-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, TJWDqsV0gqobVG8cd9MMS4LySD+EyJGW48UGaw1sLCB62ClR7TJTMZWFu8CckESW UnjWdAQhhwMgZxBEDBQohA== 0001104659-04-024728.txt : 20040816 0001104659-04-024728.hdr.sgml : 20040816 20040816172620 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-04-024728 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20040630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040816 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ITERIS HOLDINGS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000350868 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RADIO & TV BROADCASTING & COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT [3663] IRS NUMBER: 952588496 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-10605 FILM NUMBER: 04980017 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1515 S MANCHESTER AVE CITY: ANAHEIM STATE: CA ZIP: 92802 BUSINESS PHONE: 7147745000 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ODETICS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 10-Q 1 a04-9650_110q.htm 10-Q

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

ý

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

o

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

OR

 

For the transition period from            to            

 

Commission file number   0-10605

 

ITERIS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

95-2588496

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

1515 South Manchester Avenue
Anaheim, California

 

92802

(Address of principal executive office)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

(714) 774-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and 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  ý   No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

 

Yes  o   No  ý

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August 10, 2004:

 

Class A Common Stock  - 24,762,636 shares.

Class B Common Stock  - 922,067 shares.

 

 



 

ITERIS HOLDINGS, INC.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT JUNE 30, 2004 AND MARCH 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003

 

 

 

 

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

 

 

 

PART II  OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 

Unless otherwise indicated in this Report, “Iteris Holdings,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” collectively refer to Iteris Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary, Iteris, Inc.

 

2



 

ITERIS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

March 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

721

 

$

2,612

 

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

8,163

 

8,255

 

Notes receivable from sale of business units

 

125

 

125

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts

 

2,243

 

2,653

 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

 

458

 

542

 

Work in process

 

573

 

294

 

Materials and supplies

 

2,611

 

2,762

 

Total inventories

 

3,642

 

3,598

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

583

 

323

 

Deferred tax assets

 

821

 

821

 

Total current assets

 

16,298

 

18,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment, furniture and fixtures

 

7,994

 

7,821

 

Allowance for depreciation

 

(6,380

)

(6,179

)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

1,614

 

1,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 

21,660

 

9,807

 

Other assets

 

1,325

 

215

 

Total assets

 

$

40,897

 

$

30,051

 

 

3



 

ITERIS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

March 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable

 

$

3,136

 

$

3,560

 

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

2,934

 

3,218

 

Accrued expenses

 

635

 

838

 

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

 

334

 

549

 

Deferred revenue

 

45

 

226

 

Income taxes payable

 

109

 

485

 

Revolving line of credit with related party

 

100

 

100

 

Revolving line of credit

 

1,064

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases

 

1,295

 

42

 

Total current liabilities

 

9,652

 

9,018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred gain on sale of building

 

1,633

 

1,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and capital leases

 

4,523

 

891

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible debentures

 

10,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

610

 

17,745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

 

 

Common stock

 

2,559

 

2,140

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

109,360

 

96,989

 

Notes receivable from associates

 

(45

)

(45

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(97,495

)

(98,461

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

14,379

 

623

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

40,897

 

$

30,051

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

4



 

ITERIS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands except per share amounts)

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Net sales and contract revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

6,903

 

$

5,755

 

Contract revenues

 

4,538

 

5,775

 

Total net sales and contract revenues

 

11,441

 

11,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

3,546

 

3,096

 

Cost of contract revenues

 

2,946

 

3,887

 

Gross profit

 

4,949

 

4,547

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

3,600

 

3,650

 

Research and development expense

 

793

 

1,044

 

Total operating expenses

 

4,393

 

4,694

 

Operating income (loss)

 

556

 

(147

)

Non-operating income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

923

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(70

)

(32

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

1,409

 

(179

)

Income tax expense

 

(75

)

(220

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest

 

1,334

 

(399

)

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary

 

(368

)

(860

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

966

 

(1,259

)

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(695

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

966

 

$

(1,954

)

Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.08

)

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.05

)

Earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.13

)

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.08

)

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(0.05

)

Earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.13

)

Shares used in calculating earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

23,464

 

15,117

 

Diluted

 

24,865

 

15,117

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

5



 

ITERIS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

966

 

$

(1,259

)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(695

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

209

 

212

 

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary

 

368

 

 

Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transactions

 

(141

)

(304

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

 

(1464

)

1099

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(62

)

$

(947

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(173

)

(92

)

Other

 

 

(135

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(173

)

(227

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings on line of credit, long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net

 

5,949

 

777

 

(Costs) proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

(15

)

167

 

Proceeds from stock option and warrant exercises

 

470

 

 

Purchase of Iteris, Inc. preferred stock

 

(17,543

)

 

Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures

 

9,483

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(1,656

)

944

 

Decrease in cash

 

(1,891

)

(230

)

Cash at beginning of year

 

2,612

 

437

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

721

 

$

207

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

6



 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1—Formation and Operations

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of Iteris Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Iteris Holdings”) as of June 30, 2004 and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Unites States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected for the entire year. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Iteris Holdings designs, develops, markets and implements software based solutions that improve the safety and efficiency of vehicle transportation.  The Company incorporates its software into sensor systems (“Sensors”) that it sells to vehicle manufacturers in North America and Europe and to governmental agencies, principally in the United States.  It also develops transportation management information systems (“Systems”) for the intelligent transportation systems, or ITS, industry.  These systems are sold to local, state and national transportation agencies in the United States.  Iteris Holdings currently operates through its majority-owned subsidiary, Iteris, Inc.  Iteris Holdings was incorporated in Delaware in October 1987 as Odetics, Inc. and changed its name to Iteris Holdings, Inc. in September 2003.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2004, the Company issued $10.1 million in convertible debentures and Iteris, Inc. entered into a $5.0 million term loan with a bank in order to raise funds to purchase all 3,124,913 shares of Series A preferred stock of Iteris, Inc. for $17.5 million.  Additionally, the Company exchanged 3,858,527 shares of its Class A common stock valued at $11.9 million at the exchange date for 1,867,434 of common stock of Iteris, Inc. increasing the Company’s total ownership in Iteris, Inc. to 91.9% on June 30, 2004 (Note 4).

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the three months ended June 30, 2003 have been restated to reflect the discontinuation of all operations except those of Iteris, Inc.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates made in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred tax assets, inventory and warranty reserves, costs to complete long-term contracts, contract reserves and estimates of future cash flows used to assess the recoverability of long-lived assets, and goodwill.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Product revenues and related cost of sales are recognized upon the transfer of title, which generally occurs upon shipment or, if required, upon acceptance by the customer, provided that the Company believes collectibility of the net sales amount is reasonably assured.  Accordingly, at the date revenue is recognized, the significant uncertainties concerning the sale have been resolved.

 

7



 

Contract revenues are derived primarily from long-term contracts with governmental agencies.  Contract revenues include costs incurred plus a portion of estimated fees or profits determined on the percentage of completion method of accounting based on the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated costs.  Any anticipated losses on contracts are charged to earnings when identified.  Changes in job performance and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to recognized costs and revenues and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.  Profit incentives are included in revenue when their realization is reasonably assured.

 

In addition to product and contract revenue, the Company derives revenue from technology access fees and the provision of specific non-recurring contract engineering services. Technology access fees are amortized to revenue over the life of the related agreement. Contract engineering revenues are recognized in the period in which services are performed based on contractual billing terms. Technology access fee revenues and contract engineering revenues are included in net sales on the accompanying statements of operations.

 

Revenues from follow-on service and support, for which the Company charges separately, is recorded in the period in which the services are performed and are included in net sales or contract revenues.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses, estimating the collectibility of customer receivables on an ongoing basis by periodically reviewing invoices outstanding greater than a certain period of time. The Company has recorded reserves for receivables deemed to be at risk for collection, as well as a general reserve based on historical collections experience. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the ultimate realization of these receivables deemed to be at risk for collection including the current credit-worthiness of each customer. Such losses have historically been minimal and within management’s estimates. Receivables from customers are generally unsecured.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

Fair values of cash, receivables, inventories, accounts payables and accrued expenses, approximates fair value because of the short period of time to maturity. The fair value of line of credit agreements, long term debt and convertible debentures, approximate carrying value because the related rates of interest approximate current market rates.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Equipment is depreciated principally by the declining balance method over its estimated useful life ranging from four to eight years.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company believes there were no indicators of impairment of the carrying value of its long-lived assets at June 30, 2004.

 

8



 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

966

 

$

(1,954

)

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares

 

23,464

 

15,117

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Employee stock options and warrants

 

1,401

 

 

Denominator for diluted loss per share

 

24,865

 

15,117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.13

)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.13

)

 

Research and Development Expenditures

 

Research and development expenditures are charged to expense in the period incurred.

 

Warranty

 

Unless otherwise stated, the Company provides a one to two year warranty from the original invoice date on all product material and workmanship. Products sold to certain original equipment manufacturer customers sometimes carry longer warranties. Defective products will be either repaired or replaced, generally at the Company’s option, upon meeting certain criteria. The Company accrues a provision for the estimated costs that may be incurred for product warranties relating to a product as a component of cost of sales at the time revenue for that product is recognized.  The accrued warranty provision is included within accrued expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

The activity in accrued warranty obligations is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

204

 

$

281

 

Additions charged to cost of sales

 

45

 

67

 

Warranty claims

 

(59

)

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

190

 

$

310

 

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock-Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”) and related interpretations, and complies with the disclosure provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”). Under APB No. 25, compensation cost is recognized based on the difference, if any, on the date of the grant between the fair value of the Company’s stock and the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure (“SFAS 148”) providing alternative methods

 

9



 

of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amends the disclosure requirements to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company does not currently plan to change its stock-based employee compensation accounting to the fair value method. The accompanying financial statements reflect all of the disclosures required by SFAS 148.

 

In calculating pro forma information regarding net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share, as required by SFAS 123, the fair value was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend rate

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Expected life – years

 

7.0

 

7.0

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.5

 

2.0

 

Volatility of common stock

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

 

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the vesting period of the options. The Company’s pro forma information follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) — reported

 

$

966

 

$

(1,954

)

Employee compensation expense under fair value method

 

(86

)

(159

)

Net income (loss) — pro forma

 

$

880

 

$

(2,113

)

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share — reported

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.13

)

Basic earnings (loss) per share — pro forma

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.14

)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share — pro forma

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.14

)

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales in the period during which the products ship.

 

Repair and Maintenance Costs

 

The Company incurs repair and maintenance costs in the normal course of business. Should the activity result in a permanent improvement to one of the Company’s leased facilities, the cost is capitalized as a leasehold improvement and amortized over its useful life or the remainder of the lease period, whichever is shorter.  Non- permanent repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

On May 9, 2003, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Zyfer, Inc. (“Zyfer”) subsidiary for $2.3 million in cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The asset purchase agreement provides for future incentive payments of up to $1.0 million in each of the twelve month periods ended April 30, 2004 and 2005, based on the achievement of certain revenue goals related to the sale of Zyfer products or the

 

10



 

licensing of its technologies.  Based on the terms of the sale agreement, Zyfer has 60 days after the end of each twelve month period to provide the Company with support for the incentive payments.  The Company has not yet received this information for fiscal 2004.

 

In September 2003, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of MAXxess to an investor group that included certain members of the MAXxess management group. The consideration for the assets consisted of the assumption of $2.7 million of liabilities, resulting in a net gain of $2.4 million from the sale.

 

Asset write-downs and accrued costs are included in the loss from discontinued operations in the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.  The results of operations of Broadcast, Mariner, Zyfer and MAXxess (including Gyyr) for all periods presented have been reclassified and presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Interest expense was not reclassified to discontinued operations because the discontinuances did not eliminate any of the Company’s debt.

 

There were no assets or liabilities of discontinued operations included in the Company’s balance sheets at June 30, 2004 or March 31, 2004.

 

11



 

Commitments

 

The Company has lease commitments for facilities in various locations throughout the United States. The annual commitment under these noncancelable operating leases, including the leaseback of the Anaheim facilities, at June 30, 2004 is as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

 

 

 

Remainder of

2005

 

$

954

 

 

2006

 

$

1,052

 

 

2007

 

$

908

 

 

2008

 

$

512

 

 

Note 2—Income Taxes

 

Income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 have been provided at the estimated annualized effective tax rates (“ETR”) based on the estimated income tax liability or assets and change in deferred taxes for their respective fiscal years. Deferred taxes result primarily from temporary differences in the reporting of income for financial statement and income tax purposes.

 

The Company recorded income tax expense of $75,000 and $220,000, 5.3% and 122.9% ETR, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to transactions that occurred during the first quarter of the current fiscal year (See Note 4).

 

On May 28, 2004, the Company acquired a greater than 80% ownership interest in its operating subsidiary, Iteris, Inc.  From this date forward, income taxes are provided for on a consolidated basis for federal income tax purposes.  Due to this consolidation, federal net operating loss carryforwards and other federal tax attributes of the Company (subject to IRC Section 382 limitations) can be utilized to offset its federal consolidated taxable income, which now includes Iteris, Inc.  Prior to this date, Iteris, Inc. was required to file a separate federal income tax return.  No tax expense has been provided on Iteris, Inc.’s short period earnings due to the recording of a deferred tax asset based upon its historically profitable operations.

 

Note 3—Business Segment Information and Geographic Information

 

The Company currently operates in two reportable segments: Sensors and Systems. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that certain expenses, such as interest, amortization of certain intangibles and certain corporate expenses, are not allocated to the segments. In addition, certain assets including cash and cash equivalents, deferred taxes and certain long-lived and intangible assets are not allocated to the segments.

 

The reportable segments are each managed separately because they manufacture and distribute distinct products or provide services with different processes.  Transactions between segments are reported at the fair value of the revenue earned or services provided in the appropriate segments’ financial records.

 

All segment revenues are derived from external customers.

 

12



 

The following sets forth the selected financial information for the Company’s reportable segments as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Sensors

 

Systems

 

Total

 

Three months ended June 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

 

$

6,903

 

$

4,538

 

$

11,441

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

52

 

91

 

143

 

Allocated goodwill

 

200

 

9,607

 

9,807

 

Segment income

 

546

 

255

 

801

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

 

$

5,755

 

$

5,775

 

$

11,530

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

61

 

113

 

174

 

Allocated goodwill

 

200

 

9,607

 

9,807

 

Segment income (loss)

 

(74

)

556

 

482

 

 

The following reconciles segment income (loss) to consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest and income taxes and segment assets to consolidated assets (in thousands):

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Segment income

 

 

 

 

 

Total income for reportable segments

 

$

801

 

$

482

 

Unallocated amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other income (expense), net

 

678

 

(629

)

Interest expense, net

 

(70

)

(32

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

1,409

 

$

(179

)

 

The Company’s revenues from continuing operations are generated and the Company’s assets are held substantially in the United States.

