fiscal 2012.
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation and consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and include the accounts of the
Company and all of its subsidiaries and reflect the elimination of all significant intercompany
account balances and transactions.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB
Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles A
Replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (SFAS 168). The FASB Accounting Standards Codification
(Codification) became the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive
releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws
are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On the effective date of SFAS 168, the
Codification superseded all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other
nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become
nonauthoritative. Since the new codifications did not change GAAP, there was no change to our
consolidated financial statements other than to update all references to GAAP to be in conformity
with the Codification.
Revenue recognition
The Companys revenue recognition policy complies with ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition. The
Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of
loss has passed to the customer, typically at the time of shipment, the price to the buyer is fixed
or determinable and collectibility is
reasonably assured. Revenue is not recognized at the time of shipment if these criteria are
not met. Under certain circumstances, the Company accepts product returns or offers markdown
incentives. Material management judgments must be made and used in connection with establishing
sales returns and allowances estimates. The Company continuously monitors and tracks returns and
allowances and records revenues net of provisions for returns and allowances. The Companys
estimate of sales returns and allowances is based upon several factors including historical
experience, current market and economic conditions, customer demand and acceptance of the Companys
products and/or any notification received by the Company of such a return. Historically, sales
returns and allowances have been within managements estimates; however, actual returns may differ
significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from managements estimates depending on actual
market conditions at the time of the return.
F-6
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Management analyzes specific customer accounts receivable, customer credit-worthiness,
historical bad debt expenses, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when
evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of any
of the Companys customers were to deteriorate to the point of impairing the customers ability to
make payments on its account, additional allowances may be required. While credit losses have
historically been within managements expectations and the provisions established significant
deterioration in the liquidity or financial position of any of the Companys major customers or any
group of customers could have a material adverse impact on the collectibility of accounts
receivable and future operating results.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, as determined using the first-in, first-out
(FIFO) method, or market. Costs include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. The Company
evaluates the carrying value of its inventories taking into account such factors as historical and
anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand and the price the Company expects to
obtain for its products in their respective markets. The Company also evaluates the composition of
its inventories to identify any slow-moving or obsolete product. These evaluations require material
management judgments, including estimates of future sales, continuing market acceptance of the
Companys products, and current market and economic conditions. Inventory reserves are established
based on such judgments, for any inventories that are identified as having a net realizable value
less than its cost. Historically, the net realizable value of the Companys inventories has been
within managements estimates. However, if the Company is not able to meet its sales expectations;
or if market conditions deteriorate significantly from managements estimates, reductions in the
net realizable value of the Companys inventories could have a material adverse impact on future
operating results.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings and related improvements, including
leasehold improvements, are depreciated over seven to twenty-five years or through the end of the
related lease term, whichever is shorter. All other property and equipment, except property held
under capital leases, is depreciated over three to seven years. Properties held under capital
leases are recorded at the present value of the noncancellable lease payments over the term of the
lease and are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the
assets.
Intangible assets
The Company accounts for acquisition-related intangible assets in accordance with Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) No. 805-10, Business
Combinations, and ASC No. 350-20, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. A portion of the remaining
difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net tangible assets at the date of
acquisition is included in the balance sheet as acquisition-related intangible assets. Amortization
periods for the intangible assets subject to amortization range from seven to fifteen years
depending on the nature of the assets acquired. The carrying value of acquisition-related
intangible assets, including the related amortization period, is evaluated in the fourth quarter of
each fiscal year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
of such assets may not be
recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, which is determined based upon
estimated discounted future cash flows based upon our estimated cost of capital, an impairment loss
is reflected in loss from operations. Such estimates are subject to change and we may be required
to recognize an impairment loss in the future.
F-7
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income taxes
In accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, in fiscal 2010, the Company has
determined that there was sufficient uncertainty surrounding the future realization of its deferred
tax assets to warrant the recording of a full valuation allowance. The valuation allowance was
recorded based upon the Companys determination that there was insufficient objective evidence, at
the time, to recognize those assets for financial reporting purposes. For the fiscal year ended
February 28, 2011, the Company has not changed its assessment regarding the recoverability of its
deferred tax assets. Ultimate realization of the benefit of the deferred tax assets is dependent
upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income in future periods, including periods prior to
the expiration of certain underlying tax credits.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in
income tax expense. At February 28, 2011, there were no accrued interest and penalties related to
uncertain tax positions.
The provision for income taxes consists of minimum tax in various U.S. states and income taxes
on the Companys operations in Mexico. This income tax expense is offset by a benefit recorded for
refundable federal tax credits.
