UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 29, 2017
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: 0-23246

daklogoa03a01a02.jpg

Daktronics, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

South Dakota46-0306862
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended January 28, 2017

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From to .
Commission File Number: 0-23246

daklogoa03a01a02.jpg

Daktronics, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
South Dakota
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
46-0306862
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
201 Daktronics Drive
Brookings, SD
  
57006
(Address of principal executive offices)Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(605) 692-0200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Webweb 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 ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company”company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filero
o
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting companyo
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 27,August 28, 2017 was 44,067,563.44,287,875.





DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended January 28,July 29, 2017

Table of Contents

   Page
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 







Table of contents


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

 January 28,
2017
 April 30,
2016
 July 29,
2017
 April 29,
2017
 (unaudited)   (unaudited)  
ASSETS        
CURRENT ASSETS:        
Cash and cash equivalents $48,377
 $28,328
 $26,868
 $32,623
Restricted cash 206
 198
 222
 216
Marketable securities 28,034
 24,672
 25,020
 32,713
Accounts receivable, net 71,637
 77,554
 100,867
 78,846
Inventories, net 61,922
 69,827
 74,412
 66,486
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings 33,204
 30,200
 46,355
 36,403
Current maturities of long-term receivables 2,229
 3,172
 2,011
 2,274
Prepaid expenses and other assets 5,968
 6,468
 6,857
 7,553
Income tax receivables 255
 4,812
 316
 611
Total current assets 251,832
 245,231
 282,928
 257,725
        
Long-term receivables, less current maturities 2,876
 3,866
 2,392
 2,616
Goodwill 7,866
 8,116
 8,271
 7,812
Intangibles, net 5,334
 7,721
 4,778
 4,705
Investment in affiliates and other assets 3,570
 2,414
 4,951
 4,534
Deferred income taxes 9,677
 9,437
 11,283
 11,292
 29,323
 31,554
 31,675
 30,959
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:  
  
  
  
Land 2,093
 2,155
 2,132
 2,099
Buildings 65,219
 65,247
 66,427
 65,935
Machinery and equipment 83,508
 82,973
 85,198
 84,189
Office furniture and equipment 5,578
 14,746
 5,621
 5,604
Computer software and hardware 50,642
 48,917
 52,067
 51,523
Equipment held for rental 374
 374
 374
 374
Demonstration equipment 7,770
 8,026
 7,136
 7,109
Transportation equipment 6,863
 6,596
 7,398
 7,108
 222,047
 229,034
Property and equipment, net 226,353
 223,941
Less accumulated depreciation 155,096
 155,871
 161,060
 157,192
 66,951
 73,163
 65,293
 66,749
TOTAL ASSETS $348,106
 $349,948
 $379,896
 $355,433
        
See notes to consolidated financial statements.  
  
  
  
Table of contents


DAKTRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
(in thousands, except share data)

DAKTRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
(in thousands, except share data)

DAKTRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
(in thousands, except share data)

 January 28,
2017
 April 30,
2016
 July 29,
2017
 April 29,
2017
 (unaudited)   (unaudited)  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
CURRENT LIABILITIES:    
    
Accounts payable $38,688
 $43,441
 $54,505
 $51,499
Accrued expenses 25,560
 23,532
 26,555
 25,033
Warranty obligations 14,847
 16,564
 14,085
 13,578
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 12,080
 10,361
 14,636
 10,897
Customer deposits (billed or collected) 14,483
 16,012
 18,402
 14,498
Deferred revenue (billed or collected) 12,282
 10,712
 13,739
 12,137
Current portion of other long-term obligations 453
 585
 764
 1,409
Income taxes payable 1,788
 310
 3,036
 1,544
Total current liabilities 120,181
 121,517
 145,722
 130,595
        
Long-term warranty obligations 14,640
 13,932
 15,668
 14,321
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected) 5,424
 5,603
 5,365
 5,434
Other long-term obligations, less current maturities 4,099
 4,059
Other long-term obligations 2,563
 2,848
Long-term income tax payable 3,063
 3,016
 3,265
 3,113
Deferred income taxes 985
 754
 914
 836
Total long-term liabilities 28,211
 27,364
 27,775
 26,552
TOTAL LIABILITIES 148,392
 148,881
 173,497
 157,147
        
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:  
  
  
  
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 44,372,305 and 43,998,635 shares issued and outstanding at January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively 52,530
 51,347
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 44,511,290 and 44,372,357 shares issued and outstanding at July 29, 2017 and April 29, 2017, respectively 53,561
 52,530
Additional paid-in capital 37,294
 35,351
 38,677
 38,004
Retained earnings 116,143
 117,276
 119,302
 113,967
Treasury Stock, at cost, 303,957 and 19,680 shares at January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively (1,834) (9)
Treasury Stock, at cost, 303,957 shares at July 29, 2017 and April 29, 2017, respectively (1,834) (1,834)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,419) (2,898) (3,307) (4,381)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 199,714
 201,067
 206,399
 198,286
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $348,106
 $349,948
 $379,896
 $355,433
        
See notes to consolidated financial statements.  
  
  
  
















DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
July 29,
2017
 July 30,
2016
 
Net sales$115,719
 $123,816
 $442,857
 $431,705
$172,728
 $157,146
 
Cost of goods sold92,403
 101,787
 336,166
 338,662
128,082
 118,079
 
Gross profit23,316
 22,029
 106,691
 93,043
44,646
 39,067
 
           
Operating expenses: 
  
  
  
 
  
 
Selling expense14,678
 13,784
 45,828
 42,873
14,939
 15,259
 
General and administrative8,599
 7,908
 26,007
 24,194
8,935
 8,783
 
Product design and development6,973
 5,883
 21,142
 19,826
9,047
 7,043
 
30,250
 27,575
 92,977
 86,893
32,921
 31,085
 
Operating (loss) income(6,934) (5,546) 13,714
 6,150
Operating income11,725
 7,982
 
           
Nonoperating income (expense): 
  
  
  
 
  
 
Interest income183
 230
 559
 794
211
 205
 
Interest expense(56) (113) (174) (203)(86) (42) 
Other (expense) income, net(305) 7
 (250) (667)
Other income (expense), net145
 (94) 
           
(Loss) income before income taxes(7,112) (5,422) 13,849
 6,074
Income tax (benefit) expense(1,985) (3,469) 4,416
 1,083
Net (loss) income$(5,127) $(1,953) $9,433
 $4,991
Income before income taxes11,995
 8,051
 
Income tax expense3,566
 2,512
 
Net income$8,429
 $5,539
 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding: 
  
  
  
 
  
 
Basic44,102
 44,021
 44,071
 43,933
44,244
 44,079
 
Diluted44,102
 44,021
 44,206
 44,357
44,461
 44,141
 
           
Earnings per share: 
  
  
  
 
  
 
Basic$(0.12) $(0.04) $0.21
 $0.11
$0.19
 $0.13
 
Diluted$(0.12) $(0.04) $0.21
 $0.11
$0.19
 $0.13
 
           
Cash dividends declared per share$0.07
 $0.10
 $0.24
 $0.30
$0.07
 $0.10
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements.   
  
  
   
 


DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 January 28, 2017 January 30,
2016
 January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 July 29, 2017 July 30,
2016
 
             
Net (loss) income $(5,127) $(1,953) $9,433
 $4,991
Net income $8,429
 $5,539
 
             
Other comprehensive loss:        
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
Cumulative translation adjustments (47) (628) (1,487) (1,388) 1,081
 (931) 
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (29) 8
 (33) 5
 (7) (2) 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax (76) (620) (1,520) (1,383)
Comprehensive (loss) income $(5,203) $(2,573) $7,913
 $3,608
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 1,074
 (933) 
Comprehensive income $9,503
 $4,606
 
             
See notes to consolidated financial statements.             



DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
July 29,
2017
 July 30,
2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income$9,433
 $4,991
$8,429
 $5,539
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: 
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: 
  
Depreciation and amortization13,941
 12,562
4,460
 4,600
Impairment of intangible assets830
 
Loss (gain) on sale of property, equipment and other assets23
 (50)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, equipment and other assets(17) 31
Share-based compensation2,204
 2,244
672
 709
Gain on sale of equity investee
 (119)
Equity in loss of affiliate85
 
Provision for doubtful accounts898
 (110)14
 7
Deferred income taxes, net(286) 860
30
 3
Change in operating assets and liabilities18,336
 (17,878)(18,586) (4,291)
Net cash provided by operating activities45,379
 2,500
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(4,913) 6,598
      
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
  
 
  
Purchases of property and equipment(6,709) (13,389)(4,092) (2,157)
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and other assets166
 111
63
 64
Purchases of marketable securities(18,098) (18,273)
 (2,394)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities14,594
 19,069
7,643
 6,856
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(1,374) (2,183)
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment
 377
Net cash used in investing activities(11,421) (14,288)
Purchases of equity investment(607) 
Net cash provided by investing activities3,007
 2,369
      
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
  
 
  
Payments on notes payable(8) (33)
 (4)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options343
 610
211
 
Principal payments on long-term obligations(912) (15)(1,018) (896)
Dividends paid(10,566) (13,158)(3,094) (4,409)
Payments for common shares repurchased(1,825) 

 (1,825)
Tax payments related to RSU issuances(261) (303)
Net cash used in financing activities(13,229) (12,899)(3,901) (7,134)
      
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH(680) (920)52
 (383)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS20,049
 (25,607)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(5,755) 1,450
      
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: 
  
 
  
Beginning of period28,328
 57,284
32,623
 28,328
End of period$48,377
 $31,677
$26,868
 $29,778
      
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:      
Cash payments for: 
  
 
  
Interest$171
 $283
$103
 $104
Income taxes, net of refunds114
 5,466
1,586
 50
      
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: 
  
 
  
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory218
 220
48
 73
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable397
 280
797
 209
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP840
 927
820
 
      
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 
  
 
  


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

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

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

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  The balance sheet at April 30, 201629, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but it does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended April 30, 2016,29, 2017, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.