 

Note 4Acquisitions

 

On May 28, 2004 (the “Closing Date”), the Company completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of the Series A preferred stock of Iteris, Inc. (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), which were held by DaimlerChrysler Ventures GmbH (“DCV”) and Hockenheim Investment Pte. Ltd. (“Hockenheim”), in exchange for a payment of approximately $17.5 million in cash.  In addition, the Company acquired all of the 547,893 shares of the common stock of Iteris, Inc. held by DCV in exchange for the issuance of 1,219,445 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (the “Exchange Shares”) valued at $3.2 million at the date of issuance.  The purchase and exchange of the shares were made pursuant to a Stock Purchase and Exchange Agreement, dated March 31, 2004, by and among the Company, Iteris, Inc., DCV and Hockenheim (the “Purchase and Exchange Agreement”).

 

Pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement, the Company purchased 3,124,913 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock of Iteris, Inc. from DCV and Hockeneheim for a purchase price of $5.61 per share.  The purchase price represented the stated redemption value of the preferred stock.  The purchase of the shares was financed principally with a $10.1 million convertible debenture financing completed in May 2004 with a group of

 

13



 

institutional investors, in addition to a $5.0 million senior credit facility arranged through a bank and $2.4 million in cash.

 

Subject to certain exceptions, DCV has agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer the Exchange Shares during the year following the Closing Date.  However, beginning on November 28, 2005, DCV may require the Company to repurchase up to 50% of the Exchange Shares at a purchase price of $1.438 per share; and beginning on May 28, 2007, DCV may require Iteris Holdings to repurchase up to 100% of the Exchange Shares at a purchase price of $1.438 per share.  All such rights to require the repurchase of the Exchange Shares expire on September 28, 2007.

 

Beginning on May 28, 2005, DCV will have the right to request registration of all of the shares of the Class A common stock of the Company held by it.  In the event the Company decides not to file a registration statement for all such shares, DCV may require repurchase of any or all of its shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.438 per share.

 

In order to finance the purchase of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company entered into a Debenture and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated May 19, 2004 (the “Debenture and Warrant Purchase Agreement”) with a group of institutional investors, which included certain officers of the Company, pursuant to which it sold and issued subordinated convertible debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $10.1 million and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 639,847 shares of its Class A common stock.

 

The debentures are due in five years, provide for 6.0% annual interest, payable quarterly, and are convertible into the Company’s Class A common stock at an initial conversion price of $3.61 per share, subject to certain adjustments, including adjustments for dilutive issuances.  From May 19, 2007 until May 18, 2008, the debentures may be redeemed by the Company, at its option, at 120% of the principal amount being redeemed; and from May 19, 2008 until the maturity date of May 18, 2009, the debentures may be redeemed at 110% of the principal amount being redeemed.

 

Pursuant to the Debenture Purchase Agreement, each investor also received two warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.  For every dollar of debenture purchased, each investor received one warrant to purchase approximately 0.03235 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at an exercise price of $3.83 per share and a second warrant to purchase approximately 0.03100 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at an exercise price of $4.03 per share.  The exercise prices are subject to certain adjustments, including adjustments for dilutive issuances.  The warrants expire on May 18, 2009.

 

In connection with the Debenture and Warrant Purchase Agreement the Company issued warrants to purchase 34,036 shares of its Class A common stock at an exercise price of $3.61 per share as commissions related to the transaction. The warrants expire on May 18, 2009.

 

The Company recorded $521,000 in deferred finance costs related to the fair value of the 673,883 warrants issued in connection with the convertible debentures, as calculated using the Black Scholes valuation model. These costs are included in other assets on the June 30, 2004 balance sheet and are being amortized to interest expense over five years the life of the debentures. The Company also incurred transaction fees of $617,000 in connection with the $10.1 million debenture offering. These fees have been recorded in other assets on the June 30, 2004 balance sheet and are also being amortized to interest expense expense over five years.

 

The Company recorded the $17.5 million purchase of the Iteris, Inc. Series A Preferred Stock as a reduction to minority interest on the June 30, 2004 consolidated balance sheet. In addition On June 30, 2004, the Company recorded $11.9 million in goodwill in connection with the exchange of 3,858,527 shares Iteris Holdings, Inc. common stock for the acquisition of 1,867,434 shares of Iteris, Inc, common stock. The purchase method of accounting for acquisitions requires extensive use of accounting estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.

 

14



 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company was in the process of evaluating the acquired assets and had not yet made a determination as to the ultimate classification of such assets as goodwill or intangible assets. This determination will be made and recorded by September 30, 2004, the end of the Company’s second fiscal quarter.

 

 On June 30, 2004, the Company and certain minority shareholders of Iteris, Inc. entered into an exchange agreement whereby an aggregate of 1,319,541 shares of common stock of Iteris, Inc. were exchanged for 2,639,082 shares of the Company’s newly issued Class A common stock valued at $8.7 million at the date of issuance.  The effect of this exchange was to reduce the residual minority interest of Iteris, Inc. to 8.1%.

 

Note 5–Debt

 

Concurrent with the issuance of the convertible debentures, Iteris, Inc., entered into a $5.0 million term note payable with a bank. The proceeds from the note payable were used to purchase preferred stock of Iteris, Inc. (See Note 4). The note is due in four years, on May 27, 2008, and provides for monthly principal payments of approximately $104,167. Interest accrues at the current stated prime rate plus 0.50% through June 30, 2004 and then at the current stated prime rate plus 0.25% thereafter.

 

Also on May 28, 2004, Iteris, Inc. renegotiated its existing line of credit agreement and entered into a new line of credit agreement with the same bank. The new agreement has a one year term and expires on August 1, 2005 and a maximum available credit line of $5.0 million. Under the terms of the new agreement, Iteris, Inc. may borrow against its eligible accounts receivable and the value of its eligible inventory, as defined. Interest on borrowed amounts is payable monthly at the current stated prime rate.  Additionally, Iteris, Inc. is obligated to pay an unused line fee of 0.25% per annum applied to the amount by which the maximum credit amount exceeds the average daily principal balance during the preceding month. There is no monthly collateral management fee associated with the new line of credit and no pre-payment or early termination fees. The 1.0% cancellation fee to terminate the prior line was waived by the bank.

 

Both the term note payable and the line of credit are secured by substantially all of the assets of Iteris, Inc.

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

June 30,
2004

 

March 31,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable, accruing interest at 4.0%, payable in monthly installments of $3,850 until October 2006

 

$

99

 

$

109

 

Notes payable, accruing interest at prime plus 2.0% (6.25%) at June 30, 2004, quarterly payments of principal and interest to begin on October 1, 2006 until July 1, 2007

 

811

 

811

 

Term note payable, accruing interest at prime plus 0.50% (4.75% at June 30, 2004) payable in monthly installments of $104,167 until may 2008

 

4,896

 

 

Note payable in connection with capital lease

 

12

 

13

 

 

 

5,818

 

933

 

Less current portion

 

(1,295

)

(42

)

 

 

$

4,523

 

$

891

 

 

Note 6–Litigation

 

On June 29, 2004, a supplier to the Company’s former subsidiary, Mariner Networks, Inc., filed a complaint against the Company alleging various breaches of written contract claims arising out of alleged purchase orders.  The Plaintiff in this lawsuit seeks monetary damages plus attorneys fees and related costs.  The Company has not yet answered or responded to the complaint. Settlement discussions are currently pending at this time, but there can be no assurance that this lawsuit will be settled in a timely manner or for a reasonable amount.  The Company believes that the ultimate resolution of this claim will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Additionally during the quarter the Company received $949,000 as part of a settlement between Rockwell International and the Michigan Department of Transportation to which the Company was a third party beneficiary.  This amount was recorded in other income in the accompanying statements of operations.

 

15



 

ITEM 2.          MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Cautionary Statement

 

This report, including the following discussion and analysis, contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our business and our industry, and reflect management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by us based upon information available to us as of the date of this report. When used in this report and the information incorporated herein by reference, the words “expect(s),” “feel(s),” “believe(s),” “should,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate(s),” “estimate(s)” and similar expressions or variations of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding our anticipated revenue, expenses, profits, capital needs, competition, backlog and manufacturing capabilities and the status of our facilities and product development. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. We encourage you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us which describe certain factors which could affect our business, including inRisk Factors” set forth at the end of Part II, Item 7 of this report and inManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation”below, before deciding to invest in our company or to maintain or increase your investment. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason.

 

Overview

 

Iteris Holdings, Inc. is the majority stockholder of Iteris, Inc., a leading provider of outdoor machine vision systems and sensors that optimize the flow of traffic and enhance driver safety. Using our proprietary software and Intelligent Transportation Systems (“ITS”) industry expertise, we provide video sensor systems and transportation management and traveler information systems for the ITS industry. The ITS industry is comprised of companies applying a variety of technologies to enable the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. We use our outdoor image recognition software expertise to develop proprietary algorithms for video sensor systems that improve vehicle safety and the flow of traffic. Using our knowledge of the ITS industry, we design and implement transportation management systems that help public agencies reduce traffic congestion and provide greater access to traveler information.

 

We currently operate in two reportable segments: Sensors and Systems. The Sensors segment consists of our proprietary image recognition sensor products including VantageTM vehicle detection systems for traffic intersection control and AutoVueTM sensors for in-vehicle safety. The Systems segment includes transportation engineering and consulting activities.

 

AutoVue is a small windshield mounted sensor that uses proprietary software to detect and warn drivers of unintended lane departures. Approximately 7,000 production AutoVue units have been sold for truck platforms in the European market and are currently offered as an option on certain Actros trucks, which are part of the Daimler group. We believe that AutoVue is a broad sensor platform that, through additional software development, may be expanded to incorporate additional safety and convenience features. Vantage is a video vehicle sensing system that detects the presence of vehicles at signalized intersections enabling a more efficient allocation of green signal time.

 

Our transportation management systems include the design, development and implementation of our software-based systems that integrate sensors, video surveillance, computers and advanced communications equipment to enable public agencies to monitor, control and direct traffic flow, assist in the quick dispatch of emergency crews and distribute real-time information about traffic conditions. Our services include planning and other engineering for

 

16



 

the implementation of transportation related communications systems, analysis and study related to goods movement and commercial vehicle operations, and parking systems designs.

 

Our statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the three months ended June 30, 2003 have been restated to reflect the discontinuation of all operations except those of Iteris, Inc.

 

Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations is based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates and assumptions, including those related to the collectibility of accounts receivable, the valuation of inventories, the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill. We base these estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates and assumptions by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and may prove to be inaccurate. In the event that any of our estimates or assumptions are inaccurate in any material respect, it could have a material adverse effect on our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

The following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition.  We record product revenues and related cost of sales upon transfer of title, which is generally upon shipment or, if required, upon acceptance by the customer, provided that we believe collectibility of the net sales amount is reasonably assured. Accordingly, at the date revenue is recognized, the significant uncertainties concerning the sale have been resolved.

 

Contract revenue is derived primarily from long-term contracts with governmental agencies. Contract revenue includes costs incurred plus a portion of estimated fees or profits determined on the percentage of completion method of accounting based on the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated costs.  Any anticipated losses on contracts are charged to earnings when identified.  Changes in job performance and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to recognized costs and revenues and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.  Profit incentives are included in revenue when their realization is reasonably assured.

 

In addition to product and contract revenue, we derive revenue from technology access fees and the provision of specific non-recurring contract engineering services. Technology access fees are amortized to revenue over the life of the related agreement. Contract engineering revenues are recognized in the period in which services are performed based on contractual billing terms. Technology access fee revenues and contract engineering revenues are included in net sales on the accompanying statements of operations.

 

Revenues from follow-on service and support, for which we charge separately, are recorded in the period in which the services are performed.

 

Accounts Receivable.  We estimate the collectibility of customer receivables on an ongoing basis by periodically reviewing invoices outstanding greater than a certain period of time. We have recorded reserves for receivables deemed to be at risk for collection as well as a general reserve based on our historical collections experience. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the ultimate realization of these receivables, including the current credit-worthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of our customers deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make required payments, additional allowances may be required which could adversely affect our operating results.

 

17



 

Inventory.  We state our inventories at the lower of cost or market and provide reserves for potentially excess and obsolete inventory. In assessing the ultimate realization of inventories, we make judgments as to future demand requirements and compare that with the current or committed inventory levels. Reserves are established for inventory levels that exceed future demand. It is possible that reserves over and above those already established may be required in the future if market conditions for our products deteriorate.

 

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets.  The purchase method of accounting for acquisitions requires extensive use of accounting estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. The amounts and useful lives assigned to other intangible assets impact future amortization. If the assumptions and estimates used to allocate the purchase price are not correct or if business conditions change, purchase price adjustments or future asset impairment charges could be required.

 

Warranty.  Unless otherwise stated, we provide a one to two year warranty from the original invoice date on all product material and workmanship.  Defective products are either repaired or replaced, at our option, upon meeting certain criteria.  We accrue a provision for the estimated costs that may be incurred for product warranties relating to a product as a component of cost of sales at the time revenue for that product is recognized.  Should actual experience of warranty returns be higher than anticipated, additional warranty reserves may be required, and may adversely affect our operating results.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain statements of operations data as a percentage of total net sales and contract revenues for the periods indicated and should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations:

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

60.3

%

49.9

%

Contract revenues

 

39.7

 

50.1

 

Total net sales and contract revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Gross profit—net sales

 

48.6

 

46.2

 

Gross profit—contract revenues

 

35.1

 

32.7

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

31.5

 

31.7

 

Research and development expense

 

6.9

 

9.1

 

Operating income (loss)

 

4.9

 

(1.3

)

Non-operating items:

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

8.1

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(0.6

)

(0.3

)

Income taxes

 

(0.7

)

(1.9

)

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary

 

(3.2

)

(7.5

)

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(6.0

)

Net income (loss)

 

8.4

%

(16.9

)%

 

Net Sales and Contract Revenues.  Net sales and contract revenues consist principally of (i) sales of products and services to commercial customers and municipal agencies (“net sales”) and primarily consists of sales of our Vantage video detection systems and AutoVue lane departure warning systems and (ii) revenues derived from systems integration and ITS consulting services with state, county and municipal agencies (“contract revenues”). We have a diverse customer base and no customer constituted over 10% of our total net sales and contract revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2004.  Total net sales and contract revenues decreased 0.8% to $11.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $11.5 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

 

18



 

Net sales increased 19.9% to $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $5.8 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  Sales of Vantage video detection products increased 1.5% in the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. Net sales derived from AutoVue products and license revenue increased 175.6% in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. The increase in net sales of AutoVue products primarily reflected increased unit sales of AutoVue products to the European commercial truck market, as well as license fee revenue and fees for non-recurring engineering services derived from our contract with Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH, our strategic partner for the passenger car OEM customer base, which contract was entered into in September 2003.  The revenue from Valeo also included approximately $300,000 in fees for services rendered in the prior year which was deferred until collectibility was determined to be reasonably assured.

