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

(Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 27, 2018
2024
or
oTRANSITION 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

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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.)
201 Daktronics Drive
Brookings, SD
Brookings,
SD
57006
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip (Zip Code)

(605) 692-0200
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, No Par ValueDAKTNasdaq Global Select Market
Preferred Stock Purchase RightsDAKTNasdaq Global Select Market
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 web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filero
o
Accelerated filerx
Non-accelerated filero (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
o
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 ¨o No x

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 26, 201819, 2024 was 44,474,202.46,189,311.




Table of Contents


DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended January 27, 2018

2024
Table of Contents











PARTPART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

January 27,
2024
April 29,
2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents$76,764 $23,982 
Restricted cash429 708 
Marketable securities— 534 
Accounts receivable, net100,601 109,979 
Inventories140,251 149,448 
Contract assets47,857 46,789 
Current maturities of long-term receivables271 1,215 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets7,853 9,676 
Income tax receivables1,504 326 
Total current assets375,530 342,657 
Property and equipment, net72,406 72,147 
Long-term receivables, less current maturities95 264 
Goodwill3,263 3,239 
Intangibles, net923 1,136 
Debt issuance costs, net2,840 3,866 
Investment in affiliates and other assets27,314 27,928 
Deferred income taxes16,835 16,867 
TOTAL ASSETS$499,206 $468,104 











1
DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

  January 27,
2018
 April 29,
2017
  (unaudited)  
ASSETS    
CURRENT ASSETS:    
Cash and cash equivalents $49,042
 $32,623
Restricted cash 28
 216
Marketable securities 23,937
 32,713
Accounts receivable, net 76,104
 78,846
Inventories, net 70,451
 66,486
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings 32,449
 36,403
Current maturities of long-term receivables 2,199
 2,274
Prepaid expenses and other assets 7,333
 7,553
Income tax receivables 2,726
 611
Total current assets 264,269
 257,725
     
Long-term receivables, less current maturities 1,948
 2,616
Goodwill 8,469
 7,812
Intangibles, net 4,174
 4,705
Investment in affiliates and other assets 4,888
 4,534
Deferred income taxes 7,983
 11,292
  27,462
 30,959
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:  
  
Land 2,172
 2,099
Buildings 67,340
 65,935
Machinery and equipment 88,143
 84,189
Office furniture and equipment 5,799
 5,604
Computer software and hardware 51,980
 51,523
Equipment held for rental 287
 374
Demonstration equipment 7,044
 7,109
Transportation equipment 7,647
 7,108
Property and equipment, net 230,412
 223,941
Less accumulated depreciation 166,117
 157,192
  64,295
 66,749
TOTAL ASSETS $356,026
 $355,433
     
See notes to consolidated financial statements.  
  


DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)
January 27,
2024
April 29,
2023
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt$1,500 $— 
Accounts payable49,489 67,522 
Contract liabilities68,936 91,549 
Accrued expenses36,824 36,005 
Warranty obligations12,884 12,228 
Income taxes payable628 2,859 
Total current liabilities170,261 210,163 
Long-term warranty obligations21,806 20,313 
Long-term contract liabilities16,347 13,096 
Other long-term obligations5,882 5,709 
Long-term debt, net48,466 17,750 
Deferred income taxes198 195 
Total long-term liabilities92,699 57,063 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Shares, no par value, authorized 50,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding— — 
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 115,000,000 shares; 46,189,311 and 45,488,595 shares issued at January 27, 2024 and April 29, 2023, respectively65,371 63,023 
Additional paid-in capital51,554 50,259 
Retained earnings135,513 103,410 
Treasury Stock, at cost, 1,907,445 shares at January 27, 2024 and April 29, 2023, respectively(10,285)(10,285)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(5,907)(5,529)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY236,246 200,878 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$499,206 $468,104 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
DAKTRONICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(continued)
(in thousands, except share data)

  January 27,
2018
 April 29,
2017
  (unaudited)  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ��  
CURRENT LIABILITIES:    
Accounts payable $40,309
 $51,499
Accrued expenses 27,578
 25,033
Warranty obligations 13,291
 13,578
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings 14,424
 10,897
Customer deposits (billed or collected) 10,288
 14,498
Deferred revenue (billed or collected) 13,906
 12,137
Current portion of other long-term obligations 1,000
 1,409
Income taxes payable 532
 1,544
Total current liabilities 121,328
 130,595
     
Long-term warranty obligations 15,909
 14,321
Long-term deferred revenue (billed or collected) 6,916
 5,434
Other long-term obligations 2,795
 2,848
Long-term income tax payable 3,679
 3,113
Deferred income taxes 984
 836
Total long-term liabilities 30,283
 26,552
TOTAL LIABILITIES 151,611
 157,147
     
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:  
  
Common Stock, no par value, authorized 120,000,000 shares; 44,778,945 and 44,372,357 shares issued and outstanding at January 27, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively 54,725
 52,530
Additional paid-in capital 39,671
 38,004
Retained earnings 114,028
 113,967
Treasury Stock, at cost, 303,957 shares at January 27, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively (1,834) (1,834)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,175) (4,381)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 204,415
 198,286
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $356,026
 $355,433
     
See notes to consolidated financial statements.  
  
















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

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
Net sales$130,316
 $115,719
 $472,353
 $442,857
Cost of goods sold101,749
 92,403
 356,536
 336,166
Gross profit28,567
 23,316
 115,817
 106,691
        
Operating expenses: 
  
  
  
Selling expense15,271
 14,678
 45,560
 45,828
General and administrative8,335
 8,599
 26,138
 26,007
Product design and development8,299
 6,973
 26,294
 21,142
 31,905
 30,250
 97,992
 92,977
Operating (loss) income(3,338) (6,934) 17,825
 13,714
        
Nonoperating income (expense): 
  
  
  
Interest income158
 183
 520
 559
Interest expense(40) (56) (173) (174)
Other (expense) income, net(487) (305) (429) (250)
        
(Loss) income before income taxes(3,707) (7,112) 17,743
 13,849
Income tax expense (benefit)2,482
 (1,985) 8,371
 4,416
Net (loss) income$(6,189) $(5,127) $9,372
 $9,433
        
Weighted average shares outstanding: 
  
  
  
Basic44,518
 44,102
 44,403
 44,071
Diluted44,518
 44,102
 44,798
 44,206
        
(Loss) earnings per share: 
  
  
  
Basic$(0.14) $(0.12) $0.21
 $0.21
Diluted$(0.14) $(0.12) $0.21
 $0.21
        
Cash dividends declared per share$0.07
 $0.07
 $0.21
 $0.24
        
See notes to consolidated financial statements.   
  
  

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

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  January 27, 2018 January 28,
2017
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
         
Net (loss) income $(6,189) $(5,127) $9,372
 $9,433
         
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Cumulative translation adjustments 1,228
 (47) 2,289
 (1,487)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (50) (29) (83) (33)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 1,178
 (76) 2,206
 (1,520)
Comprehensive (loss) income $(5,011) $(5,203) $11,578
 $7,913
         
See notes to consolidated financial statements.        


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

 Nine Months Ended
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income$9,372
 $9,433
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
Depreciation and amortization13,335
 13,941
Impairment of intangible assets
 830
(Gain) loss on sale of property, equipment and other assets(1,211) 23
Share-based compensation1,978
 2,204
Equity in loss of affiliate401
 78
Provision for doubtful accounts(55) 898
Deferred income taxes, net3,429
 (286)
Change in operating assets and liabilities(296) 18,266
Net cash provided by operating activities26,953
 45,387
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
  
Purchases of property and equipment(10,865) (6,709)
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and other assets2,107
 166
Purchases of marketable securities(5,211) (18,098)
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities13,751
 14,594
Purchases of equity investment(1,027) (1,374)
Net cash used in investing activities(1,245) (11,421)
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
  
Payments on notes payable
 (8)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options514
 343
Principal payments on long-term obligations(1,036) (912)
Dividends paid(9,311) (10,566)
Payments for common shares repurchased
 (1,825)
Tax payments related to RSU issuances(311) (261)
Net cash used in financing activities(10,144) (13,229)
    
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES667
 (680)
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH16,231
 20,057
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH: 
  
Beginning of period32,839
 28,526
End of period$49,070
 $48,583
    
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:   
Cash payments for: 
  
Interest$161
 $171
Income taxes, net of refunds7,449
 114
    
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: 
  
Demonstration equipment transferred to inventory72
 218
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable1,163
 397
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP1,681
 840
    
See notes to consolidated financial statements. 
  