Daktronics, Inc. operates on a 5252- to 53 week53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13 week13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53 week53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13 week13-week period.

An immaterial reclassification has been made to conform fiscal The three months ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 to the fiscal 2017 classifications of the statements of cash flowscontained operating results for comparative purposes due to retrospectively adopting Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.13-weeks, respectively.

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

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we determined that through increased ownership levels during the quarter, we had significant influence over one of our affiliates. The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the equity method was $2,464$3,200 and $0$2,678 at January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, respectively. The equity method requires us to report our share of losses up to our equity investment amount, including any financial support made or committed to. When the equity investment is reduced to zero, we recognize losses to the extent of and as an adjustment to the other investments in the affiliate in order of seniority or priority in liquidation. Anyamount. Cash paid for investments in affiliates is included in Investing activities acquisitionsthe "Purchases of equity investment" line item in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Our proportional share of the respective affiliate’s earnings or losses is included in otherthe "Other income (expense), net" line item in our consolidated statements of operations. As of the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017, our share of the losses of our affiliates losses was $79.$85.

The aggregate amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $42 and $1,211 at January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, respectively. There have not been any identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on their fair value, and it is not practical to estimate their fair value.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted

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



In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. ASU 2016-07 eliminates the requirement that when an investment, initially accounted for under a method other than the equity method of accounting, subsequently qualifies for use of the equity method, an investor must retrospectively apply the equity method in prior periods in which it held the investment. This requires an investor to determine the fair value of the investee’s underlying assets and liabilities retrospectively at each investment date and revise all prior periods as if the equity method had always been applied. The new guidance requires the investor to apply the equity method prospectively from the date the investment qualifies for the equity method. The investor will add the carrying value of the existing investment to the cost of the additional investment to determine the initial cost basis of the equity method investment. ASU 2016-07 was adopted by the Company effective the beginning of our third quarter of fiscal 2017 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

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

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. This ASU clarifies existing GAAP guidance about a customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement ("CCA") with or without a software license. Examples of CCAs include software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, and other similar hosting arrangements. Under ASU 2015-05, fees paid by a customer in a CCA for a software license are within the scope of the internal-use software guidance if certain criteria are met. If the criteria are not met, the fees paid are accounted for as a prepaid service contract and expensed. We have historically accounted for all fees in a CCA as a prepaid service contract. We adopted ASU 2015-05 in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 when it became effective, using the prospective method. We did not pay any fees in a CCA in the current period that met the criteria to be in the scope of the internal-use software guidance, and ASU 2015-05 had no impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In January 2017, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASUAccounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment will be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and will require adoption on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidanceASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory, which is intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party, which is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in U.S. GAAP. This update eliminates the exception by requiring entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after


December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidanceASU 2016-16 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In AugustJune 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15,2016-13, StatementMeasurement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) ClassificationCredit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides guidance regarding the measurement and recognition of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statements of cash flows.credit impairment for certain financial assets. ASU 2016-152016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and will require2019, with early adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case we would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable.permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidanceASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated cash flowsfinancial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (that is, lessees and lessors). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. The new standardASU 2016-02 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing


leases and operating leases. The new guidanceASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidanceASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has also issued ASUs 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, and 2016-122016-20 to clarify guidance with respect to principal versus agent considerations and the identification of performance obligations and licensing, andto issue guidance on certain narrow areas, and addsto add practical expedients. We will adopt ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (as stated in ASU 2015-14, which was issued in August 2015 and defersrelated guidance during the effective date), and is now effective for the Company'sfirst quarter of fiscal 2019. We arehave commenced a process to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our contracts, including identifying potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of ASU 2014-09. In fiscal 2017, we made progress in reviewing our various types of revenue arrangements. We have also started drafting accounting policies and evaluating the effect that adoptingdisclosure requirements of ASU 2014-09 as clarified,on our business processes, controls and systems. We plan to finalize this work during fiscal 2018 and provide training to those impacted in the organization. As a result of the review performed to date, we do not anticipate that the adoption will have onsignificantly change the timing or amount of revenue recognized. Therefore, we do not anticipate that the adoption of the standard will materially impact our consolidated results of operations cash flows,and financial position, and related disclosures.statements, other than the additional disclosure requirements.

Note 2. Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

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

The following is a reconciliation of the net (loss) income and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 and JanuaryJuly 30, 2016: 
 Net (loss) income  Shares  Per share (loss) income Net income  Shares  Per share income
For the three months ended January 28, 2017     
Basic (loss) earnings per share$(5,127) 44,102
 $(0.12)
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
 
 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share$(5,127) 44,102
 $(0.12)
For the three months ended January 30, 2016     
Basic (loss) earnings per share$(1,953) 44,021
 $(0.04)
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
 
 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share$(1,953) 44,021
 $(0.04)
For the nine months ended January 28, 2017     
For the three months ended July 29, 2017     
Basic earnings per share$9,433
 44,071
 $0.21
$8,429
 44,244
 $0.19
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
 135
 

 217
 
Diluted earnings per share$9,433
 44,206
 $0.21
$8,429
 44,461
 $0.19
For the nine months ended January 30, 2016     
For the three months ended July 30, 2016     
Basic earnings per share$4,991
 43,933
 $0.11
$5,539
 44,079
 $0.13
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
 424
 

 62
 
Diluted earnings per share$4,991
 44,357
 $0.11
$5,539
 44,141
 $0.13
 
Options outstanding to purchase 1,3541,580 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.8612.48 for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 and 2,1662,603 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $14.6313.50 for the three months ended JanuaryJuly 30, 2016 were not included in the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Options outstanding to purchase 2,380 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.27 for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 and 2,180 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $15.01 for the nine months ended January 30, 2016 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Note 3. Share Repurchase Program

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On June 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which Daktronics, Inc. may purchase up to $40,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock. Under this program, we may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. During the first quarterthree months ended July 29, 2017, we had no repurchases of fiscal 2017,shares of our outstanding common stock. During the three months ended July 30, 2016, we repurchased 284 shares of common stock at a total cost of $1,825, and there have been no other purchases during fiscal 2017. We may repurchase up to an additional$1,825. As of July 29, 2017, we had $38,175 of common stockremaining capacity under theour current Board authorization.share repurchase program.



Note 4. Segment Disclosure

We have organized our business into five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 280-10, Segment Reporting: Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, Transportation, and International. These segments are based on the type of customer or geography and are the same as our business units.
 
Our Commercial business unit primarily consists of sales of our video display systems, digital billboards, and Galaxy® and Fuelight product lines to resellers (primarily sign companies), Out-of-Home ("OOH") companies, national retailers, quick-serve restaurants, casinos and petroleum retailers.  Our Live Events business unit primarily consists of sales of integrated scoring and video display systems to college and professional sports facilities and convention centers and sales of our mobile display technology to video rental organizations and other live events type venues.  Our High School Park and Recreation business unit primarily consists of sales of scoring systems, Galaxy® displays and video display systems to primary and secondary education facilities.  Our Transportation business unit primarily consists of sales of our Vanguard® and Galaxy® product lines to governmental transportation departments, airlines and other transportation related customers.  Our International business unit consists of sales of all product lines outside the United States and Canada. In our International business unit, we focus on product lines related to integrated scoring and video display systems for sports and commercial applications, OOH advertising products, and European transportation related products.

Our segment reporting presents results through contribution margin, which is comprised of gross profit less selling costs. Segment profit excludes general and administration expense, product development expense, interest income and expense, non-operating income and income tax expense.  Assets are not allocated to the segments.  Depreciation and amortization are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures; however, some depreciation and amortization are corporate in nature and remain unallocated.  In general, our segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.29, 2017.  Unabsorbed costs of domestic field sales and services infrastructure, including most field administrative staff, are allocated to the Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units based on cost of sales.  Shared manufacturing, buildings and utilities, and procurement costs are allocated based on payroll dollars, square footage and various other financial measures.

