Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                     to                    

 


 

Commission File Number: 1-13906

 

BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

 

47-0587703

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

 

 

4350 McKinley Street, Omaha, Nebraska

 

68112

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(402) 453-4444

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No x

 

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

 

Class

 

Outstanding as of November 4, 2011

Common Stock, $.01, par value

 

14,511,840

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

15

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

20

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

20

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

20

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

21

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

21

 

 

 

 

Signatures

22

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I.  Financial Information

 

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

22,444

 

$

22,250

 

Restricted cash

 

209

 

209

 

Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $198 and $306, respectively)

 

53,333

 

16,380

 

Unbilled receivables

 

502

 

7,057

 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods, net

 

10,841

 

21,857

 

Work in process

 

576

 

432

 

Raw materials and components, net

 

5,637

 

5,651

 

Total inventories, net

 

17,054

 

27,940

 

Recoverable income taxes

 

285

 

5

 

Other current assets

 

5,563

 

5,571

 

Total current assets

 

99,390

 

79,412

 

Investment in joint venture

 

1,917

 

2,070

 

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $10,041 and $9,426, respectively)

 

10,871

 

9,750

 

Other non-current assets

 

2,446

 

723

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,143

 

76

 

Total assets

 

$

116,767

 

$

92,031

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

40,549

 

$

30,751

 

Other accrued expenses

 

3,825

 

3,890

 

Customer deposits/deferred revenue

 

3,346

 

2,849

 

Income tax payable

 

3,693

 

1,521

 

Total current liabilities

 

51,413

 

39,011

 

Deferred revenue

 

3,584

 

 

Other accrued expenses

 

702

 

643

 

Total liabilities

 

55,699

 

39,654

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; Authorized 1,000 shares, none outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; Authorized 25,000 shares; issued 16,659 shares in 2011 and 16,453 shares in 2010

 

167

 

165

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

37,151

 

36,241

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

(593

)

260

 

Minimum pension liability

 

80

 

80

 

Retained earnings

 

39,746

 

31,014

 

 

 

76,551

 

67,760

 

Less 2,155 and 2,140 of common shares in treasury, at cost, respectively

 

(15,483

)

(15,383

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

61,068

 

52,377

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

116,767

 

$

92,031

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net revenues

 

$

63,437

 

$

32,930

 

$

132,906

 

$

91,016

 

Cost of revenues

 

53,387

 

26,461

 

110,019

 

74,281

 

Gross profit

 

10,050

 

6,469

 

22,887

 

16,735

 

Selling and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

933

 

726

 

2,924

 

2,280

 

Administrative

 

2,543

 

2,215

 

7,473

 

6,353

 

Total selling and administrative expenses

 

3,476

 

2,941

 

10,397

 

8,633

 

Gain on the sale/disposal/transfer of assets

 

13

 

7

 

36

 

178

 

Income from operations

 

6,587

 

3,535

 

12,526

 

8,280

 

Net interest expense

 

(12

)

(8

)

(38

)

(10

)

Equity in income (loss) of joint venture

 

207

 

(24

)

(121

)

802

 

Other income (expense), net

 

127

 

(79

)

48

 

(106

)

Income before income taxes

 

6,909

 

3,424

 

12,415

 

8,966

 

Income tax expense

 

(2,170

)

(1,103

)

(3,683

)

(2,868

)

Net earnings

 

$

4,739

 

$

2,321

 

$

8,732

 

$

6,098

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.61

 

$

0.43

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.42

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

14,462

 

14,200

 

14,404

 

14,140

 

Diluted

 

14,488

 

14,418

 

14,483

 

14,363

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

8,732

 

$

6,098

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

(27

)

62

 

Provision for obsolete inventory

 

(131

)

169

 

Provision for warranty reserve

 

403

 

405

 

Depreciation of consignment inventory

 

137

 

318

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

810

 

662

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

342

 

321

 

Equity in (income) loss of joint venture

 

121

 

(802

)

Loss on forward contracts

 

353

 

104

 

Gain on sale/disposal/transfer of assets

 

(36

)

(178

)

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,878

)

191

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

155

 

226

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based arrangements

 

(301

)

(156

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(37,046

)

(8,610

)

Unbilled receivables

 

6,555

 

(2,064

)

Inventories

 

10,983

 

(13,749

)

Other assets

 

(2,514

)

(2,347

)

Accounts payable

 

9,889

 

16,500

 

Other accrued expenses

 

(765

)

25

 

Customer deposits/Deferred revenue

 

498

 

1,356

 

Current income taxes

 

2,450

 

(51

)

Deferred revenue

 

3,584

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

2,314

 

(1,520

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Return on investment from Joint Venture

 

 

888

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

47

 

28

 

Capital expenditures

 

