10QSB 1 a2093270z10qsb.htm FORM 10-QSB
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U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-QSB

(Mark One)  

ý

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002

o

TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from                              to                             

Commission file number 001-15757


IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in Its Charter)

California
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) No.)
  33-0224167
(IRS Employer Identification

10883 Thornmint Road
San Diego, CA 92127

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(858) 673-8600
(Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

        Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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

        State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: As of November 8, 2002, the number of outstanding shares of the Registrant's common stock, par value $.01, was 5,485,612.

        Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one) Yes o    No ý





IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. INDEX

 
   
   
  Page No.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
    ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)    
        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001   3
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001   4
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001   5
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001   6
        Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   7
    ITEM 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   14
    ITEM 3.   Controls and Procedures   30
PART II OTHER INFORMATION    
    ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K   31
SIGNATURES   32

2



PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS)

 
  September 30,
2002

  December 31,
2001

 
ASSETS  

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Cash   $ 707   $ 388  
  Restricted cash and cash equivalents     30     60  
  Accounts receivable, net     3,284     4,476  
  Inventory     2,375     950  
  Other current assets     915     991  
   
 
 
    Total Current Assets     7,311     6,865  
Property and equipment, net     1,093     1,189  
Other assets     451     264  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization     1,677     2,478  
Goodwill     5,296     4,838  
   
 
 
    Total Assets   $ 15,828   $ 15,634  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Accounts payable   $ 3,290   $ 2,919  
  Deferred revenue     1,094     993  
  Accrued expenses     1,810     1,586  
  Accrued expenses—related parties     47     47  
  Accrued interest     124     42  
  Notes & advances payable to bank and third parties     1,022     141  
    Notes payable to related parties     245     380  
   
 
 
Total Current Liabilities     7,632     6,108  

Convertible note payable, net of discount

 

 

1,118

 

 


 
   
 
 
Total Liabilities     8,750     6,108  
   
 
 
Shareholders' equity (deficit):              
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 4,000,000 shares              
    Series B convertible redeemable preferred stock, designated 750,000 shares, 389,400 shares issued, and 284,400 and 294,400 shares outstanding at September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 respectively, liquidation preference $711,000 and $736,000 at September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively     3     3  
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 5,483,439 and 5,481,311 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively     54     54  
  Additional paid in capital     41,271     40,197  
  Unearned stock-based compensation          
  Treasury stock, at cost—6,704 shares     (64 )   (64 )
  Shareholder note receivable     (150 )   (150 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     35     (36 )
  Accumulated deficit     (34,071 )   (30,478 )
   
 
 
    Total shareholders' equity     7,078     9,526  
   
 
 
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   $ 15,828   $ 15,634  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

(UNAUDITED)

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED September 30,
  NINE MONTHS ENDED September 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
 
Revenues:                          
  Product   $ 3,942   $ 3,753   $ 10,601   $ 9,015  
  Maintenance     729     584     2,074     1,622  
   
 
 
 
 
      4,671     4,337     12,675     10,637  
Cost of revenues:                          
  Product     1,695     1,773     4,620     4,001  
  Maintenance     306     288     848     879  
   
 
 
 
 
Gross profit     2,670     2,276     7,207     5,757  
   
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:                          
  General & administrative     1,646     1,588     5,037     4,493  
  Sales and marketing     957     1,193     3,158     2,799  
  Research & development     538     644     1,563     1,691  
  Depreciation and amortization     245     659     660     1,574  
   
 
 
 
 
      3,386     4,084     10,418     10,557  
   
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations     (716 )   (1,808 )   (3,211 )   (4,800 )
Interest (income) expense, net     250     (9 )   362     (81 )
Other (income) expense, net     (2 )   (20 )   21     (24 )
   
 
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes     (964 )   (1,779 )   (3,594 )   (4,695 )
Income tax benefit         (41 )       (82 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net loss   $ (964 ) $ (1,738 ) $ (3,594 ) $ (4,613 )
   
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted (loss) per common share—see note 2   $ (0.18 ) $ (0.34 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.98 )
Weighted-average shares (basic and diluted)     5,485,210     5,194,792     5,483,280     4,755,589  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND 2001

(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

 
  2002
  2001
 
Cash flows from operating activities              
  Net loss   $ (3,594 ) $ (4,613 )
   
 
 
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities              
    Depreciation and amortization     660     1,574  
    Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs     241      
    Stock-based compensation         35  
    Deferred revenue     101     485  
    Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions              
      Accounts receivable, net     1,257     (352 )
      Inventory     (1,425 )   122  
      Other current assets     75     (20 )
      Intangible and other assets     38     (77 )
      Accounts payable     371     681  
      Accrued expenses     227     (144 )
      Accrued interest     82     (157 )
   
 
 
        Total adjustments     1,627     2,147  
   
 
 
        Net cash used by operating activities     (1,967 )   (2,466 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities              
  Purchase of property and equipment     (289 )   (335 )
  Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired         (3,196 )
  Payment on advances from related parties     (135 )   (69 )
  Restricted cash and cash equivalents     30     470  
   
 
 
        Net cash used by investing activities     (394 )   (3,130 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities              
  Proceeds from issuance of notes payable with warrants     2,000      
  Proceeds from issuance of short-term demand notes payable     500        
  Repayment of notes payable     (17 )   (702 )
  Proceeds from bank line of credit     398      
  Debt issuance costs     (272 )    
   
 
 
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     2,609     (702 )
   
 
 
        Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     71     57  
        Net increase (decrease) in cash     319     (6,241 )

Cash at beginning of period

 

 

388

 

 

6,900

 
   
 
 
Cash at end of period   $ 707   $ 659  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (in thousands)
  (in thousands)
 
Net income (loss)   $ (964 ) $ (1,738 ) $ (3,594 ) $ (4,613 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):                          
  Foreign currency translation adjustment     (9 )   11     71     (57 )
   
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)   $ (973 ) $ (1,727 ) $ (3,523 ) $ (4,670 )
   
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

        ImageWare Systems, Inc. ("we", "our" or "the Company"), formerly known as ImageWare Software, Inc., was incorporated in the State of California on February 6, 1987. The Company utilizes its imaging technology to develop software used to create booking and investigative software, smart and secure identification systems and documents, and software for professional photographers. Our software systems and associated hardware enable our customers to quickly capture, archive, search, retrieve and share digital photographs and associated text records.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report have been prepared assuming that the Company will be successful in obtaining the additional capital it needs to fund operations and implement its business plan. The Company used approximately $2,186,000 in operations during the year ended December 31, 2001 and $1,967,000 in operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2002, suffered recurring losses from operations and has an accumulated deficit of approximately $34,071,000 at September 30, 2002 which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

        The Company operates in markets that are emerging and highly competitive. There is no assurance that the Company will operate at a profit in the future.

        New financing will be required to fund working capital and operations. The Company is exploring the possible sale of equity securities and/or debt financing, and believes that additional financing will be available under terms and conditions that are acceptable to the Company. However, there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available. In the event financing is not available in the time frame required, the Company will be forced to reduce its rate of growth, if any, reduce operating expenses, curtail sales and marketing activities and reschedule research and development projects. In addition, the Company might be required to sell certain of its assets or license its technologies to others. These actions, while necessary for the continuance of operations during a time of cash constraints and a shortage of working capital, could adversely affect the Company's long-term business.