NOTES TO THECONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
Net sales$170,303 $184,975 $602,203 $544,334 
Cost of sales128,585 143,262 435,139 445,123 
Gross profit41,718 41,713 167,064 99,211 
Operating expenses:
Selling14,258 12,908 41,840 41,866 
General and administrative10,589 9,861 31,077 27,989 
Product design and development8,835 7,250 26,459 21,655 
Goodwill impairment— 4,576 — 4,576 
33,682 34,595 99,376 96,086 
Operating income8,036 7,118 67,688 3,125 
Nonoperating (expense) income:
Interest (expense) income, net(745)(398)(2,952)(721)
Change in fair value of convertible note6,340 — (11,570)— 
Other expense and debt issuance costs write-off, net(1,000)(1,380)(6,282)(2,335)
Income before income taxes12,631 5,340 46,884 69 
Income tax expense1,889 1,627 14,781 14,666 
Net income (loss)$10,742 $3,713 $32,103 $(14,597)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic46,173 45,387 45,975 45,320 
Diluted50,837 45,448 46,608 45,320 
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic$0.23 $0.08 $0.70 $(0.32)
Diluted$0.09 $0.08 $0.69 $(0.32)
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
Net income (loss)$10,742 $3,713 $32,103 $(14,597)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cumulative translation adjustments1,041 1,976 (401)(187)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax23 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax1,048 1,982 (378)(181)
Comprehensive income (loss)$11,790 $5,695 $31,725 $(14,778)
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Common StockAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsTreasury StockAccumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Balance as of April 29, 2023$63,023 $50,259 $103,410 $(10,285)$(5,529)$200,878 
Net income— — 19,196 — — 19,196 
Cumulative translation adjustments— — — — (252)(252)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax— — — — 
Share-based compensation— 557 — — — 557 
Exercise of stock options46 — — — — 46 
Employee savings plan activity615 — — — — 615 
Balance as of July 29, 2023$63,684 $50,816 $122,606 $(10,285)$(5,774)$221,047 
Net income— — 2,165 — — 2,165 
Cumulative translation adjustments— — — — (1,190)(1,190)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax— — — — 
Share-based compensation— 534 — — — 534 
Exercise of stock options959 — — — — 959 
Tax payments related to RSU issuances— (303)— — — (303)
Balance as of October 28, 2023$64,643 $51,047 $124,771 $(10,285)$(6,955)$223,221 
Net income— — 10,742 — — 10,742 
Cumulative translation adjustments— — — — 1,041 1,041 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax— — — — 
Share-based compensation— 507 — — — 507 
Exercise of stock options142 — — — — 142 
Employee savings plan activity586 — — — — 586 
Balance as of January 27, 2024$65,371 $51,554 $135,513 $(10,285)$(5,907)$236,246 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(continued)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Common StockAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsTreasury StockAccumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Balance as of April 30, 2022$61,794 $48,372 $96,608 $(10,285)$(4,925)$191,564 
Net loss— — (5,326)— — (5,326)
Cumulative translation adjustments— — — — (642)(642)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax— — — — 
Share-based compensation— 511 — — — 511 
Employee savings plan activity594 — — — — 594 
Balance as of July 30, 2022$62,388 $48,883 $91,282 $(10,285)$(5,566)$186,702 
Net loss— — (12,984)— — (12,984)
Cumulative translation adjustments— — — — (1,521)(1,521)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax— — — — (1)(1)
Share-based compensation— 474 — — — 474 
Tax payments related to RSU issuances— (140)— — — (140)
Balance as of October 29, 2022$62,388 $49,217 $78,298 $(10,285)$(7,088)$172,530 
Net income— — 3,713 — — 3,713 
Cumulative translation adjustments— — — — 1,976 1,976 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax— — — — 
Share-based compensation— 502 — — — 502 
Employee savings plan activity614 — — — — 614 
Balance as of January 28, 2023$63,002 $49,719 $82,011 $(10,285)$(5,106)$179,341 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6

DAKTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  
Net income (loss)$32,103 $(14,597)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization14,370 12,543 
Loss (gain) on sale of property, equipment and other assets98 (588)
Share-based compensation1,598 1,487 
Equity in loss of affiliates2,330 2,596 
Provision for doubtful accounts, net659 674 
Deferred income taxes, net23 13,028 
Non-cash impairment charges1,091 4,576 
Change in fair value of convertible note11,570 — 
Debt issuance costs write-off3,353 — 
Change in operating assets and liabilities(13,406)(29,206)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities53,789 (9,487)
   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Purchases of property and equipment(13,628)(21,809)
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other assets107 612 
Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities550 3,490 
Purchases of equity and loans to equity investees(4,084)(3,240)
Net cash used in investing activities(17,055)(20,947)
   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Borrowings on notes payable40,485 283,115 
Payments on notes payable(18,500)(259,477)
Principal payments on long-term obligations(307)— 
Debt issuance costs(6,833)— 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options1,147 — 
Tax payments related to RSU issuances(303)(140)
Net cash provided by financing activities15,689 23,498 
   
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH80 (342)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH52,503 (7,278)
   
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH:  
Beginning of period24,690 18,008 
End of period$77,193 $10,730 
  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:  
Cash paid for:  
Interest$1,959 $760 
Income taxes, net of refunds18,185 4,456 
   
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:  
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable1,050 1,538 
Contributions of common stock under the ESPP1,201 1,207 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
7

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “Daktronics”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is the world'sare industry leaderleaders in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays for sporting, commercial and transportation applications.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed 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 accounting principles generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts therein.of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Estimates used in the preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements include, among others, revenue recognition, future warranty expenses, the fair value of long-term debt, the fair value of investments in affiliates, income tax expenses, and stock-based compensation. 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 GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The balance sheet at April 29, 20172023 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but it does not include all of the information and footnotesdisclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017,2023, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Commission ("SEC"). 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 52- toor 53-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-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week fiscal year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The nine months ended January 27, 20182024 and January 28, 20172023 contained operating results for 39 weeks.

There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies and estimates as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023.
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the totals of the same amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalents held in bank deposit accounts to secure certain issuances of foreign bank guarantees.
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
April 29,
2023
Cash and cash equivalents$76,764 $10,022 $23,982 
Restricted cash429 708 708 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows$77,193 $10,730 $24,690 
We have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Of our $76,764 in cash and cash equivalent balances as of January 27, 2024, $63,179 were denominated in United States dollars, of which $1,568 were held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of January 27, 2024, we had an additional $13,585 in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies, of which $9,761 were maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.
8