(2,436

)

(4,398

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(2,389

)

(3,482

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

177

 

359

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 

301

 

157

 

Issuance of restricted stock

 

164

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

642

 

516

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(373

)

64

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

194

 

(4,422

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

22,250

 

23,589

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

22,444

 

$

19,167

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(Unaudited)

 

1.  Nature of Operations

 

Ballantyne Strong Inc. (“Ballantyne” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries Strong Westrex, Inc., Strong Technical Services, Inc., Strong / MDI Screen Systems, Inc., and the American West Beijing Trading Company, Ltd., design, develop, manufacture, service and distribute theatre and lighting systems. The Company’s products are distributed to movie exhibition companies, sports arenas, auditoriums, amusement parks and special venues.

 

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual reporting purposes or those made in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2010.

 

In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the respective interim periods.  The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends or results expected for a full year.

 

Use of Management Estimates

 

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results and changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and affect results of operations and financial position in future periods.

 

No changes were made to the Company’s significant accounting policies disclosed in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which requires the categorization by level for items that are only required to be disclosed at fair value and information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.  In addition, the ASU provides guidance on measuring the fair value of financial instruments managed within a portfolio and the application of premiums and discounts on fair value measurements. The ASU requires additional disclosure for Level 3 measurements regarding the sensitivity of fair value to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those inputs.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to impact the consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which amends ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, by requiring all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The guidance is effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is still evaluating the method of adoption.

 

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Table of Contents

 

3.  Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per share have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding after giving effect to potential common shares from dilutive stock options. The following table provides the reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings applicable to common stock

 

$

 4,739

 

$

 2,321

 

$

 8,732

 

$

 6,098

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,462

 

14,200

 

14,404

 

14,140

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

 0.33

 

$

 0.16

 

$

 0.61

 

$

 0.43

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings applicable to common stock

 

$

 4,739

 

$

 2,321

 

$

 8,732

 

$

 6,098

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,462

 

14,200

 

14,404

 

14,140

 

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards

 

26

 

218

 

79

 

223

 

Dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding

 

14,488

 

14,418

 

14,483

 

14,363

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

 0.33

 

$

 0.16

 

$

 0.60

 

$

 0.42

 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, options to purchase 52,200 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $8.14, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the options exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the respective periods. These options expire from October 2020 through July 2021.  In addition, 12,600 shares and 10,200 shares of restricted stock were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation as these shares were anti-dilutive as of September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

4.  Comprehensive Income

 

The accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net, shown in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets includes the pension liability adjustments and the accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment. The following table shows the difference between the Company’s reported net earnings and its comprehensive income:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

 4,739

 

$

 2,321

 

$

 8,732

 

$

 6,098

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(1,270

)

306

 

(853

)

159

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

 3,469

 

$

 2,627

 

$

 7,879

 

$

 6,257

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

5.  Warranty Reserves

 

The Company generally grants a warranty to its customers for a one-year period following the sale of all new equipment, and on selected repaired equipment for a one-year period following the repair. The warranty period is extended under certain circumstances and for certain products. In most instances the digital products are covered by the manufacturing firm’s OEM warranty; however, there are certain customers where the Company may grant warranties in excess of the manufacturer’s warranty. The Company accrues for these costs at the time of sale or repair, when events dictate that additional accruals are necessary.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warranty accrual at beginning of period

 

$

961

 

$

412

 

$

848

 

$

378

 

Charged to expense

 

185

 

177

 

411

 

406

 

Amounts written off, net of recoveries

 

(137

)

(75

)

(263

)

(266

)

Foreign currency adjustment

 

(1

)

4

 

12

 

 

Warranty accrual at end of period

 

$

1,008

 

$

518

 

$

1,008

 

$

518

 

 

6.  Digital Link II Joint Venture

 

On March 6, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with RealD to form an operating entity Digital Link II, LLC (the “LLC”). Under the agreement, the LLC was formed with the Company and RealD as the only two members with membership interests of 44.4% and 55.6%, respectively. The LLC was formed for purposes of commercializing certain 3D technology and to fund the deployment of digital projector systems and servers to exhibitors.  Summarized financial data for the LLC is as follows (unaudited):

 

Balance Sheet

 

September 23,
2011

 

December 24,
2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Current assets

 

$

3,786

 

$

3,316

 

Non-current assets

 

3,847

 

9,419

 

Current liabilities

 

(1,884

)

(3,011

)

Non-current liabilities

 

(1,590

)

(5,361

)

Equity

 

$

(4,159

)

$

(4,363

)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 23 and 24,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 23 and 24,

 

Statement of Operations

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

5,666

 

$

1

 

$

5,668

 

$

8,239

 