    Basis of Presentation

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        The accompanying condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements of ImageWare have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001 and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2002. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of adjustments of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2002,

7



and its results of operations for the periods presented. These condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

        Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period balances in order to conform to the current period presentation.

NOTE 2. NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

        Basic loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net loss available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted to include, if dilutive, potential dilutive shares consisting of convertible preferred stock, stock options, convertible notes payable and warrants, calculated using the treasury stock method. During the periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2001, the Company has excluded all convertible preferred stock, outstanding stock options, convertible notes payable and warrants from the calculation of diluted loss per share, as their effect would have been antidilutive due to the Company's net loss.

        The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 (amounts in thousands except share and per share amounts):

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
  NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,

 
 
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
 
Numerator                          
  Net loss   $ (964 ) $ (1,738 ) $ (3,594 ) $ (4,613 )
  Less Series B preferred dividends     (15 )   (20 )   (48 )   (60 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net loss available to common shareholders   $ (979 ) $ (1,758 ) $ (3,642 ) $ (4,673 )
   
 
 
 
 
Denominator                          
  Weighted-average shares outstanding     5,485,210     5,194,792     5,483,280     4,755,589  
  Basic and diluted loss per share   $ (0.18 ) $ (0.34 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.98 )

NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUISITION OF ASSETS

        On March 30, 2001, the Company completed the purchase of substantially all the assets of G & A Imaging Ltd. (G & A), a privately held developer of software and software systems for digital identification documents for a total purchase price of $3,046,000 in cash ($2,500,000 to selling shareholders and approximately $546,000 in direct transaction costs) and the issuance of 665,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $3,634,000 based on the fair value of the Company's common stock a few days before and after the agreement of terms and announcement. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, G & A's results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

        On August 10, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of Castleworks LLC, a Nevada limited liability company ("Castleworks"), and E-Focus West LLC, a Nevada limited liability company ("E-Focus"), from Castle Holdings LLC, a Nevada limited liability company ("Castle Holdings") for a total purchase price of $234,000 in cash ($100,000 to selling shareholders and $134,000 in direct transaction costs) and the issuance of 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $1,808,000 based on the fair value of the Company's common stock a few days before and after the agreement of terms and announcement. As a result of this transaction, Castleworks and E-Focus became wholly owned subsidiaries of ImageWare. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase

8



method of accounting and, accordingly, Castleworks and E-Focus results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Castleworks and E-Focus develop digital imaging software for professional photographic purposes.

        The following table presents the allocation of the acquisition cost for the G&A and Castleworks and E-Focus acquisitions, including professional fees and other related acquisition costs, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 
  G & A
Imaging

  Castlworks &
E-Focus West

 
Cash   $   $ 25,000  
Accounts receivable     778,000     224,000  
Inventories     789,000     189,000  
Other current assets     1,075,000     21,000  
Property, plant and equipment, net     325,000     248,000  
Other intangibles     2,500,000     395,000  
Goodwill     3,654,000     1,245,000  
   
 
 
Total assets     9,121,000     2,347,000  
   
 
 
Amounts payable to banks and long-term debt due within one year     (789,000 )    
Other current liabilites     (1,581,000 )   (304,000 )
Long-term obligations, net of current portion     (71,000 )    
   
 
 
Total liabilites     (2,441,000 )   (304,000 )
   
 
 
Total acquisition cost   $ 6,680,000   $ 2,043,000  
   
 
 

        The allocation of the purchase price is based upon third-party appraisals using fair value methodologies.

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        The following disclosure presents certain information on the Company's acquired intangible assets as of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001. All intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives, as indicated below, with no estimated residual values.

Acquired Intangible Assets

  Amortization
Period

  Gross
Carrying
Amount

  Accumulated
Amortization

  Net
Balance

 
  ($ in thousands)

At September 30, 2002                      
Amortized acquired intangible assets:                      
  Technology   5 years   $ 1,160   $ (378 ) $ 782
  Trademarks and tradenames   14.5 years     630     (69 )   561
  Customer relationship   5 years     200     (60 )   140
  Non-compete Agreements   3 years     125     (53 )   72
  Patents   4 years     60     (18 )   42
  Acquired Workforce   3 years            
   
 
 
 
        $ 2,175   $ (578 ) $ 1,597
   
 
 
 
At December 31, 2001                      
Amortized acquired intangible assets:                      
  Technology   5 years   $ 1,160   $ (292 ) $ 868
  Trademarks and tradenames   14.5 years     630     (33 )   597
  Customer relationship   5 years     200     (30 )   170
  Non-compete Agreements   3 years     125     (19 )   106
  Patents   4 years     60     (6 )   54
  Acquired Workforce   3 years     700     (175 )   525
   
 
 
 
        $ 2,875   $ (555 ) $ 2,320
   
 
 
 

        As a result of adopting FAS 142 on January 1, 2002, "Acquired workforce" with a net book value of $525,000 was reclassified to goodwill.

        Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was $322,000.

        The estimated acquired intangible amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is a follows:

Fical Year Ended December 31,

  Estimated Amortization Expense
2002   385,000
2003   383,000
2004   354,000
2005   253,000
2006   50,000

        The following (unaudited) pro forma consolidated results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 have been prepared as if the acquisition of G & A, Castleworks and E-Focus had occurred at January 1, 2001:

 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001
 
Sales   $ 12,940,000  
Net income (loss)     (5,676,000 )
Net income (loss) per share—basic     (1.19 )

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        The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated as of that time, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results.

NOTE 4. INVENTORY

        Inventory at September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 were comprised of finished goods of $2,375,000 and $950,000, respectively.

NOTE 5. SEGMENT INFORMATION

        Prior to its acquisition of G & A in March 2001, the Company operated in one business segment. During 2002, the Company reorganized its reportable segments into geographical groups: Americas, International and Digital Photography. In the Company's Americas segment, the Company develops, sells and supports a suite of modular software products and designs systems used by law enforcement and public safety agencies to manage criminal history records and investigate crime as well as develops, sells and supports software and designs systems which utilize digital imaging in the production of photo identification cards, documents and identification badging systems. The Americas segment includes North, Central and South America. The Company's International segment includes all geographic areas other than North, Central and South America. The Company's International segment develops, sells and supports software and designs systems utilizing digital imaging in the production of photo identification cards, documents and identification badging systems. The Digital Photography segment develops digital imaging software which enables professional photographers to quickly and easily take photos and create a database of information that can be sent to photography laboratories for processing.

        Subsequent to the nine months ended September 30, 2002, the Company has re-evaluated its organizational and internal financial reporting structure. Beginning January 2003, the Company will realign its business segments along product and service lines for operating decision purposes and to better assess performance. Financial reporting segments will change to reflect this alignment.