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



The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five operating segments for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
July 29,
2017
 July 30,
2016
 
Net sales:           
Commercial$36,165
 $29,385
 $112,342
 $112,661
$32,863
 $36,254
 
Live Events41,036
 51,067
 157,032
 149,750
77,612
 60,633
 
High School Park and Recreation12,653
 10,940
 68,977
 54,152
28,479
 27,617
 
Transportation9,130
 11,698
 39,517
 38,759
18,912
 14,286
 
International16,735
 20,726
 64,989
 76,383
14,862
 18,356
 
115,719
 123,816
 442,857
 431,705
172,728
 157,146
 
           
Contribution margin:           
Commercial3,138
 696
 13,471
 10,802
3,573
 4,496
 
Live Events3,211
 4,046
 20,744
 17,031
13,737
 8,875
 
High School Park and Recreation617
 143
 14,366
 7,703
7,747
 6,999
 
Transportation1,373
 2,694
 9,505
 9,057
5,908
 3,601
 
International299
 666
 2,777
 5,577
(1,258) (163) 
8,638
 8,245
 60,863
 50,170
29,707
 23,808
 
           
Non-allocated operating expenses:           
General and administrative8,599
 7,908
 26,007
 24,194
8,935
 8,783
 
Product design and development6,973
 5,883
 21,142
 19,826
9,047
 7,043
 
Operating (loss) income(6,934) (5,546) 13,714
 6,150
Operating income11,725
 7,982
 
           
Nonoperating income (expense):           
Interest income183
 230
 559
 794
211
 205
 
Interest expense(56) (113) (174) (203)(86) (42) 
Other (expense) income, net(305) 7
 (250) (667)
Other income (expense), net145
 (94) 
           
(Loss) income before income taxes(7,112) (5,422) 13,849
 6,074
Income tax (benefit) expense(1,985) (3,469) 4,416
 1,083
Net (loss) income$(5,127) $(1,953) $9,433
 $4,991
Income before income taxes11,995
 8,051
 
Income tax expense3,566
 2,512
 
Net income$8,429
 $5,539
 
           
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment:       
Depreciation and amortization:    
Commercial$1,616
 $1,208
 $4,777
 $3,599
$1,534
 $1,567
 
Live Events1,245
 1,258
 3,798
 3,676
1,238
 1,280
 
High School Park and Recreation421
 436
 1,310
 1,294
422
 438
 
Transportation311
 344
 957
 1,012
294
 322
 
International423
 310
 1,914
 908
281
 329
 
Unallocated corporate depreciation683
 692
 2,015
 2,073
691
 664
 
$4,699
 $4,248
 $14,771
 $12,562
$4,460
 $4,600
 
 
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No single geographic area comprises a material amount of our net sales or property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, other than the United States.  The following table presents information about net sales and property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the United States and elsewhere:
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended 
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
July 29,
2017
 July 30,
2016
 
Net sales:           
United States$94,174
 $101,200
 $363,766
 $347,278
$154,002
 $135,018
 
Outside U.S.21,545
 22,616
 79,091
 84,427
18,726
 22,128
 
$115,719
 $123,816
 $442,857
 $431,705
$172,728
 $157,146
 
           
           
January 28,
2017
 April 30,
2016
    July 29,
2017
 April 29,
2017
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:      

    
United States$62,676
 $68,233
   

$60,248
 $62,425
 
Outside U.S.4,275
 4,930
    5,045
 4,324
 
$66,951
 $73,163
   

$65,293
 $66,749
 
 
We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services; therefore, we are not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the sale of our products and services except with respect to our dependence on two major digital billboard customers in our Commercial business unit. 

Note 5. Marketable Securities

We have a cash management program which provides for the investment of cash balances not used in current operations.  We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisions of ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.  Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  As it relates to fixed income marketable securities, it is not likely we will be required to sell any of these investments before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. In addition, as of January 28,July 29, 2017, we anticipate we will recover the entire amortized cost basis of such fixed income securities, and we have determined no other-than-temporary impairments associated with credit losses were required to be recognized. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Where quoted market prices are not available, we use the market price of similar types of securities traded in the market to estimate fair value.  

As of January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair ValueAmortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value
Balance as of January 28, 2017       
Balance as of July 29, 2017       
Certificates of deposit$11,028
 $
 $
 $11,028
U.S. Government sponsored entities7,667
 
 (24) 7,643
Municipal bonds6,333
 16
 
 6,349
$25,028
 $16
 $(24) $25,020
Balance as of April 29, 2017 
  
  
  
Certificates of deposit$13,076
 $
 $
 $13,076
$12,487
 $
 $
 $12,487
U.S. Government securities400
 
 
 400
400
 
 
 400
U.S. Government sponsored entities7,666
 
 (22) 7,644
12,260
 
 (22) 12,238
Municipal obligations6,915
 
 (1) 6,914
Municipal bonds7,574
 14
 
 7,588
$28,057
 $
 $(23) $28,034
$32,721
 $14
 $(22) $32,713
Balance as of April 30, 2016 
  
  
  
Certificates of deposit$14,927
 $
 $
 $14,927
U.S. Government sponsored entities8,523
 
 (1) 8,522
Municipal obligations1,221
 2
 
 1,223
$24,671
 $2
 $(1) $24,672

Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations as other income (expense), net. Upon the sale of a security classified as available-for-sale, the security’s specific unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of "accumulated other comprehensive loss” into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 and JanuaryJuly 30, 2016, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings were immaterial.

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All available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets, as they are readily available to support our current operating needs. The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of January 28,July 29, 2017 were as follows:
 Less than 12 months 1-5 Years Total
Certificates of deposit$6,626
 $6,450
 $13,076
U.S. Government securities400
 
 400
U.S. Government sponsored agencies
 7,643
 7,643
Municipal obligations1,453
 5,462
 6,915
 $8,479
 $19,555
 $28,034
 Less than 12 months 1-5 Years Total
Certificates of deposit$6,810
 $4,218
 $11,028
U.S. Government sponsored entities998
 6,645
 7,643
Municipal bonds2,406
 3,943
 6,349
 $10,214
 $14,806
 $25,020

Note 6. Business Combinations

Data Display Acquisition

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

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

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

ADFLOW Acquisition

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

ADFLOW is a Canadian based company focused on digital media solutions. This acquisition will allow our organization to grow and strengthen our solution offering in Digital Media Networks (DMN). We believe this will broaden our value proposition for our customers and deliver new offerings2016. For more information related to the market. ThisADFLOW acquisition, was funded with cashsee Note 4. Business Combinations of our Annual Report on hand.

We updatedForm 10-K for the preliminaryfiscal year ended April 30, 2016. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumedsuch contingent consideration is estimated as of the acquisition date, and subsequently at the end of each reporting period, using independent appraisalsforecasted cash flows. Projecting future cash flows requires us to make significant estimates and other analysis. We are inassumptions regarding future events, conditions, or revenues being achieved under the process of finalizingsubject contingent agreement as well as the working capital adjustments. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill of $2,520 which primarily related to the value of an assembled workforce and is not deductible for tax purposes. Included in the preliminary purchase price allocation were acquired identifiable intangibles valued at $3,176 representing software and trademarks and customer relationships valued at $2,692. Based on the preliminary fair value measurements, also included in the purchase price was $58 of property and equipment, $230 of inventory, $1,283 of accounts receivable, and $616 of other current assets, which were offset by current operating liabilities of $935 and long-term obligations of $1,424.

The purchase price includes deferred payments of $1,833 to be made over three years unless certain conditions in the businessappropriate discount rate. Such valuation techniques include one or more significant inputs that are not met. We have included the payment obligation in other long-term obligations in our consolidated balance sheet.

ADFLOW contributed net sales of $7,322 during the nine months ended January 28, 2017.observable. See Note 12. Fair Value Measurement for more information.

Note 7. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment for the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 were as follows: 
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 Live Events Commercial Transportation International Total
Balance as of April 30, 2016$2,304
 $3,350
 $75
 $2,387
 $8,116
Acquisition, net of cash required
 19
 
 
 19
Foreign currency translation(16) (108) (16) (129) (269)
Balance as of January 28, 2017$2,288
 $3,261
 $59
 $2,258
 $7,866
 Live Events Commercial Transportation International Total
Balance as of April 29, 2017$2,274
 $3,199
 $45
 $2,294
 $7,812
Foreign currency translation33
 223
 32
 171
 459
Balance as of July 29, 2017$2,307
 $3,422
 $77
 $2,465
 $8,271
 
We perform an analysis of goodwill on an annual basis, and it is tested for impairment more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. We performedcomplete this annual analysis during our annual analysisthird quarter of each fiscal year, based on the goodwill amount as of the first business day of our third quarter in fiscal 2017, which was October 30, 2016.quarter.  The result of theour analysis indicated no goodwill impairment existed as of that date.for our third quarter in fiscal 2017, which began on October 30, 2016.

Note 8. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following: 
January 28,
2017
 April 30,
2016
July 29,
2017
 April 29,
2017
Raw materials$23,749
 $28,184
$28,525
 $24,801
Work-in-process7,362
 6,158
10,479
 7,366
Finished goods30,811
 35,485
35,408
 34,319
$61,922
 $69,827
$74,412
 $66,486
 
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Note 9. Receivables

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,5122,612 and $2,7972,610 at January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, respectively. Included in accounts receivable as of January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 201629, 2017 was $1,302$1,724 and $437,$1,857, respectively, of retainage on construction-type contracts, all of which is expected to be collected within one year.

In connection with certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installment payments exceeding six months and sales-type leases.  The present value of these contracts and leases is recorded as a receivable as the revenue is recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and profit is recognized to the extent the present value is in excess of cost.  We generally retain a security interest in the equipment or in the cash flow generated by the equipment until the contract is paid.  The present value of long-term contracts and lease receivables, including accrued interest and current maturities, was $5,1054,403 and $7,0384,890 as of January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, respectively.  Contract and lease receivables bearing annual interest rates ranging fromof 4.8 to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through August 2024.  The face amount of long-term receivables was $5,6354,753 and $7,2365,201 as of January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, respectively.