Cost of sales

 

(4,954

)

(277

)

(5,596

)

(6,174

)

Selling and administrative expenses

 

(96

)

(60

)

(175

)

(207

)

Operating income (loss)

 

616

 

(336

)

(103

)

1,858

 

Other expense

 

(24

)

(86

)

(101

)

(283

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

592

 

$

(422

)

$

(204

)

$

1,575

 

 

 The Company accounts for its investment by the equity method. Under this method, the Company recorded its proportionate share of LLC net income (loss) based on the LLC’s financial statements.  The LLC uses four 13-week periods for a total of 52 weeks to align its fiscal year-end with that of its majority interest holder, RealD.  The Company’s portion of income (losses) of the LLC was approximately $0.2 million and $(0.1) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.  The Company’s portion of the income (loss) of the LLC was insignificant for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

The Company did not make any sales of digital theatre projection equipment, in the normal course of business, to the LLC during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to sales of approximately $0.3 million and $5.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The LLC in turn provided the digital projection equipment to third party customers under system use agreements. The Company recognized revenue of $2.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.  Revenue recognized by the Company was $0.2 million and $4.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Revenue recognized by the Company on any sale transaction to DL II is limited by its 44.4% ownership in the joint venture which will be recognized upon sale of the equipment to third parties.

 

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Table of Contents

 

During the third quarter the LLC made significant sales to certain third party customers amounting to $5.7 million in revenue resulting in operating income of $0.8 million.

 

Guarantees

 

The Company had provided guarantees to notes payable of $1.2 million at December 31, 2010 entered into by the LLC to finance digital projection equipment deployed in the normal course of business and had recorded an insignificant liability for the fair value of the obligations undertaken by issuing the guarantees. During the third quarter of 2011, the LLC paid off all notes payable effectively ending the Company’s guarantee obligations as of September 30, 2011. Under the terms of the guarantees, the Company would have been required to pay the obligation had the LLC been in default of its loans or contract terms.

 

7.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, foreign currency contracts, accounts payable and accrued expenses equal or approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair values and related assumptions used to estimate fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are disclosed below.

 

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. The following represents the three categories of inputs used in determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities:

 

Level 1:

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 2:

Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 

 

Level 3:

Unobservable inputs that are used in the measurement of assets and liabilities. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability.

 

8.  Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  The Company uses an estimate of its annual effective rate based on the facts and circumstances at the time to record interim income tax expense.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  In assessing whether the deferred tax assets will be realized, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized and a related valuation allowance is deemed necessary.  As of September 30, 2011, a valuation allowance has not been recorded.  However, if the Company experiences difficulties in achieving its forecasts of taxable income, the Company may be required to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets recorded which would impact the Company’s results of operations.

 

The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment losses) was approximately 31.4% and 29.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, as compared to 32.2% and 32.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  The Company’s estimated annual effective rate was lower than the 2010 comparable periods primarily due to an increase in the Section 199 deduction, additional tax credits to be generated in Canada, and Foreign statutory rates being lower than the U.S. statutory rate.

 

Federal and state income taxes have not been provided on accumulated but undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries aggregating approximately $17.4 million at September 30, 2011 and as such, earnings have been permanently reinvested in the business. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable. The Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. The Company has examinations not yet initiated for Federal purposes for fiscal years 2007 through 2010. In most cases, the Company has examinations open for State or local jurisdictions based on the particular jurisdiction’s statute of limitations. The Company does not currently have any examinations in process. As of September 30, 2011, total unrecognized tax benefits amounted to approximately $0.1 million.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Amounts related to estimated underpayment of income taxes, including interest and penalties, are classified as a component of tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. Amounts accrued for estimated underpayment of income taxes amounted to $0.1 million as of September 30, 2011. The accruals largely related to state tax matters.

 

9.  Stock Compensation

 

The Company accounts for awards of share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Stock Compensation—Overall, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. Share-based compensation expense recorded amounted to $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively and $0.1 and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

Options

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

 

222,250

 

$

3.12

 

3.05

 

$

1,071,464

 

Granted

 

2,200

 

4.07

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(172,250

)

1.62

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2011

 

52,200

 

$

8.14

 

9.11

 

$

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2011

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on September 30, 2011.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2011:

 

 

 

Options Outstanding at
September 30, 2011

 

Options Exercisable at
September 30, 2011

 

Range of option exercise price

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life

 

Weighted
average
exercise price
per option

 

Number of
options

 

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life

 

Weighted
average
exercise price
per option

 

$4.07-$8.32

 

52,200

 

9.11

 

$

8.14

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Stock Plans

 

In connection with the restricted stock granted to certain employees and non-employee directors, the Company is accruing compensation expense based on the estimated number of shares expected to be issued utilizing the most current information available to the Company at the date of the financial statements. The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