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470- 20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplified the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. ASU 2020-06 (1) simplified the accounting for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the existing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 470-20, Debt: Debt with Conversion and Other Options, that required entities to account for beneficial conversion features and cash conversion features in equity separately from the host convertible debt or preferred stock; (2) revised the scope exception from derivative accounting in ASC 815-40 for freestanding financial instruments and embedded features that are both indexed to the issuer’s own stock and classified in stockholders’ equity by removing certain criteria required for equity classification; and (3) revised the guidance in ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, to require entities to calculate diluted earnings per share ("EPS") for convertible instruments by using the if-converted method. In addition, entities must presume share settlement for purposes of calculating diluted EPS when an instrument may be settled in cash or shares. For SEC filers, excluding smaller reporting companies, ASU 2020-06 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. For all other entities, ASU 2020-06 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we adopted ASU 2020-06 with no material impact to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. On May 11, 2023, we borrowed $25,000 in aggregate principal amount evidenced by a secured convertible note due May 11, 2027 (the "Convertible Note"). See "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q for further information on the Convertible Note.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures ("ASU 2023-07"). ASU 2023-07 requires enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2023-07 for its annual reporting in fiscal year 2025 and for interim period reporting beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07 on our segment disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures ("ASU 2023-09"). ASU 2023-09 requires the disclosure of specified additional information in its income tax rate reconciliation and to provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. ASU 2023-09 will also require disaggregation of income taxes paid disclosure by federal, state and foreign taxes, with further disaggregation required for significant individual jurisdictions. The Company is required to adopt this guidance for its annual reporting in fiscal year 2025 on a prospective basis. Early adoption and retroactive application are permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on our income tax disclosures.
Note 2. Investments in Affiliates
We evaluated the nature of our investment in affiliates overof XdisplayTM, which is developing micro-LED mass transfer expertise and technologies, and Miortech (dba Etulipa), which is developing low power outdoor electrowetting technology. We determined that Miortech is a variable interest entity (VIE), and, based on management's analysis, we have significant influence aredetermined that Daktronics is not the primary beneficiary; therefore, the investment in Miortech is 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.

method.
The aggregate amount of our investments accounted for under the equity method was $3,303$8,513 and $2,678 at$11,934 as of January 27, 20182024 and April 29, 2017,2023, respectively. The equity method requires us to report our share of losses up to our equity investment amount. Cash paid for investments in affiliates is included in the Purchases of equity investment line item in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Our proportional share of the respective affiliate’saffiliates' earnings or losses is included in the Other (expense) income, net"Other expense and debt issuance costs write-off, net" line item in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three and nine months ended January 27, 2018,2024, our share of the losses of our affiliates was $401.$869 and $2,330 as compared to $895 and $2,596 for the three and nine months ended January 28, 2023.

We purchased services for research and development activities from our equity method investees. The total of these related party transactions for the nine months ended January 27, 2024 and January 28, 2023 was $162 and $672, respectively, which is included in the "Product design and development" line item in our condensed consolidated statements of
9

operations, and for the nine months ended January 27, 2024, $2 remains unpaid and is included in the "Accounts payable" line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
During the nine months ended January 27, 2024, we invested $3,000 in convertible notes and $1,084 in promissory notes (collectively, the "Affiliate Notes") issued by our affiliates, which is included in the "Investment in affiliates and other assets" line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the nine months ended January 27, 2024, we did not convert any Affiliate Notes to stock ownership. Our ownership in Miortech was 55.9 percent and in XdisplayTM was 16.4 percent as of January 27, 2024. The aggregatetotal amount of investments accounted for under the cost method was $42 atAffiliate Notes as of January 27, 20182024 was $13,134 and April 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 August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which reduces the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classifiedincluded in the statement"Investments in affiliates and other assets" line item in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Affiliate Notes balance combined with the investment in affiliates balance totaled $21,647 and $24,836 as of cash flows. We early adopted ASU 2016-15 during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.January 27, 2024 and January 28, 2023, respectively.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash, which requires that the statements of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Accordingly, restricted cash will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statements of cash flows. We early adopted ASU 2016-18 during the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and applied its provisions retrospectively. Other than the change in presentation within the statements of cash flows, the adoption of ASU 2016-18 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.


Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2018-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued 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. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2017-04 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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 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 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 us on April 29, 2018. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2016-16 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides guidance regarding the measurement and recognition of credit impairment for certain financial assets. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial 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 greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. ASU 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. ASU 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 ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). 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 2016-20 to clarify guidance with respect to principal versus agent considerations and the identification of performance obligations and licensing, to issue guidance on certain narrow areas, and to add practical expedients. We will adopt ASU 2014-09 and related guidance under the modified retrospective method during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The implementation team has completed its evaluation of the revenue arrangements, analyzed contracts to identify key provisions impacted by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, assessed the applicable accounting, and reviewed existing accounting policies and internal controls. We are in the process of implementing appropriate changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under ASC 606. As a result of the evaluation performed to date, we do not anticipate that the adoption will significantly change the timing or amount of revenue recognized, based upon our current assessment of "point in time" and "over time" revenue recognition. Therefore, we do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will materially impact our consolidated results of operations and financial statements, other than the additional disclosure requirements.

Note 2.3. Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Basic EPSUnder the if-converted method, the Convertible Note is computed by dividing income attributableassumed 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 orbe converted into common stock at the beginning of the reporting period or resultedat time of issuance, if later, and the resulting shares are included in the issuancedenominator of common stock which sharethe calculation. In addition, interest charges, net of any income tax effects, and the change in fair value of Convertible Note are added back to the numerator of the calculation. See "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our earnings.


Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q for further information on the Convertible Note.
The following is a reconciliation of the net income (loss) and common share amounts used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended January 27, 20182024 and January 28, 2017: 2023:
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
Earnings per share - basic
Net income (loss)$10,742 $3,713 $32,103 $(14,597)
Weighted average shares outstanding46,173 45,387 45,975 45,320 
Basic earnings (loss) per share$0.23 $0.08 $0.70 $(0.32)
Earnings per share - diluted
Net income (loss)$10,742 $3,713 $32,103 $(14,597)
Change in fair value of convertible note(6,340)— — — 
Interest expense on convertible note, net of tax404 — — — 
Diluted net income (loss)$4,806 $3,713 $32,103 $(14,597)
Weighted average common shares outstanding46,173 45,387 45,975 45,320 
Dilution associated with stock compensation plans627 61 633 — 
Dilution associated with convertible note4,037 — — — 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution50,837 45,448 46,608 45,320 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$0.09 $0.08 $0.69 $(0.32)
  Net (loss) income  Shares  Per share (loss) income
For the three months ended January 27, 2018     
Basic (loss) earnings per share$(6,189) 44,518
 $(0.14)
    Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
 
 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share$(6,189) 44,518
 $(0.14)
For the three months ended January 28, 2017     
Basic (loss) earnings per share$(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 nine months ended January 27, 2018     
Basic earnings per share$9,372
 44,403
 $0.21
    Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
 395
 
Diluted earnings per share$9,372
 44,798
 $0.21
For the nine months ended January 28, 2017     
Basic earnings per share$9,433
 44,071
 $0.21
    Dilution associated with stock compensation plans
 135
 
Diluted earnings per share$9,433
 44,206
 $0.21
Options outstanding to purchase 1,203484 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $11.45$10.73 for the three months ended January 27, 20182024 and 1,3542,102 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.86$7.13 for the three months ended January 28, 2017 were not included in the computation of diluted (loss) earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Options outstanding to purchase 1,281 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $12.55 for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 and 2,380 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $13.27 for the nine months ended January 28, 20172023 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Note 3. Share Repurchase Program

On June 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which Daktronics, Inc. mayOptions outstanding to 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, second and third quarter of fiscal 2018, we had no repurchases of shares of our outstanding common stock. During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we repurchased 284695 shares of common stock atwith a total costweighted average exercise price of $1,825,$10.30 for the nine months ended January 27, 2024 and there2,089 shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $7.59 for the nine months ended January 28, 2023 were no other purchasesnot included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects would be anti-dilutive.
10

During the nine months ended January 27, 2024, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Note were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended January 27, 2024, 3,875 potential common shares related to the Convertible Note were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. The debt evidenced by the Convertible Note was not outstanding during fiscal 2017. year 2023.
Note 4. Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of revenue
In accordance with ASC 606-10-50, we disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers by the type of performance obligation and the timing of revenue recognition. We determine that disaggregating revenue in these categories achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors and to enable users of financial statements to understand the relationship to each reportable segment.
The following table presents our disaggregation of revenue by segments:
Three Months Ended January 27, 2024
CommercialLive Events
High School
Park and Recreation
TransportationInternationalTotal
Type of performance obligation
Unique configuration$5,802 $57,229 $5,021 $12,116 $6,508 $86,676 
Limited configuration22,157 8,395 20,900 5,646 6,702 63,800 
Service and other5,333 7,769 2,843 1,843 2,039 19,827 
$33,292 $73,393 $28,764 $19,605 $15,249 $170,303 
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods/services transferred at a point in time$24,361 $11,006 $20,819 $6,874 $7,473 $70,533 
Goods/services transferred over time8,931 62,387 7,945 12,731 7,776 99,770 
$33,292 $73,393 $28,764 $19,605 $15,249 $170,303 
11