 

Contract revenues decreased 21.4% to $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $5.8 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease in contract revenues reflects principally weakness in the market as a result of delays in the passage of a pending Federal Highway Bill, and softness in the California market due to that State’s budgetary issues.  Our contract revenues are represented by a broad range of fixed price and cost plus fixed fee contracts for engineering study, design, systems integration and implementation. The market for these services is highly dependent upon continued budget appropriations and contract grants at the Federal and State level.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales and contract revenues increased to 43.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 39.4% in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

 

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 48.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 46.2% in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales primarily reflects improved manufacturing overhead cost absorption on a 175.6% increase in AutoVue revenues, and the impact of increased higher margin license fee revenue derived from Valeo in the current year period. Gross profit on Vantage products decreased approximately 2.2% in the three months ended June 30, 2004 primarily reflecting the impact of competitive pricing on large state contracts for Vantage products.

 

Gross profit as a percentage of contract revenues increased to 35.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to 32.7% in the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. We recognize contract revenues and the related gross profit using percentage of completion contract accounting. This increase primarily reflects a mix of higher margin contract activity in the three month period ended June 30, 2004. Contract revenues historically have been derived from a large number of individual contracts, and the underlying mix of contracts and the related timing of revenue and cost recognition will impact quarterly gross profit performance on contract revenues in a given period.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense.  Selling, general and administrative expense decreased 1.4% to $3.6 million (or 31.5% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $3.7 million (or 31.7% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  This decrease reflects reduced overhead associated with the consolidation of the administrative functions of Iteris Holdings and Iteris, Inc. implemented during Fiscal 2004 in connection with our deconsolidation and our focus on our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary.  This decrease was offset in part by an increase in sales and marketing activities at our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary.

 

Research and Development Expense.  Research and development expense primarily consists of personnel costs and overhead for related benefits, prototype material costs and consulting fees.  Research and development expense decreased 24.0% to $793,000 (or 6.9% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the three months ended June 30. 2004, compared to $1.0 million (or 9.1% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  The decrease primarily reflects the allocation of engineering resources to fee for service activities related to Valeo for AutoVue product development, as well as a decline in research and development expenses to support Vantage and Systems products, which reflects a headcount reduction in January 2004.  In addition, research and development expense in the quarter ended June 30, 2003 included expenses related to the development of System ViewÔ, a software based management product to be offered as part of our contract and services consulting activities, which product was largely completed by the current quarter.  For competitive reasons, we closely guard the confidentiality of our specific development projects.

 

19



 

Other Income.  Other income during the three months ended June 30, 2004 primarily reflects a $949,000 gain recognized on the settlement of litigation.  We were a beneficiary of, but not a party to, litigation between Rockwell International and the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

 

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased 118.8% to $70,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $32,000 in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily a result of increased average outstanding borrowings.

 

Income Taxes.  Income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 have been provided at the estimated annualized effective tax rates (ETR) based on the estimated income tax liability or assets and change in deferred taxes for their respective fiscal years. Deferred taxes result primarily from temporary differences in the reporting of income for financial statement and income tax purposes.

 

We recorded income tax expense of $75,000 and $220,000, 5.3% and 122.9% ETR, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The decrease in the effective tax rate is due to transactions that occurred during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. 

 

In May 2004, we acquired a greater than 80% ownership interest in our operating subsidiary, Iteris, Inc.  From this date forward, income taxes are provided for on a consolidated basis for federal income tax purposes.  Due to this consolidation, our federal net operating loss carryforwards and other federal tax attributes (subject to IRC Section 382 limitations) can be utilized to offset our federal consolidated taxable income, which now includes Iteris, Inc.  Prior to this date, Iteris, Inc. was required to file a separate federal income tax return.  No tax expense has been provided on Iteris, Inc.’s short period earnings due to the recording of a deferred tax asset based upon its historically profitable operations.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2004, we used $62,000 of net cash to fund our operations. The major components of our net cash used in operating activities included net income of $966,000 million, increased for non-cash charges of $209,000 for depreciation and amortization and $368,000 in non-cash charges attributable to the minority interest in our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary, less $141,000 in non-cash gains and less $1.5 million in cash used to fund changes in our operating assets and liabilities.  The principal usage of cash to fund changes in operating assets and liabilities was the payment of $1.3 million in cash to reduce accounts payable balances at June 30, 2004.

 

On May 28, 2004, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of the Series A preferred stock of Iteris, Inc., held by DaimlerChrysler Ventures GmbH (“DCV”) and Hockenheim Investment Pte. Ltd. (“Hockenheim”), in exchange for a payment of approximately $17.5 million in cash.  In addition, we acquired all of the shares of the common stock of Iteris, Inc. held by DCV in exchange for the issuance of 1,219,445 shares of our Class A common stock valued at $3.2 million on the date of issuance.  The purchase and exchange of the shares were made pursuant to a Stock Purchase and Exchange Agreement, dated March 31, 2004, by and among Iteris Holdings, Iteris, Inc., DCV and Hockenheim (the “Purchase and Exchange Agreement”).

 

Pursuant to the Purchase and Exchange Agreement, we purchased 3,124,913 shares of Series A Preferred Stock of Iteris from DCV and Hockeneheim for a purchase price of $5.61 per share.  The purchase price represented the stated redemption value of the preferred stock.  The purchase of the shares was financed principally with a $10.1 million convertible debenture financing completed in May 2004 with a group of institutional investors, in addition to a $5.0 million senior credit facility arranged through a bank and $2.4 million in cash.

 

In accordance with the Purchase and Exchange Agreement, we issued 1,219,445 shares of our Class A common stock (the “Exchange Shares”) to DCV in exchange for 547,893 shares of the common stock of Iteris, Inc. held by DCV.  Subject to certain exceptions, DCV has agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer the Exchange Shares during the year following the Closing Date.  However, beginning on November 28, 2005, DCV may require us to repurchase up to 50% of the Exchange Shares at a purchase price of $1.438 per share; and beginning on May 28, 2007,

 

20



 

DCV may require us to repurchase up to 100% of the Exchange Shares at a purchase price of $1.438 per share.  All such rights to require the repurchase of the Exchange Shares expire on September 28, 2007.

 

Beginning on May 28, 2005, DCV will have the right to request registration of all of the shares of the Class A common stock of Iteris Holdings held by it.  In the event we decide not to file a registration statement for all such shares, DCV may require repurchase of any or all of its shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $1.438 per share.

 

In order to finance the purchase of the shares of Iteris, Inc. preferred stock, we entered into a Debenture and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated May 19, 2004 (the “Debenture Purchase Agreement”) with a group of institutional investors, which included certain of our officers, pursuant to which we sold and issued subordinated convertible debentures in the aggregate original principal amount of $10.1 million and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 639,847 shares of our Class A common stock.

 

The debentures are due in five years, provide for 6.0% annual interest, payable quarterly, and are convertible into our Class A common stock at an initial conversion price of $3.61 per share, subject to certain adjustments, including adjustments for dilutive issuances.  From May 19, 2007 until May 18, 2008, we may redeem the debentures at our option, at 120% of the principal amount being redeemed; and from May 19, 2008 until the maturity date of May 18, 2009, the debentures may be redeemed at 110% of the principal amount being redeemed.

 

Pursuant to the Debenture Purchase Agreement, each investor also received two warrants to purchase shares of the Class A common stock.  For every dollar of debenture purchased, each investor received one warrant to purchase approximately 0.03235 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $3.83 per share and a second warrant to purchase approximately 0.03100 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $4.03 per share.  The exercise prices are subject to certain adjustments, including adjustments for dilutive issuances.  The warrants expire on May 18, 2009.

 

In conjunction with the Debenture and Warrant Purchase Agreement, we issued warrants to purchase 34,036 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $3.61 per share as commissions related to the transaction.  These warrants expire on May 18, 2009.

 

Concurrent with the issuance of the debentures, we, through our subsidiary Iteris, Inc., entered into a $5.0 million term note payable with a bank. Proceeds from the note payable were used to purchase Iteris, Inc. preferred stock as described above. The note is due in four years, on May 27, 2008, and provides for monthly principal payments of approximately $104,167. Interest accrues at the current stated prime rate plus 0.50% through June 30, 2004 and then at the current stated prime rate plus 0.25% thereafter.

 

Also in May 2004, Iteris, Inc. renegotiated its existing line of credit agreement and entered into a new line of credit agreement with the same bank. The new agreement has a one year term that expires on August 1, 2005 and a maximum available credit line of $5.0 million. Under the terms of the new agreement, Iteris, Inc. may borrow against its eligible accounts receivable and the value of its eligible inventory, as defined. Interest on borrowed amounts is payable monthly at the prime rate.  Additionally, Iteris, Inc. is obligated to pay an unused line fee of 0.25% per annum applied to the amount by which the maximum credit amount exceeds the average daily principal balance during the preceding month. There is no monthly collateral management fee associated with the new line of credit and no pre-payment or early termination fees. The 1.0% cancellation fee to terminate the prior line was waived by the bank.

 

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Both the term note payable and the line of credit are secured by substantially all of the assets of Iteris, Inc.

 

On June 30, 2004 Iteris Holdings and certain minority shareholders of Iteris, Inc. entered into an exchange agreement whereby an aggregate of 1,319,541 common shares of Iteris, Inc. were exchanged for 2,639,082 newly issued class A common shares of Iteris Holdings valued at $8.7 million at the date of issuance.  The effect of this exchange was to increase the Company’s total ownership in Iteris, Inc. to 91.9%. 

 

We have lease commitments for facilities in various locations throughout the United States. The annual commitment under these non-cancelable operating leases, in addition to our contractual obligations at June 30, 2004 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

Total

 

Remainder
of Year s

 

2-3 Years

 

4-5 Years

 

After 5
Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lines of credit

 

$

1,164

 

$

1,164

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Capital Lease obligations

 

11

 

4

 

7

 

 

 

Notes payable

 

5,807

 

936

 

2,530

 

2,341

 

 

Convertible Debentures

 

10,100

 

 

 

 

10,100

 

Operating leases

 

3,426

 

954

 

1,960

 

512

 

 

Total

 

$

20,508

 

$

3,058

 

$

4,497

 

$

2,853

 

$

10,100

 

 

At June 30, 2004, our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary had a revolving line of credit with its principal bank, which expires August 2005, and provides for available borrowings up to $5.0 million subject to a borrowing formula based upon qualified accounts receivable as defined in the agreement. Borrowings on the line of credit bear interest at prime plus 0.50% (4.75% at June 30, 2004). There were $1.1 million in borrowings on the line at June 30, 2004, and $3.2 million was available for borrowing subject to the borrowing base in the credit agreement. We believe that the combination of available borrowings on our line of credit and our internally generated cash flows will be sufficient to enable us to execute our operating plans and meet our obligations on a timely basis for the next twelve months.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Our business is subject to a number of risks, some of which are discussed below.  You should consider the following risks carefully in addition to the risks and information contained elsewhere in this prospectus before purchasing shares of our common stock.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations.  If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be seriously harmed.  In that event, the market price for our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

We Have Experienced Substantial Losses And May Continue To Experience Losses For The Foreseeable Future.  We experienced net income of $7,000 in the year ended March 31, 2004 and a net loss of $13.1 million in the year ended March 31, 2003.  While we have divested all of our business units other than our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary, we cannot assure you that our efforts to downsize our operations or reduce our operating expenses will improve our financial performance, or that we will be able to achieve profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. Most of our expenses are fixed in advance. As such, we generally are unable to reduce our expenses significantly in the short-term to compensate for any unexpected delay or decrease in anticipated revenues. As a result, we may continue to experience operating losses and net losses, which would make it difficult to fund our operations and achieve our business plan, and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

 

We May Need To Raise Additional Capital In The Future, But We May Not Be Able To Secure Adequate Funds On Terms Acceptable To Us, Or At All.  We have generated significant net losses and operating losses in recent periods, and have experienced negative cash flows from operations of $718,000 in the year ended March 31, 2004, $4.8 million in the year ended March 31, 2003 and $18.2 million in the year ended March 31, 2002. Although in May 2004, we completed a $10.1 million convertible debenture financing and our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary closed a $5.0 million term loan, the majority of the proceeds from such financings were used to purchase the preferred stock of Iteris, Inc. held by outside investors.  We may need to raise additional capital in the future to fund our operations or to repay indebtedness. Our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary currently maintains a line of credit with a maximum availability of $5.0 million, which expires in August 2005. Substantially all of the assets of Iteris, Inc. have been pledged to the lender to secure the outstanding indebtedness under this facility ($1.1 million was outstanding under this line of credit at June 30, 2004).

 

We may raise additional capital in the near future, either through bank borrowings, or other debt or equity financings. We cannot assure you that any additional capital will be available on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:

 

                  our ability to control costs;

 

                  market acceptance of our products and the overall level of sales of our products;

 

                  our ability to generate operating income;

 

                  increased research and development funding, and required investments in our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary;

 

                  increased sales and marketing expenses;

 

                  technological advancements and our competitors’ response to our products;

 

                  capital improvements to new and existing facilities;

 

                  potential acquisitions of businesses and product lines;

 

                  our relationships with customers and suppliers; and

 

                  general economic conditions, including the effects of the current economic slowdown and international conflicts.

 

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If our capital requirements are materially different from those currently planned, we may need additional capital sooner than anticipated. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders will be reduced and such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. Additional financing may not be available on favorable terms or at all. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to continue our operations as planned, develop or enhance our products, expand our sales and marketing programs, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.

 

We Have Adopted A New Operating Strategy, Which Is Untried And Exposes Us To New Risks.  We recently divested ourselves of all of our business units other than Iteris, Inc. and significantly scaled back our operations in order to focus on the business of our Iteris, Inc. subsidiary. We have abandoned our strategy of incubating emerging companies, which historically required us to make significant investments in new business units. Our current business strategy is narrow and untried, and we cannot assure you that our new business strategy or the continued execution of the Iteris, Inc. business will be successful.