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

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

As of January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, we did not believe there was a reasonable probability that any material loss for these various claims or legal actions, including reviews, inspections or other legal proceedings, if any, would be incurred. Accordingly, no material accrual or disclosure of a potential range of loss has been made related to these matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of all unresolved legal proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

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

During fiscal 2016, we discovered a warranty issue caused by a mechanical device failure within a module for displays primarily in our OOH applications built prior to fiscal 2013. The device failure causes a visual defect in the display. Over the past eighteen months,three years, we have deployed preventative maintenance to sites impacted and repaired the defective devices in our repair center. When certain site locations have exceeded an acceptable failure rate, we have refurbished the display to meet customers’ expectations under contractual obligations. We increased our accrued warranty obligations by $1,145$783 during the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017, $1,766 during fiscal 2017, $9,174 during fiscal 2016, and $1,168 during fiscal 2015 for probable and reasonably estimable costs to remediate this issue. As of January 28,July 29, 2017, we had $3,880$2,776 remaining in accrued warranty obligations for the estimate of probable future claims related to this issue. BecauseAlthough many of our contractual warranty arrangements are nearing expiration for products with this issue, we may incur additional discretionary costs to maintain customer relationships or for higher than expected failure rates are unpredictable, the final outcome of this matter is dependent on many factors that are difficult to predict.rates. Accordingly, it is possible that the ultimate cost to resolve this matter may increase and be materially different from the amount of the current estimate and accrual.

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Changes in our warranty obligation for the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 consisted of the following:
 Amount Amount
Beginning accrued warranty obligations $30,496
 $27,899
Warranties issued during the period 7,533
 4,128
Settlements made during the period (13,161) (3,493)
Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations 4,619
 1,219
Ending accrued warranty obligations $29,487
 $29,753
 
Performance guarantees:  We have entered into standby letters of credit and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on contracts, primarily construction-typeconstruction type contracts.  As of January 28,July 29, 2017, we had outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $12,0518,914 and $31,14721,590, respectively.  Performance guarantees are issued to certain customers to guarantee the operation and installation of the equipment and our ability to complete a contract.  These performance guarantees have various terms, which are generally one year.

Leases:  We lease vehicles, office space and equipment for various global sales and service locations, including manufacturing space in the United States and China. Some of these leases, including the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The lease for the facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, can be extended for an additional five years past its current term, which ends March 31, 2022, and it contains an option to purchase the property subject to the lease from March 31, 2017 to March 31, 2022 for $9,000, which approximates fair value.  If the lease is extended, the purchase option increases to $9,090 for the year ending March 31, 2023 and $9,180 for the year ending March 31, 2024.  Rental expense for operating leases was $2,358853 and $2,259849 for the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 and JanuaryJuly 30, 2016, respectively.  

Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs such as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at January 28,July 29, 2017:
Fiscal years ending Amount Amount
2017 $734
2018 2,677
 $2,065
2019 2,014
 2,222
2020 1,728
 1,884
2021 1,543
 1,627
2022 1,325
Thereafter 1,719
 404
 $10,415
 $9,527

Purchase commitments:  From time to time, we commit to purchase inventory, advertising, cloud-based information systems, information technology maintenance and support services, and various other products and services over periods that extend beyond one year.  As of January 28,July 29, 2017, we were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $400375 in conditional purchase commitments:
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Fiscal years ending Amount Amount
2017 $1,226
2018 2,756
 $1,589
2019 990
 1,030
2020 213
 253
2021 213
 253
2022 143
Thereafter 493
 380
 $5,891
 $3,648

Note 11. Income Taxes

We are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as income taxes of multiple state jurisdictions.  As a result of the completion of examinations by the Internal Revenue Service on prior years and the expiration of statutes of limitations, our fiscal years 2014, 2015, and 2016 are the remaining years open under statutes of limitations.  Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2005.2007.

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As of January 28,July 29, 2017, we had $3,0633,265 of unrecognized tax benefits which would reduce our effective tax rate if recognized.  

Note 12. Fair Value Measurement

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

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

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

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


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The following table sets forth by Level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 201629, 2017 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities among the fair value hierarchies presented.
Fair Value MeasurementsFair Value Measurements
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Balance as of January 28, 2017       
Balance as of July 29, 2017       
Cash and cash equivalents$26,868
 $
 $
 $26,868
Restricted cash222
 
 
 222
Available-for-sale securities: 
  
    
Certificates of deposit
 11,028
 
 11,028
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 7,643
 
 7,643
Municipal bonds
 6,349
 
 6,349
Derivatives - asset position
 31
 
 31
Derivatives - liability position
 (602) 
 (602)
Contingent liability
 
 (1,004) (1,004)
$27,090
 $24,449
 $(1,004) $50,535
Balance as of April 29, 2017 
  
    
Cash and cash equivalents$48,377
 $
 $
 $48,377
$32,623
 $
 $
 $32,623
Restricted cash206
 
 
 206
216
 
 
 216
Available-for-sale securities: 
  
     
  
    
Certificates of deposit
 13,076
 
 13,076

 12,487
 
 12,487
U.S. Government securities400
 
 
 400
400
 
 
 400
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 7,644
 
 7,644

 12,238
 
 12,238
Municipal obligations
 6,914
 
 6,914
Municipal bonds
 7,588
 
 7,588
Derivatives - asset position
 72
 
 72

 64
 
 64
Derivatives - liability position
 (206) 
 (206)
 (277) 
 (277)
Contingent liability
 ���
 (1,920) (1,920)
 
 (1,891) (1,891)
$48,983
 $27,500
 $(1,920) $74,563
$33,239
 $32,100
 $(1,891) $63,448
Balance as of April 30, 2016 
  
    
Cash and cash equivalents$28,328
 $
 $
 $28,328
Restricted cash198
 
 
 198
Available-for-sale securities: 
  
    
Certificates of deposit
 14,927
 
 14,927
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 8,522
 
 8,522
Municipal obligations
 1,223
 
 1,223
Derivatives - asset position
 
 
 
Derivatives - liability position
 (453) 
 (453)
Contingent liability
 
 (1,955) (1,955)
$28,526
 $24,219
 $(1,955) $50,790

A roll forward of the Level 3 contingent liability, both shortshort- and long-term, for the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 is as follows:
Contingent liability as of April 30, 2016 $1,955
Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017 $1,891
Settlements (1,009)
Interest 42
 13
Foreign currency translation (77) 109
Contingent liability as of January 28, 2017 $1,920
Contingent liability as of July 29, 2017 $1,004
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The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument.  There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments.

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

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

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

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

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

Derivatives – currency forward contracts: Consists of currency forward contracts trading with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The fair value of these securities was measured based on a valuation from a third-party bank. See "Note 13. Derivative Financial Instruments" included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information regarding our derivatives.

Contingent liability: Consists of the fair value of a liability measured on expected future payments owed forrelating to a business combinationacquisition if certain conditions infuture financial performance measures are achieved.  The contingent liability was calculated by estimating the discounted present value of expected future payments for estimated performance measure attainment.  To estimate future performance measure attainment, we utilized significant unobservable inputs as of July 29, 2017 and April 29, 2017.  The unobservable inputs included management expectations and forecasts for business performance are met. We have includedand an estimated discount rate based on current borrowing interest rates. To the payment obligationextent that these assumptions changed or actual results differed from these estimates, the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities could change.  The contingent liability is presented in other long-term obligations in our consolidated balance sheet.sheets.
 
Non-recurring measurements: The fair value measurement standard also applies to certain non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  Certain long-lived assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value in connection with business combinations or when an impairment is recognizedon a nonrecurring basis and the related assets are written downsubject to fair value.  We did not have any business combinations during the nine months ended January 28, 2017 and used Level 3 inputs to value the assets and liabilities for business combinations during fiscal 2016. See "Note 6. Business Combinations" included elsewhereadjustments in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information. We used Level 3 inputs to measure and record a technology and customer list intangible asset impairmentcertain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of $830 during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.impairment.

Other measurements using fair value: We measure fixed rateSome of our financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, long-term receivables, using a discounted cash flow analysis using Level 2 inputs such as current interest rates relating to the credit qualityprepaid expense and other assets, costs and earnings in excess of the customer. In addition, we measure fixed rate long-term marketingbillings and billings in excess of costs, accounts payable, warranty obligations, which are included incustomer deposits, deferred revenue, and other long-term obligations, on our consolidatedare reflected in the balance sheet using a discounted cash flow analysis using Level 2 inputs such as the current interest rate environment for debt as relatedat carrying value, which approximates fair value due to our credit quality. The total long-term receivables and long-term marketing obligations approximate fair value.their short-term nature.

Note 13. Derivative Financial Instruments

We utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on those transactions denominated in currencies other than our functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar.  We enter into currency forward contracts to manage these economic risks.  We account for all derivatives on the balance sheet within accounts receivable or accounts payable measured at fair value, and changes in fair values are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met for cash flow or net investment hedges. As of January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, we had not designated any of our derivative instruments as accounting hedges, and thus we recorded the changes in fair value in other income (expense), net.