 

As of September 30, 2011, less than $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards remained and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 7 months.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011:

 

 

 

Number of Restricted
Stock Shares

 

Weighted Average Grant
Price Fair Value

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2010

 

74,691

 

$

2.51

 

Granted

 

33,559

 

6.92

 

Shares vested

 

(95,650

)

3.66

 

Shares forfeited

 

 

 

Nonvested at September 30, 2011

 

12,600

 

$

5.50

 

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

The estimated grant date fair value of purchase rights outstanding under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was $3.96 per share using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model made with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 0.12%, dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 38.8% and expected term of one year. The Company recorded insignificant share-based compensation expense pertaining to the stock purchase plan with insignificant associated tax benefits for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At September 30, 2011, the total unrecognized estimated compensation cost was insignificant.

 

10.  Related Party Transactions

 

The Company did not make any sales of digital theatre projection equipment, in the normal course of business, to its 44.4%-owned LLC with Real D during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to sales of approximately $0.3 and $5.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. The LLC in turn provides the digital projection equipment to third party customers under system use agreements. The Company recognized revenue of $2.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $0.2 and $4.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Revenue recognized by the Company on the sale transaction to the LLC is limited by its 44.4% ownership and will be recognized upon sale of the equipment to the third parties.

 

11.  Foreign Exchange Contracts

 

The Company’s primary exposure to foreign currency fluctuations pertains to its subsidiaries in Canada and China. In certain instances the Company may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage a portion of this risk. At September 30, 2011, the Company had open forward exchange contracts to purchase Canadian dollars at a fixed rate of U.S. dollars with notional amounts totaling $5.6 million. The Company recorded an unrealized loss of $0.4 million associated with these open contracts in its consolidated statement of operations at September 30, 2011 compared to an insignificant loss for the period ended September 30, 2010.

 

12. Note Receivable

 

During September 2011, the Company entered into an unsecured note receivable arrangement with CDF2 Holdings, LLC pertaining to the sale and installation of digital projection equipment. The note receivable accrues interest at a rate of 15% per annum which is paid in accordance with a cash flow waterfall schedule, as defined. Interest not paid in any particular year is added to the principal and accrues interest at 15%. As of September 30, 2011, the Company has recorded the note receivable at its fair value of $2.0 million and is included in other assets within the consolidated balance sheet.

 

13. Deferred Revenue

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company has deferred $3.7 million of revenues associated with extended warranties provided to a third party exhibitor. Of the amounts recorded by the Company, $3.6 million is included in non-current deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2011 as the Company expects to recognize the majority of this revenue over a period of approximately 5 years.

 

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Table of Contents

 

14.  Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations

 

Concentrations

 

The Company’s top ten customers accounted for approximately 58% of consolidated net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The top ten customers were from the theatre segment. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 76% of net consolidated receivables at September 30, 2011. Sales to a significant theatre segment customer represented approximately 52% and 25% of consolidated net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. In addition, receivables from this theatre customer represented approximately 64% of consolidated receivables at September 30, 2011. While the Company believes its relationships with such customers are stable, most arrangements are made by purchase order and are terminable at will by either party. A significant decrease or interruption in business from the Company’s significant customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company could also be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which the Company sells its products.

 

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of accounts receivable. The Company sells product to a large number of customers in many different geographic regions. To minimize credit concentration risk, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition.

 

Through distribution agreements with NEC, the Company distributes Starus DLP Cinema projectors to North and South America, Hong Kong, China and certain other areas of Asia. These agreements are non-exclusive distributorship agreements, some of which can be terminated with 90 day advance notice. NEC is the primary supplier of the digital products the Company distributes to the Theatre Industry. If the Company is unable to maintain its relationship with NEC, the results would have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition and operating results until the Company could find an alternative source of digital equipment to distribute. The principal raw materials and components used in the Company’s manufacturing processes include aluminum, reflectors, electronic subassemblies and sheet metal. The Company uses a single manufacturer for each of its digital projectors, intermittent movement components, reflectors, aluminum castings, lenses and xenon lamps. Although the Company has not to-date experienced a significant difficulty in obtaining these components, no assurance can be given that shortages will not arise in the future. The loss of any one or more of such contract manufacturers could have a short-term adverse effect on the Company until alternative manufacturing arrangements are secured.