Nine Months Ended January 27, 2024
CommercialLive Events
High School
Park and Recreation
TransportationInternationalTotal
Type of performance obligation
Unique configuration$28,231 $181,272 $31,679 $35,747 $25,291 $302,220 
Limited configuration80,822 32,127 97,514 22,182 19,243 251,888 
Service and other13,575 20,203 4,747 3,288 6,282 48,095 
$122,628 $233,602 $133,940 $61,217 $50,816 $602,203 
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods/services transferred at a point in time$84,758 $37,173 $94,622 $23,733 $21,235 $261,521 
Goods/services transferred over time37,870 196,429 39,318 37,484 29,581 340,682 
$122,628 $233,602 $133,940 $61,217 $50,816 $602,203 
Three Months Ended January 28, 2023
CommercialLive Events
High School
Park and Recreation
TransportationInternationalTotal
Type of performance obligation
Unique configuration$9,929 $53,437 $3,380 $11,446 $8,138 $86,330 
Limited configuration35,864 7,858 23,865 5,328 11,040 83,955 
Service and other4,174 6,453 1,067 804 2,192 14,690 
$49,967 $67,748 $28,312 $17,578 $21,370 $184,975 
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods/services transferred at a point in time$36,746 $10,125 $22,716 $5,571 $11,861 $87,019 
Goods/services transferred over time13,221 57,623 5,596 12,007 9,509 97,956 
$49,967 $67,748 $28,312 $17,578 $21,370 $184,975 
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Nine Months Ended January 28, 2023
CommercialLive Events
High School
Park and Recreation
TransportationInternationalTotal
Type of performance obligation
Unique configuration$20,198 $148,467 $17,828 $35,330 $20,762 $242,585 
Limited configuration94,408 26,013 85,123 15,969 36,826 258,339 
Service and other12,526 18,890 3,176 2,498 6,320 43,410 
$127,132 $193,370 $106,127 $53,797 $63,908 $544,334 
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods/services transferred at a point in time$97,381 $31,029 $80,935 $16,702 $38,756 $264,803 
Goods/services transferred over time29,751 162,341 25,192 37,095 25,152 279,531 
$127,132 $193,370 $106,127 $53,797 $63,908 $544,334 
See "Note 5. Segment Reporting" for a disaggregation of revenue by geography.
Contract balances
Contract assets represent revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed and include unbilled receivables. Unbilled receivables, which represent an unconditional right to payment subject only to the passage of time, are reclassified to accounts receivable when they are billed according to the contract terms. Contract liabilities represent amounts billed to the customers in excess of revenue recognized to date.
The following table reflects the changes in our contract assets and liabilities:
January 27,
2024
April 29,
2023
Dollar
Change
Percent
Change
Contract assets$47,857 $46,789 $1,068 2.3 %
Contract liabilities - current68,936 91,549 (22,613)(24.7)
Contract liabilities - noncurrent16,347 13,096 3,251 24.8 
The changes in our contract assets and contract liabilities from April 29, 2023 to January 27, 2024 were due to the timing of billing schedules and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on the contractual payment terms and the seasonality of the sports markets. We had immaterial impairments of contract assets for the nine months ended January 27, 2024.
For service-type warranty contracts, we allocate revenue to this performance obligation, recognize the revenue over time, and recognize costs as incurred. Earned and unearned revenues for these contracts are included in the "Contract assets" and "Contract liabilities" line items of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in unearned service-type warranty contracts, net were as follows:
January 27,
2024
Balance as of April 29, 2023$28,338 
New contracts sold38,943 
Less: reductions for revenue recognized(31,748)
Foreign currency translation and other(2,651)
Balance as of January 27, 2024$32,882 
13

Contracts in progress identified as loss contracts as of January 27, 2024 and as of April 29, 2023 were immaterial. Loss provisions are recorded in the "Accrued expenses" line item in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
During the nine months ended January 27, 2024, we recognized revenue of $82,938 related to our contract liabilities as of April 29, 2023.
Remaining performance obligations
As of January 27, 2018, we had $38,1752024, the aggregate amount of remaining capacity under our current share repurchase program.

Note 4. Segment Disclosure

We have organized our business into five segments which meet the definition of reportable segments under 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, 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 gross profit less selling costs. Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold consists 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. 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. Segment profit excludes general and administration expense, product development expense, interest income and expense, non-operating income and income tax expense.  Assets are nottransaction price allocated to the segments.  Depreciationremaining performance obligations was $393,203. Remaining performance obligations related to product and amortization are allocated to each segment based on various financial measures; however, some depreciationservice agreements as of January 27, 2024 were $328,279 and amortization are corporate in nature and remain unallocated.  Our segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note 1$64,924, respectively. We expect approximately $328,491 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K forremaining performance obligations to be recognized over the fiscal yearnext 12 months, with the remainder recognized thereafter. Although remaining performance obligations reflect business that is considered to be legally binding, cancellations, deferrals or scope adjustments may occur. Any known project cancellations, revisions to project scope and cost, foreign currency exchange fluctuations, and project deferrals are reflected or excluded in the remaining performance obligation balance, as appropriate. The amount of revenue recognized associated with performance obligations satisfied in prior years during the nine months ended April 29, 2017.  Unabsorbed manufacturing costs are allocated to the business unit benefiting most from that manufacturing location's production capabilities. Unabsorbed costs of domestic field salesJanuary 27, 2024 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.January 28, 2023 was immaterial.

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


14


Note 5. Segment Reporting
The following table sets forth certain financial information for each of our five reporting segments for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
Three Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
Net sales:       
Commercial
Commercial
Commercial$35,483
 $36,165
 $102,723
 $112,342
Live Events45,167
 41,036
 191,432
 157,032
High School Park and Recreation11,463
 12,653
 69,602
 68,977
Transportation11,189
 9,130
 46,577
 39,517
International27,014
 16,735
 62,019
 64,989
130,316
 115,719
 472,353
 442,857
170,303
       
Gross profit:       
Gross profit:
Gross profit:
Commercial
Commercial
Commercial7,546
 7,711
 21,085
 27,418
Live Events9,747
 6,629
 43,056
 30,430
High School Park and Recreation2,768
 3,198
 23,672
 21,900
Transportation3,570
 2,325
 16,696
 12,966
International4,936
 3,453
 11,308
 13,977
41,718
28,567
 23,316
 115,817
 106,691
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses:
Selling
Selling
Selling
General and administrative
Product design and development
Goodwill impairment
33,682
Operating income
       
Selling expense:       
Nonoperating (expense) income:
Nonoperating (expense) income:
Nonoperating (expense) income:
Interest (expense) income, net
Interest (expense) income, net
Interest (expense) income, net
Change in fair value of convertible note
Other expense and debt issuance costs write-off, net
Income before income taxes
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization:
Commercial
Commercial
Commercial4,415
 4,575
 13,778
 13,949
Live Events3,843
 3,417
 10,562
 9,686
High School Park and Recreation2,726
 2,581
 8,073
 7,532
Transportation945
 952
 3,084
 3,461
International3,342
 3,153
 10,063
 11,200
15,271
 14,678
 45,560
 45,828
       
Non-allocated operating expenses:       
General and administrative8,335
 8,599
 26,138
 26,007
Product design and development8,299
 6,973
 26,294
 21,142
Operating (loss) income(3,338) (6,934) 17,825
 13,714
       
Nonoperating income (expense):       
Interest income158
 183
 520
 559
Interest expense(40) (56) (173) (174)
Other (expense) income, net(487) (305) (429) (250)
       
(Loss) income before income taxes(3,707) (7,112) 17,743
 13,849
Income tax expense (benefit)2,482
 (1,985) 8,371
 4,416
Net (loss) income$(6,189) $(5,127) $9,372
 $9,433
       
Depreciation, amortization and impairment:       
Commercial$1,550
 $1,616
 $4,628
 $4,777
Live Events1,192
 1,245
 3,626
 3,798
High School Park and Recreation401
 421
 1,245
 1,310
Transportation281
 311
 860
 957
International284
 423
 835
 1,914
Unallocated corporate depreciation725
 683
 2,141
 2,015
$4,433
 $4,699
 $13,335
 $14,771
Unallocated corporate depreciation and amortization
$
15


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 EndedNine Months Ended
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
Net sales:    
United States$152,962 $161,467 $545,699 $474,048 
Outside United States17,341 23,508 56,504 70,286 
$170,303 $184,975 $602,203 $544,334 
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
January��27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
Net sales:       
United States$98,297
 $94,174
 $396,155
 $363,766
Outside United States32,019
 21,545
 76,198
 79,091
$130,316
 $115,719
 $472,353
 $442,857
       
       
January 27,
2018
 April 29,
2017
    
January 27,
2024
January 27,
2024
April 29,
2023
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:      

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation:  
United States$58,333
 $62,425
   

Outside United States5,962
 4,324
    
$64,295
 $66,749
   

$
We have numerous customers worldwide for sales of our products and services;services, and no customer accounted for 10 percent or more of net sales; 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. services.