 

The Trading Price Of Our Common Stock Is Highly Volatile And Our Shares Are Listed On The OTC Bulletin Board.  As Such, It May Be Difficult To Resell Your Shares Of Stock At Or Above The Price You Paid For Them Or At All.  The trading price of our common stock has been subject to wide fluctuations in the past. Since January 2000, our Class A common stock has traded at prices as low as $0.45 per share and as high as $29.44 per share and our Class B common stock has traded at prices as low as $0.20 per share and as high as $29.62 per share. In 2003, because we failed to meet the minimum stockholder’s equity and minimum share price requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, both our Class A common stock and Class B common stock were delisted from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and currently trade on the OTC Bulletin Board. As such, the average daily trading volume of common stock has decreased, and it may be more difficult for you to sell your shares in the future at or above the price you paid for them, or at all. This delisting may also make it more difficult for us to raise additional funds in the future. In addition, our securities are subject to “penny stock” restrictions, including Rule 15g-9 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers, such as requirements pertaining to the suitability of the investment for the purchaser and the delivery of specific disclosure materials and monthly statements. Consequently, the liquidity of our securities could be impaired, not only in the number of securities that can be bought and sold, but also through delays in the timing of the transactions, reduction in security analysts’ and the news media’s coverage of us, adverse effects on the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities, and lower prices for our securities than might otherwise be obtained.

 

The market price of our common stock could continue to fluctuate in the future in response to various factors, including, but not limited to:

 

                  quarterly variations in operating results;

 

                  our ability to control costs and improve cash flow;

 

                  our ability to raise additional capital;

 

                  shortages announced by suppliers;

 

                  announcements of technological innovations or new products or applications by our competitors, customers or us;

 

                  acquisitions or businesses, products or technologies;

 

                  the impact of any litigation;

 

                  changes in investor perceptions;

 

                  changes in earnings estimates or investment recommendations by securities analysts; and

 

                  international conflicts, political unrest and acts of terrorism.

 

The stock market in general has recently experienced volatility, which has particularly affected the market

 

24



 

prices of equity securities of many technology companies. This volatility has often been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have been the subject of securities class action litigation. If we were to become the subject of a class action lawsuit, it could result in substantial losses and divert management’s attention and resources from other matters.

 

We Depend On Government Contracts And Subcontracts, And Because Many Of Our Government Contracts Are Fixed Price Contracts, Higher Than Anticipated Costs Will Reduce Our Profit And Could Adversely Impact Our Operating Results.  A significant portion of the sales by Iteris, Inc. were derived from contracts with governmental agencies, either as a general contractor, subcontractor or supplier. Government contracts represented approximately 48.0%, 54.0% and 54.0% of our total net sales and contract revenues for the years ended March 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We anticipate that revenue from government contracts will continue to increase in the near future. Government business is, in general, subject to special risks and challenges, including:

 

                  long purchase cycles or approval processes;

 

                  competitive bidding and qualification requirements;

 

                  the impact of international conflicts;

 

                  performance bond requirements;

 

                  changes in government policies and political agendas;

 

                  delays in funding, budgetary constraints and cut-backs; and

 

                  milestone requirements and liquidated damage provisions for failure to meet contract milestones

 

In addition, a large number of our government contracts are fixed price contracts. As a result, we may not be able to recover any cost overruns we may incur.  These fixed price contracts require us to estimate the total project cost based on preliminary projections of the project’s requirements. The financial viability of any given project depends in large part on our ability to estimate these costs accurately and complete the project on a timely basis. In the event our costs on these projects exceed the fixed contractual amount, we will be required to bear the excess costs. These additional costs adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, certain of our government contracts are subject to termination or renegotiation at the convenience of the government, which could result in a large decline in our net sales in any given quarter. Our inability to address any of the foregoing concerns or the loss or renegotiation of any material government contract could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Economic Slowdown And Related Uncertainties Could Adversely Impact The Demand For Our Products.  Concerns about inflation, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, and recent international conflicts and terrorist and military actions have resulted in a downturn in worldwide economic conditions, particularly in the United States. These unfavorable economic conditions may have a negative impact on customer orders, cancellations and rescheduling of backlog.  In addition, recent political and social turmoil related to international conflicts and terrorist acts can be expected to put further pressure on economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide. These political, social and economic conditions make it extremely difficult for our customers, our suppliers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. If such conditions continue or worsen, our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our Quarterly Operating Results Fluctuate As A Result Of Many Factors. Therefore, We May Fail To Meet Or Exceed The Expectations Of Securities Analysts And Investors, Which Could Cause Our Stock Price To Decline.  Our quarterly revenues and operating results have fluctuated and are likely to continue to vary from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, many of which are not within our control. Factors that could affect our revenues include, among others, the following:

 

                  our ability to raise additional capital and repurchase the minority interest in Iteris, Inc.;

 

25



 

                  our ability to control costs;

 

                  international conflicts and acts of terrorism;

 

                  our ability to develop, introduce, market and gain market acceptance of new products, applications and product enhancements in a timely manner, or at all;

 

                  the size, timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer orders;

 

                  the introduction of new products by competitors;

 

                  the availability of components used in the manufacture of our products;

 

                  changes in our pricing policies and the pricing policies by our suppliers and competitors, pricing concessions on volume sales, as well as increased price competition in general;

 

                  the long lead times associated with government contracts or required by vehicle manufacturers;

 

                  our success in expanding and implementing our sales and marketing programs;

 

                  the effects of technological changes in our target markets;

 

                  our relatively small level of backlog at any given time;

 

                  the mix of our sales;

 

                  deferrals of customer orders in anticipation of new products, applications or product enhancements;

 

                  risks and uncertainties associated with our international business;

 

                  currency fluctuations and our ability to get currency out of certain foreign countries; and

 

                  general economic and political conditions.

 

Due to all of the factors listed above and, our future operating results could be below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If that happens, the trading price of our common stock could decline. As a result of these quarterly variations, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results as an indication of our future performance.

 

If We Do Not Keep Pace With Rapid Technological Changes And Evolving Industry Standards, We Will Not Be Able To Remain Competitive And There Will Be No Demand For Our Products.  Our markets are in general characterized by the following factors:

 

                  rapid technological advances;

 

                  downward price pressure in the marketplace as technologies mature;

 

                  changes in customer requirements;

 

                  frequent new product introductions and enhancements; and

 

                  evolving industry standards and changes in the regulatory environment.

 

Our future success will depend upon our ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in technology and industry standards, and to effectively develop, introduce, market and gain broad acceptance of new products and product enhancements incorporating the latest technological advancements.

 

We believe that we must continue to make substantial investments to support ongoing research and development in order to remain competitive. We need to continue to develop and introduce new products that incorporate the latest technological advancements in outdoor image processing hardware, software and camera technologies in response to evolving customer requirements. Our business and results of operations could be

 

26



 

adversely affected if we do not anticipate or respond adequately to technological developments or changing customer requirements. We cannot assure you that any such investments in research and development will lead to any corresponding increase in revenue.

 

If We Are Unable To Develop And Introduce New Products And Product Enhancements Successfully And In A Cost-Effective And Timely Manner, Or To Achieve Market Acceptance Of Our New Products, Our Operating Results Would Be Adversely Affected.  We believe our revenue growth and future operating results will depend on our ability to complete development of new products and enhancements, introduce these products in a timely, cost-effective manner, achieve broad market acceptance of these products and enhancements, and reduce our product costs. We may not be able to introduce any new products or any enhancements to our existing products on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, the introduction of any new products could adversely affect the sales of certain of our existing products. Our future success will also depend in part on the success of several products including AutoVueTM, our lane departure warning system. We currently outsource the manufacture of our AutoVue product line to a single manufacturer. This manufacturer may not be able to produce sufficient quantities of this product in a timely manner or at a reasonable cost, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to launch or gain market acceptance of AutoVue.

 

Market acceptance of our new products depends upon many factors, including our ability to accurately predict market requirements and evolving industry standards, our ability to resolve technical challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner and achieve manufacturing efficiencies, the perceived advantages of our new products over traditional products and the marketing capabilities of our independent distributors and strategic partners. Our business and results of operations could be seriously harmed by any significant delays in our new product development. Certain of our new products could contain undetected design faults and software errors or “bugs” when first released by us, despite our testing. We may not discover these faults or errors until after a product has been installed and used by our customers. Any faults or errors in our existing products or in any new products may cause delays in product introduction and shipments, require design modifications or harm customer relationships, any of which could adversely affect our business and competitive position.

 

The Markets In Which We Operate Are Highly Competitive And Have Many More Established Competitors, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Sales Or The Market Acceptance Of Our Products.  We compete with numerous other companies in our target markets including, but not limited to, large, multinational corporations and many smaller regional engineering firms. We expect such competition to increase due to technological advancements, industry consolidations and reduced barriers to entry. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market share, any of which could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Many of our competitors have far greater name recognition and greater financial, technological, marketing and customer service resources than we do. This may allow them to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. It may also allow them to devote greater resources to the development, promotion, sale and support of their products than we can. Recent consolidations of end users, distributors and manufacturers in our target markets have exacerbated this problem. As a result of the foregoing factors, we may not be able to compete effectively in our target markets and competitive pressures could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We May Be Unable To Attract And Retain Key Personnel, Which Could Seriously Harm Our Business.  Due to the specialized nature of our business, we are highly dependent on the continued service of our executive officers and other key management, engineering and technical personnel, particularly Gregory A. Miner, our current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and Jack Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of Iteris, Inc.  In connection with the roll-up merger of Iteris, Inc. into Iteris Holdings, we announced that Mr. Johnson will be appointed to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Iteris Holdings, and Mr. Miner will assume the role as Chairman of the Board of Iteris Holdings.  The loss either of these individuals or the transition of Mr. Miner to his new role could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.  Our success will also depend in large part upon our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified engineering and other highly skilled technical personnel. Competition for employees, particularly development engineers, is intense. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain sufficient numbers of such highly skilled employees. Our inability to attract and retain additional key employees or the loss of one or more of our current key employees could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

27



 

We May Not be Able To Adequately Protect Or Enforce Our Intellectual Property Rights, Which Could Harm Our Competitive Position.  If we are not able to adequately protect or enforce the proprietary aspects of our technology, competitors could be able to access our proprietary technology and our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be seriously harmed. We currently attempt to protect our technology through a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, employee and third party nondisclosure agreements and similar means. Despite our efforts, other parties may attempt to disclose, obtain or use our technologies or systems. Our competitors may also be able to independently develop products that are substantially equivalent or superior to our products or design around our patents. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights as fully as do the laws of the United States. As a result, we may not be able to protect our proprietary rights adequately in the United States or abroad.

 

From time to time, we have received notices that claim we have infringed upon the intellectual property of others. Even if these claims are not valid, they could subject us to significant costs. We have engaged in litigation in the past, and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation may also be necessary to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity by others. An adverse outcome in litigation or any similar proceedings could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to license disputed rights from others or require us to cease marketing or using certain products or technologies. We may not be able to obtain any licenses on terms acceptable to us, or at all. We also may have to indemnify certain customers or strategic partners if it is determined that we have infringed upon or misappropriated another party’s intellectual property. Any of these results could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the cost of addressing any intellectual property litigation claim, both in legal fees and expenses, and the diversion of management’s resources, regardless of whether the claim is valid, could be significant and could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We May Engage In Acquisitions Of Companies or Technologies That May Require Us To Undertake Significant Capital Infusions And Could Result In Disruptions Of Our Business And Diversion Of Resources And Management Attention.  We have historically, and may in the future, acquire complementary businesses, products and technologies. Acquisitions may require significant capital infusions and, in general, acquisitions also involve a number of special risks, including:

 

                  potential disruption of our ongoing business and the diversion of our resources and management’s attention;

 

                  the failure to retain or integrate key acquired personnel;

 

                  the challenge of assimilating diverse business cultures, and the difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies and information system of the acquired companies;

 

                  increased costs to improve managerial, operational, financial and

 

                  administrative systems and to eliminate duplicative services;

 

                  the incurrence of unforeseen obligations or liabilities;

 

                  potential impairment of relationships with employees or customers as a result of changes in management; and

 

                  increased interest expense and amortization of acquired intangible assets.

 

Our competitors are also soliciting potential acquisition candidates, which could both increase the price of any acquisition targets and decrease the number of attractive companies available for acquisition. Acquisitions may also materially and adversely affect our operating results due to large write-offs, contingent liabilities, substantial depreciation, deferred compensation charges or intangible asset amortization, or other adverse tax or audit consequences. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify or consummate any additional acquisitions, successfully integrate any acquisitions or realize the benefits anticipated from any acquisition.

 

28



 

Some Of Our Directors, Officers And Their Affiliates Can Control The Outcome Of Matters That Require The Approval Of Our Stockholders, And Accordingly We Will Not Be Able To Engage In Certain Transactions Without Their Approval.  As of July 1, 2004, our officers and directors beneficially owned approximately 24.4% of the total combined voting power of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. As a result of their stock ownership, our management will be able to significantly influence the election of our directors and the outcome of corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, such as mergers and acquisitions, regardless of how our other stockholders may vote. This concentration of voting control may have a significant effect in delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our management or change in control and may adversely affect the voting or other rights of other holders of common stock.

 

Our Stock Structure And Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions May Affect The Price Of Our Common Stock And Discourage A Third Party From Acquiring Us.  Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and our stockholder rights plan could make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even though an acquisition might be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. Our Class A common stock entitles the holder to one-tenth of one vote per share and our Class B common stock entitles the holder to one vote per share. The disparity in the voting rights between our common stock, as well as our insiders’ significant ownership of the Class B common stock, could discourage a proxy contest or make it more difficult for a third party to effect a change in our management and control. In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock with voting, conversion and other rights and preferences superior to those of our common stock, as well as additional shares of Class B common stock. Our future issuance of preferred stock or Class B common stock could be used to discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal.

 

In March 1998, we adopted a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend of preferred stock purchase rights to our stockholders.  We amended this plan in May 2004.  In the event a third party acquires more than 15% of the outstanding voting control of our company or 15% of our outstanding common stock, the holders of these rights will be able to purchase the junior participating preferred stock at a substantial discount off of the then current market price. The exercise of these rights and purchase of a significant amount of stock at below market prices could cause substantial dilution to a particular acquirer and discourage the acquirer from pursuing our company. The mere existence of a stockholder rights plan often delays or makes a merger, tender offer or proxy contest more difficult.