The tax years 2007 through 2010 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions
to which the Company is subject. However, the amount of a net operating loss carryforward can be
adjusted for federal tax purposes for the three years (four years for the major state jurisdictions
in which the Company operates) after the net operating loss is utilized.
Shipping and handling costs
The Company records shipping and handling costs in selling expenses. For the years ended
February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, the Company incurred shipping and handling costs of $0.7
million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Advertising
The Company expenses the costs of advertising, including production costs, as incurred. For
the years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, the Company incurred advertising,
including cooperative advertising, and marketing expenses of approximately $0.3 million and $0.4
million, respectively. Cooperative advertising arrangements exist through which customers receive a
certain allowance of the total purchases or an otherwise agreed upon amount from the Company if
certain qualitative advertising criteria are met and if specified amounts are spent on the
advertisements. To receive the allowance, a customer must deliver to the Company evidence of all
advertising performed that includes the Companys products. Because the Company receives an
identifiable advertising benefit from the customer, the Company recognizes the cost of cooperative
advertising as an advertising expense in selling expenses.
Research and development
Expenditures for research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Loss per share
For each of the years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, the Company incurred a
net loss. Other than stock options, the Company has no dilutive securities. Therefore, there is no
difference between the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per
share with respect to the net losses reported.
F-8
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basic earnings (loss) per share amounts exclude the dilutive effect of potential shares of
common stock. Basic earnings (loss) per share is based upon the weighted-average number of shares
of common stock outstanding, which excludes unallocated ESOP shares. Diluted earnings (loss) per
share is based upon the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential
shares of common stock outstanding for each period presented. Potential shares of common stock
include outstanding stock options which are included under the treasury stock method. For fiscal
years ended 2011 and 2010, options to purchase 77,363 and 77,838 shares of common stock,
respectively, were also excluded from diluted weighted average shares of common stock, as the
option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Companys common stock
and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk
are principally accounts receivable and cash. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful
accounts at a level deemed appropriate by management based on historical and other factors that
affect collectibility. Based upon the Companys assessment of the recoverability of the receivables
from its customers and in the opinion of management, the Company has established adequate reserves
related to accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents balances at certain
financial institutions in excess of amounts insured by federal agencies. Management does not
believe that as a result of this concentration it is subject to any unusual financial risk beyond
the normal risk associated with commercial banking relationships.
The Company generated approximately 22% and 18% of its revenue from its top two customers
during the fiscal years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, respectively. These
customers did not have any amounts due to the Company at February 28, 2011 or February 28, 2010.
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities,
approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
Use of estimates in the preparation of consolidated financial statements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, sales returns and reserves, allowances for
doubtful accounts, excess and obsolete inventory, income taxes, asset impairment, anticipated
transactions to be hedged, litigation reserves and contingencies.
Product warranties
The Company provides reserves for the estimated cost of product warranty-related claims at the
time of sale, and periodically adjusts the provision to reflect actual experience related to its
standard product warranty programs and its extended warranty programs. The amount of warranty
liability accrued reflects managements best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring
Company obligations under its warranty plans. Additionally, from time to time, specific warranty
accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise. Meade brand products, principally
telescopes and binoculars, are generally covered by a one-year limited warranty. Most of the
Coronado products have limited five-year warranties. Included in the warranty accrual as of
February 28, 2011, is $0.5 million and as of February 28, 2010, $0.6 million related to the
Companys former sport optics brands that were sold in 2008 and for which the Company agreed to
retain certain warranty liabilities.
F-9
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Changes in the warranty liability, which is included as a component of accrued liabilities on
the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
883 |
|
|
$ |
985 |
|
Warranty accrual |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
Labor and material usage |
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
(232 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
810 |
|
|
$ |
883 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC No.
718-10, Share-Based Payment, which establishes accounting for equity instruments exchanged for
employee services. Under the provisions of ASC No. 718-10, share-based compensation cost is
measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as
an expense over the employees requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity
grant). Share-based compensation expenses, included in general and administrative expenses in the
Companys consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2011 and 2010, were approximately $0.3
million and $0.8 million, respectively. Due to deferred tax valuation allowances provided, no net
benefit was recorded against the share-based compensation charged.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
Key input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the expected option
term, forfeiture rate, the expected volatility of the Companys stock over the options expected
term, the risk-free interest rate over the options expected term, and the Companys expected
annual dividend yield. The Company believes that the valuation technique and the approach utilized
to develop underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of the Companys
stock options. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the
value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards.
Approximately $75,000 of unvested restricted stock was forfeited by the Companys former Chief
Financial Officer, concurrent with his termination in April 2009.
4. Bank and other debt
The Company maintains agreements with FCC, LLC, d/b/a First Capital, and its subsidiary for a
$10 million credit facility.