Note 5. Marketable Securities

We have a cash management program which providesnumerous raw material and component suppliers, and no supplier accounts for the investment10 percent or more of cash balances not used in current operations.  We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale in accordance with the provisionscost 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 27, 2018, we anticipate we will recover the entire amortized cost basis of such fixed income securities, andsales; however, we have determined no other-than-temporary impairments associated with credit losses were requireda complex global supply chain subject to be recognized. The costgeopolitical and transportation risks and a number 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 tradedsingle-source suppliers that could limit our supply or cause delays in the market to estimate fair value.  obtaining raw materials and components needed in manufacturing.


As of January 27, 2018 and April 29, 2017, our available-for-sale securities consisted of the following:
 Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value
Balance as of January 27, 2018       
Certificates of deposit$8,918
 $
 $
 $8,918
U.S. Government sponsored entities9,104
 
 (73) 9,031
Municipal bonds6,001
 
 (13) 5,988
 $24,023
 $
 $(86) $23,937
Balance as of April 29, 2017 
  
  
  
Certificates of deposit$12,487
 $
 $
 $12,487
U.S. Government securities400
 
 
 400
U.S. Government sponsored entities12,260
 
 (22) 12,238
Municipal bonds7,574
 14
 
 7,588
 $32,721
 $14
 $(22) $32,713

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 nine months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings were immaterial.


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 27, 2018 were as follows:
 Less than 12 months 1-5 Years Total
Certificates of deposit$5,207
 $3,711
 $8,918
U.S. Government sponsored entities999
 8,032
 9,031
Municipal bonds2,598
 3,390
 5,988
 $8,804
 $15,133
 $23,937

Note 6. Business Combinations

ADFLOW Acquisition

We have a contingent liability related to a prior year acquisition of ADFLOW Networks, Inc. ("ADFLOW"), on March 15, 2016. For more information related to the ADFLOW acquisition, see "Note 4. Business Combinations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The fair value of such contingent consideration is estimated as of the acquisition date, and subsequently at the end of each reporting period, using forecasted cash flows. Projecting future cash flows requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding future events, conditions, or revenues being achieved under the subject contingent agreement as well as the appropriate discount rate. Such valuation techniques include one or more significant inputs that are not observable. See "Note 13. Fair Value Measurement" for more information.

Note 7. Sale of Non-Digital Division

In September 2017, we sold our non-digital division assets, primarily consisting of inventory, non-digital manufacturing equipment, patented and unpatented technology and know-how, customer lists, and backlog, net of warranty obligations and accounts payable with a net book value of $517. We recorded a gain of $1,267 on the disposal, which is included in cost of goods sold in the International business unit.

Note 8. Goodwill


The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to each reportable segment with a goodwill balance for the nine months ended January 27, 20182024 were as follows:
 Live Events Commercial Transportation International Total
Balance as of April 29, 2017$2,274
 $3,199
 $45
 $2,294
 $7,812
Foreign currency translation38
 258
 38
 323
 657
Balance as of January 27, 2018$2,312
 $3,457
 $83
 $2,617
 $8,469
CommercialTransportationTotal
Balance as of April 29, 2023$3,198 $41 $3,239 
Foreign currency translation19 24 
Balance as of January 27, 2024$3,217 $46 $3,263 
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. WeOur annual analysis is performed 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 2018, which wasquarter. We performed our annual impairment test as of October 29, 2017. The result of the analysis indicated2023 and concluded no goodwill impairment existed as of that date.existed.

Note 9. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following: 
 January 27,
2018
 April 29,
2017
Raw materials$26,833
 $24,801
Work-in-process11,813
 7,366
Finished goods31,805
 34,319
 $70,451
 $66,486

Note 10. Receivables

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,311 and $2,610 at January 27, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. Included in accounts receivableAccumulated impairments to goodwill as of January 27, 20182024 and April 29, 20172023 was $2,044 and $1,857, respectively,$4,576.
Note 7. Financing Agreements

Long-term debt consists of retainagethe following:
16

January 27,
2024
April 29,
2023
ABL credit facility/prior line of credit$— $17,750 
Mortgage14,250 — 
Convertible note25,000 — 
Long-term debt, gross39,250 17,750 
Debt issuance costs, net(854)— 
Change in fair value of convertible note11,570 — 
Current portion(1,500)— 
Long-term debt, net$48,466 $17,750 
Credit Agreements
On May 11, 2023, we closed on construction-type contracts, alla $75,000 senior credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility consists of a $60,000 asset-based revolving credit facility (the "ABL") maturing on May 11. 2026, which is expectedsecured by first priority lien on the Company's assets and is subject to be collected within one year.

Incertain factors that can impact our borrowing capacity, and a $15,000 delayed draw loan (the "Delayed Draw Loan") secured by a first priority mortgage on our Brookings, South Dakota real estate (the "Mortgage"). The ABL and Delayed Draw Loan are evidenced by a Credit Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 (the "Credit Agreement") between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the lender. On May 11, 2023, the Company paid all amounts outstanding on the prior credit agreement, and this prior credit agreement was terminated as of this date. No gain or loss was recognized upon termination, and the Company incurred no early termination penalties in connection with such termination.
Under the ABL, certain sales transactions, we have entered into sales contracts with installmentfactors can impact our borrowing capacity. As of January 27, 2024, our borrowing capacity was $32,907, there were no borrowings outstanding, and there was $5,426 used to secure letters of credit outstanding.
The interest rate on the ABL is set on a sliding scale based on the trailing 12-month fixed charge coverage and ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 percent over the standard overnight financing rate (SOFR). The ABL is secured by a first priority lien on the Company's assets described in the Credit Agreement and the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and among the Company, Daktronics Installation, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
The $15,000 Delayed Draw Loan was funded on July 7, 2023 and is secured by the Mortgage on the Company's Brookings, South Dakota real estate. It amortizes over 10 years and has monthly payments exceeding twelve months and sales-type leases.of $125. The present value of these contracts and leases are recorded as a receivable as the revenueDelayed Draw Loan is recognized in accordance with GAAP, and profit is recognizedsubject to the extentterms of the present valueCredit Agreement and matures on May 11, 2026. The interest rate on the Delayed Draw Loan is in excess of cost.  We generally retainset on a securitysliding scale based on the trailing 12-month fixed charge coverage ratio and ranges between 1.0 and 2.0 percent over the Commercial Bank Floating Rate (CBFR). The 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 $4,147 and $4,890rate as of January 27, 20182024 for Delayed Draw Loan was 9.5 percent.
Convertible Note
On May 11, 2023, we borrowed $25,000 in aggregate principal amount evidenced by the secured Convertible Note due May 11, 2027. The Convertible Note holder (the "Holder") has a second priority lien on assets securing the ABL facility and April 29, 2017, respectively.  Contracta first priority lien on substantially all of the other assets of the Company, excluding all real property, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and lease receivables bearingamong the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., and the Holder of the Convertible Note.
Conversion Features
The Convertible Note allows the Holder and any of the Holder’s permitted transferees, donees, pledgees, assignees or successors-in-interest (collectively, the “Selling Shareholders”) to convert all or any portion of the principal amount of the Convertible Note, together with any accrued and unpaid interest and any other unpaid amounts, including late charges, if any (together, the “Conversion Amount”), into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial conversion price of $6.31 per share, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Note (the “Conversion Price”).
17

The Company also has a forced conversion right, which is exercisable on the occurrence of certain conditions set forth in the Convertible Note, pursuant to which it can cause all or any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount to be converted into shares of common stock at the Conversion Price.
Additionally, if the Company fails other than by reason of a failure by the Holder to comply with its obligations, the Holder is permitted to cash payments from the Company until such conversion failure is cured.