 

29



 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

Our exposure to interest rate risk is limited to our lines of credit. Iteris’ and Iteris Holdings’ lines of credit bear interest at the prevailing prime rate, plus 0.00% and 4.00%, respectively (4.25% and 8.25% as of June 30, 2004). A 10% increase in interest rate would not have a material impact on our financial position, operating results, or cash flows. In addition, we believe that the carrying value of our outstanding debt approximates fair value. 

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Iteris Holdings’ 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. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting him to the material information required to be included in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this report, there has been no change to our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

30



 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The information set forth under Note 6 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item I of this Report, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

1.             In May 2004, we issued 1,219,445 shares of our Class A common stock (the “Exchange Shares”) to DCV, an accredited stockholder, in exchange for the 547,893 shares of the common stock of Iteris, Inc. held by DCV.

 

2.             In May 2004, we completed the private placement of 6% Convertible Debentures in the aggregate original principal amount of $10.1 million with a group of institutional accredited investors, which included certain of our officers.  The proceeds of this financings, together with a term loan from a bank, were used to purchase the outstanding preferred stock of Iteris, Inc.

 

In connection with this debenture financing, we issued to such investors warrants to purchase an aggregate of 326,730 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $3.83 per share and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 313,117 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $4.03 per share.  These warrants are immediately exercisable at the option of the holders and expire on May 18, 2009.  The debentures are due in five years, provide for 6.0% annual interest, are payable quarterly, and are convertible into shares our Class A common stock at any time prior to the redemption of the debentures at an initial conversion price of $3.61 per share.  The conversion price is subject to adjustments from time to time, including adjustments for certain dilutive issuances.

 

As commissions for this financing, we paid approximately $600,000 in cash to Roth Capital Partners and issued to Roth and certain of its affiliates warrants to purchase an aggregate of 34,036 shares of our Class A common stock at $3.61 per share.  The warrants are exercisable at any time at the option of the holders and expire on May 18, 2009.

 

3.             In June 2004, we issued an aggregate of 2,639,082 shares of Iteris Holdings Class A common stock to certain of the holders of the common stock of Iteris, Inc., including certain of the officers and directors of Iteris Holdings and Iteris, Inc., in exchange for an aggregate of 1,319,541 shares of Iteris, Inc. common stock held by them.  The exchange of shares was part of a plan to consolidate Iteris, Inc. into and with Iteris Holdings.

 

The issuance of securities in the transactions described in Items 1, 2 and 3 above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2) and Regulation D promulgated thereunder as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.  The recipients of securities in each such transaction were accredited investors as defined in the Securities Act and represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof. Appropriate restrictive legends were affixed to the shares certificates and other instruments in such transactions.  There were no underwriters engaged in connection with any of the foregoing transactions except as set forth above.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

31



 

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)           Exhibits

 

                The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated  herein by reference to the location indicated.

 

 

 

 

10.1†

 

Cooperative Agreement for Development, Manufacture, Marketing and Sale of Products to the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Markets incorporating Iteris’ LDWS Technology between the Company and Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH.

10.2(1)

 

Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2004, by and between the registrant and U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation, including the exhibits thereto.

10.3(2)

 

Debenture Purchase and Warrant Agreement, dated May 19, 2004, by and among the registrant and certain investors (including the form of convertible debenture and form of warrant)

10.4(2)

 

Exchange Agreement, dated June 30, 2004, by and among the registrant and certain stockholders of Iteris, Inc.

31

 

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as required pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as required pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


†  Confidential treatment has been requested for certain confidential portions of this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In accordance with Rule 24b-2, these confidential portions have been omitted from the exhibit and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(1)

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A as filed with the SEC by the registrant on June 18, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC by the registrant (Reg. No. 333-117353).

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC by the Registrant (Reg. No. 333-117353).

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

Reports on Form 8-K.

 

 

On June 9, 2004, the Company furnished a current report on Form 8-K in connection with the earnings release for its fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

On June 10, 2004, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K in connection with the Company’s purchase of all of the outstanding shares of the preferred stock of its Iteris, Inc. subsidiary and the $10.1 million convertible debenture financing completed in May 2004.

 

32



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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:  August 16, 2004

ITERIS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

  /s/ GREGORY A. MINER

 

 

Gregory A. Miner,

 

 

Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

  /s/  JAMES S. MIELE

 

 

James S. Miele

 

 

Controller

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

33


EX-10.1 2 a04-9650_1ex10d1.htm EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

 

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT

 

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR
DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURE, MARKETING AND SALE OF PRODUCTS TO THE CLASS 1 AND 2 VEHICLE MARKETS INCORPORATING ITERIS’S LDWS TECHNOLOGY

between

                Iteris, Inc., a corporation duly existing and organized under the laws of the State of Delaware USA, having its corporate offices at 1515 S. Manchester Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802-2907, USA,

 

hereinafter referred to as “ITERIS

and

                Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH, a company duly existing and organized under the laws of Germany, with authorized capital of 2,500,000 Euros, having its registered office at Stuttgarter Str. 119, 74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, registered with the Commercial Register of Vaihingen/ Enz under the number HRB 1795-Bes,

 

hereinafter referred to as “VALEO”.

 

Background

A.            Iteris has developed and is manufacturing, marketing, and delivering, among other items, products incorporating its LDWS Technology for automotive and truck use.

B.            Valeo is a company of the Valeo Group which, headquartered in Paris, is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide developing, manufacturing and selling a variety of products.

C.            Effective May 14, 2001, Iteris and Valeo executed the Cooperative Agreement for Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Delivery of Products Incorporating Iteris’s AutoVue™ Sensor and Valeo’s Rain Sensor Technologies (“Previous Agreement”) addressing Iteris’s and Valeo’s desires to cooperate with each other to combine their respective technologies, talents, know-how, marketing capabilities, and resources to develop, manufacture, market and sell automotive products for various Original Equipment Manufacturers based upon Iteris’s AutoVue™ sensor technology and Valeo’s rain sensor technology.

D.            The intent of the Parties under this Agreement is to terminate the Previous Agreement and replace it with this Agreement wherein Iteris will grant to Valeo, subject to the terms and conditions herein, specific rights, including to develop, manufacture, market and sell products incorporating Iteris’s Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) Technology for the worldwide Class 1 and 2 vehicle markets including OEM, Tier 1, and Aftermarket. Iteris will retain all rights for developing, marketing and selling products incorporating Iteris’s LDWS Technology for Class 3 through 8 vehicles.

Therefore, the Parties agree as follows:

Iteris and Valeo Proprietary Information

 



 

Article 1
Subject of Agreement/Supersedure

 

1.1                                 The subject of this Agreement is the definition of the rights, obligations, terms and conditions relative to the cooperation between the Parties for the development, manufacture, marketing and sale of Products incorporating Iteris’s LDWS Technology to the Class 1 and 2 vehicle markets.

1.2                                 As of September 1, 2003 (the “Effective Date”) of this Agreement, the Previous Agreement, Cooperative Agreement for Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Delivery of Products Incorporating Iteris’s AutoVue™ Sensor and Valeo’s Rain Sensor Technologies, is terminated by mutual agreement of the Parties and is superseded by this Agreement. Purchase Orders either existing or pending between Valeo and Iteris under the provisions of the Previous Agreement for development labor and/or support shall be amended by mutual agreement to only address efforts through September 1, 2003.

Article 2
Definitions

2.1                                 “Affiliate” shall mean any company under the direct or indirect control of a Party or having such control over such Party or being under such control jointly together with such Party.

2.2                                 “Aftermarket” shall mean the collective market for automotive products and services installed or performed after manufacturing and sale to the end user or dealer is complete by the OEM and includes, but is not limited to Tier 1 suppliers, dealers, distributors, resellers, customers, and users of such products or services.

2.3                                 “Agreement” shall mean this Agreement along with its Exhibits and Amendments (if any).

2.4                                 “Application Software” shall mean software which operates in the selected host operating system environment that implements algorithms based upon inputs received and that provides outputs.

2.5                                 “Background Technology” shall mean drawings, data, know-how, trade secrets, confidential information, inventions, software, and other technical information and technology, and any intellectual property rights to such information or technology including, but not limited to patents, copyrights, data base rights and trade secret rights, other than Foreground Technology.  Iteris’s Background Technology includes the Background Technology that comprises any portion of Iteris’s LDWS Technology, that is required to use, develop, manufacture, market, and sell Iteris’s LDWS Technology, or that otherwise improves Iteris’s LDWS Technology, including improvements under Article 10.1(a) below. Iteris represents that prior to signature of this Agreement that it has provided to Valeo a schedule listing Iteris’s Background Technology that Iteris shall update from time to time or as reasonably requested by Valeo. Valeo has not made, and will not make, available to Iteris any Background Technology, except with Iteris’s prior and express written consent.

 



 

2.6                                 “Class 1 and 2 Vehicles” shall mean automobiles and light trucks up to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and any derivative (e. g., Sport Utility Vehicle).

2.7                                 “Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Market” shall mean all Customers including OEM, Tier 1, and Aftermarket engaged in the manufacture of Class 1 and 2 vehicles and/or systems, assemblies, accessories or components for Class 1 and 2 vehicles.

2.8                                 “Class 3 through Class 8 Vehicles” shall mean all vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight.

2.9                                 “Class 3 through Class 8 Vehicle Market” shall mean all Customers including OEM, Tier 1, and Aftermarket engaged in the manufacture of Class 3 through Class 8 Vehicles and/or systems, assemblies, accessories or components for Class 3 through Class 8 Vehicles.

2.10                           “Concept Competition Phase” shall mean the phase and related efforts prior to P1 development where conceptual Products are competitively defined and marketed to various Customers to develop sales potential.

2.11                           “Customer” shall mean any customers to whom Products may be marketed and sold, including the various OEM, suppliers and Aftermarket (whether involved in the independent or original equipment arena) customers. When this Agreement refers to a specific Customer (e.g., in defining the term of the royalty obligations in Article 7.3(b)(ii) and the scope of the surviving license rights identified in Article 9.3.), such references shall be limited to a business unit focusing on a certain vehicle model or family of models, which are sold under a common brand, such as the customer names in the following list:

 

Class 1-2 Vehicle OEM Customer List
List based upon Customer structure as of the Effective Date.

NO.

 

CUSTOMER NAME

 

AFFILIATION

 

NOTES

01

 

GM North America

 

General Motors

 

Includes Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, & Saturn brands

02

 

GM Shang-hai

 

General Motors

 

 

03

 

GM Holden

 

General Motors

 

 

04

 

GM South America

 

General Motors

 

 

05

 

Opel

 

General Motors

 

 

06

 

Saab

 

General Motors

 

Independent

07

 

Fiat

 

General Motors

 

 

08

 

Suzuki

 

General Motors

 

 

 



 

09

 

Isuzu

 

General Motors

 

 

10

 

Fuji Heavy Industries

 

General Motors

 

 

11

 

SIA

 

General Motors

 

 

12

 

Daewoo

 

General Motors

 

 

13

 

Chrysler

 

DaimlerChrysler

 

Includes Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands

14

 

Mercedes-Benz

 

DaimlerChrysler

 

 

15

 

Mitsubishi

 

DaimlerChrysler

 

 

16

 

Hyundai

 

DaimlerChrysler

 

 

17

 

Fiat

 

Fiat

 

 

18

 

Ford North America

 

Ford Motor Co.

 

Includes Ford, Lincoln, & Mercury brands

19

 

Ford Europe

 

Ford Motor Co.

 

 

20

 

Premier Auto Group

 

Ford Motor Co.

 

Includes Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, & Aston Martin brands

21

 

Mazda

 

Ford Motor Co.

 

 

22

 

Nissan

 

Renault Nissan

 

Includes Nissan and Infinity brands

23

 

Renault / Renault Dacia

 

Renault Nissan

 

 

24

 

Renault Samsung

 

Renault Nissan

 

 

25

 

Toyota

 

Toyota Motors

 

Includes Toyota and Lexus brands

26

 

Daihatsu

 

Toyota Motors

 

 

27

 

Honda

 

Honda Motors

 

Includes Honda and Acura brands

28

 

PSA

 

PSA

 

Includes Peugeot & Citroën brands

29

 

BMW

 

BMW Group

 

 

30

 

Volkswagen

 

Volkswagen

 

Includes Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, & Skoda Brands

 

                                                Any changes in the scope of coverage or identity of a particular Customer identity that may affect the rights or obligation of the Parties under this Agreement shall be reflected

 

 



 

                                                at the time of such change. The Parties agree that the above list may not be exhaustive as to relevant Customers and should any additional Customer need to be reflected to effect the purposes of this Agreement that the Parties will update the list in a mutually agreeable manner.

2.12                           “Foreground Technology” shall mean all drawings, data, know-how, trade secrets, confidential information, inventions, software and other technical information or technology developed within the scope of the cooperation between the Parties under this Agreement, during its term, by Iteris, Valeo or both Parties jointly, and any intellectual property rights to such information or technology including, but not limited to patents, copyrights, data base rights and trade secret rights. Foreground Technology shall not include any Background Technology.

2.13                           “AutoVue™ Operations” shall mean all engineering, development, manufacturing, sales, and marketing operations, personnel and other assets (whether owned or licensed, and if licensed, subject to the terms of such license, except to the extent any such license provides for consideration to any Iteris Affiliate) solely or substantially dedicated to the development, manufacture, or sale of products for the automotive and/or truck industries that incorporate or implement Iteris’s vision-based sensor and related technology, know-how and intellectual property and shall include Iteris’s LDWS Technology, which Iteris may, at its sole discretion and at any time, transfer to an Affiliate. Any costs associated with such transfers, including charges related to the transfer or ongoing use or license of any technology, shall be the sole responsibility of Iteris and not chargeable to Valeo.

2.14                           “Iteris’s Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) Technology” shall mean the LDWS Technology developed or acquired by Iteris that is vision-based, i.e., uses a video or digital camera (as opposed to radar or infrared techniques) to view and analyze a 2-dimensional image of the roadway, optical sensor image enhancement, installation and manufacturing techniques, and software algorithms to implement Lane Departure Warning System Technology.

2.15                           “Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) Technology” shall mean technology that detects and tracks lane markings, calculates trajectory, and provides outputs based upon vehicle position relative to the lane markings.

2.16                           “OEM” shall mean Original Equipment Manufacturer and for the purposes of this Agreement generally refers to the various worldwide Class 1 and 2 vehicle manufacturers.

2.17                           “Operating System Software” shall mean software developed or otherwise provided by Iteris that operates the system processor of the Products and that hosts the Application Software.