The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange U.S. dollars at January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 201629, 2017 were as follows:
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 January 28, 2017 April 30, 2016
 U.S. Dollars Foreign
Currency
 U.S.
Dollars
 Foreign
Currency
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:       
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars6,734
 9,062
 7,216
 10,027
U.S. Dollars/Japanese Yen198
 22,345
 
 
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars557
 740
 563
 771
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds4,836
 3,866
 1,795
 1,263
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars581
 844
 261
 356
U.S. Dollars/Euros1,621
 1,510
 147
 132

 July 29, 2017 April 29, 2017
 U.S. Dollars Foreign
Currency
 U.S.
Dollars
 Foreign
Currency
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:       
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars3,632
 4,842
 7,984
 10,669
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars998
 1,319
 256
 345
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds3,283
 2,633
 4,936
 3,959
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars
 
 605
 844
U.S. Dollars/Euros1,688
 1,498
 528
 491

As of January 28,July 29, 2017, there was a netan asset and liability of $72$31 and $206602, respectively, and as of April 30, 2016,29, 2017, there was a netan asset and liability of $64 and $453277, respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

Note 14. Subsequent Events

On March 2,August 31, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share on our common stock payable on March 24,September 21, 2017 to holders of record of our common stock on March 13,September 11, 2017.
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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this Report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future.  These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: (i.) our competition; (ii.) our financing plans; (iii.) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iv.) our growth strategy and operating strategy; (v.) the declaration and payment of dividends; (vi.) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vii.) parts shortages and lead times; (viii.) fluctuations in margins; (ix.) the seasonality of our business; (x.) the introduction of new products and technology; (xi.) the amount and frequency of warranty claims; and (xii.) the timing and magnitude of any acquisitions or dispositions.  The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plans” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 201629, 2017 in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and those factors discussed in detail in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

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

OVERVIEW

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

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

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

TableOur backlog consists of contents


contractually binding sales agreements or purchase orders we expect to fill within the next 24 months. Orders are booked and included in backlog only upon receipt of an executed contract and any required deposits. As a result, certain orders for
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which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be booked until all required contractual documents and deposits are received. In addition, order bookings can vary significantly on a quarterly basis as a result of the timing of large orders. Because order backlog may be subject to extended delivery schedules, orders may be canceled, and orders have varied estimated profitability, our backlog is not necessarily indicative of future net sales or net income.  Backlog can fluctuate due to large order booking timing and seasonality. Backlog is not a measure defined by GAAP, and our methodology for determining backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their backlog amounts.

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

GENERAL

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

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

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

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

Standard display product market growth due to market adoption and lower product costs, which drive marketplace expansion. Standard display products are used to attract or communicate with customers and potential customers of retail, commercial, and other establishments.  Pricing and economic conditions are the principal factors that impact our success in this business unit. We utilize a reseller network to distribute our standard products.
National accounts standard display market opportunities due to theircustomers' desire to communicate their message, advertising and content consistently across the country. Increased demand is possible from retailers, quick serve restaurants, petroleum businesses, and other nationwide organizations.
Increasing interest in spectaculars, which include very large and sometimes highly customized displays as part of entertainment venues such as casinos, shopping centers, cruise ships and Times Square type locations.
Dynamic messaging systems demand growth due to market adoption and marketplace expansion.
The introductionuse of architectural lighting products for commercial buildings, which real estate owners use to add accents or effects to an entire side or circumference of a building to communicate messages or to decorate the building.
The continued deployment of digital billboards as OOH companies continue developing new sites and start to replace digital billboards which are reaching end of life.  This is dependent on there being no adverse changes in the digital billboard regulatory environment, which could restrict future deployments of billboards, as well as maintaining our current market share of the business concentrated in a few large OOH companies.
Replacement cycles within each of these areas.

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

Facilities spending more on larger display systems to enhance the game-day and event experience for attendees.
Lower product costs, driving an expansion of the marketplace.
Our product and service offerings, which remain one of the most integrated and comprehensive offerings in the industry.
The competitive nature of sports teams, which strive to out-perform their competitors with display systems.
The desire for high-definition video displays, which typically drives larger displays or higher resolution displays, both of which increase the average transaction size.
Dynamic messaging systems needs throughout a sports facility.
Replacement cycles within each of these areas.

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

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Increased demand for video systems in high schools as school districts realize the revenue generating potential of these displays versus traditional scoreboards.
Increased demand for different types of displays and dynamic messaging systems, such as message centers at schools to communicate to students, parents and the broader community.
The use of more sophisticated displays in athletic facilities, such as aquatic venues in schools.

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

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

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 28,JULY 29, 2017 AND JANUARYJULY 30, 2016

Net Sales
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
(in thousands)January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 Dollar Change Percent ChangeJuly 29,
2017
 July 30,
2016
 Dollar Change Percent Change
Net sales:              
Commercial$36,165
 $29,385
 $6,780
 23.1 %$32,863
 $36,254
 $(3,391) (9.4)%
Live Events41,036
 51,067
 (10,031) (19.6)77,612
 60,633
 16,979
 28.0
High School Park and Recreation12,653
 10,940
 1,713
 15.7
28,479
 27,617
 862
 3.1
Transportation9,130
 11,698
 (2,568) (22.0)18,912
 14,286
 4,626
 32.4
International16,735
 20,726
 (3,991) (19.3)14,862
 18,356
 (3,494) (19.0)
$115,719
 $123,816
 $(8,097) (6.5)%$172,728
 $157,146
 $15,582
 9.9 %
Orders: 
  
    
 
  
    
Commercial$32,595
 $29,922
 $2,673
 8.9 %$29,937
 $45,068
 $(15,131) (33.6)%
Live Events51,590
 43,075
 8,515
 19.8
61,605
 52,880
 8,725
 16.5
High School Park and Recreation14,178
 15,131
 (953) (6.3)32,180
 31,113
 1,067
 3.4
Transportation19,621
 12,401
 7,220
 58.2
9,269
 11,915
 (2,646) (22.2)
International25,329
 16,368
 8,961
 54.7
20,090
 34,192
 (14,102) (41.2)
$143,313
 $116,897
 $26,416
 22.6 %$153,081
 $175,168
 $(22,087) (12.6)%

Commercial: The increasedecrease in net sales for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to large Spectacular niche projects, in-store digital media solutions sales and sales of on-premise displays, offset by a decline in the billboard niche. Timing of large projects and their related deliveries impact Spectacular sales. For the third quarter of fiscal 2017, our success rate in winning orders earlier in the fiscal year contributed to theniche market demand, partially offset by an increase in sales. Also contributing to the increase were higher digital media solutions sales, mainly due to the addition of ADFLOW, acquired in March 2016, and higher on-premise niche sales as customers continue to adopt digital technology, offset by a decline in digital billboard sales due to the timing of order deliveries compared to last year.large spectacular projects.

The increasedecrease in orders for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of thevolatility in order timing of the award of billboard account basedlarge custom projects and an increase in our on-premise niche due to in-store media solutions offset by decreases in the spectacular niche dueand lower market demand in the billboard niche compared to volatility in order timing.last year. Comparability of quarter over quarter is difficult due to the uniqueness of the projects in the market.

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Live Events:  The decreaseincrease in net sales for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to lower customer delivery needs.continued demand and the timing of the demand for upgraded or new solutions for arenas, professional sports, and colleges and universities.

Orders increased for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago due to increased projects in college and university venues national hockey and football arena projects, andprofessional sport stadium venues projects for minor league sports including baseball and soccer, which was offset by a decline in professional baseball league activity this year as compared to last year.arenas.

High School Park and Recreation: The increase in net sales for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to large project orders that were available for delivery during the third quarterincreased shipments of fiscal 2017.scoring systems and message centers due to increased market activity and timing of customer demand.

Orders decreasedincreased for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago due to fewer large sports video projects awarded during the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016.strong market demand for scoring systems and message centers.

Transportation: Net sales for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago increased due to higher demand from state transportation authorities.

Orders for the three months ended July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago decreased due to lower delivery needs from state transportation authorities during the quarter this year as compared to last year.

Orders for the three months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago increased primarily due to the award of a multi-million dollar project for an active traffic management system during this quarter with no similar sized projects in the prior year.variability caused by large order timing.

International:  Net sales for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago decreased primarily due to lower customer delivery needs.volume of orders.

Orders increaseddecreased for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due tothe volatility of large project awards for sports stadium projects awarded in Australia and a spectacular niche project awarded in Europe with no similar sized projects in the prior year.order timing.

Backlog

The product order backlog as of January 28,July 29, 2017 was $170$184 million as compared to $176$198 million as of JanuaryJuly 30, 2016 and $142$203 million at the end of the secondfourth quarter of fiscal 2017.  Historically, our backlog varies due to the seasonality of our business, the timing of large projects, and customer delivery schedules for these orders.  The backlog as of January 28,July 29, 2017 increased from JanuaryJuly 30, 2016 in our Commercial,High School Park and Recreation and Transportation and International business units and decreased in our Commercial, Live Events and High School Park and RecreationInternational business units.

Gross Profit
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016July 29, 2017   July 30, 2016
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales  Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Amount As a Percent of Net Sales  Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Commercial$7,711
 21.3% 
 $4,235
 14.4%$8,268
 25.2% 
 $9,155
 25.3%
Live Events6,629
 16.2
 
 7,374
 14.4
17,054
 22.0
 
 12,176
 20.1
High School Park and Recreation
3,198
 25.3
 
 2,579
 23.6
10,351
 36.3
 
 9,460
 34.3
Transportation2,325
 25.5
 
 3,710
 31.7
6,945
 36.7
 
 4,842
 33.9
International3,453
 20.6
 
 4,131
 19.9
2,028
 13.6
 
 3,434
 18.7
$23,316
 20.1% 
 $22,029
 17.8%$44,646
 25.8% 
 $39,067
 24.9%

Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold consist primarily of inventory, consumables, salaries, other employee-related costs, facilities-related costs for manufacturing locations, machinery and equipment maintenance and depreciation, site sub-contractors, warranty costs, and other service delivery expenses.

The increase in our gross profit percentage for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to lower warranty charges, lower production costs,improved performance on large projects as compared to original estimates and improved productivity to achieve higher sales mix.volumes at similar costs. The following describes the overall impact by business unit:

Commercial:  The gross profit percent increaseremained relatively flat for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the resultago.