Redemption Features

If the Company were to have an "Event of Default", as defined by the Convertible Note, then the Holder may require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the Convertible Note.

If the Company has a "Change of Control", as defined by the Convertible Note, then the Holder is entitled to payment of the outstanding amount of the Convertible Note at the "Change in Control Redemption Price," as defined in the Convertible Note.

Interest

Interest accruing under the Convertible Note is payable, at the option of the Company, in either (i) cash or (ii) a combination of cash interest and capitalized interest; provided, however, that at least fifty percent (50%) of the interest paid on each interest date must be paid as cash interest. The Convertible Note accrues interest quarterly at an annual rate of 9.0 percent when interest is paid in cash or an annual rate of 10.0 percent if interest is paid in kind. Upon an event of default under the Convertible Note, the annual interest ratesrate will increase to 12.0 percent. The annual rate of 4.89.0 percent was used to 10.0 percent are due in varying annual installments through August 2024.  The face amount of long-term receivables was $4,547 and $5,201calculate the interest accrued as of January 27, 20182024, as interest will be paid in cash.

We elected the fair value option to account for the Convertible Note as described in "Note 10. Fair Value Measurement" of the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q. The financial liability was initially measured at its issue-date fair value and April 29, 2017, respectively.is subsequently remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis at each reporting period date. We have elected to present the fair value and the accrued interest component separately in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Therefore, interest will be recognized and accrued separately in interest expense, with changes in fair value of the Convertible Note presented in the "Change in fair value of convertible note" line item in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


The changes in fair value of the Convertible Note during the nine months ended January 27, 2024 are as follows:

Liability Component
(in thousands)
Balance as of May 11, 2023$25,000 
Redemption of convertible promissory note— 
Fair value change recognized11,570 
Balance as of January 27, 2024$36,570 

The estimated fair value of the Convertible Note upon its issuance date of May 11, 2023 and as of January 27, 2024 was computed using a binomial lattice model which incorporates significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.

We determined the fair value by using the following key assumptions in the binomial lattice model:

Risk-Free Rate (Annual)4.09 %
Implied Yield17.24 %
Volatility (Annual)60.00 %
Dividend Yield (Annual)— %
The Credit Agreement and the Convertible Note require a fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than 1.1 and include other customary non-financial covenants. As of January 27, 2024, we were in compliance with our financial covenants under the Credit Agreement and the Convertible Note.
18

Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated debt agreement. If early principal payments or conversions occur, a proportional amount of unamortized debt issuance costs is expensed. As part of these financings, we capitalized $8,195 in debt issuance costs. During the nine months ended January 27, 2024, due to the Convertible Note being accounted for at fair value, we expensed $3,353 of the related debt issuance costs which is included in the "Other expense and debt issuance costs write-off, net" line item in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the nine months ended January 27, 2024, we amortized $1,148 of debt issuance costs. The remaining debt issuance costs of $3,694 are being amortized over the three-year term of the Credit Facility.
Future Maturities
Aggregate contractual maturities of debt in future fiscal years are as follows:

Fiscal years endingAmount
Remainder of 2024$375 
20251,500 
20261,500 
202710,875 
202825,000 
2029 and beyond— 
Total debt$39,250 

Note 11.8. 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 27, 2018 and April 29, 2017,For other unresolved legal proceedings or claims, we diddo not believe there wasis 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,We do not expect the ultimate liability of allthese unresolved legal proceedings is not expectedor claims 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 product sold.  We estimate the costs which may be incurred under the contractual warranty obligations and record a liability in the 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 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. During fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 we recognized warranty expense for probable and reasonably estimated costs to remediate this issue of $1,766, $9,174, and $1,168, respectively. We recognized warranty expense related to this issue of $4,034 during the nine months ended January 27, 2018. This increased expense level is not the result of a new issue, but is primarily based on our decision to preserve our market leadership. We elected to expand the refurbishments for customer relationship purposes. As of January 27, 2018, we had $3,066 remaining in accrued warranty obligations for the estimate of probable future claims related to this issue. Although 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. 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.


Changes in our warranty obligation for the nine months ended January 27, 20182024 consisted of the following:
January 27,
2024
Balance as of April 29, 2023$32,541 
Warranties issued during the period10,518 
Settlements made during the period(9,323)
Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations954 
Balance as of January 27, 2024$34,690 
19

   Amount
Beginning accrued warranty obligations  $27,899
      Warranties issued during the period  9,652
      Settlements made during the period  (13,581)
      Changes in accrued warranty obligations for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations  5,230
Ending accrued warranty obligations  $29,200
Performance guarantees: We have entered into standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on contracts, primarily construction typeconstruction-type contracts. As of January 27, 2018,2024, we had outstanding letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds in the amount of $13,396$5,426, $163 and $8,330,$45,746, 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 arebut generally have a term of one year. We enter into written agreements with our customers, and those agreements often contain indemnification provisions that require us to make the customer whole if certain acts or omissions by us cause the customer financial loss. We make efforts to negotiate reasonable caps and limitations on the recovery of such damages. As of January 27, 2024, we were not aware of any material indemnification claims.

Leases:  We lease vehicles, office spaceNote 9. Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for the three and equipment for various global salesnine months ended January 27, 2024 was a tax rate of 15.0 and service locations, including manufacturing space31.5 percent, respectively. Income before tax includes the impacts of the change in the United States and China. Some ofConvertible Note fair value; however, these leases, includingchanges are not deductible or taxable, which impacts the lease for manufacturing facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, include provisions for extensions or purchase.  The leaseeffective tax rate. Our effective tax rate 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,three months ended January 28, 2023 and $9,180 for the year ending March 31, 2024.  Rental expense for operating leases was $2,568 and $2,358a tax rate of 30.5 percent. The rate for the nine months ended January 27, 201828, 2023 was skewed by the valuation allowance placed on deferred taxes during the second quarter of fiscal 2023.
We operate both domestically and January 28, 2017, respectively.  

Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases, excluding executory costs suchinternationally and, as management and maintenance fees, with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at January 27, 2018:
Fiscal years ending Amount
2018 $775
2019 2,624
2020 2,101
2021 1,771
2022 1,437
Thereafter 544
  $9,252

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 27, 2018, we2024, the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries were obligated under the following conditional and unconditional purchase commitments, which included $350 in conditional purchase commitments:
Fiscal years ending Amount
2018 $665
2019 2,675
2020 1,898
2021 313
2022 143
Thereafter 380
  $6,074

Note 12. Income Taxes

We are subjectconsidered to U.S. Federal income taxbe reinvested indefinitely. Additionally, as well as income taxes of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. Due to various factors and operating in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions, our effective tax is subject to fluctuation. As a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations, our fiscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017 are the remaining years open under statutes of limitations for federal and state income tax examinations.  Certain subsidiaries are also subject to income tax in several foreign jurisdictions which have open tax years varying by jurisdiction beginning in fiscal 2008.


As of January 27, 2018,2024, we had $3,179$352 of unrecognized tax benefits which would reduce our effective tax rate if recognized.