 

Litigation

 

The Company may be involved in various claims and legal actions from time to time which are routine litigation matters incidental to the business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

 15.  Business Segment Information

 

The presentation of segment information reflects the manner in which management organizes segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s operations were conducted principally through two business segments: Theatre and Lighting. Theatre operations include the design, manufacture, assembly, sale and service of motion picture projectors, xenon lamp houses and power supplies. Theatre operations also include the sale and service of digital projection equipment and accessories, sound systems, xenon lamps and lenses. The lighting segment operations include the design, manufacture, assembly and sale of follow spotlights, stationary searchlights and computer operated lighting systems for the motion picture production, television, live entertainment, theme parks and architectural industries. The Company allocates resources to business segments and evaluates the performance of these segments based upon reported segment operating profit. All intercompany sales are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ballantyne Strong, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

 58,071

 

$

 29,527

 

$

 120,452

 

$

 82,929

 

Services

 

4,616

 

2,198

 

10,008

 

5,234

 

Total theatre

 

62,687

 

31,725

 

130,460

 

88,163

 

Lighting

 

750

 

1,205

 

2,446

 

2,853

 

Total revenue

 

$

 63,437

 

$

 32,930

 

132,906

 

$

 91,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

 6,509

 

$

 4,540

 

$

 15,298

 

$

 12,058

 

Services

 

1,758

 

292

 

2,165

 

267

 

Total theatre

 

8,267

 

4,832

 

17,463

 

12,325

 

Lighting

 

21

 

(23

)

137

 

52

 

Total segment operating income

 

8,288

 

4,809

 

17,600

 

12,377

 

Unallocated general and administrative expenses

 

(1,714

)

(1,281

)

(5,110

)

(4,275

)

Interest, net

 

(12

)

(8

)

(38

)

(9

)

Gain on sale of assets

 

13

 

7

 

36

 

178

 

Equity in income (loss) of joint venture

 

207

 

(24

)

(121

)

802

 

Other income (loss)

 

127

 

(79

)

48

 

(107

)

Income before income taxes

 

$

 6,909

 

$

 3,424

 

$

 12,415

 

$

 8,966

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures on capital equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

 389

 

$

 1,077

 

$

 2,347

 

$

 4,312

 

Services

 

10

 

23

 

82

 

62

 

Total theatre

 

399

 

1,100

 

2,429

 

4,374

 

Lighting

 

1

 

16

 

7

 

24

 

Total

 

$

 400

 

$

 1,116

 

2,436

 

$

 4,398

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

 382

 

$

 324

 

$

 1,126

 

$

 1,132

 

Services

 

36

 

41

 

138

 

144

 

Total theatre

 

418

 

365

 

1,264

 

1,276

 

Lighting

 

7

 

8

 

25

 

25

 

Total

 

$

 425

 

$

 373

 

$

 1,289

 

$

 1,301

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Summary by Business Segments

 

 

 

September 30,
2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Identifiable assets

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

109,284

 

$

86,156

 

Services

 

4,920

 

3,358

 

Total theatre

 

114,204

 

89,514

 

Lighting

 

2,563

 

2,517

 

Total

 

$

116,767

 

$

92,031

 

 

Summary by Geographical Area

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

53,883

 

$

17,927

 

$

102,010

 

$

51,955

 

Canada

 

513

 

1,254

 

1,812

 

3,405

 

China

 

6,892

 

9,298

 

19,238

 

19,344

 

Asia (excluding China)

 

915

 

508

 

2,404

 

1,340

 

Mexico

 

626

 

1,639

 

2,079

 

4,667

 

South America

 

496

 

1,767

 

3,457

 

8,100

 

Europe

 

111

 

501

 

1,221

 

2,010

 

Other

 

1

 

36

 

685

 

195

 

Total

 

$

63,437

 

$

32,930

 

$

132,906

 

$

91,016

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Identifiable assets

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

86,466

 

$

59,972

 

China

 

5,877

 

11,908

 

Asia (excluding China)

 

7,897

 

5,781

 

Canada

 

16,527

 

14,370

 

Total

 

$

116,767

 

$

92,031

 

 

Net revenues by business segment are to unaffiliated customers. Identifiable assets by geographical area are based on location of facilities. Net sales by geographical area are based on destination of sales.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. Management’s discussion and analysis contains not only historical information, but also 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. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and reflect expectations for future Company performance. For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as others not now anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

We are a manufacturer, distributor and service provider for the theatre exhibition industry on a worldwide basis. We also design, develop, manufacture and distribute lighting systems to the worldwide entertainment lighting industry through our Strong Entertainment Lighting segment.