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        The table below summarizes information about reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001:

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED
September 30,

  NINE MONTHS ENDED
September 30,

 
 
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (in thousands)
  (in thousands)
 
Net Revenue:                          
  Americas   $ 2,307   $ 2,881   $ 7,693   $ 8,155  
  International     1,973     1,055     4,171     2,081  
  Digital Photography     391     401     811     401  
   
 
 
 
 
Total consolidated net sales   $ 4,671   $ 4,337   $ 12,675   $ 10,637  

Total Operating expenses per above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Operating loss:                          
  Americas   $ (278 ) $ (1,339 ) $ (1,108 ) $ (4,239 )
  International     (226 )   (381 )   (1,175 )   (554 )
  Digital Photography     (212 )   (88 )   (928 )   (7 )
Other unallocated amounts:                          
  Interest expense (income)     250     (9 )   362     (81 )
  Other expense (income)     (2 )   (20 )   21     (24 )
   
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes   $ (964 ) $ (1,779 ) $ (3,594 ) $ (4,695 )
   
 
 
 
 

 

 

September 30,
2002


 

December 31,
2001


 

 


 

 


 
      (in thousands)              
Total Assets by Segment:                          
Americas   $ 6,933   $ 8,393              
International     6,134     4,701              
Digital Photography     2,026     1,949              
   
 
             
Total assets for reportable segments     15,093     15,043              
Corporate     735     591              
   
 
             
Total consolidated assets   $ 15,828   $ 15,634              
   
 
             

NOTE 6. NOTES PAYABLE AND LINE OF CREDIT

        In May 2002, the Company issued a senior secured convertible promissory note for $2,000,000 at an interest rate of 12.5%, due May 22, 2004. The note is convertible into common shares of the Company at $4.31 per share. In conjunction with the note, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock at $4.74 per share. The Company has recorded the note net of a discount equal to the fair value allocated to the warrants issued of approximately $537,000.

        The convertible note also contained a beneficial conversion feature, which resulted in additional debt discount of $537,000. The beneficial conversion amount was measured using the accounting intrinsic value, i.e. the excess of the aggregate fair value of the common stock into which the debt is convertible over the proceeds allocated to the security. The Company is accreting the beneficial conversion feature as interest expense over the life of the note. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, the Company recorded $192,000 as interest expense from the amortization of the discount related to fair value of the warrants and from the accretion of the beneficial conversion feature.

        The Company also granted the holder of the note an option to acquire an additional senior secured convertible promissory note with an aggregate principal amount of up to $3,000,000, together

12



with an additional warrant to acquire a proportionate number of shares of the common stock of the Company based upon the actual amount of money invested in the additional note. The terms of the additional note and additional warrant would be substantially identical to the initial note and warrant.

        A foreign subsidiary of the Company has line of credit facilities with commercial banks totaling $500,000. As of September 30, 2002, the Company had utilized $398,000 of these facilities. Borrowings under these line of credit facilities bear interest at between 8.0% and 8.4% per annum and are collateralized by the subsidiary's accounts receivable.

        In September 2002, the Company issued a secured demand promissory note for $500,000 at an interest rate of 12.5% to the holder of the convertible promissory note. The note is due and payable upon demand given by the holder.

NOTE 7. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

        In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("FAS 141") and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FAS 142"). FAS 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method. Under FAS 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have indefinite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The amortization provisions of FAS 142 applied immediately to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001.

        As required by FAS 142, the Company has completed the process of assessing whether goodwill within its three primary reporting units was impaired at the date of adoption of this pronouncement, using a two-step transitional impairment test process. The first step, was our identification of potential impairment measured as of January 1, 2002. Completion of this assessment indicated that there was no goodwill impairment as of this date of adoption. The Company will perform its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, upon completion and approval of the Company's financial operating plan.

        For comparative purposes, the following table summarizes net loss and net loss per share information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001 on a pro forma basis, adjusted to exclude amortization of goodwill:

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED
September 30,

  NINE MONTHS ENDED
September 30,

 
 
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
 
Net loss:                          
Reported net loss   $ (964 ) $ (1,738 ) $ (3,594 ) $ (4,613 )
Add back: Goodwill amortization         477         1,184  
   
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net loss   $ (964 ) $ (1,261 ) $ (3,594 ) $ (3,429 )
   
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net loss per share:                          
Reported basic and diluted net loss per share   $ (0.18 ) $ (0.34 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.98 )
Amortization of goodwill   $   $ 0.09   $   $ 0.25  
   
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net loss per share   $ (0.18 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.66 ) $ (0.73 )
   
 
 
 
 

13



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

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include but are not limited to those items discussed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

        The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere within this quarterly report. Fluctuations in annual and quarterly results may occur as a result of factors affecting demand for the Company's products such as the timing of new product introductions by us and by our competitors and our customers' political and budgetary constraints. Due to such fluctuations, historical results and percentage relationships are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for any future period.

OVERVIEW

        ImageWare Systems, Inc. utilizes its imaging technology to develop software used to create booking and investigative software, smart and secure identification systems and documents, and software for professional photographers. Our software systems and associated hardware enable our customers to quickly capture, archive, search, retrieve and share digital photographs and associated text records.

        The following management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our reorganization of business segments into geographical groups and accordingly, our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations will be based on the following segments:

        Americas segment.    This geographical segment includes North, Central and South America. We develop, sell and support of a suite of modular software products and design systems used by law enforcement and public safety agencies to manage criminal history records and investigate crime as well as the develop, sell and support software and design systems which utilize digital imaging in the production of photo identification cards, documents and identification badging systems.

        International segment.    This geographical segment develops, sells and supports software and designs systems which utilize digital imaging in the production of photo identification cards, documents and identification badging systems in all areas other than North, Central and South America.

        Digital Photography segment.    The Digital Photography segment develops digital imaging software which enables professional photographers to quickly and easily take photos and create a database of information that can be sent to photography laboratories for processing.

14



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND 2001.

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Net Product Revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Product revenues:                        
Americas   $ 1,709   $ 2,401   $ (692 ) -29 %
  ercentage of total net product revenue     43 %   64 %          
International   $ 1,846   $ 953   $ 893   94 %
  Percentage of total net product revenue     47 %   25 %          
Digital Photography   $ 387   $ 399   $ (12 ) -3 %
  Percentage of total net product revenue     10 %   11 %          
   
 
 
     
Total net product revenues   $ 3,942   $ 3,753   $ 189   5 %
   
 
 
     

        Product revenues increased 5% from $3,753,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $3,943,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. Revenues related to identification systems and software and law enforcement products in the Americas decreased $692,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2002 as compared to the corresponding period in 2001. We believe that the decrease in both identification systems and software and law enforcement product revenues is reflective of a decrease in government procurement. We believe that the increase in terrorism during the past year has created heightened interest in the ability of law enforcement and other government agencies to be able to efficiently retrieve, analyze and share information from their respective criminal databases. We also believe that government agencies and private entities will react to the increased terrorism by re-evaluating and upgrading their ability to positively identify and track their employees, consultants and visitors. We anticipate that these factors will increase overall demand for the Company's products, however, we cannot predict the timing of the shift in demand.

        International product revenues increased 94% from $953,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $1,846,000 for the corresponding period in 2002 due primarily to higher demand for identification system hardware and identification consumables.