Table of lower warranty charges as the third quarter of fiscal 2016 had specific warranty obligations for particular projects, an increased volumes of sales over our relatively fixed manufacturing cost infrastructure, and a favorable sales mix.contents


Live Events: The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was due to a favorable sales mix impacted by project sizes and type, and a decreased manufacturing cost infrastructureimproved performance on large projects as compared to last year,original estimates and improved productivity to achieve higher sales volumes at similar costs, offset by higher warranty expenses as a percent of sales.

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High School Park and Recreation:  The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to increased revenue.improved productivity to achieve higher sales volumes on similar costs.
 
Transportation:  The gross profit percent decreaseincrease for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to a loweran increased volume of sales over our relatively fixed manufacturing cost infrastructure..

International:  The gross profit percent increasedecrease for the three months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of lower sales volumes over a favorable sales mix.relatively fixed cost structure and higher warranty expenses as a percent of sales.

Selling Expense
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016July 29, 2017   July 30, 2016
Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net SalesAmount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)  
Commercial$4,575
 12.7% 29.3 % $3,539
 12.0%$4,694
 14.3% 0.8 % $4,659
 12.9%
Live Events3,417
 8.3
 2.7
 3,328
 6.5
3,318
 4.3
 0.5
 3,302
 5.4
High School Park and Recreation2,581
 20.4
 6.0
 2,436
 22.3
2,604
 9.1
 5.9
 2,460
 8.9
Transportation952
 10.4
 (6.2) 1,015
 8.7
1,037
 5.5
 (16.4) 1,241
 8.7
International3,153
 18.8
 (9.0) 3,466
 16.7
3,286
 22.1
 (8.6) 3,597
 19.6
$14,678
 12.7% 6.5 % $13,784
 11.1%$14,939
 8.6% (2.1)% $15,259
 9.7%
 
Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demos, and supplies.

Selling expense in our Commercial, Live Events, and High School Park and Recreation business unitsunit increased in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the same quarter a year ago, which was mainly related to increases in personnel expenses and a full quarter of expenses from ADFLOW, the company acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and assigned to the Commercial business unit.expenses.

Selling expense in our Transportation and International business units declined in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the same quarter a year ago due to lower personnel related costs, lower bad debt expense and third-party commissions that had been incurred in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2016. In addition, transportation expenses decreased slightly.2017.

Selling expense in our Commercial and Live Events business units for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 remained relatively flat compared to the same quarter a year ago.

Other Operating Expenses
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016July 29, 2017   July 30, 2016
Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net SalesAmount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
General and administrative$8,599
 7.4% 8.7% $7,908
 6.4%$8,935
 5.2% 1.7% $8,783
 5.6%
Product design and development$6,973
 6.0% 18.5% $5,883
 4.8%$9,047
 5.2% 28.5% $7,043
 4.5%

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional fees, shareholder relations costs, facilities and equipment-related costs for administrative departments, training costs, amortization of intangibles, and the costs of supplies.

General and administrative expenses in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20172018 increased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to increases in personnel expenses and professional fees.information technology software and hardware expenses.

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional services, facilities costcosts and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology withover a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications using LED surface mount technology, which offersapplications. These new or improved performance at a lowertechnologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies,
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improved quality and reliability, and improved cost point as comparedpoints. We plan to make continued investments in our currentsoftware and controller capabilities throughout our varied product offerings. In addition,Through all design efforts, we continue to focus on various other products to standardizestandardizing display components and control systems for both single site and network displays.  

Our costs for product development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, professional services, materials costs and the overhead of our engineering departments.  Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and is included in cost of goods sold.
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Product development expenses in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20172018 increased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to increased labor costs and professional services assigned to product development projects.projects relating to our strategy to accelerate the deployment of our products and solutions to the market. To deliver value to our customers and serve the markets' expectations, we plan to increase the level of expenditures for new or enhanced customer solutions as compared to prior years during fiscal 2018.

Other Income and Expenses 
 Three Months Ended
 January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Interest income (expense), net$127
 0.1 % 8.5 % $117
 0.1%
Other (expense) income, net$(305) (0.3)% (4,457.1)% $7
 %
 Three Months Ended
 July 29, 2017   July 30, 2016
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Interest income, net$125
 0.1% (23.3)% $163
 0.1 %
Other income (expense), net$145
 0.1% (254.3)% $(94) (0.1)%
 
Interest income (expense), net:  We generate interest income through short-term cash investments, marketable securities, and product sales on an installment basis or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which result in long-term receivables.  Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest costs on long-term marketing obligations.

Interest income, (expense), net in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the same period one year ago increaseddecreased as a result of increasedlower long-term receivables which bear imputed interest expense from an interest accrual for an on-going sales tax auditrates. As a result of the volatility of working capital needs and changes in investing and financing activities, along with changes in the prior year.interest rate environment, it is difficult to project changes in interest income.

Other income (expense) income,, net:  The change in other income and expense, net for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20172018 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to foreign currency volatility and the losses recorded from an equity method affiliate.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate benefit was 27.929.7 percent for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2017 as compared to an effective tax rate benefit of 64.0 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The substantial factor impacting our effective rate benefit in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was the retrospective reinstatement of the U.S. research and development credit back to January 1, 2015, allowing us an additional credit recognition related to the prior fiscal year during the third quarter of fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2017, no similar adjustment occurred.

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COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 28, 2017 AND JANUARY 30, 2016

Net Sales
 Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 Dollar Change Percent Change
Net sales:       
    Commercial$112,342
 $112,661
 $(319) (0.3)%
    Live Events157,032
 149,750
 7,282
 4.9
    High School Park and Recreation68,977
 54,152
 14,825
 27.4
    Transportation39,517
 38,759
 758
 2.0
    International64,989
 76,383
 (11,394) (14.9)
 $442,857
 $431,705
 $11,152
 2.6 %
Orders:       
    Commercial$114,326
 $95,082
 $19,244
 20.2 %
    Live Events135,520
 168,082
 (32,562) (19.4)
    High School Park and Recreation61,055
 55,560
 5,495
 9.9
    Transportation46,290
 42,735
 3,555
 8.3
    International78,164
 56,105
 22,059
 39.3
 $435,355
 $417,564
 $17,791
 4.3 %

Commercial: Net sales for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago decreased slightly as a result of declines in billboard shipments this year compared to last year and the volatility of large custom video demand in our spectacular niche, offset by increased demand in our on-premise niche. ADFLOW sales in the Commercial business unit were $7.3 million during the nine months ended January 28, 2017. ADFLOW was acquired in March 2016, and its financial results were not included in the nine months ended January 30, 2016.

The increase in orders for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of the timing of an increase in our on-premise niche related to in-store media solutions due to ADFLOW and increases in the spectacular and billboard niches due to the timing of large customer projects.

Live Events:  The increase in net sales for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to work completed for football stadiums.

Orders decreased for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago due to order timing variability of large projects as compared to last year. Last year, we booked several large multi-million dollar orders for professional sports projects during the first nine months with no same-sized projects in the first nine months of this year. Market activity in professional sports and other sports applications has been lower this year as compared to last.

High School Park and Recreation: The increase in net sales for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to increased video project sizes with higher average selling prices and more custom indoor video and audio demand compared to last year.

Orders increased for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago due to strong market demand for video in sporting applications with larger average selling prices than orders for scoring or message centers.
Transportation: Net sales increased slightly for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago.

Orders increased for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to the variability caused by large order timing and increased state procurement project activity. During fiscal 2017, we had an award of a multi-million dollar project for an active traffic management system with no same sized projects the prior year.

International:  Net sales decreased in our International business unit for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago mainly due to sales from a large transportation project booked during the first nine months of fiscal 2016, with no similar sized project in the first nine months of fiscal 2017.

Orders increased for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to increased market activity in sports and spectacular projects and OOH application business.
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Gross Profit
 Nine Months Ended
 January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016
  Amount As a Percent of Net Sales    Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Commercial$27,418
 24.4%   $22,366
 19.9%
Live Events30,430
 19.4
   26,898
 18.0
High School Park and Recreation
21,900
 31.7
   15,378
 28.4
Transportation12,966
 32.8
   12,168
 31.4
International13,977
 21.5
   16,233
 21.3
 $106,691
 24.1%   $93,043
 21.6%

The increase in our gross profitpercentage for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of the changes described below:

Commercial:  The gross profit percent increase for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of lower warranty charges as the first nine months of fiscal 2016 had specific warranty obligations for particular projects; the non-recurrence of a licensing charge that negatively impacted the first nine months of fiscal 2016; and increased gross margins in our spectacular niche mix of projects.
Live Events: The gross profit percent increase for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of a favorable sales mix impacted by project sizes and type and lower production costs due to process improvements, offset by higher warranty costs as a percent of sales.

High School Park and Recreation:  The gross profit percent increase for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to increased volumes of sales over our relatively fixed manufacturing cost infrastructure and a favorable sales mix.
Transportation:  The gross profit percent increase for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to favorable sales mix, offset by a decline in sales to cover fixed production costs.

International:  The gross profit percent change for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was relatively flat. For the nine months ended January 28, 2017, gross profit percent was negatively impacted due to a $0.6 million technology intangible asset impairment, offset by lower warranty costs as a percent of sales and improved manufacturing utilization. 

Selling Expense
 Nine Months Ended
 January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)    
Commercial$13,949
 12.4% 20.6 % $11,564
 10.3%
Live Events9,686
 6.2
 (1.8) 9,868
 6.6
High School Park and Recreation7,532
 10.9
 (1.9) 7,674
 14.2
Transportation3,461
 8.8
 11.3
 3,110
 8.0
International11,200
 17.2
 5.1
 10,657
 14.0
 $45,828
 10.3% 6.9 % $42,873
 9.9%
Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facilities-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demos, and supplies.