 

We have two primary reportable core operating segments: theatre and lighting. Approximately 98% of 2011 sales were from theatre products and approximately 2% were lighting products. Additional information related to our reporting segments can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Results of Consolidated Operations:

 

  Revenues

 

The following table breaks out revenues by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

(In thousands)

 

Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

$

58,071

 

$

29,527

 

$

120,452

 

$

82,929

 

Services

 

4,616

 

2,198

 

10,008

 

5,234

 

Total theatre revenues

 

62,687

 

31,725

 

130,460

 

88,163

 

Lighting

 

750

 

1,205

 

2,446

 

2,853

 

Total net revenues

 

$

63,437

 

$

32,930

 

$

132,906

 

$

91,016

 

 

Theatre Segment

 

Sales of theatre products and services increased to $62.7 million and $130.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. These results compare to $31.7 million and $88.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Digital Product Sales

 

Sales of digital products rose to $54.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $20.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010. Sales of digital products also increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $99.8 million from $53.7 in the comparative period a year-ago.

 

The increase in digital sales for the periods presented resulted primarily from the following:

 

·                  A significant sale of digital projectors and accessories to a theatre customer which represented in excess of 55% of digital product revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

·                  Other theatre exhibition customers continuing to replace their 35mm film projectors with digital systems as the industry transition to digital cinema continues.

 

Screen Product Sales

 

We generated screen sales of $2.4 million and $14.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $5.0 million and $13.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Sales rose during the year-to-date period, however, third quarter sales were lower year-over-year, as a result of exhibitors accelerating their digital 3-D rollout in the past quarters to meet certain 3-D spring movie releases and the shifting of scheduled installations due to changing theatre construction timelines in China.  We sell screens for both digital cinema and film applications. In some instances, a screen can be used interchangeably with either a digital projector or a film projector. However, there are certain digital 3D applications, such as Real D’s technology, that require special “silver” screens that we manufacture.

 

Service Revenues

 

We generated service revenues of $4.6 million and $10.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $2.2 million and $5.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The reasons for the increase in business was due primarily to the follow items:

 

·                  Installation revenues pertaining to a sale to a major exhibition customer during the third quarter.

·                  The theatre exhibition industry’s transition to digital cinema creating opportunities for our service group to sell installation, after sale-maintenance and network operations services.

 

As expected, revenues generated from servicing film equipment decreased to $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $0.3 million a year-ago. Film service revenues also declined during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $0.8 million compared to $1.6 million a year-ago, a drop of 47%. We expect film service revenues to continue to fall as the transition to digital cinema continues.

 

Film Product Sales

 

The transition to digital cinema has impacted sales of film equipment, accessories and replacement parts and are expected to further decline in future periods. The following table is a comparative analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

(In thousands)

 

Film products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

$

504

 

$

2,272

 

$

2,826

 

$

8,879

 

Parts

 

855

 

1,410

 

2,551

 

4,243

 

Lenses/Lamps

 

353

 

677

 

1,205

 

3,170

 

Total net revenues

 

$

1,712

 

$

4,359

 

$

6,582

 

$

16,292

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Lighting Segment

 

Sales of lighting products declined to $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $1.2 million in the comparative period a year-ago primarily due to lower follow spotlight sales which fell to $0.4 million from $0.8 million during the 2010 period. Sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 also fell to $2.5 million from $2.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Our lighting products continue to be impacted by lower demand for the construction or improvements of stadiums and auditoriums around the world.

 

Export Revenues

 

Sales outside the United States (mainly theatre sales) decreased to $9.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $15.0 million in the comparable year-ago period resulting primarily from lower sales in South America, China, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Sales decreased to $30.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $39.1 million in the comparable year-ago period resulting primarily from lower sales in South America, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

 

The decline in export sales for the three and nine month periods is primarily a result of the timing of the digital cinema rollout in these countries coupled with lower sales of film equipment. Sales in China during the third quarter, in particular, were impacted by the shifting of scheduled installations due to changing theatre construction timelines in China.

 

Gross Profit

 

Consolidated gross profit amounted to $10.1 million with a 15.8 % gross margin during the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $6.5 million with a 19.6% gross margin during the three months ended September 30, 2010.   Consolidated gross profit amounted to $22.9 million with a 17.2 % gross margin during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compare to $16.7 million with an 18.4% gross margin during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

The gross profit in the theatre segment amounted to $9.9 million or a gross margin of 15.6% during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 compared to $6.2 million or a 19.7% gross margin for the same period in 2010. The gross profit in the theatre segment amounted to $22.1 million or a gross margin of 17.0% during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 compared to $16.0 million or a 18.2% gross margin for the same period in 2010.  The gross profit results reflect the increase in digital revenues while the decline in gross margin is reflective of:

 

·                  A product mix consisting of more sales of digital products which carry substantially higher revenue price points but lower gross margins than our other products and services.

·                  Lower revenues from film replacement parts which historically carry strong margins.

·                  Lower screen revenues which carry higher manufacturing margins.