2.18                           “P0, P1, P2, and P3 Development” shall be defined as follows for the purposes of this Agreement:

P0-                               development activities related to a Product that is currently in series production. Support includes activities to improve production processes, reliability, and maintenance and to replace obsolete parts.

 



 

P1-                               development activities related to preparing a specific Product for series production. Support includes activities to customize interfaces to specific Customer products, A — D sample development, qualification testing, and sales/marketing to current and prospective customers for the Product.

P2-                               development activities, which are not for a specific Customer , for new generation replacement LDWS technologies or for non-LDWS technologies.

P3-                               development activities for general research and identification of new technologies.

2.19                           “Party” or “Parties” are respective generic references to either Iteris or Valeo in the singular tense or to both Iteris and Valeo in the plural tense.

2.20                           “Product” or “Products” are equivalent names for the applications for the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Market incorporating LDWS Technology; excluding those applications performing functions other than those specific to LDWS Technology. Product or Products shall not include lane departure warning applications outside the scope of LDWS Technology, such as radar or infrared based applications.

2.21                           “Tier 1” shall mean those manufacturers and/or suppliers recognized in the automotive industry as direct suppliers to OEMs.

2.22                           “Unit Sales Price” or “Unit Sales Prices” shall mean the unit price or prices for Products paid to Valeo, its Affiliates or permitted (if any) assigns or sublicensees by an individual Customer less all amounts attributable to (a) discounts, (b) duties and customs charges, (c) taxes remitted to seller or required to be charged by seller and (d) insurance, shipping and handling.

Article 3
Iteris Support for Valeo Customer-Specific Development (P1) and Concept Competition Phase Activities

3.1                                 Valeo shall provide funding for a minimum of the time period set forth in Article 3.3 through March 31, 2008 (the “Initial Term”) for Iteris personnel and direct expenses for engineering, marketing, and sales support as described in Article 3.2(a) below for Valeo customer-specific development (P1) and  Concept Competition Phase activities.

3.2                                 The general responsibilities of the Parties shall be as follows:

a.                                       Iteris will provide engineering, marketing, and sales support under the general direction of the Valeo Project Manager and within the funding limitations established by the respective purchase order issued by Valeo or such increases authorized in writing by the Valeo Project Manager. Engineering, marketing, and sales support will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

(1)                                  Electronic design of hardware, Operating System Software, and Application Software;

(2)                                  Adapting electronic design to provide Product functions;

 



 

(3)                                  Application engineering support for LDWS Technology component of Products;

(4)                                  Implementing customer-specific features and/or modifications in electronics design and Application Software;

(5)                                  Supporting Valeo Product qualification testing;

(6)                                  Providing general engineering, marketing and sales support during the Concept Competition Phases for various Customers; and

(7)                                  Providing P0, P2, P3 or other support as Valeo may reasonably request within the general scope of this Agreement or otherwise if necessary to maintain minimum team size.

Throughout the Initial Term, Valeo will assume responsibility for the above services in a mutually acceptable manner and timeframe.

b.                                      Valeo will provide a Project Manager to manage the customer-specific development and Concept Competition Phase projects, to provide general direction of Iteris activities within the funding limitations established by the respective purchase order and to review and authorize, if appropriate, increases to funding as needed to achieve development schedules and goals. Valeo may locate the Project Manager at its convenience (including on-site) and substitute the Project Manager at its discretion.  In addition Valeo will:

(1)                                  Provide mechanical design of Product housing and physical interface to vehicle;

(2)                                  Provide production Engineering/Quality Control;

(3)                                  Provide technical support to Iteris as necessary for separately developed or acquired features (if any) to be included in a Product;

(4)                                  Lead Product qualification testing for Customers;

(5)                                  Manufacture and distribute Products;

(6)                                  Serve as primary liaison with Customers; and

(7)                                  Use commercially reasonable efforts to market and sell Products incorporating Iteris’s LDWS Technology to Customers in the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Market.

(8)                                  Develop, in consultation with Iteris, a marketing plan to promote Valeo’s sales of Iteris’s LDWS Technology to Customers in the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Market, which marketing plan shall be updated as needed from time to time.

 



 

3.3                                 Minimum Iteris team sizes and billing rates:

 

 

Equivalent

 

Billing

Year

 

No. of Persons

 

Rate

1: 09/01/03—03/31/04*

 

8

 

US$/hour (equivalent to $ per year per employee)

2: 04/01/04—03/31/05

 

7

 

US$/hour (equivalent to $ per year per employee)

3: 04/01/05—03/31/06

 

6***

 

US$**/hour

4: 04/01/0 —03/31/07

 

5***

 

US$**/hour

 

 

 

 

 

5: 04/01/07—03/31/08

 

4***

 

US$**/hour


*For purposes of this Agreement, Year 1 is a 7 month term.

** Rates per hour in years 3 through 5 are subject to negotiation. Re-evaluation will be based on Iteris average yearly salary increase, provided that if such increases exceed the local market norms that the Parties will mutually evaluate the circumstances justifying such increases.

*** Minimum team sizes for years 3, 4 and 5 are indicative numbers and subject to review 6 months prior to start of each respective year.

3.4                                 Valeo purchase orders issued to provide the funding specified in this Article 3 shall be issued annually on a time and material basis to fund at least the minimum level of effort specified in Article 3.3 above each year plus an allowance for other direct expenses such as material and travel. All non-labor direct expenditures (including material and travel) in excess of such allowance shall require the advance written approval of the Valeo Project Manager prior to being incurred.  All labor shall be level-loaded by month. Any increased level of effort authorized by the Valeo Project Manager that results in a projected increase in the annual amount shall be supported by an increase in authorized funding to avoid gaps in funding the minimum level of effort in later months.

3.5                                 Articles 3.3 and 3.4 above provide an agreed minimum level of effort for Iteris support for the Initial Term, subject to the annual assessment as stated in Article 3.3. The agreed minimum level of effort shall be subject to the following reviews and adjustments:


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

 

Review Date

 

Milestone

 

Adjustments

September 2003

 

Customer A (Zeus) Production Order 1

 

If milestone is not achieved, funding will remain unchanged but efforts may be redirected to focus on other opportunities.

March 2004

 

Customer B Letter of Intent/Production Commitment

 

If milestone is not achieved, funding will remain unchanged but efforts may be redirected to focus on other opportunities.

June 2004

 

Customer C Letter of Intent/Production Commitment Customer A (Zeus) Production Order 2

 

If milestone is not achieved, funding will remain unchanged but efforts may be redirected to focus on other opportunities.

September 2004

 

Continued Strong Market Potential

 

If milestone is not achieved, funding reduction will be considered to be effective April 2005.

September 2005

 

Continued Strong Market Potential

 

If milestone is not achieved, funding reduction will be considered to be effective April 2006.

September 2006

 

Continued Strong Market Potential

 

If milestone is not achieved, funding reduction will be considered to be effective April 2007.

April 2007 and subsequent annual periods

 

Continued Strong Market Potential

 

Evaluate current market and negotiate funding for extension of agreement.

 

3.6                                 Iteris will submit monthly invoices for labor and other direct expenses on a time and material basis as follows: (a) at the hourly rates for labor specified in Article 3.3 and (b). Payment from Valeo to Iteris will be in US dollars, net 30 days after receipt of invoice.  Payment shall be by electronic transfer of funds through a major U. S. correspondent bank to:




 





† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

Article 4
Responsibility for Costs

Except for Valeo funding of Iteris Support for Valeo Customer-Specific Development (P1) and Concept Competition Phase Activities, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses that it incurs in connection with this Agreement.

Article 5
Relationship Between Parties

5.1                                 This Agreement shall not constitute, create, give effect to or otherwise be construed as a joint venture, pooling arrangement, partnership or formal business organization of any kind.  The Parties shall be deemed to be independent contractors and the employees of one shall not be deemed to be employees or agents of the other. Neither Party shall be entitled to act in the name or on behalf of the other Party.

5.2                                 All Iteris employees involved in the implementation of this Agreement shall be employees of Iteris and not considered employees or co-employees of Valeo for any reason (including compensation, benefits, unemployment coverage and any employment related rights).

5.3                                 Each Party shall obligate all of its employees and outside contractors to acknowledge in writing the confidentiality of all information relevant to the scope of such employee or contractor’s services and require, to the greatest extent permitted by law, that all such information be protected and maintained in confidence and not disclosed or used other than in connection with the employment or outside contractor relationship with the Party.

5.4                                 The Parties agree, without charge to the other Party, to execute, and to have their respective employees concerned execute, all lawful documents and to make, and to have their respective employees concerned make, all lawful oaths (including any necessary assignments or other property transfer documents) required to prepare, file and prosecute applications for protecting Foreground Technology, and to cooperate, and to have their respective employees concerned cooperate, to provide such truthful evidence and testimony as may be required to support such applications and the granting and maintenance of any rights in Foreground Technology.  Each Party warrants that its employees involved in the activities controlled by this Agreement are under obligation to comply with the terms of this Article.

5.5                                 The Parties each will be responsible for all obligations (including obligations for compensation for inventions) in relation to their own employees, employees of their respective Affiliates and all contractors or consultants engaged by such Party and named as an inventor in any Foreground or Background Technology.

 


 


Article 6
Proprietary Information

It is recognized that in the event the Parties desire to exchange information, technology or other items pursuant hereto, such exchange may be subject to each Party’s ability to obtain export license therefor from its respective government. Each Party shall comply with such requirements and obtain and maintain approvals under each Party’s respective government’s export regulations (if any) in meeting the objective of this Agreement. Exchange of proprietary or confidential information between the Parties shall be in accordance with the obligations of confidentiality set forth in the Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement executed between the Parties effective June 30, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent consistent with this Agreement, provided both Parties shall be entitled to disclose Information received from the other Party to any of its Affiliates (provided that such disclosure is consistent with applicable government requirements and such Affiliates comply with the obligations contained in said Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement). The Parties agree to extend the term of the Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement to the expiration or termination of this Agreement; provided that all disclosures covered by the Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement shall be subject to the terms of such agreement for ten years subsequent to initial disclosure or five years from termination of this Agreement, which ever is shorter.

The Parties shall not disclose in any patent application, or in the course of prosecuting any patent application, any proprietary or confidential information of the other Party that is confidential except with prior written permission of the other Party. Notwithstanding the above, the Parties will cooperate with each other to assure that the best mode provision of 35 U.S.C. Section 112 is met as to any patent application.

Article 7
Results of R & D Work, Intellectual Property Rights, Licensing

The following provisions shall apply to the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to the results of the development work under this Agreement:

7.1                                 Background Technology

Each Party shall retain ownership of its Background Technology; and unless otherwise specifically provided herein, neither Party grants the other any license to its Background Technology. For purposes of clarification, without limitation, neither Party shall be permitted to use the other Party’s Background Technology to manufacture, use or sell Products, except as expressly provided otherwise herein.

7.2           Foreground Technology

a.                                       From the Effective Date and thereafter, all Foreground Technology shall be jointly owned by Iteris and Valeo.

b.                                      The Parties will reasonably pursue registered protection of the Foreground Technology, including patent protection to protect inventions, and will each consult with the other Party to determine whether and in which countries

 



 

                                                protection shall be sought, which Party shall bear the responsibility (including any expense) for pursuing the protection and maintaining any resulting right (e.g., patent), the desired scope of protection, and which Party shall control prosecution of any application for such right.

c.                                       If it is determined that only one Party wishes to file or maintain an application to protect Foreground Technology in a country, then the non-filing Party will assign its interest in the rights following from such filed or maintained application in that country to the other (who shall own it exclusively) with the non-filing Party retaining a non-exclusive license (with the right to sub-license within the scope of this Agreement) under any resulting right in such country.  Royalties payable shall be as set forth in Article 7.3(b).  Where only one Party files an application under this part, that Party shall bear all expenses.

d.                                      During the term of this Agreement, the Parties agree that they will not grant any license or right under or otherwise alienate or encumber their respective interest in any jointly owned Foreground Technology, without the prior written approval of the other joint owner except that Iteris may license, alienate or encumber rights that do not cover applications for Class 1 and 2 Vehicles and Valeo may license, alienate or encumber rights that do not cover applications for Class 3 through 8 Vehicles. Either Party may, without prior written approval, in a limited license, grant to its Affiliates the right to use Foreground Technology to the extent that the licensing Party itself is permitted to use the Foreground Technology under this Agreement, subject to all limitations and restrictions (including, but not limited to, obligations related to accounting and royalties).  In the absence of an agreement otherwise, which the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith, any royalties paid by any third party for a license to any jointly owned Foreground Technology for which the written approval of the other Party is required will be shared equally by the Parties. Royalties paid by any third party for a license to any jointly owned Foreground Technology for which the written approval of the other Party is not required or any royalties paid specifically for any exclusively owned rights in Foreground Technology under Article 7.2(c), will not be shared or accounted for as between the Parties. Following the expiration or any termination of this Agreement, each Party may use and enforce its rights in the jointly owned Foreground Technology without restriction and without any reporting or accounting obligation to the other Party.

e.                                     No Party shall abandon the prosecution or maintenance of any patent or patent application with respect to any Foreground Technology under its control, without notifying the other Party of such fact in reasonable time, and in no event less than forty-five (45) days prior to any relevant deadline for filing or other action, for the other Party to assume prosecution or maintenance of such patent or patent application if it so desires. If such other Party assumes prosecution or maintenance of such patent or patent application, it shall thereafter have the same rights and obligations relative to such patent or patent application as the exclusive owner and such patent or patent application shall be assigned to such other Party, subject

 



 

                                                only to a royalty free, non-exclusive license (with rights to sub-license limited to purposes related to Class 1 and 2 Vehicles only for Valeo and Class 3 through 8 Vehicles for Iteris) to the assigning Party under any resulting right.

f.                                         Representatives of the Parties shall meet in person at least once each calendar quarter, during the term of this Agreement to review intellectual property issues that may require attention under this Agreement, including but not limited to the identification of any new inventions, the status of prosecution of intellectual property rights, the identification of any third party intellectual property rights that may require attention, the coordination and development of an intellectual property strategy, the identification of any disputes or potential disputes with third parties, the identification of any requirements for designing around intellectual property rights of a third party, and the status of any other matters reasonably relating to the above matters. The designated representatives of the Parties shall make necessary and appropriate recommendations to the Parties in order that the Parties can take reasonable measures pursuant to this Article 7.2(f).

                                                The designated representatives shall jointly recommend selection of appropriate legal counsel for performing or otherwise taking any necessary or appropriate legal action.