Selling expense in our Commercial, Transportation, and International business units increased in the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period a year ago primarily due to increased personnel expenses, a $0.8 million bad debt expense in the International business unit, and a full year of expenses from ADFLOW, the company acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and assigned to the Commercial business unit.
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Selling expenses in our Live Events and High School Park and Recreation business units remained relatively flat in the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago.

Other Operating Expenses
 Nine Months Ended
 January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
General and administrative$26,007
 5.9% 7.5% $24,194
 5.6%
Product design and development$21,142
 4.8% 6.6% $19,826
 4.6%

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional fees, shareholder relations costs, facilities and equipment-related costs for administrative departments, training costs, and the costs of supplies.

General and administrative expensesin the nine months ended January 28, 2017 increased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to increases in personnel expenses and professional fees offset by declines in information technology maintenance expenses. Professional fees have increased due to defensive work to protect our patent portfolio.

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, facility costs and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product development investments in the near term are focused on developing video technology with a range of pixel pitches for outdoor applications using LED surface mount technology, which offers improved performance at a lower cost point as compared to our current offerings. In addition, we continue to focus on various other products to standardize display components and control systems for both single site and network displays.  

Our costs for product development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, materials costs and the overhead of our engineering departments.  Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product development while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in cost of goods sold. Product development expenses in the nine months ended January 28, 2017 as compared to the same period one year ago increased primarily due to increased labor costs assigned to product development projects relating to our strategy to accelerate the introduction of our products and solutions to the market.

Other Income and Expenses
 Nine Months Ended
 January 28, 2017   January 30, 2016
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Interest income (expense), net$385
 0.1 % (34.9)% $591
 0.1 %
Other (expense) income, net$(250) (0.1)% (62.5)% $(667) (0.2)%
Interest income (expense), net:  We generate interest income through short-term cash investments, marketable securities, and product sales on an installment basis or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which result in long-term receivables.  Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest costs on long-term marketing obligations.

Interest income (expense), net in the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago decreased as a result of lower long-term receivables which bear imputed interest rates and lower interest rates realized on lower average invested cash during the same period.

Other (expense) income, net:  The change in other income and expense, net for the nine months ended January 28, 2017 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to foreign currency volatility offset by the losses from an equity method affiliate.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 31.9 percent for the nine months ended January 28, 20172018 as compared to an effective tax rate of 17.831.2 percent for the nine months ended January 30, 2016.first quarter of fiscal 2017. The substantial factor impacting our effective rate for fiscal 2016 was the retrospective reinstatement of the U.S.due to an increase in our expected research and development tax credit backdue to January 1, 2015, allowing an additional credit recognition related to the prior fiscal year during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2017, no similar adjustment occurred.increase in activity within product development.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
 Percent ChangeJuly 29,
2017
 July 30,
2016
 Percent Change
(in thousands)
Net cash (used in) provided by:          
Operating activities$45,379
 $2,500
 1,715.2 %$(4,913) $6,598
 (174.5)%
Investing activities(11,421) (14,288) (20.1)3,007
 2,369
 26.9
Financing activities(13,229) (12,899) 2.6
(3,901) (7,134) (45.3)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(680) (920) (26.1)52
 (383) (113.6)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$20,049
 $(25,607) (178.3)%
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents$(5,755) $1,450
 (496.9)%

Cash flows fromNet cash provided by operating activities:  Operating cash flows resultconsist primarily from cash received from customers, which is offset by cash paymentsof net income adjusted for inventories, employeenon-cash items including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, subcontracted services, other business expenses,deferred income taxes and income taxes.the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Cash provided byNet cash used in operating activities was $45.4$4.9 million for the first ninethree months of fiscal 20172018 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.5$6.6 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal 2016.2017. Cash flow from operating activities fluctuated due to a rise in accounts receivable corresponding with the increase in net sales. The $42.9$11.5 million increasedecrease in cash from operating activities from the first ninethree months of fiscal 20162017 to the first ninethree months of fiscal 20172018 was the net result of changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $36.2$14.3 million, an increase of $4.4a $0.1 million in net income, a $1.4 million increasedecrease in depreciation and amortization, a $0.8$0.1 million increase in an impairment loss of intangible assets, a $1.1 million increasedecrease in other non-cash items, net, adjusted by an increase of $0.1 million equity losses of an affiliate and a $0.1$2.9 million gain on sale of property, equipment and other assets, adjusted by a decrease of deferred income taxes,increase in net of $1.1 million.income.

The changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
January 28,
2017
 January 30,
2016
July 29,
2017
 July 30,
2016
(Increase) decrease:      
Restricted cash$(8) $302
$(6) $5
Accounts receivable5,020
 7,220
(22,035) (8,835)
Long-term receivables1,991
 1,150
488
 432
Inventories7,790
 (4,109)(7,878) 1,098
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings(3,004) 4,253
(9,952) (19,972)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets578
 1,720
696
 532
Income tax receivables4,556
 (4,876)295
 4,050
Advertising rights and other assets139
 (392)
Investment in affiliates and other assets104
 (108)
Increase (decrease):      
Current marketing obligations and other payables(106) (103)(638) (386)
Accounts payable(4,744) (14,826)4,732
 7,169
Customer deposits (billed or collected)(1,529) (1,182)3,904
 4,638
Accrued expenses2,859
 433
2,333
 2,967
Warranty obligations(1,717) 2,332
507
 (1,114)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings1,719
 (10,677)3,739
 2,106
Long-term warranty obligations707
 286
1,347
 534
Income taxes payable1,525
 (296)1,644
 (1)
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)1,391
 1,171
1,533
 813
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables1,169
 (284)601
 1,781
$18,336
 $(17,878)$(18,586) $(4,291)

Overall, changes in operating assets and liabilities can be impacted by the timing of cash flows on large orders, which can cause significant short-term fluctuations in the short term in inventory, accounts receivables, accounts payable, customer deposits, costs and earnings in excess of billings, and various other operating assets and liabilities. Variability in costs and earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs
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costs relates to the timing of billings on construction-type contracts and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms and build and installation schedules. Balances are also impacted by the seasonality of the sports markets.
 
Cash flows fromNet cash provided by investing activities:  Cash usedNet cash provided by investing activities totaled $11.4$3.0 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal 20172018 compared to $14.3$2.4 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal 2016.2017. The change in the amount of cash from investing activities was primarily the net result of a lower level of purchases of property and equipment and annet increase in investmentsthe maturities of cash in marketable securities of $3.2 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal 20172018 as compared to the first ninethree months of fiscal 2016.2017. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $6.7$4.1 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal 20172018 compared to $13.4$2.2 million in the first ninethree months of fiscal 2016. An increase in net2017. A cash invested in marketable securities, netoutlay of maturities of $4.3$0.6 million was due torecognized during the increase in cash from operations, a decrease in cash outflow expectations, and the timingfirst three months of investment decisions of excess cash into marketable securities.fiscal 2018 for equity investments.

Cash flows fromNet cash used in financing activities:  CashNet cash used in financing activities was $13.2$3.9 million for the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017 compared to $12.9$7.1 million in the same period one year ago. Dividends of $10.6$3.1 million, or $0.24$0.07 per share, were paid to Daktronics shareholders during the first ninethree months of fiscal 2017,2018, as compared to dividends of $13.2$4.4 million, or $0.30$0.10 per share, paid to Daktronics shareholders during the first ninethree months of fiscal 2016.2017. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we began purchasingused $1.8 million to purchase our common shares as part of the $40.0 million share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors. InDirectors, and there have been no purchases in the ninethree months ended January 28, 2017, we repurchased $1.8 million of shares.July 29, 2017.

Other Liquidity and Capital Resources Discussion: We have $7.0$10.2 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and costs in excess of billings as of January 28,July 29, 2017, which we expect to collect within one year.

Working capital was $131.7137.2 million and $123.7$127.1 million at January 28,July 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016,29, 2017, respectively.  The changes in working capital, particularly changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and costs in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs, and the seasonality of the sports market can have a significant impact on the amount of net cash provided by operating activities largely due to the timing of payments and receipts. We have historically financed working capital needs through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings under bank credit agreements.

We have used and expect to continue to use cash balances to meet our short-term working capital requirements.  On large product orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to and exceed 24 months depending on the amount of custom work and a customer’s delivery needs.  We often receive down payments or progress payments on these product orders.  To the extent these payments are not sufficient to fund the costs and other expenses associated with these orders, we use working capital and bank borrowings to finance these cash requirements.

We have a credit agreement with a U.S. bank for a $35.0 million line of credit, which includes up to $15.0 million for standby letters of credit.  On November 15, 2016, we entered into a credit agreement and a related revolving note with a U.S. bank. The agreement and note have a maturity date of November 15, 2019. The revolving amount of the agreement and note is $35.0 million, including up to $15.0 million for commercial and standby letters of credits. The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 145 basis points to LIBOR plus 195 basis points depending on the ratio of our interest-bearing debt to EBITDA.  EBITDA is defined as net income before deductions for interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, all as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  The effective interest rate was 2.22.7 percent at January 28,July 29, 2017.  We are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum ofon any unused portion of the loan.  As of January 28,July 29, 2017, there were no advances to us under the loan portion of the line of credit, and the balance of letters of credit outstanding was approximately $5.2$5.5 million.