        Digital Photography product revenues decreased 3% from $399,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $387,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001 are from our date of acquisition of this business, August 10, 2001, through September 30, 2001. This decrease is reflective of our decision to sell software only solutions in 2002 as compared to our selling bundled software and hardware in 2001.

15



        Our backlog of product orders as of September 30, 2002 was approximately $1,020,000.

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Maintenance Revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Maintenance revenues:                        
Americas   $ 599   $ 482   $ 117   24 %
  Percentage of total net maintenenance revenue     82 %   83 %          
International   $ 126   $ 100   $ 26   26 %
  Percentage of total net maintenenance revenue     17 %   17 %          
Digital Photography   $ 4   $ 2   $ 2   100 %
  Percentage of total net maintenenance revenue     1 %   0 %          
   
 
 
     
Total net maintenance revenues   $ 729   $ 584   $ 145   25 %
   
 
 
     

        Maintenance revenues increased 25% from $584,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $729,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. This increase is due to the expansion of our installed base of both law enforcement and identification systems in the Americas. International maintenance increased 26% or $26,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 from $100,000 to $126,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. This increase is due primarily to the expansion of our installed base of identification systems.

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Cost of Product Revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Cost of product revenues:                        
Americas   $ 490   $ 987   $ (497 ) -50 %
  Percentage of Americas product revenue     29 %   41 %          
International   $ 1,155   $ 576   $ 579   100 %
  Percentage of International product revenue     63 %   60 %          
Digital Photography   $ 50   $ 210   $ (160 ) -76 %
  Percentage of digital photography product revenue     13 %   53 %          
   
 
 
     
Total product cost of revenues   $ 1,695   $ 1,773   $ (78 ) -4 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total product revenues     43 %   47 %          

        Cost of product revenues as a percentage of product revenues decreased from 47% for the three month period ended September 30, 2001 to 43% of product revenues for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease is due primarily to higher software and royalty revenues in the Americas offset by higher international product revenues and costs. International product revenues typically contain a relatively higher percentage of hardware and print media consumables resulting in higher cost of sales as a percentage of product revenues. Cost of product revenues for the Americas decreased 50%, from $987,000 or 41% of product revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $490,000, or 29% of product revenues for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease is due primarily to the mix of product revenues. The three month period ended September 30, 2002 contained a higher percentage of software and royalty revenue than the corresponding period in 2001. Costs of products can vary as a percentage of product revenue from period to period depending upon product mix and the hardware content, print media consumable content and software content included in systems installed during a given period.

16



        Cost of product revenues related to our Digital Photography segment decreased 76% from $210,000, or 53% of Digital Photography revenues to $50,000 or 13% of Digital Photography revenues for the corresponding period in 2002. Cost of Digital Photography product revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001 include costs from our date of acquisition of this business, August 10, 2001, through September 30, 2001. The decrease of $160,000 despite our owning this business for the entire 3 month period ended September 30, 2002 is reflective of our decision to sell software only solutions in 2002 as compared to our selling bundled software and hardware in 2001.

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Maintenance cost of revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Maintenance cost of revenues:                        
Americas   $ 240   $ 259   $ (19 ) -7 %
  Percentage of Americas maintenance revenue     40 %   54 %          
International   $ 66   $ 29   $ 37   128 %
  Percentage of International maintenance revenue     52 %   29 %          
Digital Photography   $   $   $   N/A  
  Percentage of digital photography maintenance revenue                        
   
 
 
     
Total maintenance cost of revenues   $ 306   $ 288   $ 18   6 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total maintenance revenues     42 %   49 %          

        Costs of maintenance revenues increased 6% from $288,000, or 49% of maintenance revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $306,000, or 42% of maintenance revenues, for the corresponding period in 2002. Cost of maintenance revenues in the Americas decreased 7%, from $259,000 or 54% of maintenance revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $240,000 or 40% of maintenance revenues for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease in costs of maintenance revenues as a percentage of maintenance revenues is due primarily to a larger revenue base to absorb fixed maintenance costs. Also contributing to the reduction in cost of maintenance revenues was the movement of certain help desk functions from San Diego to our Canadian office resulting in lower personnel costs. International maintenance cost of revenues increased due to higher service costs incurred in our international operations.

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Product gross profit

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Americas   $ 1,219   $ 1,414   $ (195 ) -14 %
  Percentage of Americas product revenue     71 %   59 %          
International   $ 691   $ 377   $ 314   83 %
  Percentage of International product revenue     37 %   40 %          
Digital Photography   $ 336   $ 189   $ 147   78 %
  Percentage of digital photography product revenue     87 %   47 %          
   
 
 
     
Total product gross profit   $ 2,246   $ 1,980   $ 266   13 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total product revenues     57 %   53 %          

        Total product gross margins as a percentage of product revenues increased from 53% for the three month period ended September 30, 2001 to 57% of product revenues for the corresponding period in

17



2002. The overall increase is primarily due to higher revenues from the sales of software and royalty revenues in both the Americas and Digital Photography segments.

        Americas gross profit as a percentage of Americas product revenue increased from 59% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to 71% for the corresponding period of 2002. This increase is due primarily to our product mix containing higher percentages of software only sales and royalty revenues than the comparable period in 2001. Costs of products can vary as a percentage of product revenue from quarter to quarter depending upon product mix and hardware content and print media consumable content included in systems installed during a given period.

        Gross margins for the Digital Photography product segment increased 78% or $147,000, from $189,000 or 47% of Digital Photography product revenues to $336,000, or 87% of Digital Photography revenues for the corresponding period in 2002. The percentage increase is reflective of our selling software only solutions in 2002 as compared with hardware and software solutions sold in 2001. The dollar increase in 2002 is due to our acquisition of this business August 10, 2001.

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Maintenance gross profit

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Maintenance gross profit                        
Americas   $ 359   $ 223   $ 136   61 %
  Percentage of Americas maintenance revenue     60 %   46 %          
International   $ 61   $ 71   $ (10 ) -14 %
  Percentage of International maintenance revenue     48 %   70 %          
Digital Photography   $ 4   $ 2   $ 2   100 %
  Percentage of digital photography maintenance revenue     100 %   100 %          
   
 
 
     
Total maintenance gross profit   $ 424   $ 296   $ 128   43 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total maintenance revenues     58 %   51 %          

        Gross margins related to maintenance revenues increased $128,000 from $296,000, or 51% of maintenance revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $424,000, or 58% of maintenance revenues for the corresponding period in 2002. This increase is due primarily to increased revenues resulting from our expanding installed base to absorb fixed costs. Also contributing to this increase was the movement of certain help desk functions from San Diego to our Canadian office resulting in lower personnel costs.

18



        International maintenance gross margins decreased 14% or $10,000 from $71,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $61,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease was due to higher service costs incurred.