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) into law. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. Some of the most significant provisions of the Tax Act impacting us include a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a one-time "deemed repatriation" tax on previously untaxed accumulated earnings and profits of certain subsidiaries in non-U.S. jurisdictions, and a transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system.
GAAP accounting for income taxes requires us to record the impact of any tax law change in the quarter the law change is enacted. On December 22, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 which provides additional guidance allowing companies to record provisional amounts during a measurement period, not to exceed one year from the enactment date of the Tax Act, to account for the impacts of the Tax Act in their financial statements when companies do not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete their accounting for the effects of the changes in the Tax Act. We have accounted for the impacts of the Tax Act to the extent a reasonable estimate could be made during the quarter ended January 27, 2018. We will continue to refine our estimates throughout the measurement period or until the accounting is complete, and the impact of the Tax Act may differ from these estimates, possibly materially, due to, among other things, changes in estimates and assumptions that we have made.
As a result, we have recorded a provisional reduction to our net deferred tax asset (which represents future tax benefits) of $3,679 which resulted in a corresponding increase to income tax expense for the quarter ended January 27, 2018. The revaluation of our net deferred tax asset is subject to further adjustments during the measurement period due to the complexity of determining our net deferred tax asset as of the enactment date of the Tax Act. Some of the information necessary to determine the accounting impacts of the tax rate change includes finalization of our fiscal 2018 tax return as well as refining the analysis of which existing deferred balances at the enactment date will reverse in fiscal 2018 and which deferred balances will reverse after fiscal 2018.
Additionally, we have recorded a provisional increase to income tax expense of $601 for the one-time deemed repatriation tax. The estimate of the deemed repatriation tax is based, in part, on the amount of cash and other specified assets anticipated to be held by Daktronics’ foreign subsidiaries as of April 28, 2018. As a result, the final amount may change as the amounts are finalized. We plan to pay the tax payable in installments in accordance with the Tax Act.

Note 13.10. 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.


The following table sets forth by Levellevel within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis atas of January 27, 20182024 and April 29, 20172023 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 Measurements
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Balance as of January 27, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents$76,764 $— $— $76,764 
Restricted cash429 — — 429 
Convertible note— — (36,570)(36,570)
$77,193 $— $(36,570)$40,623 
Balance as of April 29, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents$23,982 $— $— $23,982 
Restricted cash708 — — 708 
Available-for-sale securities:
US Government sponsored entities— 534 — 534 
Derivatives - liability position— (579)— (579)
$24,690 $(45)$— $24,645 
 Fair Value Measurements
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Balance as of January 27, 2018       
Cash and cash equivalents$49,042
 $
 $
 $49,042
Restricted cash28
 
 
 28
Available-for-sale securities: 
  
    
Certificates of deposit
 8,918
 
 8,918
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 9,031
 
 9,031
Municipal bonds
 5,988
 
 5,988
Derivatives - asset position
 64
 
 64
Derivatives - liability position
 (720) 
 (720)
Contingent liability
 
 (1,034) (1,034)
 $49,070
 $23,281
 $(1,034) $71,317
Balance as of April 29, 2017 
  
    
Cash and cash equivalents$32,623
 $
 $
 $32,623
Restricted cash216
 
 
 216
Available-for-sale securities: 
  
    
Certificates of deposit
 12,487
 
 12,487
U.S. Government securities400
 
 
 400
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 12,238
 
 12,238
Municipal bonds
 7,588
 
 7,588
Derivatives - asset position
 64
 
 64
Derivatives - liability position
 (277) 
 (277)
Contingent liability
 
 (1,891) (1,891)
 $33,239
 $32,100
 $(1,891) $63,448


A roll forwardWe elected to value the Convertible Note at fair value in accordance with ASC 825-10-15-4(a) because of the embedded derivatives contained in the Convertible Note. The fair value of the Convertible Note was estimated using a binomial lattice model. Binomial lattice allows for the examination of the value to a holder and understanding the investment decision that would occur at each node.
The fair value of the Convertible Note entered into during the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was classified as Level 3 contingent liability, both short- and long-term,because it does not have readily determinable or observable inputs for the nine monthsvaluation. There have been no other changes in the valuation techniques used by us to value our financial instruments since the end of fiscal 2023. For additional information, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 2018 is as follows:
Contingent liability as of April 29, 2017 $1,891
Settlements (1,009)
Interest 30
Foreign currency translation 122
Contingent liability as of January 27, 2018 $1,034

The followingApril 29, 2023 for the 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.
20



Municipal bonds: 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 14. Derivative Financial Instruments" for more information regarding our derivatives.

Contingent liability: Consists of the fair value of a liability measured on expected future payments relating to a business acquisition if future 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 January 27, 2018 and April 29, 2017.  The unobservable inputs included management expectations and forecasts for business performance and an estimated discount rate based on current borrowing interest rates. To the extent that these assumptions changed or actual results differed from these estimates, the fair value of the contingent consideration liability could change.  The contingent liability is presented in other long-term obligations in our consolidated balance 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 and equipment are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.

Other measurements using fair value: Some of our financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, long-term receivables, prepaid expense and other assets, costs and earnings in excess of billings and billings in excess of costs, accounts payable, warranty obligations, customer deposits, deferred revenue, and other long-term obligations, are reflected in the balance sheet at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.

Note 14. 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 27, 2018 and April 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.

11. Related Party Transactions
The foreign currency exchange contracts in aggregated notional amounts in place to exchange U.S. dollars at January 27, 2018 and April 29, 2017 were as follows:
 January 27, 2018 April 29, 2017
 U.S. Dollars Foreign
Currency
 U.S.
Dollars
 Foreign
Currency
Foreign Currency Exchange Forward Contracts:       
U.S. Dollars/Australian Dollars2,615
 3,408
 7,984
 10,669
U.S. Dollars/Canadian Dollars1,424
 1,864
 256
 345
U.S. Dollars/British Pounds6,402
 4,778
 4,936
 3,959
U.S. Dollars/Singapore Dollars237
 312
 605
 844
U.S. Dollars/Euros(1,277) (1,061) 528
 491
U.S. Dollars/Swiss Franc998
 989
 
 

As of January 27, 2018, there was an asset and liability of $64 and $720, respectively, and as of April 29, 2017, there was an asset and liability of $64 and $277, respectively, representing the fair value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts, which were determined using Level 2 inputs from a third-party bank.

Note 15. Subsequent Events

On March 1, 2018, ourCompany's Board of Directors declaredhas adopted a regular quarterly dividendwritten policy and procedures with respect to related party transactions, which the Audit Committee oversees. Under the policy, a "related party transaction" is generally defined as a transaction, arrangement, or relationship in which the Company was, is or will be a participant; the amount involved exceeds $120; and in which any "related person" had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The policy generally defines a "related person" as a Director, executive officer or beneficial owner of $0.07 per sharemore than five percent of any class of our voting securities and any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons.
The Audit Committee reviews and, if appropriate, approves related party transactions, including certain transactions which are deemed to be pre-approved under the policy. On an annual basis, the Audit Committee reviews any previously approved related party transaction that is ongoing.
As reported in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources” of our Annual Report on ourForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023, effective on May 11, 2023, the Company entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement with Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP, as the holder (the "Holder") of the Convertible Note. Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company sold and issued to the Holder the Convertible Note in exchange for the payment by the Holder to the Company of $25,000. As of May 11, 2023, and based on Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13D filed by the Holder and its affiliates named therein on May 15, 2023 with the SEC, the Holder and its affiliates beneficially owned 4,768 shares of common stock payableof the Company, representing 9.99 percent of the Company’s common stock, causing the Holder to be a “related party” of the Company under the Company’s written policy and procedures and the applicable definitions under the Securities Act of 1933. The Securities Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Note, the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and between the Holder and the Company, and the Registration Rights Agreement were approved in advance of their execution by the Company’s Strategy and Financing Review Committee, the members of which include all members of the Company’s Audit Committee.
Since May 11, 2023, the largest aggregate amount outstanding under the Convertible Note was $25,563, consisting of $25,000 of principal and $563 of interest. In the first nine months of fiscal 2024, we have made interest payments of $1,125 under the Convertible Note.
The description of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Convertible Note, the Pledge and Security Agreement, and the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 11, 2023 by and between the Holder and the Company and their respective terms set forth in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources” of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 is hereby incorporated by reference into this Report. In addition, the Company is a party to the Standstill and Voting Agreement dated as of March 22, 201819, 2023 with Alta Fox Management, LLC and Connor Haley (the “Standstill Agreement”), who are affiliates of the Holder. The Standstill Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.13 to holdersCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023.
As described in Amendment No. 3 (“Amendment No. 3”) to the Schedule 13D filed by the Holder and its affiliates named therein on June 9, 2023 with the SEC, and based on other information provided by the Holder, the following persons may be deemed to be beneficial owners of recordthe shares of ourthe Company’s common stock beneficially owned by the Holder: Alta Fox GenPar, LP, as the general partner of Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP; Alta Fox Equity, LLC, as the general partner of Alta Fox GenPar, LP; Alta Fox Capital Management, LLC, as the investment manager of Alta Fox Opportunities Fund, LP; and P. Connor Haley, as the sole owner, member and manager of each of Alta Fox Capital Management, LLC and Alta Fox Equity LLC.
On June 7, 2023, the Company received from the Holder a written notice of a decrease in the “Percentage Cap” (as such term is defined in the Convertible Note) from 9.99 percent to 4.99 percent, which decrease became effective immediately upon the Company’s receipt of such written notice. The Percentage Cap generally represents the maximum percentage of shares of the Company’s common stock the Holder may own. In Amendment No. 3, the Holder and its affiliates identified in Amendment No. 3 owned 2,293 shares of common stock on March 12, 2018.June 9, 2023, representing 4.99 percent of the common stock of the Company, meaning the Holder and its affiliates are no longer “related parties” of the Company under the Company’s written policy and procedures and the applicable definitions under the Securities Act of 1933.