                                                The designated representatives shall jointly recommend a fair and equitable allocation of expense sharing to assure timely and reasonable payment of expenses incurred in connection with the execution of any intellectual property strategy (including but not limited to the prosecution and maintenance of individually or jointly owned intellectual property rights, and the cost of procuring legal advice to help assure freedom to practice technology in view of third party patents).

7.3                                 Licenses to Technology

a.                                       Iteris hereby grants to Valeo a nontransferable, worldwide license under Iteris’s Background Technology to use, develop, manufacture, have manufactured, market and sell, the Products in the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Market (the “Iteris License”). Except to the extent the Iteris License is rescinded or revoked by earlier termination of this Agreement as specified in Article 9 below, the Iteris License shall be Exclusive to Valeo for the period of the Initial Term, where “Exclusive” means that Iteris shall not, with respect to the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Market, use, develop, manufacture, have manufactured, market or sell Products that include Iteris’s Background Technology, nor shall Iteris license its Affiliates or third parties to use Iteris’s Background Technology in a manner prohibited to Iteris; provided that during the period of the Initial Term, Iteris shall retain (i) only the rights to use and develop Iteris’s Background Technology solely with respect to fulfilling its obligations to Valeo under this Agreement and (ii) unrestricted rights to use, develop, manufacture, market and sell Iteris’s Background Technology solely with respect to Products in the Class 3 through 8 Vehicle Market and any other products that do not compete with Products in the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle

 



 

                                                Market.  Upon payment in full of the Worldwide Technology Access Fee as described in Articles 7.3(d) or 9.3(a) below and subject to Article 7.3(e) below, the Iteris License shall become Exclusive to Valeo in perpetuity.

b.                                      Valeo shall pay to Iteris a Product royalty.

                                                Such royalties shall be paid:

To the extent the Product is part of a module or system that performs functions other than those directly the result of LDWS Technology, the Parties will negotiate in good faith to determine an appropriate portion of the module or system price for purposes of establishing Unit Sales Price for calculation of the royalty.

There shall only be a single royalty for Iteris’s LDWS Technology due for sale of a Product even if a Product is covered by more than one intellectual property right. In this Agreement, Valeo shall not have any obligation to pay Iteris a royalty for any lane departure warning applications other than vision-based LDWS Technology (e.g., radar or infrared).  Iteris agrees not to enforce any intellectual property rights it may own against Valeo’s Affiliates, suppliers and customers for any uses or applications of intellectual property that result from rights granted by Valeo within the scope of the Iteris License.

Product royalty payments by Valeo to Iteris shall be payable. Each Product royalty payment shall be supported by written documentation certified by an authorized Valeo representative showing calculation of royalty amount owed. Iteris shall have the right to audit at reasonable times and upon at least ten-(10) days advance notice and subject to an obligation of confidentiality calculations and underlying documentation for a period of two (2) years after receipt of payment. Unless otherwise notified in writing, payment by Valeo shall be by electronic transfer as described in Article 3.6 above.

c.                                       Intentionally omitted.

d.                                      As compensation for the perpetual and Exclusive rights to the Iteris License as provided in Article 7.3(a) above, Valeo shall pay to Iteris a Worldwide Technology Access Fee (“WTAF”) in the amount of $. Payment provides for access to and use by Valeo to Iteris’s executable object code and complete source code (including algorithms) in accordance with the following milestones. Valeo may only use executable object code, source code and algorithms within the scope of the licenses and ownership allocation provided in this Agreement and on the conditions that such use will, if Products are sold, result in payment of royalties to Iteris under this Agreement. Unless otherwise notified in writing, payment by Valeo shall be by electronic transfer as described in Article 3.6 above (subject to the termination provisions set forth below).  In connection with such access,


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

                                                Valeo shall receive at least electronic copies of each deliverable together with any other information as may be necessary for Valeo to successfully employ such code.

Description/deliverable

 

Amount

 

Payment /Delivery date

 

Worldwide Technology Access Fee:

 

 

 

Upon receipt of the respective payments, Iteris will provide to Valeo software code as it existed ten (10) days before the specified delivery date, consisting of Foreground Technology developed under this Agreement and Background Technology that (i) comprises or constitutes Iteris’s LDWS Technology, (ii) is required to use Iteris’s LDWS Technology, or (iii) improves Iteris’s LDWS Technology, including improvements under Article 10.1(a) below.  Iteris agrees to provide reasonable technical services to Valeo after the delivery date to allow Valeo to access the provided code for its intended purpose.  The Parties intend that Iteris will provide Valeo with the most up to date version of the code at each delivery date.  At each delivery of executable object code, Iteris agrees to supply the underlying source code to a mutually agreeable software escrow.  Costs associated with the escrow shall be born by Valeo.

e.                                       If at any time Valeo (i) abandons the development, manufacture, sale, or distribution of Products for a period in excess of four (4) months (provided such manufacture, sale or distribution had already commenced and that abandonment shall not include interruption caused by a third party or an event beyond Valeo’s control); (ii) commences manufacture, sales or distribution of Products incorporating vision-based LDWS Technology other than Iteris’s LDWS Technology, or (iii) otherwise fails for a continual period of four (4) months to use its commercially reasonable efforts to develop, market and sell Products incorporating Iteris’s LDWS Technology, the Iteris License granted by Iteris under Article 7.3(a) above shall become non-exclusive and Iteris shall be free to develop, market, sell and distribute Products incorporating Iteris’s LDWS Technology for the Class 1 and 2 Vehicle Market and/or license others to do so. To implement this Article 7.3(e), Iteris must notify Valeo in writing of the alleged occurrence of such event (i), (ii) or (iii) and Valeo must fail to cure such alleged occurrence within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice. The occurrence of the


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

                events described in (i) and (iii) above during the term of this Agreement shall be considered as a basis for terminating this Agreement pursuant to Article 9.2(c)(1).

f.                                         If the Iteris License becomes non-exclusive for any reason under this Agreement, the applicable Product royalty payable by Valeo for any remaining obligations thereafter shall be the lower of

g.                                    In the event that any intellectual property rights accrue to one Party, which are not specifically contemplated by the Agreement herein and which would literally or by equivalents cover subject matter that is being developed and/or commercialized by the other Party, the Parties agree to enter into good faith negotiations regarding a non-exclusive license under such intellectual property rights at a reasonable royalty for the purpose of affording the continued development and/or commercialization of Foreground Technology by such other Party. In any event, to the extent that a Party already pays a royalty to another Party for any such subject matter, no additional royalty shall be owed.

The Parties acknowledge that the right to use Foreground Technology is limited to circumstances where a license to Background Technology of the other Party is not required. Valeo’s right to use Iteris’s Background Technology is solely governed by the Iteris License.

7.4.                              Enforcement.

                                                In the event that it is believed that any third party is infringing rights in any of the Background Technology or the Foreground Technology then, before either Party confronts the third party, the Parties agree to meet and negotiate in good faith a strategy for enforcement of the rights, to determine the roles and responsibilities of the Parties, to determine expense sharing, to determine allocation of sharing of proceeds and other matters related to such enforcement. In the event that the Parties are unable to reach an agreement based upon such meeting, then the right to enforce rights in Background Technology or the Foreground Technology for Class 1 and 2 Vehicle applications shall reside primarily in Valeo, and the right to enforce rights in Background Technology or the Foreground Technology for Class 3 through 8 Vehicle applications shall reside primarily in Iteris. Further, absent an agreement, the Parties shall share in any recovery on a pro rata basis relative to the pro rata portion of litigation expenses paid by each Party. The Parties agree to provide reasonable assistance and cooperation in any proceeding. Notwithstanding the above, in the event that enforcement is sought to be undertaken while Valeo is a non-exclusive licensee under rights in the Background Technology, then the right to enforce such rights shall reside entirely in Iteris, and Valeo shall be entitled to no share of Iteris’s recovery; provided that Valeo may, at its own expense, make a claim against an infringer for any damages that it may have suffered separate and apart from Iteris’s damages. Iteris agrees to reasonably cooperate with Valeo’s efforts to make such a claim. Nothing herein shall require a Party in which the primary right of enforcement


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

                                                resides to pursue any enforcement, and if such Party elects not to enforce rights, then the other Party shall be entitled to enforce rights at its sole expense and shall be entitled to the entirety of any recovery.  Valeo shall be entitled to register this agreement in those countries that require license registration for participation in litigation.

7.5                                 The parties agree to negotiate in good faith regarding the use of the AutoVue™ trademark by Valeo.

Article 8
Liability/Indemnity/Representations

8.1                                 The employees or representatives of each Party shall obey all pertinent rules and regulations of the other Party while on the premises of the other Party.  Each Party shall defend,  indemnify and hold harmless (including for reasonable attorney’s fees and costs) the other Party against all claims for bodily injuries, including health, or damage to property caused by a negligent act or omission of the indemnifying Party or its employees arising under or in connection with this Agreement, provided that the indemnifying Party is promptly notified of such claims, given all evidence in the indemnified Party’s possession, and given reasonable assistance in and sole control of the defense and all negotiations for settlement or compromise thereof.

8.2                                 Each Party (the “Indemnifying Party”) shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the other Party (the “Indemnified Party”) from and against any losses, damages or claims (including reasonable attorneys fees and costs) (“Losses”) arising out of or related to any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant under this Agreement by the Indemnifying Party, provided that the Indemnifying Party is timely notified of such claims and given reasonable assistance in and sole control of the defense and all negotiations for settlement or compromise thereof.

8.3                                 In the event a claim is received by one Party that alleges the Products or any part thereof infringes upon the patent, copyright, trademark or proprietary rights of others, the receiving Party shall immediately notify the other Party in writing of such claim. The Party who has developed the Background or Foreground Technology that is the subject of the claim shall be authorized the sole power to defend or settle such claim, and exercise its reasonable commercial efforts to procure for the other Party the right to use the Products or modify or replace the Products to avoid infringement. The other Party will cooperate, at its own expense, in the defense of any such claims as reasonably requested by the defending Party. The Party who has developed the Background or Foreground Technology that is the subject of the claim shall defend, indemnify and hold the other Party harmless from any damages resulting from a final judgment of infringement. In the event jointly developed Foreground Technology is the subject of the claim, the Parties shall agree on who shall assume the defense and how any costs relating to the defense as well as any damages shall be shared among the Parties.

8.4                                 Each Party shall be liable under this Agreement to the extent of its contributory actual liability, regardless of the form of action giving rise to such liability (whether in contract, tort or otherwise). IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY

 



 

                                                INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES OF THE OTHER PARTY OR ANY THIRD PARTY EVEN IF THE PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGES ARE FORESEEABLE OR ARE CAUSED AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE PARTY OR OTHERWISE.

8.5                                 EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT. VALEO AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO ITERIS’S LDWS TECHNOLOGY OTHER THAN THOSE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY APPROVED BY ITERIS IN WRITING; PROVIDED THAT ITERIS SHALL NOT UNREASONABLY WITHHOLD SUCH APPROVAL.

8.6                                 Iteris representations, warranties and covenants:

a.                                       Iteris represents and warrants that it is the owner of the entire, right, title and interest in the Iteris’s LDWS Technology, or has otherwise acquired rights to license all intellectual property rights to Valeo that are necessary for the purposes of this Agreement, including but not limited to the United States and foreign copyrights and patent applications corresponding thereto and in the inventions described and claimed therein.  Iteris has complete and unrestricted authority, and, except for the jointly-owned patents/patent applications with , the sole authority, to issue licenses under Iteris’s LDWS Technology, and Iteris has not knowingly granted licenses thereunder to any other entity that would restrict rights granted to Valeo. Iteris/ jointly-owned patents/patent applications that are part of Iteris’s LDWS Technology are as follows: .  Iteris represents and warrant that is has all necessary rights to license the Iteris / jointly-owned patents / patent applications under this Agreement.

b.                                      Iteris represents and warrants that it has no knowledge of any actual or potential infringement of any intellectual property rights of a third party that might result from the proposed practice by Valeo of Iteris’s LDWS Technology, and no claims have been asserted against Iteris that Iteris’s LDWS Technology violates any intellectual property rights of any third party.

c.                                       Iteris shall use commercially reasonably efforts to respect to the valid and enforceable intellectual property rights of third parties and to design around any patent that is reasonably believed to pose a risk to the freedom of Valeo to practice Iteris’s LDWS Technology and to reasonably apprise Valeo of any intellectual property right issued to a third party that may pose a risk to the freedom of Valeo to practice Iteris’s LDWS Technology.


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

8.7                                 In connection with the mutual obligations of the Parties hereunder, each Party shall maintain insurance coverage in amounts not less than the following: (a) Comprehensive General Liability (including Products/Completed Operations and Blanket Contractual Liability) limits in the amounts of $1,000,000 combined bodily injury and property damage per occurrence; and (b) Commercial Umbrella limits in the amount of $5,000,000 per occurrence and $10,000,000 annual aggregate.  In addition, Iteris shall maintain Information Technology Errors and Omissions insurance coverage with limits not less than $10,000,000 per claim and aggregate of claims. Upon request, each Party shall furnish certificates of insurance to the other Party setting forth the amounts of coverage, policy numbers and dates of expiration for insurance maintained pursuant to this paragraph. Such certificates shall provide that the other Party will receive thirty (30) days prior written notification from the insurer of any cancellation or termination.

Article 9
Term of Agreement

9.1                                 This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and shall remain in force for an Initial Term ending March 31, 2008 unless this Agreement is terminated upon the earliest of the conditions of termination listed in Article 9.2. The term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended in one (1) year increments except upon written notice by either Party to the other not less than ninety (90) days prior to the end of the current term.

9.2                                 Conditions of Termination

                                                The conditions of termination of this Agreement are as follows.

a.                                       Mutual Agreement

                                                Upon mutual written agreement of the Parties;

b.                                      Convenience

                                                (1)           A Party that has a right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.2(b) is referred to as a “Terminating Party.” , then the Terminating Party may terminate this Agreement for its sole convenience upon three (3) months prior written notice to the other of its intent to terminate this Agreement; provided, that over such 3-month period both parties shall continue performance in compliance with this Agreement. For purposes of Article 9.2(b)(1), DC Ventures GmbH and its successors shall not be deemed a ; provided that its Affiliates shall not be subject to such exclusion.