 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Operating expenses

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
General & administrative   $ 1,646   $ 1,588   $ 58   4 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     35 %   37 %          
Sales and marketing   $ 957   $ 1,193   $ (236 ) -20 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     20 %   28 %          
Research & development   $ 538   $ 644   $ (106 ) -17 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     12 %   15 %          
Depreciation and amortization   $ 245   $ 659   $ (414 ) -63 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     5 %   15 %          

        GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.    General and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of salaries and other employee-related costs for executive, financial, and other infrastructure personnel. General legal, accounting and consulting services, insurance, occupancy and communication costs are also included with general and administrative expenses. Such expenses, as a percentage of total net revenues, decreased from 37% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to 35% for the corresponding period in 2002. We are continuing to focus our efforts on achieving additional future operating efficiencies by reviewing and improving upon existing business processes and evaluating our cost structure. We believe these efforts will allow us to gradually decrease our level of general and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of total revenues.

        SALES AND MARKETING.    Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of the salaries, commissions, other incentive compensation, employee benefits and travel expenses of our sales force. Such expenses, as a percentage of total net revenues, decreased from 28% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to 20% for the corresponding period in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to reduced headcount.

        RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.    Research and development costs consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits and outside contractors for new product development, product enhancements and custom integration work. Such expenses, as a percentage of total net revenues, decreased from 15% for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to 12% for the corresponding period in 2002. Our level of expenditures in research and development reflects our belief that to maintain our competitive position in markets characterized by rapid rates of technological advancement, we must continue to invest significant resources in new systems and software as well as continue to enhance existing products.

        DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.    Depreciation and amortization decreased $414,000 from $659,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2001 to $245,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease is due primarily from our adoption of the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FAS 142"). Under FAS 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have indefinite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives (but with no maximum life). The amortization provisions of FAS 142 applied immediately to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. For the three months ended September 30, 2001, we recorded

19



amortization expense of approximately $477,000 related to goodwill that is no longer being amortized in fiscal year 2002 under the provisions of FAS 142.

        INTEREST EXPENSE, NET.    For the three months ended September 30, 2002, we recognized interest income of $18,000 and interest expense of $267,000. For the three months ended September 30, 2001, we recognized interest income of $15,000 and interest expense of $4,000. Interest expense in the three months ended September 30, 2002 increased due to our issuance of senior secured convertible promissory notes payable, short-term demand notes payable and short-term borrowings under banking lines of credit.

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND 2001.

 
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Net Product Revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Product revenues:                        
Americas   $ 6,002   $ 6,816   $ (814 ) -12 %
  Percentage of total net product revenue     57 %   76 %          
International   $ 3,814   $ 1,800   $ 2,014   112 %
  Percentage of total net product revenue     36 %   20 %          
Digital Photography   $ 785   $ 399   $ 386   97 %
  Percentage of total net product revenue     7 %   4 %          
   
 
 
     
Total net product revenues   $ 10,601   $ 9,015   $ 1,586   18 %
   
 
 
     

        Product revenues increased 18% from $9,015,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $10,601,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. Revenues related to identification systems and software and law enforcement products in the Americas decreased $814,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 as compared to the corresponding period in 2001. We believe that the decrease in both identification systems and software and law enforcement product revenues is reflective of a decrease in government procurement. We believe that the increase in terrorism during the past year has created heightened interest in the ability of law enforcement and other government agencies to be able to efficiently retrieve, analyze and share information from their respective criminal databases. We also believe that government agencies and private entities will react to the increased terrorism by re-evaluating and upgrading their ability to positively identify and track their employees, consultants and visitors. We anticipate that these factors will increase overall demand for the Company's products; however, we cannot predict the timing of the shift in demand.

        International product revenues increased 112% from $1,800,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $3,814,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. This increase is due to our acquisition of G&A on March 31, 2001 and the inclusion of G & A's revenues for only six months during 2001. International product revenues were $871,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2002. Revenues also increased to due to higher sales of hardware and print media consumables driven primarily by increased demand for our next generation card printer and related print media consumables.

20



        Revenues related to our Digital Photography products increased 97% or $386,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 as compared to the corresponding period in 2001. This revenue increase is due primarily to our acquisition of this business August 10, 2001.

 
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Maintenance Revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Maintenance revenues:                        
Americas   $ 1,690   $ 1,338   $ 352   26 %
  Percentage of total net maintenenance revenue     81 %   82 %          
International   $ 358   $ 282   $ 76   27 %
  Percentage of total net maintenenance revenue     17 %   17 %          
Digital Photography   $ 26   $ 2   $ 24      
  Percentage of total net maintenenance revenue     1 %   0 %          
   
 
 
     
Total net maintenance revenues   $ 2,074   $ 1,622   $ 452   28 %
   
 
 
     

        Maintenance revenues increased 28% from $1,622,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $2,074,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. This increase is due to the expansion of our installed base of both law enforcement and identification systems in the Americas and the addition of our International and Digital Photography businesses during the 2001 period. Maintenance revenues related to our International operations and Digital Photography were $358,000 and $26,000, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 as compared to $282,000 and $2,000 for the corresponding period in 2001. Maintenance revenues related to our International operations were $121,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2002. There were no such revenues in the corresponding period in 2001 as we acquired this business through our acquisition of G & A subsequent to March 30, 2001. The Digital Photography maintenance revenue increase of $24,000 is due to the acquisition of this business August 10, 2001.

 
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Cost of product revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Cost of Product Revenues:                        
Americas   $ 2,149   $ 2,742   $ (593 ) -22 %
  Percentage of Americas product revenue     36 %   40 %          
International   $ 2,253   $ 1,049   $ 1,204   115 %
  Percentage of International product revenue     59 %   58 %          
Digital Photography   $ 218   $ 210   $ 8   4 %
  Percentage of digital photography product revenue     28 %   53 %          
   
 
 
     
Total product cost of revenues   $ 4,620   $ 4,001   $ 619   15 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total product revenues     44 %   44 %          

        Cost of product revenues as a percentage of product revenues was 44% for both nine month periods ended September 30, 2001 and 2002. Cost of product revenues for the Americas decreased 4% as a percentage of Americas revenue from 40% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2001 to 36% for the corresponding period in 2002 due primarily to product mix. Costs of products can vary as a percentage of product revenue from period to period depending upon product mix and the hardware content, print media consumable content and software content included in systems installed during a given period.

21



        Cost of international product revenues increased $1,204,000 from $1,049,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $2,253,000 for the comparable period in 2002. This dollar increase is due both to the acquisition of G & A on March 31, 2001 as well as higher international product revenues from higher sales of hardware and print media consumables of our next generation card printer and related print media consumables. Cost of international product revenues as a percentage of international product revenues increased slightly from 58% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2001 to 59% for the corresponding period in 2002. This percentage increase is due primarily to product mix. Costs of products can vary as a percentage of product revenue from period to period depending upon product mix and the hardware content, print media consumable content and software content included in systems installed during a given period.

        Cost of Digital Photography product revenues as a percentage of digital Photography product revenues decreased from 53% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2001 to 28% for the corresponding period in 2002. This percentage decrease reflects 2002 product sales of software only solutions as compared to hardware and software solutions sold in 2001. The dollar increase of $8,000 from $210,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $218,000 for the comparable period in 2002 is due to the timing of our acquisition of this business on August 10, 2001.