The facility consists of a factoring arrangement for the Companys receivables with an 80%
advance rate up to $10 million of available credit and a secured credit line tied to the Companys
finished goods inventory of up to $3 million of available credit, subject to the overall credit
limit of $10 million. The interest rate for advances against the facility was initially set at
LIBOR plus 5.5%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 2.25%. The agreements also contains unused line fees,
minimum factoring commissions, early termination fees and other customary terms and conditions. No
amount was outstanding under this facility at February 28, 2011 and 2010.
While the agreements with First Capital do not contain explicit financial covenants, the
agreements provide First Capital with significant latitude in restricting, reducing, or withdrawing
the Companys lines of credit at its sole discretion. If First Capital restricts, reduces or
eliminates the Companys access to credit, or requires immediate repayment of the amounts
outstanding under the agreements, the Company may be required to pursue additional sources of
liquidity such as equity financings or a new debt agreement with other creditors, either of which
may contain less favorable terms. The facility with First Capital
expires in January 2012. The Company can not assure that additional sources of
capital will be available on reasonable terms, if at all. The Companys inability to maintain a
sufficient credit facility could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of
operations and financial condition.
F-10
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets were a result of an acquisition that occurred on December 1, 2004 and
included the following assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, 2011 |
|
|
February 28, 2010 |
|
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Periods |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Net Book |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Net Book |
|
|
|
(In Years) |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Trademarks |
|
|
7-15 |
|
|
$ |
424 |
|
|
$ |
(326 |
) |
|
$ |
98 |
|
|
$ |
424 |
|
|
$ |
(290 |
) |
|
$ |
134 |
|
Completed
technologies |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
1,620 |
|
|
|
(843 |
) |
|
|
777 |
|
|
|
1,620 |
|
|
|
(708 |
) |
|
|
912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,044 |
|
|
$ |
(1,169 |
) |
|
$ |
875 |
|
|
$ |
2,044 |
|
|
$ |
(998 |
) |
|
$ |
1,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The changes in the carrying amount of acquisition-related intangible assets for the years
ended February 28, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizing |
|
|
|
intangible assets |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Balance, net, February 28, 2009 |
|
$ |
1,217 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Balance, net, February 28, 2010 |
|
$ |
1,046 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Balance, net, February 28, 2011 |
|
$ |
875 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of trademarks, customer relationships and completed technologies over the next
five fiscal years is estimated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
(In thousands) |
|
2012 |
|
$ |
171 |
|
2013 |
|
|
171 |
|
2014 |
|
|
162 |
|
2015 |
|
|
135 |
|
2016 |
|
|
135 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
875 |
|
|
|
|
|
6. Commitments and Contingencies
In December 1996, the Company executed a lease commencing October 1, 1997 for its former
corporate office and manufacturing facilities in California. The lease term was ten years,
extendable for an additional ten years (two terms of five years each) at the Companys option. In
December 2006, the Company renewed this lease for an additional five year term. The Company
terminated this lease as of February 28, 2009 and entered into a lease agreement on a smaller
facility for five years, expiring on February 28, 2014. Lease commitments for this lease are
subject to annual increases ranging between 2% to 4% per annum.
The Companys lease for an assembly facility in Tijuana, Mexico was scheduled to expire in
2010 with two, five-year options remaining. Additionally, the Company maintained a lease for a
second facility in Tijuana, Mexico to house its relocated telescope production. In May 2009, the
Company entered into a lease modification with the lessor of these two facilities, renewing the
lease for the second facility for three more years, expiring on December 31, 2012, and accelerating
the termination of the lease on the Companys initial Tijuana, Mexico facility to June 15, 2009.
F-11
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Aggregate future minimum commitments under noncancellable leases at February 28, 2011 that
have remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
(In thousands) |
|
2012 |
|
$ |
582 |
|
2013 |
|
|
545 |
|
2014 |
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,414 |
|
|
|
|
|
For each of the fiscal years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, the Company
incurred rent expense of $0.6 million.
Although the Company is involved from time to time in litigation incidental to its business,
management believes that the Company currently is not involved in any litigation which would have a
material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the
Company.