 

The gross profit in the lighting segment amounted to $0.2 million or a gross margin of 31.2% during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 compared to $0.2 million or a 18.3% gross margin for the same period in 2010.   The gross profit in the lighting segment amounted to $0.8 million or a gross margin of 31.0% during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 compared to $0.7 million or a 24.8% gross margin for the same period ended September 30,  2010 both resulting from a favorable product mix.

 

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses amounted to $0.9 million or 1.5% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $0.7 million or 2.2% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 selling expenses amounted to $2.9 million or 2.2% of revenues compared to $2.3 million or 2.5% of revenues in the year-ago comparative period.   The results for both the three and nine month periods reflect additional personnel and their associated costs to expand our international and service marketing efforts and to expand our sales offices in China.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses amounted to $2.5 million or 4.0% of revenues during the three months ended September30, 2011 compared to $2.2 million or 6.7% of revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 general and administrative expenses amounted to $7.5 million or 5.6% of revenues compared to $6.4 million or 7.0% of revenues in the year-ago comparative period.   The results reflect increases in personnel costs and professional fees due to the increase in business and also more severance charges as we transition from the film manufacturing business.

 

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Other Financial Items

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

 

Our results for the three months ended September 30, 2011 reflect income of approximately $0.2 million pertaining to our 44.4% share of equity in the income from Digital Link II, LLC. The LLC’s income for the quarter resulted from the sale of equipment to certain exhibition customers for projectors previously held in the LLC.

 

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $2.2 million in the 2011 period compared to $1.1 million in the 2010 period. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was approximately 31.4% in the 2011 period compared to 32.2% in the year-ago period. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rates primarily as a result of differing foreign and U.S. tax rates applied to respective pre-tax earnings by tax jurisdiction.Our effective rate was lower than the prior year period in part due to recording estimates for certain Canadian R&D and Investment Tax Credits.

 

For the reasons outlined herein, we generated net earnings of approximately $4.7 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.33 in 2011 compared to earnings of $2.3 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.16 per share in the 2010 period, respectively.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

 

Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 reflect a loss of approximately $0.1 million pertaining to our 44.4% share of equity in the loss from Digital Link II, LLC. This loss compares to income of $0.8 million a year-ago resulting from our share of gains the LLC recorded during the prior year resulting from sales of equipment to a certain exhibition customers for projectors previously held in the LLC.

 

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $3.7 million in the 2011 period compared to $2.9 million in the 2010 period. The effective tax rate (calculated as a ratio of income tax expense to pretax earnings, inclusive of equity method investment earnings) was approximately 29.7% in the 2011 period compared to 32.0% in the year-ago period. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rates primarily as a result of differing foreign and U.S. tax rates applied to respective pre-tax earnings by tax jurisdiction. Our effective rate was lower than the prior year period in part due to estimates for certain Canadian R&D and Investment Tax Credits.

 

For the reasons outlined herein, we generated net earnings in 2011 of approximately $8.7 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.61 and $0.60, respectively compared to earnings of $6.1 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.43 and $0.42 per share in the 2010 period, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the past several years, we have met our working capital and capital resource needs from either our operating or investing cash flows or a combination of both. We ended the third quarter with total cash and cash equivalents of $22.4 million compared to $20.8 million at June 30, 2011 and $22.3 million at December 31, 2010.

 

We are party to a $20 million Revolving Credit Agreement and Note (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”). The borrowings from the Revolving Credit Agreement will primarily be used for working capital purposes and for other general corporate purposes.  Our accounts receivable, general intangibles and inventory secure the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 125 basis points and we pay a fee of 0.15% per annum on any unused portion.   Since inception of the agreement no amounts have been borrowed on the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2012.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $2.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $1.5 million during the same period a year-ago. The results primarily reflect operating income of $12.5 million, an $11 million decrease in inventory and increases of $10.0 million and $2.5 million in accounts payable and income taxes payable balances during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.  These working capital changes were primarily offset by an increase in deferred income taxes of $1.9 million and a $30.5 million increase in receivables, which primarily related to the sale to a significant theatre customer recorded in the later part of the third quarter.

 

Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $2.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $3.5 million during the same period a year-ago. Investing activities during 2011 were primarily due to capital expenditures. Investing activities during 2010 resulted from capital expenditures of $4.4 million offset by a $0.9 million return of capital from our 44.4%-owned joint venture with RealD.  The capital expenditures in both periods primarily pertain to the expansion of our screen manufacturing plant in Canada.

 

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Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $0.5 million in comparable period a year ago. The activities in both periods were due to the issuance of restricted stock and also proceeds and tax benefits from share-based arrangements.

 

Hedging and Trading Activities

 

Our primary exposure to foreign currency fluctuations pertains to our subsidiaries in Canada and China. In certain instances, we may enter into a foreign exchange contract to manage a portion of this risk. For the period ended September 30, 2011 we recorded an unrealized loss of $0.4 million associated with these open contracts in our consolidated statement of operations. This loss compared to an insignificant loss in the year-ago period.