 
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Maintenance cost of revenues

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Maintenance cost of revenues:                        
Americas   $ 691   $ 788   $ (97 ) -12 %
  Percentage of Americas maintenance revenue     41 %   49 %          
International   $ 157   $ 91   $ 66   72 %
  Percentage of International maintenance revenue     44 %   32 %          
Digital Photography   $   $   $   N/A  
  Percentage of digital photography maintenance revenue                        
   
 
 
     
Total maintenance cost of revenues   $ 848   $ 879   $ (31 ) -2 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total maintenance revenues     41 %   54 %          

        Costs of maintenance revenues decreased 2% from $879,000, or 54% of maintenance revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $848,000, or 41% of maintenance revenues, for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease in costs of maintenance revenues as a percentage of maintenance revenues is due primarily to a larger revenue base to absorb fixed maintenance costs. Also contributing to the reduction in cost of maintenance revenues was the movement of certain help desk

22



functions from San Diego to our Canadian office resulting in lower personnel costs. International maintenance cost of revenues increased due to the timing of our acquisition of G & A.

 
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Product gross profit

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Americas   $ 3,854   $ 4,075   $ (221 ) -5 %
  Percentage of Americas product revenue     64 %   60 %          
International   $ 1,562   $ 751   $ 811   108 %
  Percentage of International product revenue     41 %   42 %          
Digital Photography   $ 567   $ 189   $ 378   200 %
  Percentage of digital photography product revenue     72 %   47 %          
   
 
 
     
Total product gross profit   $ 5,983   $ 5,015   $ 968   19 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total product revenues     56 %   56 %          

        Total product gross margins as a percentage of product revenues was 56% for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2001 and 2002. Americas gross profit as a percentage of Americas product revenue increased from 60% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 64% for the corresponding period of 2002. This increase is due primarily to the mix of products sold during these respective periods. Costs of products can vary as a percentage of product revenue from quarter to quarter depending upon product mix and hardware content, print media consumable content and software content, included in systems installed during a given period.

        Gross margins for the International segment as a percentage of International product revenue decreased slightly from 42% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2001 to 41% for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease is due to the mix of products sold by the International segment during these respective periods. Costs of products can vary as a percentage of product revenue from quarter to quarter depending upon product mix and hardware content, print media consumable content and software content, included in systems installed during a given period.

        Gross margins for the Digital Photography segment as a percentage of Digital Photography product revenues increased from 47% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2001 to 72% for the corresponding period in 2002. This percentage increase reflects 2002 product sales of software only solutions as compared to hardware and software solutions sold in 2001.

 
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Maintenance gross profit

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Maintenance gross profit                        
Americas   $ 997   $ 550   $ 447   81 %
  Percentage of Americas maintenance revenue     59 %   41 %          
International   $ 201   $ 190   $ 11   6 %
  Percentage of International maintenance revenue     56 %   68 %          
Digital Photography   $ 26   $ 2   $ 24      
  Percentage of digital photography maintenance revenue     100 %   100 %          
   
 
 
     
Total maintenance gross profit   $ 1,224   $ 742   $ 482   65 %
   
 
 
     
  Percentage of total maintenance revenues     59 %   46 %          

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        Gross margins related to maintenance revenues increased $482,000 from $742,000, or 46% of maintenance revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $1,224,000, or 59% of maintenance revenues for the corresponding period in 2002. This increase is due primarily to increased revenues resulting from our expanding installed base to absorb fixed costs. Also contributing to this increase was the movement of certain help desk functions from San Diego to our Canadian office resulting in lower personnel costs.

 
  NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
   
   
 
Operating expenses

   
   
 
  2002
  2001
  $ Change
  % Change
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
General & administrative   $ 5,037   $ 4,493   $ 544   12 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     40 %   42 %          
Sales and marketing   $ 3,158   $ 2,799   $ 359   13 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     25 %   26 %          
Research & development   $ 1,563   $ 1,691   $ (128 ) -8 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     12 %   16 %          
Depreciation and amortization   $ 660   $ 1,574   $ (914 ) -58 %
  Percentage of total net revenue     5 %   15 %          

        GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.    General and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of salaries and other employee-related costs for executive, financial, and other infrastructure personnel. General legal, accounting and consulting services, insurance, occupancy and communication costs are also included with general and administrative expenses. Such expenses, as a percentage of total net revenues, decreased from 42% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 40% for the corresponding period in 2002. The dollar increase of $544,000 or 12%, from $4,493,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $5,037,000 for the corresponding period in 2002 is due primarily to the inclusion of the acquired infrastructure of G & A, Castleworks and E-Focus. We are continuing to focus our efforts on achieving additional future operating efficiencies by reviewing and improving upon existing business processes and evaluating our cost structure. We believe these efforts will allow us to gradually decrease our level of general and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of total revenues.

        SALES AND MARKETING.    Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of the salaries, commissions, other incentive compensation, employee benefits and travel expenses of our sales force. Such expenses, as a percentage of total net revenues, decreased from 26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 25% for the corresponding period in 2002. This dollar increase of $359,000, or 13%, is due primarily to the acquired sales and marketing force of G & A, Castleworks and E-Focus.

        RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.    Research and development costs consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits and outside contractors for new product development, product enhancements and custom integration work. Such expenses, as a percentage of total net revenues, decreased from 16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 12% for the corresponding period in 2002. These levels of expenditures in research and development reflect our belief that to maintain our competitive position in markets characterized by rapid rates of technological advancement, we must continue to invest significant resources in new systems and software as well as continue to enhance existing products.

        DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.    Depreciation and amortization decreased $914,000 from $1,574,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to $660,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease is due primarily from our adoption of the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FAS 142"). Under FAS 142,

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goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have indefinite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives (but with no maximum life). The amortization provisions of FAS 142 applied immediately to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, we recorded amortization expense of approximately $1,184,000 related to goodwill that is no longer being amortized in fiscal year 2002 under the provisions of FAS 142.

        INTEREST EXPENSE, NET.    For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, we recognized interest income of $35,000 and interest expense of $397,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, we recognized interest income of $116,000 and interest expense of $35,000. Interest income in the nine months ended September 30, 2002 decreased due to lower cash and cash equivalents held in interest bearing accounts, resulting from the use of cash to fund our net loss and acquisitions of G & A and Castleworks and E-Focus. Interest expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2002 increased due to our issuance of senior secured convertible promissory notes payable, short-term demand notes payable and short-term borrowings under banking lines of credit.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        As of September 30, 2002, we had total current assets of $7,311,000 and total current liabilities of $7,632,000, or a negative working capital of $321,000. At September 30, 2002, we had available cash of $707,000 and $30,000 in restricted cash securing our San Diego, California facility lease.

        Net cash used in operating activities was $1,967,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2002 as compared to $2,466,000 for the corresponding period in 2001. We used cash to fund net losses of $2,693,000, excluding non-cash expenses (depreciation and amortization) of $901,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. We used cash to fund net losses of $3,004,000 , excluding non-cash expenses (depreciation and amortization) of 1,609,000 for the corresponding period in 2001. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, we used cash of $55,000 to fund increases in current assets and generated cash of $781,000 through increases in current liabilities, excluding debt. In 2001, we used cash of $327,000 to fund increases in current assets and intangible assets, and generated cash of $865,000 from increases in current liabilities and deferred revenues, excluding debt.