7. Income Taxes
Pretax loss is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Domestic |
|
$ |
(1,586 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,933 |
) |
Foreign |
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1,497 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,672 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Significant components of the (benefit) provision for income taxes on continuing operations
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
$ |
(31 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
State |
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
18 |
|
Foreign |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
|
(692 |
) |
|
|
(737 |
) |
State |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(130 |
) |
Foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance |
|
|
794 |
|
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(76 |
) |
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-12
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The provision for income taxes on continuing operations differed from the amount computed by
applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to income before income taxes due to the effects of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Federal income tax rate |
|
|
34.0 |
% |
|
|
34.0 |
% |
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit |
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
Foreign tax |
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
Research and development credits |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
Stock compensation expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14.0 |
) |
Permanent differences |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
2.3 |
|
Adjustment to prior year deferred taxes |
|
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
(53.0 |
) |
|
|
(23.4 |
) |
Changes in uncertain tax positions |
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit for Federal research and development credits
monetized |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
(1.2 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Sales returns |
|
$ |
1,152 |
|
|
$ |
946 |
|
Inventory and accounts receivable |
|
|
1,353 |
|
|
|
1,564 |
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
Intangibles |
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
638 |
|
Credits |
|
|
5,123 |
|
|
|
5,161 |
|
Fixed assets |
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
850 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
247 |
|
Other |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
Net operating losses |
|
|
21,155 |
|
|
|
20,257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
|
30,576 |
|
|
|
29,837 |
|
Less valuation allowance |
|
|
(30,576 |
) |
|
|
(29,837 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The change in valuation allowance for the years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010
was $0.8 million and $(0.2) million, respectively, to recognize the uncertainty of realizing the
benefits of the Companys deferred tax assets. The valuation allowances were recorded because there
is insufficient objective evidence at this time to recognize those assets for financial reporting
purposes. Ultimate realization of the benefit of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the
Company generating sufficient taxable income in future periods including periods prior to the
expiration of certain underlying tax credits.
As of February 28, 2011, the Company has approximately $53.8 million and $51.8 million of net
operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income for federal and state income
tax purposes, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire during the
fiscal years ending February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2012, respectively. Prior year stock option
compensation expense included in the net operating losses is negligible. The Company has foreign
tax credits and research and experimentation and manufacturing incentive credits of approximately
$3.8 million and $1.3 million, which begin to expire during the fiscal years ending February 28,
2014 and February 28, 2025, respectively. The future realization of these credits is dependent upon
the Company generating sufficient income both outside the United States and within the United
States.
Management does not believe the Company has experienced an ownership change within the meaning
of Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Accordingly, management does not believe that the future
utilization of the Companys net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards will be limited by
this provision, unless there is a future ownership change which generates such a limitation.
F-13
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and Mexico. Significant judgment
is required in evaluating the Companys tax positions and determining its provision for income
taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for
which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves for tax-related
uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due.
These reserves are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged
despite a belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these
reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of income tax audits.
The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves
that are considered appropriate. Accruals for unrecognized tax benefits are provided for in
accordance with the requirements of the prescribed authoritative guidance. At February 28, 2011,
there were no unrecognized tax benefits.
As of February 28, 2011 and as of February 28, 2010, unrecognized tax benefits, all of which
affect the effective tax rate if recognized, were $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Management does not anticipate that there will be a material change in the balance of unrecognized
tax benefits within the next 12 months.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in
income tax expense. As of February 28, 2011 and as of February 28, 2010, accrued interest and
penalties related to uncertain tax positions were $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows
(in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Unrecognized tax benefit beginning balance |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deductions based on tax positions related to the current year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions for tax positions of prior year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deductions for tax positions of prior year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deductions due to settlements with taxing authorities |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Deductions due to expiration of statute of limitations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized tax benefits ending balance |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The tax years 2007 through 2010 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions
to which the Company is subject. However, the amount of a net operating loss carryforward can be
adjusted for federal tax purposes for the three years (four years for the major state jurisdictions
in which the Company operates) after the net operating loss is utilized.
F-14
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8. Business Segments, Geographic Data and Major Customers
The Company is a multinational consumer products company that designs, manufactures, imports
and distributes telescopes, telescope accessories, binoculars and other consumer products. The
Company is organized and operates as one segment in one principal geographic locationNorth
America. Product sales and geographic data is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Product sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telescope and telescope accessories |
|
$ |
23,305 |
|
|
$ |
21,910 |
|
Weather Stations |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
Binoculars |
|
|
192 |
|
|
|
398 |
|
Other |
|
|
1,843 |
|
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26,340 |
|
|
$ |
23,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Geographic dataproduct sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America |
|
$ |
19,647 |
|
|
$ |
17,877 |
|
Europe |
|
|
4,140 |
|
|
|
3,425 |
|
Other foreign/export |
|
|
2,553 |
|
|
|
2,043 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26,340 |
|
|
$ |
23,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company generated approximately 22% and 18% of its revenue from its top two customers
during the fiscal years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, respectively. These
customers did not have any amounts due to the Company at February 28, 2011 or February 28, 2010.
9. Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income (loss) per share amounts exclude the dilutive effect of potential shares of
common stock. Basic income (loss) per share is based upon the weighted-average number of shares of
common stock outstanding. Diluted income (loss) per share is based upon the weighted-average
number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding for each
period presented. Potential shares of common stock include outstanding stock options and restricted
stock, which may be included in the weighted average number of shares of common stock under the
treasury stock method.
The total number of options and restricted shares outstanding were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Stock options outstanding |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
Restricted shares outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-15
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A reconciliation of the basic weighted average number of shares outstanding and the diluted
weighted average number of shares outstanding follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Basic weighted average number of shares |
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
|
1,167 |
|
Dilutive potential shares of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding |
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
|
1,167 |
|
Number of options excluded from the calculation of
weighted average shares because the exercise prices
were greater than the average market price of the
Companys common stock |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
Potential shares of common stock excluded from the
calculation of weighted average shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares for the fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively, exclude the aggregate
dilutive effect of potential shares of common stock related to stock options and restricted stock,
because the Company incurred a loss and the effect would be anti-dilutive. Options with exercise
prices greater than the average market price during the periods presented are excluded from the
calculation of weighted average shares outstanding because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
10. Stock Incentive Plan
The fair value of the Companys stock options granted during the last two fiscal years was
estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Expected life (years)(1) |
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
Expected volatility(2) |
|
|
166 |
% |
|
|
123 |
% |
Risk-free interest rate(3) |
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
Expected dividends |
|
None |
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The option term was determined using the simplified method for estimating expected option
life, which qualify as plain-vanilla options. |
|
(2) |
|
The stock volatility for each grant is measured using the weighted average of historical
daily price changes of the Companys common stock over the most recent period equal to the
expected option life of the grant, adjusted for activity which is not expected to occur in the
future. |
|
(3) |
|
The risk-free interest rate for periods equal to the expected term of the share option is
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. |
As of February 28, 2011 and 2010, there was approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million,
respectively, of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. The $0.1 million
as of February 28, 2011 is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of
approximately 2 years.
In February 1997, the Companys Board of Directors adopted the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the
1997 Plan). The 1997 Plan provided for the grant of incentive and non-qualified stock options,
restricted stock, stock appreciation rights (SARs), and performance share awards to certain key
employees (including officers, whether or not directors) of the Company or its subsidiaries. The
Company received director and stockholder approval to grant options and other awards with respect
to 275,000 shares of common stock under the 1997 Plan. Awards under the Plan generally vest after
six months and become exercisable over a two to four-year period, or as determined by the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Stock options generally remain exercisable for a
period of ten years from the date of grant. The Board of Directors has also granted non-qualified
stock options to purchase common stock to each of the Companys non-employee directors. The
non-employee directors are granted 250
options each when elected and 250 each upon their re-election to the Board of Directors at the
Companys Annual Meeting each year. The directors options generally become exercisable in equal
annual amounts over three years.
F-16
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In June 2008, the Companys Board of Directors adopted (and the stockholders subsequently
approved) the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2008 Plan), which effectively is an extension of the
1997 Plan for an additional five years. The 2008 Plans aggregate share limit is 129,747 shares.
Upon the adoption of the 2008 Plan, options can no longer be granted under the 1997 Plan.
In March 2009, the Companys Board of Directors granted (and the stockholders subsequently
approved) a stand-alone Stock Option Agreement (the Agreement) specific to Steven G. Murdock,
granting him an option to purchase 37,500 shares of the Companys Common Stock.
Option activity under these plans and agreement (the Option Plans) during fiscal years 2011
and 2010 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Option Shares |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
Options outstanding at February 28, 2009 |
|
|
71 |
|
|
$ |
62.60 |
|
Granted |
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
4.40 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
82.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding at February 28, 2010 |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
17.60 |
|
Granted |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
3.30 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(100.00 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding at February 29, 2011 |
|
|
78 |
|
|
$ |
12.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At February 28, 2011 |
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
|
Options Exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Exercise Prices |
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Life |
|
|
Price |
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
Price |
|
$3.00 $14.80 |
|
|
64 |
|
|
8.1 years |
|
$ |
4.40 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
$ |
4.40 |
|
$15.00 $50.00 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
2.1 years |
|
$ |
43.70 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
$ |
42.80 |
|
$50.20 $59.80 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3.6 years |
|
$ |
55.90 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
55.90 |
|
$60.00 $79.80 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
3.2 years |
|
$ |
63.50 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
$ |
63.50 |
|
$80.00 $199.80 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
0.9 years |
|
$ |
109.60 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
109.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The exercise prices of certain options granted to employees was equal to the market price at
the grant date. The exercise price of certain other options granted to employees was less than the
market price at the grant date. Options granted to employees generally become exercisable 33% or
25% after one year and ratably over the following 24 to 36 months, respectively, or as otherwise
determined by the Board of Directors. The option prices under the 1997 Plan range from $3.00 to
$199.80 per share and are exercisable over periods ending no later than 2020.