                                                (2)           Except as provided in Article 9.2(b)(1) above: (i) With respect to the commitments made herein for the first two (2) years or for a one-year extended term once it has commenced, this Agreement may not be


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

                                                                terminated for the sole convenience of either Party; and (ii) With respect to termination of commitments made herein for years 3, 4, 5,  either Party may terminate this Agreement for its sole convenience upon twelve (12) months prior  written notice to the other of its intent to terminate this Agreement provided over such 12 months period both Parties shall continue performance in compliance with this Agreement.

c.                                       Default

                                                Upon notice in writing by one Party to the other if:

(1)                                  the other Party fails to perform or observe any material term of this Agreement and, in the case of a remediable breach, fails to remedy such breach or present a mutually agreeable plan to remedy such breach, within  thirty (30) days of receipt of notification requiring it to do so;

(2)                                  the other Party ceases to carry on its business for more than 30 consecutive days  except in the case of Force Majeure events as set forth in Article 11.11; or

(3)                                  any action, application or proceeding is taken in respect to the other Party, which materially prevents or restricts the terminating Party from receiving the benefits of this Agreement, for (a) a voluntary arrangement or composition or reconstruction of its debts; (b) the presentation of an administrative petition; (c) its winding up or dissolution; (d) the appointment of a liquidator, trustee, receiver, administrative receiver or similar officer; (e) a petition for a bankruptcy order or an application for a voluntary arrangement; or (f) any similar action, application or proceeding in any jurisdiction to which it is subject.

9.3           Results of Termination

                                                The provisions contained in this Agreement which by their terms or operation are intended to survive any termination of this Agreement (including, Articles 4, 6, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8, 10.1(a), 10.1(c) and 11.6 and any obligations for payments between the Parties that have accrued before the effective date of the termination ) shall survive any such termination. In addition, unless otherwise agreed in a mutual termination agreement under Article 9.2(a):

a.                                       If termination occurs after payment of the WTAF, then the Iteris License shall become a perpetual and Exclusive license.

b.                                      If termination occurs before payment of the WTAF and termination is effected by: (1) mutual agreement under Article 9.2(a); (2) Valeo for its convenience under Article 9.2(b)(1); (3) Iteris for its convenience under Article 9.2(b)(2); or (4) Valeo for default by Iteris under Article 9.2(c), then Valeo may accelerate payment on the balance of the WTAF prior to the termination date and, once Iteris has received the balance of the WTAF, the Iteris License shall become a perpetual and Exclusive license.

 



 

c.                                       If termination occurs before payment of the WTAF and termination is effected by: (1) Iteris for its convenience under Article 9.2(b)(1); (2) Valeo for its convenience under Article 9.2(b)(2); or (3) Iteris for default by Valeo under Article 9.2(c), then the Iteris License shall become a perpetual and non-exclusive license for Customers for which Valeo has commenced production.  Also, the Iteris License shall become a non-exclusive license for Customers for which Valeo has received, at time of termination, an executed letter of intent for development leading to production.  If the letter of intent leads to production before expiration of the letter (and any extensions), then the Iteris License shall become a perpetual and non-exclusive license for that Customer.  If the letter of intent does not lead to production, then the Iteris License shall terminate upon expiration of the letter of intent for that Customer.  The Iteris License shall otherwise terminate.

d.                                      If termination occurs before payment of the WTAF and termination is effected by: (1) Valeo for its convenience under Article 9.2(b)(1); (2) Iteris for its convenience under Article 9.2(b)(2); or (3) Valeo for default by Iteris under Article 9.2(c), then the Iteris License shall become a perpetual and Exclusive license for Customers for which Valeo has commenced production.  Also, the Iteris License shall become an Exclusive license for Customers for which Valeo has received, at time of termination, an executed letter of intent for development leading to production.  If the letter of intent leads to production before expiration of the letter (and any extensions), then the Iteris License shall become a perpetual and Exclusive license for that Customer.  If the letter of intent does not lead to production, the Iteris License shall become a perpetual and non-exclusive license upon expiration of the letter of intent for that Customer.  The Iteris License shall otherwise become a perpetual and non-exclusive license.

e.                                       The licenses under Articles 9.3(a-d) shall be subject to Articles 7.3(b) and 7.3(e) (but for its last sentence). The definition of “Exclusive” in Article 7.3(a) shall apply to Article 9.3 generally.

f.                                         If termination occurs before payment of the WTAF, Valeo chooses not to accelerate payment on the balance of the WTAF prior to the termination date and the termination is effected by mutual agreement under Article 9.2(a), then the Parties shall negotiate in good faith the terms of the Iteris License.

g.                                      For the Iteris License surviving termination, (i) if Valeo breaches by failing to perform or observe any material term surviving termination, then Iteris may terminate the Iteris License; provided that in the case of a remediable breach, within four (4) months of receipt of notification of the breach, Valeo may remedy the breach or present a mutually agreeable plan to remedy the breach; and (ii) if Iteris breaches by failing to perform or observe any term surviving termination that dilutes Valeo’s rights under the surviving Iteris License in any material respect or impairs Valeo’s ability to sell Products pursuant to the terms of the surviving Iteris License in any material respect, then the Iteris License shall become royalty-free; provided that in the case of a remediable breach, within four (4) months of receipt of notification of the breach, Iteris may remedy the breach or

 



 

                                                present a mutually agreeable plan to remedy the breach.  If Iteris remedies the breach or presents a mutually agreeable plan within the four (4) month period, then the Iteris License shall become royalty bearing at the end of the four (4) month period.  If Iteris fails to remedy the breach or present a mutually agreeable plan within the four (4) month period, then the Iteris License shall become perpetually royalty free.  The Iteris License of this Article shall be subject to Article 7.3(e) (but for its last sentence).

h.                                      Upon termination of this Agreement, each Party shall promptly return to the other Party all equipment, tooling and other materials owned, purchased by, or purchased on behalf of the other Party that is in its possession or control or the possession or control of third parties on its behalf.

Article 10
Special Provisions

10.1                           Obligations of the Parties regarding LDWS Technology

a.                                       Throughout the term of this Agreement, Iteris shall undertake and support improvements of Iteris Background  Technology at its own expense in order to optimize the performance and cost competitiveness of the Products. After any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Iteris shall provide the foregoing support on commercially reasonable mutually agreeable terms.

b.                                      During the term of this Agreement, Iteris shall not engage, directly or indirectly (including through consultants or contractors) in the development of vision-based LDWS Technology, including Iteris’s LDWS Technology, for Class 1 and 2 vehicles other than for use by Valeo pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

c.                                       Valeo shall not sublicense or otherwise authorize any third party, including its Affiliates, to sell Products to any Customer(s) if such sublicense or other authorization avoids or otherwise reduces the Product royalty that would be payable to Iteris if Valeo were to sell directly to the same Customer(s).

 


 


10.2                          

At any time in its sole discretion, Iteris may seek third party investment specifically for the development of or other participation in development of automotive functions involving Iteris technologies other than vision-based LDWS Technology.

10.3        

a.                                       If Iteris decides, including through its shareholders or directors, to decrease significantly or cease the development of the AutoVue™ Operations,

b.                                      At any time in its sole discretion, Iteris may seek to sell its AutoVue™ Operations.

(i)                                    

(ii)                                 

(iii)                              

(iv)                             

(v)                                

c.                                      

d.                                   

e.                                      

10.4                           Both Parties recognize that parallel development of products incorporating Iteris’s LDWS Technology for their respective markets (Valeo—Class 1 and 2; Iteris—Class 3 through 8) could result in opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs through quantity purchases of common parts such as cameras, lens, etc. To the maximum extent reasonably commercially practical, the Parties agree to cooperate in such procurements by pooling purchases or reselling one to the other so that the Parties achieve the benefits of quantity purchases.

 


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


 


Article 11
Miscellaneous Provisions

11.1                           Contacts are as listed below or as either Party may designate and notify the other Party in writing.

Iteris

Project/Technical                

Iteris, Inc.
1515 S. Manchester Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802-2907

Contract                                 
Iteris, Inc.
1515 S. Manchester Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802-2907

Valeo

Project/Technical                                                  

Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
Stuttgarter Str.
74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen
Germany


Contract                                                                                                 


11.2                           Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests and demands to or upon a Party hereto, to be effective, shall be in writing and shall be sent by personal delivery against receipt, by prepaid express courier, or by facsimile, confirmed by hard copy sent by mail or courier, and shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

                                                immediately when delivered personally against receipt, at the date and time of delivery recorded by the courier if delivery is by express courier, or, in the case of facsimile notice, when sent and receipt is confirmed by a valid transmission report.

11.3                           This Agreement shall not be amended or modified, nor shall any waiver of any right hereunder be effective unless set forth in a document executed by duly authorized representatives of both Parties.  The failure of a Party to insist on strict performance of any term, covenant or condition herein contained shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such term, covenant or condition or of any subsequent breach of the same.

11.4                           Should any one or several of the provisions of this Agreement be or become invalid, illegal, unenforceable, or in conflict with any law this shall not affect the validity of the other provisions.  The Parties agree to replace the legally invalid provision, if possible, by an effective provision whose economic effect is as similar as possible to the original provision, and the Parties agree that this new provision shall be deemed to have been agreed upon from the time when the original provision became invalid.

11.5                           Each Party’s obligations hereunder shall be subject to all applicable export control regulations  and each Party agrees not to export any item resulting from this Agreement for ultimate delivery to those areas to which delivery would be forbidden under applicable law.

11.6                           This Agreement is based on mutual trust and confidence.  The Parties to this Agreement shall try to settle any disputes amicably through their management representatives.  The responsible managers of the signatory Parties to the Agreement shall first meet in person and make a good faith attempt to resolve any such dispute.  If after such good faith attempt, the responsible managers cannot otherwise settle or resolve the claim or controversy, the senior executive management representatives of each Party shall meet in person and make a good faith attempt to resolve or settle the matter.

a.                                       In the event of any disputes over whether a patent or other intellectual property is deemed Background or Foreground Technology under this Agreement, the Parties, patent counsel for the Parties, or both shall meet in person in a good faith effort to resolve the dispute (which resolution may call for the submission of the dispute to a neutral third party for facilitative mediation), within one month of notification of the dispute.  If such meeting does not result in an agreement, then within one month the Parties shall submit the dispute to arbitration by a panel of three independent third party patent attorneys each having at least 7 years of experience, who shall make the determination.  Each Party shall select one panelist with the final panelist selected by the two initially selected panelists.  The determination shall be made by the panel based upon the submission of a written brief by each Party (not to exceed 20 pages) with any necessary attachments, and a hearing consisting of a maximum of one hour per side of oral argument, with no testifying witnesses.  The briefing and hearing shall occur no later than two months from the date of selection of the panel. The panel shall be required to render a decision within one month of the hearing.  Parties agree that the decision of the panel shall be final and binding upon the Parties hereto. Judgment upon such an award may

 



 

                                                be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  Unless the Parties agree otherwise, two-thirds of the expenses of the panel shall be borne by the losing Party and the remaining one-third of the expenses of panel shall be borne by the winning Party.  The arbitration shall be carried out in accordance with the Rules of Reconciliation and Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce and in English.

b.                                      Unless the Parties first cannot agree to attempt resolution by a non-binding facilitative mediation, any other dispute between the Parties arising out of this Agreement, not covered by the foregoing provision, shall be solely and finally settled by a court of arbitration consisting of three arbitrators, unless the Parties agree on arbitration with one arbitrator only, in accordance with the Rules of Reconciliation and Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce and done in the English language.  The Parties agree that in the event that such an arbitration requires interpretation of the claims or validity of any patent at least one of the arbitrators shall be a mutually agreeable independent third party patent attorney, having at least 10 years of relevant patent experience. The place of arbitration shall be in New York, New York. The award thereof shall be final and binding upon the Parties hereto. Judgment upon such an award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  Either Party may call for arbitration by providing thirty days written notice of intent to refer any matter to arbitration under this Agreement

11.7                           This Agreement shall be subject to the laws of the State of New York, except for its conflict of laws rules and excluding any International Convention regarding the International Sale of Goods.

11.8                           Neither this Agreement nor any interest herein may be assigned, in whole or in part, by either Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party hereto, except that without securing such prior consent, either Party hereto shall have the right to assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any of its Affiliates or to any successor by way of merger or consolidation or the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of such Party relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, provided that such successor shall expressly assume all of the obligations and liabilities of such Party under this Agreement to the extent assigned, and provided further, that such Party shall remain liable and responsible to the other Party hereto for the performance and observance of all such obligations.

11.9                           Any news release, public announcement, advertisement or publicity (“Release”) proposed to be released by either Party concerning the specific rights or obligations of the other Party in connection with this Agreement or non-public information involving the other Party shall be subject to the approval of the other Party prior to release. Further, any Release by one Party involving the application of LDWS Technology to the vehicle market identified to the other Party (Class 1 and Class 2 Vehicles for Valeo and Class 3 through Class 8 Vehicles for Iteris) shall be subject to the approval of the other Party prior to Release.  However, either Party may, without the approval of the other Party, issue any Release that is of a general nature or that promotes or advocates application of

 



 

                                                LDWS Technology, and such Releases may include general references to the other Party, the cooperation between the Parties, and the respective markets for which each Party is responsible.

11.10                     During the period that this Agreement is in effect and through completion of any resulting contract or subcontract arrangement, both Parties agree not to solicit for employment any technical or professional employees from the other Party without the prior written authorization of the other Party.

11.11                     Force Majeure — Neither Party shall be deemed to be in default of any provision of this Agreement for failures in performance resulting from acts or events beyond the reasonable control of such Party; including, but not limited to, acts of God, civil or military authority, civil disturbances, wars, strikes, fires, or catastrophes. If however, such condition persists for more than 90 days, the other Party may initiate termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article 9.

11.12                     This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of and between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior representations and agreements. The Article and paragraph headings herein are for convenience only and shall not limit in any way the scope of any provision of this Agreement.

 

IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement in duplicate as of the date herein above indicated.

 

Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH

 

Iteris, Inc.

 

 

 

By:

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Date: September 29, 2003

 

Date: September 29, 2003

 


† In accordance with Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to a request for confidential treatment, and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


 

 

EX-31 3 a04-9650_1ex31.htm EX-31

EXHIBIT 31

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Gregory A. Miner, certify that:

 

1.     I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Iteris Holdings, Inc.;

 

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.     I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(c)           Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.     I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: August 16, 2004

 

 

 

 

/s/ GREGORY A MINER

 

 

Gregory A. Miner,

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial
Officer
)

 


EX-32 4 a04-9650_1ex32.htm EX-32

EXHIBIT 32

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. §1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Iteris Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Gregory A. Miner, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1.                                       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2.                                       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

 

/s/ GREGORY A MINER

 

Gregory A. Miner

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

August 16, 2004

 

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or any other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 


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