        Net cash used by investing activities was $394,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 as compared to $3,130,000 for the corresponding period in 2001. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, we used cash to fund capital expenditures of computer equipment and software, furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements of approximately $289,000. The level of equipment purchases resulted primarily from continued growth of the business and replacement of older equipment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, we used cash of approximately $135,000 to repay advances from related stockholders and generated cash of $30,000 through reductions in restricted cash. For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, we used cash of $335,000 to fund capital expenditures of computer equipment, software, furniture and fixtures. We used cash of $69,000 to repay advances from related stockholders and used cash of $3,196,000 to fund our acquisitions of G & A Imaging and Castleworks. In 2001, we generated cash of $470,000 through reductions in restricted cash.

        Net cash provided by financing activities was $2,609,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2002 as compared to net cash used by financing activities of $702,000 for the corresponding period in 2001. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, we generated cash of $2,000,000 from our issuance of a senior secured convertible promissory note payable offset by $272,000 in debt issuance costs and generated cash of $500,000 from our issuance of a demand promissory note. We also generated cash of $398,000 from short-term borrowings under bank line of credit agreements. We used cash of $17,000 for the repayment of various capital lease obligations. For the corresponding period in 2001, we used cash of $702,000 for the repayment of notes payable.

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        We conduct operations in leased facilities under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2006. Additionally, we have acquired certain equipment under capital leases which expire at various dates through 2006. In conjunction with our San Diego, California leased facility, we are contingently liable under an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $30,000. The letter of credit expires July 31, 2003 provided there are no drawings against the outstanding balance. We also have various short-term notes payable and capital lease obligations due at various times during the next twelve months.

        The report of the Company's independent accountants included with our most recent Annual Report filed on Form 10-KSB on April 1, 2002 includes an explanatory paragraph as to the uncertainty that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company is seeking additional financing that we believe is necessary to fund our working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months, assuming the successful implementation of our business plan. Our business plan includes, among other things, significant increases in revenues in future periods, the monitoring and controlling of operating expenses, collection of significant trade and other accounts receivables, and controlling of capital expenditures. If we are unable to secure additional financing or successfully implement our business plan, we will be required to seek funding from alternate sources and/or institute significant cost reduction plans. We may seek to sell equity or debt securities, secure a bank line of credit, or consider strategic alliances. The sale of equity or equity related securities could result in additional dilution to our shareholders. There can be no assurance that additional financing, in any form, will be available at all or, if available, will be on terms acceptable to the Company. In addition, our ability to raise additional capital may be dependent upon the Company's Common Stock being quoted on the American Stock Exchange. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to satisfy the criteria for continued listing on the American Stock Exchange. Insufficient funds may require us to delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our activities, and if we are unable to obtain additional funding there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

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RISK FACTORS

We currently have limited cash resources and need additional funding to finance our working capital requirements during the next twelve months.

        We currently require financing to fund our anticipated working capital requirement during the next twelve months. We anticipate that our existing resources will not be sufficient to enable us to maintain our current and planned operations for the next twelve months, and the report of our independent accountants included with our annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2001 includes an explanatory paragraph as to the uncertainty regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. We are seeking additional funding through public or private equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are required to sell equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing shareholders may incur substantial dilution and any shares so issued may have rights, preferences and privileges superior to the rights, preferences and privileges of our outstanding Common Stock. Also, we may be required to obtain funds through arrangements with third parties that require us to relinquish rights to certain of our technologies or products that we would seek to develop or commercialize ourselves. In addition, our ability to raise additional capital may be dependent upon the Company's Common Stock being listed on the American Stock Exchange. We cannot guarantee that the Company will be able to satisfy the criteria for continued listing on the American Stock Exchange. Insufficient funds may require us to delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our activities, and if we are unable to obtain additional funding there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

We have a history of significant recurring losses totaling approximately $34.1 million, and we expect to incur losses in the future.

        As of September 30, 2002, we had an accumulated deficit of $34.1 million, and we expect to incur losses in the future. We may need to raise capital to cover these losses, and financing may not be available to us on favorable terms. We expect to continue to incur significant sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses. As a result, we will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability and may never achieve profitability.

The holders of our preferred stock have certain rights and privileges that are senior to the Common Stock and we may issue additional shares of preferred stock without shareholder approval that could have a material adverse effect on the market value of the common stock.

        The provisions of our outstanding Series B Preferred Stock prohibit the payment of dividends on the common stock unless the dividends on those preferred shares are first paid. In addition, upon a liquidation, dissolution or sale of ImageWare's business, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, in preference to any distribution to the holders of common stock, initial distributions of $2.50 per share, plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.

        Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue a total of up to 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions, including voting rights, of the preferred stock, which typically are senior to the rights of the common shareholders, without any further vote or action by you and the other common shareholders. Your rights will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of the preferred stock that have been issued, or might be issued in the future. The issuance of additional shares preferred stock also could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of the outstanding voting stock of ImageWare. This could delay, defer, or prevent a change in control. Furthermore, holders of preferred stock may have other rights, including economic rights, senior to the common stock. As a result, their existence and issuance could have a material adverse effect on the market value of the

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common stock. We have in the past issued, and, may from time to time in the future issue, preferred stock for financing or other purposes with rights, preferences, or privileges senior to the common stock.

We depend upon a small number of large system sales costing from $300,000 to $600,000, and we may fail to achieve one or more large system sales in the future.

        In the past three years we have derived a substantial portion of our revenues from a small number of sales of large, relatively expensive systems, typically ranging in price from $300,000 to $600,000. As a result, if we fail to receive orders for these large systems in a given sales cycle on a consistent basis, our business could be significantly harmed. Further, our quarterly results are difficult to predict because we cannot predict in which quarter, if any, large system sales will occur in a given year. As a result, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our results of operations are not a good indication of our future performance. In some future quarters our operating results may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, in which case the market price of our common stock may decrease significantly.

Our lengthy sales cycle may cause us to expend significant resources for as long as one year in anticipation of a sale, yet we still may fail to complete the sale.

        When considering the purchase of a large computerized booking or identification system, a government agency may take as long as a year to evaluate different systems and obtain approval for the purchase. If we fail to complete a sale, we will have expended significant resources and received no revenue in return. Generally, agencies consider a wide range of issues before committing to purchase our products, including product benefits, ability to operate with their current systems, product reliability and their own budgetary constraints. While potential customers are evaluating our products and before they place an order with us, we may incur substantial selling costs and expend significant management effort to accomplish a sale.

Our operating cash flow is dependent upon cash collections of accounts receivable and we may fail to timely collect such receivables resulting in insufficient funds.

        A substantial portion of our operating cash flow is dependent upon timely collections of accounts receivable. If we fail to collect accounts receivable we may experience insufficient funds which may affect our ability to effectively implement our business plan causing our business to be significantly harmed. Insufficient funds may require us to delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our activities.

A significant number of our customers are government agencies that are subject to unique political and budgetary constraints and have special contracting requirements which may affect our ability to obtain new government customers.