On March 13, 2009, the Companys Board of Directors granted (and the stockholders subsequently
approved) a stand-alone Stock Option Agreement (the Agreement) specific to Steven G. Murdock,
granting him an option to purchase 37,500 shares of the Companys Common Stock at an exercise price
of $4.40 per share.
On March 19, 2007, the Company granted an award of 3,024 shares of restricted stock to Paul E.
Ross, the Companys former Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer. The fair
value of the shares was $150,000, as measured by the closing price of the Companys stock on the
Nasdaq Global Market on the grant date. The fair value of the award is included in additional paid
in capital and deferred compensation in the equity section
of the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. One fourth of the shares vested on each
annual anniversary of the grant date. Compensation cost was recognized on a straight line basis
over the vesting period.
F-17
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On June 1, 2007, the Company granted an award of 1,947 shares of restricted stock to Steven L.
Muellner, the Companys former President and Chief Executive Officer. The fair value of the shares
was $77,892, as measured by the closing price of the Companys stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on
the grant date. The shares vested over a period of 180 days and compensation cost was recognized on
a straight line basis over the vesting period.
11. Composition of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
The composition of accounts receivables, net of reserves, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Due from factor |
|
$ |
3,405 |
|
|
$ |
2,359 |
|
Accounts receivable, other |
|
|
(621 |
) |
|
|
(176 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,784 |
|
|
$ |
2,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total due from factor at February 28, 2011, included approximately $2.3 million of
invoices assigned on a recourse basis. Accordingly, the credit risk associated with the assigned
invoices remained with the Company at February 28, 2011. As disclosed in footnote 4, the Company
has a factoring agreement with FCC, LLC, d/b/a First Capital.
The composition of inventories, net of reserves, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Raw materials |
|
$ |
2,264 |
|
|
$ |
2,957 |
|
Work in process |
|
|
1,624 |
|
|
|
2,426 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
2,150 |
|
|
|
2,111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,038 |
|
|
$ |
7,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The composition of property and equipment is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Molds and dies |
|
$ |
7,357 |
|
|
$ |
7,317 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
4,482 |
|
|
|
4,455 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
251 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
Autos and trucks |
|
|
199 |
|
|
|
199 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,428 |
|
|
|
12,366 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
(12,171 |
) |
|
|
(11,870 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
257 |
|
|
$ |
496 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the fiscal years ended February 28, 2011 and February 28, 2010, the Company recorded
depreciation expense of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
F-18
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The composition of accrued liabilities is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
February 28, |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Salaries, wages, bonuses and other associated payroll costs |
|
$ |
708 |
|
|
$ |
401 |
|
Warranty costs |
|
|
810 |
|
|
|
883 |
|
Freight expenses |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
Advertising and marketing expenses |
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Professional fees |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
386 |
|
Other |
|
|
218 |
|
|
|
509 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,149 |
|
|
$ |
2,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-19
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.
Dated: May 31, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEADE INSTRUMENTS CORP.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Steven G. Murdock
|
|
|
|
Steven G. Murdock |
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Steven G. Murdock
Steven G. Murdock
|
|
Director, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
May 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John A. Elwood
John A. Elwood
|
|
Senior Vice PresidentFinance and
Administration,
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
May 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Timothy C. McQuay
Timothy C. McQuay
|
|
Director and Chairman of the Board
|
|
May 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Frederick H. Schneider, Jr.
Frederick H. Schneider, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
May 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Paul D. Sonkin
Paul D. Sonkin
|
|
Director
|
|
May 31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael R. Haynes
Michael R. Haynes
|
|
Director
|
|
May 31, 2011 |
IIVALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance At |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of |
|
|
Charged to Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance At End |
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
|
Period |
|
|
and Expenses |
|
|
Deductions(1) |
|
|
of Period |
|
Year ended February 28, 2011 |
|
$ |
416 |
|
|
$ |
31 |
|
|
$ |
39 |
|
|
$ |
408 |
|
Year ended February 28, 2010 |
|
$ |
521 |
|
|
$ |
36 |
|
|
$ |
141 |
|
|
$ |
416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance At |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of |
|
|
Charged to Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance At End |
|
Reserves for Excess and Obsolete Inventories |
|
Period |
|
|
and Expenses |
|
|
Deductions(2) |
|
|
of Period |
|
Year ended February 28, 2011 |
|
$ |
2,583 |
|
|
$ |
110 |
|
|
$ |
543 |
|
|
$ |
2,150 |
|
Year ended February 28, 2010 |
|
$ |
3,413 |
|
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
$ |
926 |
|
|
$ |
2,583 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Principally recoveries and write-off of delinquent accounts |
|
(2) |
|
Principally sale or destruction of previously reserved inventory |
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incorporation |
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
Reference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Meade Instruments Corp. (Company), as
amended
|
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Meade
Instruments Corp.
|
|
(j) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Meade
Instruments Corp.