 

We do not have any trading activities that include non-exchange traded contracts at fair value.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

Our off balance sheet arrangements consist principally of our postretirement benefit obligations and leasing various assets under operating leases. The future estimated payments under these arrangements are summarized below along with our other contractual obligations:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Remaining
in 2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

2015

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postretirement benefits

 

176

 

8

 

18

 

19

 

20

 

20

 

91

 

Operating leases

 

694

 

76

 

253

 

199

 

166

 

 

 

Contractual cash obligations

 

$

870

 

$

84

 

$

271

 

$

218

 

$

186

 

$

20

 

$

91

 

 

In addition, we have accrued approximately $0.1 million for the estimated underpayment of income taxes we are obligated to pay. The accrual is primarily related to state tax matters. There were no other contractual obligations other than inventory and property, plant and equipment purchases in the ordinary course of business.

 

Guarantees

 

We had provided guarantees to notes payable of $1.2 million at December 31, 2010 entered into by our joint venture, Digital Link II, LLC to finance digital projection equipment deployed in the normal course of business. During the third quarter of 2011, the LLC paid off all notes effectively ending our guarantee obligations at September 30, 2011. Under the terms of the guarantees, the Company would have been required to pay the obligation had the LLC been in default of its loans or contract terms.

 

Seasonality

 

Generally, our business exhibits a moderate level of seasonality.

 

Inflation

 

We believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation in recent years have not had a significant impact on our net revenues or profitability. Historically, we have been able to offset any inflationary effects by either increasing prices or improving cost efficiencies.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which requires the categorization by level for items that are only required to be disclosed at fair value and information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.  In addition, the ASU provides guidance on measuring the fair value of financial instruments managed within a portfolio and the application of premiums and discounts on fair value measurements. The ASU requires additional disclosure for Level 3 measurements regarding the sensitivity of fair value to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those inputs.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to impact the consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which amends ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, by requiring all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The guidance is effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011.  We are still evaluating the method of adoption.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; management must make a variety of decisions which impact the reported amounts and the related disclosures.  These decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates.  In making these decisions, management applies its judgment based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances and our historical experience.

 

Our accounting policies and estimates that are most critical to the presentation of our results of operations and financial condition, and which require the greatest use of judgments and estimates by management, are designated as our critical accounting policies.  See further discussion of our critical accounting policies under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our year ended December 31, 2010.  We periodically re-evaluate and adjust our critical accounting policies as circumstances change.  There were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The principal market risks affecting us are exposure to interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We market our products throughout the United States and the world. As a result, we could be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic conditions. As a significant amount of our sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the dollar can and sometimes has made our products less competitive in foreign markets.

 

Interest Rates — We have a variable interest rate credit facility, however, we have no outstanding balances as of September 30, 2011. If we would borrow up to the maximum amount available under these facilities, a one percent increase in the interest rate would increase interest expense by $0.2 million per annum. Interest rate risks from our other interest-related accounts such as our postretirement obligations are not deemed significant.

 

Foreign Exchange — Exposure to transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency is primarily related to our China and Canadian subsidiaries. From time to time, as market conditions indicate, we will enter into foreign currency contracts to manage the risks associated with forecasted transactions. A portion of our cash in the China and Canadian subsidiaries is denominated in foreign currencies, where fluctuations in exchange rates will impact our cash balances in U.S. dollar terms. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar would impact our reported cash balance by approximately $0.4 million.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended) is (1) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter for the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.  Other Information

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, the plaintiffs in the asbestos case entitled Manuel H.Chinea and Janet M. Chinea v. American Optical Company, Ballantyne Strong, Inc., a/k/a Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., et al., filed in the Superior Court of the State of New York, agreed to dismiss the Company from the lawsuit.  The Company was formally dismissed from the case on April 8, 2011.  In addition, from time to time the Company may be involved in various claims and legal actions which are routine litigation matters incidental to the business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these other matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes a detailed discussion of the Company’s risk factors. There have been no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

See the Exhibit Index.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

BALLANTYNE STRONG, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ GARY L. CAVEY

 

By:

/s/ MARY A. CARSTENS

 

Gary L. Cavey, President,

 

 

Mary A. Carstens, Chief Financial Officer

 

Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 9, 2011

 

Date:

November 9, 2011

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

 

Exhibit 
Number

 

Document Description

 

Form

 

Exhibit

 

Filing
Date

 

Filed 
Herewith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.26

 

Employment Agreement between the Company and Mary Carstens, dated July 26, 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.1

 

18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101

 

The following materials from Ballantyne Strong’s, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (iv) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

23