        A significant number of our customers are government agencies. These agencies often do not set their own budgets and therefore have little control over the amount of money they can spend. In addition, these agencies experience political pressure that may dictate the manner in which they spend money. Due to political and budgetary processes and other scheduling delays that may frequently occur relating to the contract or bidding process, some government agency orders may be canceled or substantially delayed, and the receipt of revenues or payments may be substantially delayed. In addition, future sales to government agencies will depend on our ability to meet government contracting requirements, certain of which may be onerous or impossible to meet, resulting in our inability to obtain a particular contract. Common requirements in government contracts include bonding requirements, provisions permitting the purchasing agency to modify or terminate at will the contract without penalty, and provisions permitting the agency to perform investigations or audits of our business practices.

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We have been served with a lawsuit that may result in monetary damages and the discontinuation or interruption of the sales of some of our products.

        We are currently a named defendant in a lawsuit brought by The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Electronics for Imaging, Inc. in which we, along with 213 other defendants, were named. This lawsuit alleges, among other things, that certain of our products infringe one or more claims of a patent for color reproduction systems. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in defending this lawsuit, and, if our defense is unsuccessful, we may be required to pay license fees or substantial damages, including punitive, statutory or other damages. We also may be required by the court to cease the sale of infringing products. Furthermore, our insurance coverage and other capital resources may be inadequate to cover the costs of the lawsuit or any possible settlements or licenses. If successful, this lawsuit could harm our business by forcing us to cease the sale of certain products or require us to pay monetary damages. Even if unsuccessful, these claims still can harm our business by damaging our reputation, requiring us to incur legal costs, lowering our stock price and public demand for our stock, and diverting management's attention away from our primary business activities in general.

We may fail to create new applications for our products and enter new markets, which may affect our future success.

        We believe our future success depends in part on our ability to develop and market our technology for applications other than booking systems for the law enforcement market. If we fail in these goals, our business strategy and ability to generate revenues and cash flow would be significantly impaired. We intend to expend significant resources to develop new technology, but the successful development of new technology cannot be predicted and we cannot guarantee we will succeed in these goals.

        We are occasionally a subcontractor to systems integrators who manage large projects incorporating our systems, particularly in foreign countries. We cannot control these companies, and they may decide not to promote our products, or they may price their services in such a way as to make it unprofitable for us to continue our relationship with them. Further, they may fail to perform under agreements with their customers, in which case we might lose sales to these customers. If we lose our relationships with these companies, our business may suffer.

We rely on a license of technology from Visionics, Inc., and this license may be terminated in the future.

        We depend on a licensing arrangement with Visionics for technology related to the search engine used in our facial recognition software systems. Our licensing arrangement with Visionics was renewed effective October 1, 2001 for a two year term. If Visionics becomes unable or unwilling to continue to license us this technology or to renew the terms of this license, we will have to identify or develop acceptable alternative sources of this technology, which could take up to three months or longer. Any significant interruption in our ability to identify and contract with alternative providers of similar technology or to develop our own search engine would result in delivery delays, which could harm our customer relationships and our business and reputation.

We do not have U.S. or foreign patent protection for several of our products, and a competitor may be able to replicate our technology.

        Our business is based in large part on our technology, and our success depends in part on our ability and efforts to protect our intellectual property rights. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, our business will be seriously harmed. We do not have patent protection for several of our products, including the Crime Capture System. Our Crime Capture System is based upon proprietary technology. Some of the technology used in our Suspect ID, Crime Lab and Vehicle ID products is protected by patents, copyrights and various trade secret protections afforded to us by law.

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        We license certain elements of our trademarks, trade dress, copyright and other intellectual property to third parties. We attempt to ensure that our rights in our trade names and the quality of third party uses of our names are maintained by these third parties. However, these third parties may take actions that could significantly impair the value of our intellectual property and our reputation and goodwill.

        In addition, international intellectual property laws differ from country to country. Any foreign rights we have in our technology are limited by what has been afforded to us under the applicable foreign intellectual property laws. Also, under the laws of certain foreign jurisdictions, in order to have recognizable intellectual property rights, we may be required to file applications with various foreign agencies or officials to register our intellectual property. Accordingly, our ability to operate and exploit our technology overseas could be significantly hindered.

We have acquired several businesses and face risks associated with integrating these businesses and potential future businesses that we may acquire.

        We completed the acquisitions of Imaging Technology Corporation ("ITC"), Goddard Technology Corporation ("Goddard"), G & A Imaging, Ltd. ("G & A"), Castleworks LLC ("Castleworks") and E-Focus West LLC ("E-Focus West"). We are in the process of integrating these businesses. We plan to continue to review potential acquisition candidates and our strategy includes building our business through acquisitions. However, acceptable acquisition candidates may not be available in the future or may not be available on terms and conditions acceptable to us.

        Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including, among others, difficulties and expenses incurred in the consummation of acquisitions and assimilation of the operations, personnel and services and products of the acquired companies. Additional risks associated with acquisitions include the difficulties of operating new businesses, the diversion of management's attention from other business concerns and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company. If we do not successfully integrate the businesses we recently acquired or any businesses we may acquire in the future, our business will suffer.

We operate in foreign countries and are exposed to risks associated with foreign political, economic and legal environments and with foreign currency exchange rates.

        With our acquisition of G & A, we have significant foreign operations and are accordingly exposed to risks, including, among others, risks associated with foreign political, economic and legal environments and with foreign currency exchange rates. Our results may be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in government policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflation measures, currency conversions, remittance abroad and rates and methods of taxation.


ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.    ImageWare's chief executive officer and its chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of ImageWare's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-14) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB (the "Evaluation Date"), have concluded that as of such date, ImageWare's disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by ImageWare in the reports that it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission's rules and forms.

        Changes in internal controls.    There have been no significant changes in ImageWare's internal controls since the Evaluation Date. ImageWare is not aware of any significant change in any other factor that could significantly affect its internal controls subsequent to the Evaluation Date.

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PART II

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

99.1    Certification by Principal Executive and Financial Officers

31



SIGNATURES

        In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC.

Date: November 14, 2002

 

By:

 

/s/ Wayne Wetherell

Wayne Wetherell, Chief Financial Officer
(on behalf of the Registrant and
as Registrant's Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)

32



Certification of CEO Pursuant to
Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, S. James Miller, the Chief Executive Officer of ImageWare Systems, Inc., certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB of ImageWare Systems, Inc.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

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

            (b)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

            (c)  presented in this quarterly report, our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

            (a)  all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

            (b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Dated:   November 13, 2002
  By:   /s/  S. JAMES MILLER      
S. James Miller
Chief Executive Officer


Certification of CFO Pursuant to
Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Wayne G. Wetherell, the Chief Financial Officer of ImageWare Systems, Inc., certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-QSB of ImageWare Systems, Inc.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

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

            (b)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

            (c)  presented in this quarterly report, our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

            (a)  all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

            (b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Dated:   November 13, 2002
  By:   /s/  WAYNE G. WETHERELL      
Wayne G. Wetherell
Chief Financial Officer



QuickLinks

IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. INDEX
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS)
IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)
IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND 2001 (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED)
IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED)
IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RISK FACTORS
SIGNATURES
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002