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company
|
|
(x) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.10 |
|
|
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Meade
Instruments Corp.
|
|
(hh) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
Specimen Stock Certificate
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement dated August 24, 2007 by and among Meade
Instruments Corp. and the Investors listed therein.
|
|
(ll) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.24 |
|
|
Celtic Master Lease, dated as of February 23, 1995, between the Company
and Celtic Leasing Corp.
|
|
(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.35 |
|
|
Form Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each member of
the Board of Directors and certain executive officers of the Company
|
|
(e) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.43 |
|
|
Lease Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, as amended, by and among
Refugio Geffroy De Flourie, Meade Instruments Mexico, S. De R. L. De
C.V. and Meade Instruments Holding Corp.
|
|
(i) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.56 |
|
|
Settlement Agreement, effective May 10, 2004, between Meade Instruments
Corp. on the one hand, and Celestron Acquisition, LLC and James
Feltman, on the other (excluding Exhibits thereto)
|
|
(q) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.58 |
|
|
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2004, by and between
Coronado Technology Group, L.L.C., an Arizona limited liability
company, together with Geraldine Hogan, David Lunt, Jordan Frazier,
Andrew G. Lunt, and Nicholas J. Ilka on the one hand, and Meade
Instruments Corp., a Delaware corporation and Coronado, Inc., a
California corporation, on the other
|
|
(s) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.59 |
|
|
First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 1,
2004, by and between Coronado Technology Group, L.L.C., .an Arizona
limited liability company, together with Geraldine Hogan, David Lunt,
Jordan Frazier, Andrew G. Lunt, and Nicholas J. Ilka on the one hand,
and Meade Instruments Corp., a Delaware corporation and Coronado, Inc.,
a California corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Meade that
subsequently changed its name to Coronado Instruments, Inc., a
California corporation, on the other (excluding Schedules and Exhibits)
|
|
(t) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.63 |
+ |
|
Meade Instruments Corp. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
|
|
(ee) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.65 |
+ |
|
Form Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company and
recipients of non-qualified options granted pursuant to the Meade
Instruments Corp. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
|
|
(ee) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.66 |
+ |
|
Form Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company and
non-employee directors of the Company receiving options granted
pursuant to Section 8 of the Meade Instruments Corp. 1997 Stock
Incentive Plan, as amended
|
|
(ee) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.67 |
+ |
|
Form Restricted Stock Agreement by and between the Company and
recipients of restricted shares of the Companys Common Stock granted
pursuant to the Companys 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
|
|
(ee) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incorporation |
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
Reference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.70 |
+ |
|
Form Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company and
recipients of non-qualified options granted pursuant to the Meade
Instruments Corp. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan
|
|
(x) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.71 |
+ |
|
Form Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company and
non-employee directors of the Company receiving options granted
pursuant to Section 8 of the Meade Instruments Corp. 2008 Stock
Incentive Plan
|
|
(x) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.72 |
+ |
|
Form Restricted Stock Agreement by and between the Company and
recipients of restricted shares of the Companys Common Stock granted
pursuant to the Companys 2008 Stock Incentive Plan
|
|
(x) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.73 |
+ |
|
Employment Agreement effective as of February 1, 2010 between Meade
Instruments Corp. and Steven Murdock
|
|
(y) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.74 |
+ |
|
Employment Agreement effective as of February 1, 2010 between Meade
Instruments Corp. and John Elwood
|
|
(y) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.77 |
+ |
|
Settlement Agreement, dated June 13, 2006, and entered into by and
among, on the one hand, Hummingbird Value Fund, L.P., Hummingbird
Management, LCC, Hummingbird Microcap Value Fund, L.P., Hummingbird
Capital, LCC, Hummingbird Concentrated Fund, L.P., Summit Street Value
Fund, L.P., Summit Street Management, LLC, Summit Street Capital, LLC,
Monarch Activist Partners L.P., Chadwick Capital Management, LLC,
Sohail Malad, Arthur T. Williams, III, Jennifer A. Wallace, Paul D.