The credit agreement is unsecured and requires us to be in compliance with the following financial ratios:
A minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 2 to 1 at the end of any fiscal year.  The ratio is equal to (a) EBITDA less dividends or other distributions (with the exception of any U.S. bank approved special cash dividend), a capital expenditure reserve of $6 million, and income tax expenses paid in cash, but excluding cash used to repurchase any Daktronics, Inc. stock over (b) all principal and interest payments with respect to debt, excluding principal payments on the line of credit; and
A ratio of interest-bearing debt, excluding any marketing obligations, to EBITDA of less than 1 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter.

On November 15, 2016, we entered into an amended and restated loan agreement and a continuing and unlimited guaranty agreement with another U.S. bank which supports our credit needs outside of the United States. The loan and guaranty have a maturity date of November 15, 2019. The revolving amount of the loan is $20.0 million. We willintend to use the borrowings under the agreement to support credit needs for general corporate purposes outside the United States.  This credit agreement is unsecured.  It contains the same covenants as the credit agreement on the line of credit and contains an inter creditor agreement whereby the debt has a cross default provision with the primary credit agreement. Total credit allowed between the two credit agreements is limited to $40.0 million. The interest rate is equal to LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. We are assessed a fixed loan fee equal to 0.15 percentof $5 thousand per annum of any unused portion of the loan.quarter. As of January 28,July 29, 2017, there were no advances outstanding under the loan agreement and approximately $6.8$3.4 million in bank guarantees under this line of credit.
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As of January 28,July 29, 2017, we were in compliance with all applicable bank loan covenants. The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as

Table of April 30, 2016 was (15)-to-1, and the ratio of interest-bearing debt to EBITDA as of January 28, 2017 was .09-to-1.contents


We utilize cash on hand to pay dividends to our investors. The following table summarizes the quarterly dividends declared and paid since the prior fiscal year end of April 30, 2016:29, 2017:
Date DeclaredRecord DatePayment DateAmount per Share
June 16, 20161, 2017June 27, 201613, 2017July 8, 2016$0.06
September 1, 2016September 12, 2016SeptemberJune 23, 20162017$0.07
December 1, 2016December 12, 2016December 23, 2016$0.07
March 2,August 31, 2017March 13,September 11, 2017March 24,September 22, 2017$0.07

The following table summarizes the special dividends declared and paid since the fiscal year end of April 30, 2016:
Date DeclaredRecord DatePayment DateAmount per Share
June 16, 2016June 27, 2016July 8, 2016$0.04

Although we expect to continue to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, the nature and amounts of dividends will be reviewed regularly and declared by the Board at its discretion.

We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have a bonding line available through a surety company for an aggregate of $150.0 million in bonded work outstanding. If we were unable to complete the work and our customer would call upon the bond for payment, the surety company would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. At January 28,July 29, 2017, we had $31.121.6 million of bonded work outstanding against this line.

Our business growth and profitability improvement strategies depend on investments in capital expenditures. We are projecting capital expenditures to be less than $15$20 million for fiscal 20172018 for purchases of manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production, demonstrationexpanded capacity, investments in quality and reliability equipment, for new products, and continued information infrastructure investments.

We believe our working capital available from all sources will be adequate to meet the cash requirements of our operations in the foreseeable future. If our growth extends beyond current expectations, profitability does not improve,continue, or if we make any strategic investments, we may need to increase our credit facilities or seek other means of financing.  We anticipate we will be able to obtain any needed funds under commercially reasonable terms from our current lenders or other sources, although there can be no guarantee of such.  

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Through January 28,July 29, 2017, most of our net sales were denominated in U.S. dollars, and our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes on net sales had not been significant. For the ninethree months ended January 28,July 29, 2017, net sales originating outside the United States were 17.910.8 percent of total net sales, of which a portion was denominated in Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, British pounds, Australian dollars, Brazilian reais or other currencies.  We manufacture our products in the United States, China, Belgium, and Ireland. Our results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. If we believebelieved currency risk in any foreign location to beis significant, we would utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations.  

Over the long term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of total net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of thisour business could be denominated in foreign currencies.  In addition, we may fund our foreign subsidiaries’ operating cash needs in the form of loans denominated in U.S. dollars.  As a result, operating results may become more subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.  To the extent we engage in international sales denominated in U.S. dollars, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets.  This effect is also impacted by the sources of raw materials from international sources.  We estimate that a 10 percent change in all foreign exchange rates would impact our reported income before taxes by approximately $2.0 million annually.$0.5 million. This sensitivity analysis disregards the possibilities that rates can move in opposite directions and that losses from one geographic area may be offset by gains from another geographic area. We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques, including foreign currency forward contracts and options, to minimize the effect of these fluctuations.  However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, differing
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tax structures and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our ability to effectively hedge exchange rate fluctuations in the future.

We have foreign currency forward agreements in place to offset changes in the value of intercompany receivables from certaincontracts with customers denominated in a foreign subsidiaries due to changes in foreign exchange rates.currency. The notional amount of these derivatives is $14.5$9.6 million, and all contracts mature within 1012 months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges. See "Note 13. Derivative Financial Instruments" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report for further details.

Interest Rate Risks

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our marketing obligations and long-term accounts receivable.  As of January 28,July 29, 2017, our outstanding marketing obligations were $0.60.5 million, all of which were in fixed rate obligations.
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In connection with the sale of certain display systems, we have entered into various types of financing with customers.  The aggregate amounts due from customers include an imputed interest element.  The majority of these financings carry fixed rates of interest.  As of January 28,July 29, 2017, our outstanding long-term receivables were $5.14.4 million.  Each 25 basis point increase in interest rates would have an associated immaterial annual opportunity cost.

The following table provides maturities and weighted average interest rates on our financial instruments sensitive to changes in interest rates.
Fiscal Years (dollars in thousands)
  
Fiscal Years (dollars in thousands)
  
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter
Assets:                      
Long-term receivables, including current maturities:                      
Fixed-rate$778
 $1,805
 $1,180
 $616
 $387
 $339
$1,746
 $1,300
 $624
 $388
 $290
 $55
Average interest rate9.0% 8.9% 8.8% 8.7% 8.5% 9.0%8.9% 8.8% 8.7% 8.6% 8.4% 9.0%
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Long- and short-term debt: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed-rate$71
 $293
 $1,258
 $986
 $
 $
$156
 $530
 $1,000
 $
 $
 $
Average interest rate1.1% 1.5% 7.8% 3.3% % %5.7% 4.5% 3.3% % % %
Long-term marketing obligations, including current portion: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed-rate$109
 $241
 $190
 $94
 $10
 $
$189
 $198
 $99
 $10
 $
 $
Average interest rate8.2% 8.9% 9.0% 9.0% 9.0% %8.4% 9.0% 9.0% 9.0% % %

Of our $48.4$26.9 million in cash and cash equivalentsbalances at January 28,July 29, 2017, $34.119.6 million waswere denominated in U.S. dollars.  Cash balances in foreign currencies are operating balances maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.  A portion of the cash held in foreign accounts is used to collateralize outstanding bank guarantees issued by our foreign subsidiaries.

Commodity Risk

We are dependent on basic raw materials, sub-assemblies, components, and other supplies used in our operations. Our financial results could be affected by the availability and changes in prices of these materials. Some of these materials are sourced from a limited number of suppliers or only a single supplier. These materials are also key source materials for our competitors. Therefore, if demand for these materials rises, we may experience increased costs and/or limited or unavailable supplies. As a result, we may not be able to acquire key production materials on a timely basis, which could impact our ability to produce products and satisfy incoming sales orders on a timely basis. In addition, the costs of these materials can rise suddenly and result in significantly higher costs of production. Our sourcing group works to implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year. We believe that we have adequate sources of supply for manymost of our key materials.



Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures,” as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of January 28,July 29, 2017, which is the end of the period covered by this Report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of January 28,July 29, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Based on the evaluation described in the foregoing paragraph, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that during the quarter ended January 28,July 29, 2017, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting which has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Not applicable.



Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

The discussion of our business and operations included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read together with the risk factors described in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.29, 2017.  They describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties, together with other factors described elsewhere in this Report, have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner.  New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict those risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial condition or financial results.

Item 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information about share repurchases of common stock duringShare Repurchases

During the ninethree months ended January 28, 2017:
PeriodTotal number of shares purchasedAverage price paid per share (including fees)Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the share repurchase program(1)
July 26 - January 28, 2017284,277
$6.42
284,277
$38,174,836
Total284,277
 284,277
 
(1) The share repurchases described in the above table were made pursuant to the $40.0 million shareJuly 29, 2017, we did not repurchase program authorized by the Boardany shares of Directors on June 17, 2016. The first purchase under the program was made on July 26, 2016, and there were no other purchases in any other month during the nine months ended January 28, 2017.our common stock.

Item 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.



Item 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

Item 6.   EXHIBITS

A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this report is set forth in the Index of Exhibits, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



  /s/ Sheila M. Anderson
  Daktronics, Inc.
  Sheila M. Anderson
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer and
  Principal Accounting Officer)
   
Date:March 3,September 1, 2017 




Index to Exhibits

Certain of the following exhibits are incorporated by reference from prior filings.  The form with which each exhibit was filed and the date of filing are as indicated below; the reports described below are filed as Commission File No. 0-23246 unless otherwise indicated.
10.6
101The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 28,July 29, 2017 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vii) document and entity information. (1)
 (1)Filed herewith electronically.





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