Sonkin, and James Chadwick (the Investor Group) and on the other hand,
Meade Instruments Corp.
|
|
(z) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.84 |
|
|
Buyers Agency Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2006, by and between
Meade Instruments Corp., a Delaware corporation, and ThreeSixty
Sourcing Ltd., a Hong Kong corporation
|
|
(dd) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.96 |
|
|
Purchase Agreement dated August 24, 2007 by and among Meade Instruments
Corp. and the Investors listed therein
|
|
(ll) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.110 |
|
|
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2008, by and among
Simmons Outdoor Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Bushnell,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Meade Instruments Corp., a Delaware
corporation
|
|
(tt) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.112 |
|
|
Credit Agreement Terms dated as of September 24, 2008 by and among
VR-Bank Westmunsterland eG, Meade Instruments Corp., Meade Instruments
Europe Corp. and Meade Instruments Europe GmbH & Co. KG
|
|
(vv) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.116 |
|
|
Limited Consent Agreement dated January 27, 2009 by and among Bank of
America, N.A., Meade Instruments Corp., Simmons Outdoor Corporation and
Coronado Instruments, Inc.
|
|
(yy) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.117 |
|
|
Purchase Agreement dated January 27, 2009 by and among Meade
Instruments Europe Corp., a California corporation, Bresser GmbH, a
German corporation, Meade Instruments Corp., a Delaware corporation,
Helmut Ebbert, Meade Instruments Europe GmbH & Co. KG and Meade
Instruments Verwaltungs GmbH
|
|
(yy) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.118 |
|
|
Factoring and Inventory Advances Agreement dated as of February 6, 2009
between Meade Instruments Corp. and FCC, LLC
|
|
(zz) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.119 |
|
|
Loan and Security Agreement Factor Sub Accounts dated as of February
6, 2009 between Meade Instruments Corp. and FCC, LLC
|
|
(aaa) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.120 |
|
|
Factoring and Security Agreement Factor Sub Accounts dated as of
February 6, 2009 between Meade Instruments Corp. and FCC Factor
Subsidiary, LLC
|
|
(bbb) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.122 |
|
|
Lease Surrender and Termination Agreement dated as of February 10, 2009
by and between The Irvine Company and Meade Instruments Corp.
|
|
(ddd) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incorporation |
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
Reference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.123 |
|
|
Promissory Note dated as of February 10, 2009 by Meade Instruments
Corp. in favor of The Irvine Company
|
|
(ddd) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.124 |
|
|
Lease dated as of February 10, 2009 by and between The Irvine Company
and Meade Instruments Corp.
|
|
(ddd) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.126 |
+ |
|
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, dated as of March 13, 2009, by and
between Meade Instruments Corp. and Steven G. Murdock
|
|
(fff) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.127 |
+ |
|
Stand-Alone Stock Option Agreement, dated as of March 13, 2009, by and
between Meade Instruments Corp. and Steven G. Murdock
|
|
(fff) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.128 |
+ |
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2009, by and between Meade
Instruments Corp. and Steven G. Murdock
|
|
(ggg) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.1 |
|
|
Subsidiaries of the Registrant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmMoss Adams LLP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification by Steven G. Murdock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification by John A. Elwood |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 906 Certification by Steven G. Murdock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 906 Certification by John A. Elwood |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously filed with the Securities Exchange Commission as set forth in the following
table: |
|
+ |
|
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
|
(a) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 12, 2009. |
|
(b) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (Registration No. 333-21123), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 1997. |
|
(c) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (Registration No. 333-21123), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 13, 1997. |
|
(d) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (Registration No. 333-21123), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 25, 1997. |
|
(e) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended February 28, 1998, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 1998. |
|
(f) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-8 relating to the
Companys Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on April 16, 1999. |
|
(g) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys 1999 Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 8, 1999. |
|
(h) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended November 30, 1999, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 14, 2000. |
|
(i) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended February 29, 2000, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2000. |
|
(j) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended May 31, 2000, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17,
2000. |
|
(k) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended February 29, 2001, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2001. |
|
(l) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended August 31, 2001, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October
15, 2001. |
|
|
|
(m) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration
No. 333-86818), relating to the Companys Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2002. |
|
(n) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended February 28, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2002. |
|
(q) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2004. |
|
(s) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2004. |
|
(t) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2004. |
|
(x) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended February 28, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15,
2009. |
|
(y) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2010. |
|
(z) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2006. |
|
(dd) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2006. |
|
(ee) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended February 28, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2005. |
|
(hh) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2007. |
|
(ll) |
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.99 of the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2007. |
|
(tt) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2008. |
|
(vv) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on September 26, 2008. |
|
(yy) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2009. |
|
(zz) |
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.122 of the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2009. |
|
(aaa) |
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.123 of the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2009. |
|
(bbb) |
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.124 of the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2009. |
|
(ddd) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2009. |
|
(fff) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2009. |
|
(ggg) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 9, 2009. |