21


During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the Company and the South Dakota Board of Regents entered into contracts for video display systems for Dakota State University. The amount of the contracts was $1,178. A member of the Company's Board of Directors is the President of Dakota State University.
See "Note 2. Investments in Affiliates" for further details of related party transactions with our investments in the Affiliate Notes issued by our affiliates.

22

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This section entitled "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results. The MD&A provides a narrative analysis explaining the reasons for material changes in the Company’s (i) financial condition during the period from the most recent fiscal year-end, April 29, 2023, to and including January 27, 2024 and (ii) results of operations during the current fiscal period(s) as compared to the corresponding period(s) of the preceding fiscal year.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, (including exhibitsincluding the MD&A, contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and any information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historicalfinancial performance. The words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "forecast," "project" and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this Report thatsimilar expressions are not purely historical areintended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1933, as amended,1995. Any and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentionsall forecasts and strategies for the future.  These statements appear in a number of placesprojections in this Reportdocument are “forward-looking statements” and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding the intent, belief orbased on management’s current expectations with respector beliefs. From time to amongtime, we may also provide oral and written forward-looking statements in other things: (i.) our competition; (ii.) our financing plans; (iii.) trends affecting our financial conditionmaterials we release to the public, such as press releases, presentations to securities analysts or results of operations; (iv.) our growth strategyinvestors, or other communications by us. Any or all forward-looking statements in this report and operating strategy; (v.) the declaration and payment of dividends; (vi.) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vii.) raw material 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 intendedpublic statements we make could be materially different from actual results. Accordingly, we wish to identify forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautionedcaution investors that any such forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us are not guarantees of future performancesubject to uncertainties and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, andother factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and entry into a financing transaction; the Company’s potential need to seek additional strategic alternatives, including seeking additional debt or equity capital or other strategic transactions and/or measures; the Company’s ability to finalize or fully execute actions and steps that would be probable of mitigating the existence of any “substantial doubt” regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a result of variousgoing concern; the Company’s ability to increase cash flow to support the Company’s operating activities and fund its obligations and working capital needs; our ability to obtain additional financing on terms favorable to us, or at all; any future goodwill impairment charges; and the other risk factors discussed herein, including those discusseddescribed more fully in our filingsthe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, includingas well as other publicly available information about the Company.
We also wish to caution investors that other factors might in the future prove to be important in affecting our results of operations. New factors emerge from time to time; it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or a combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Our MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 20172023 (including the information presented therein under Risk Factors), as well as other publicly available information about our Company.
OVERVIEW
We are engaged principally in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors”design, marketing, and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysismanufacture 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 and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). 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 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 integrated electronic display systems to customersand related products which are sold in a variety of markets throughout the world.world and the rendering of related maintenance and professional services. 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
23

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 and the consolidated financial statements set forth in that Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the notes to our business segments are provided in "Note 4. Segment Disclosure" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report.therein.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Our past investments in people and plant capacity and the continued stable supply chain environment have allowed for efficient production and fulfillment of orders. Although the post-pandemic geopolitical situation and global trade patterns continue to evolve, we believe that the levels of uncertainty and volatility in supply chain and demand will not be as great as it was through the pandemic and will continue to stabilize during this fiscal year.
We believe the audiovisual industry fundamentals of increased use of LED display systems across industries and our development of new technologies, services, and sales channels will drive long-term growth for our Company. Orders and revenue levels are expected to be impacted by the timing of multi-million dollar projects and the impacts of global economic conditions, war and geopolitical situations, or other factors outside of our control.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 27, 2024 AND JANUARY 28, 2023
Product Order Backlog
Backlog represents the dollar value of orders for integrated electronic display systems and related products and services which are expected to be recognized in 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 several displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds, each of which can occur on varied schedules per 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.

Our backlog consists offuture. Orders are contractually binding sales agreements or purchase orderscommitments from customers. Orders are included in backlog when we expect to fill within the next 24 months. Orders, which we define as aare in receipt of an executed contract and any required deposits are bookedor security and included in backlog. As a result, certainhave not yet been recognized into net sales. Certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be bookedincluded in backlog 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 orderOrders and backlog may be subject to extended delivery schedules, orders may be canceled, and orders have varied estimated


profitability, our backlog isare 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 measuremeasures defined by GAAP,accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts.

Order and backlog levels provide management and investors additional details surrounding the results of our business activities in the marketplace and highlight fluctuations caused by seasonality and multi-million dollar projects. Management uses orders to evaluate market share and performance in the competitive environment. Management uses backlog information for capacity and resource planning. Order fulfillment timing is dependent on customer schedules, supply chain conditions, and our capacity availability. We believe order information is useful to investors because it provides an indication of our market share and future revenues.
Our product order backlog as of January 27, 2024 was $328.3 million as compared to $429.1 million as of January 28, 2023 and $400.7 million at April 29, 2023. The decrease in backlog is trending down to more historical levels as a result of fulfilling orders at a greater pace as supply chain conditions stabilized and production lead times improved, utilizing our increased capacity, and order pace returning to more normalized rates.
We expect to fulfill the backlog as of January 27, 2024 within the next 24 months. The timing of backlog fulfillment may be impacted by project delays resulting from parts availability and other constraints stemming from the supply chain disruptions or by customer site conditions, which are outside our control.
24

Net Sales
The following table shows information regarding net sales for the three months ended January 27, 2024 and January 28, 2023:
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)January 27, 2024January 28, 2023Dollar ChangePercent Change
Net Sales:
Commercial$33,292 $49,967 $(16,675)(33.4)%
Live Events73,393 67,748 5,645 8.3 
High School Park and Recreation28,764 28,312 452 1.6 
Transportation19,605 17,578 2,027 11.5 
International15,249 21,370 (6,121)(28.6)
$170,303 $184,975 $(14,672)(7.9)%
Orders: (1)
Commercial$34,524 $28,737 $5,787 20.1 %
Live Events95,217 61,011 34,206 56.1 
High School Park and Recreation35,385 28,097 7,288 25.9 
Transportation18,924 13,525 5,399 39.9 
International8,013 17,005 (8,992)(52.9)
$192,063 $148,375 $43,688 29.4 %
(1) Orders are not measures defined by GAAP, and our methodology for determining orders may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and amounts.
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter, net sales were $170.3 million, a decrease of $14.7 million from net sales in the prior year's third quarter. The third quarter of every year is characterized by seasonally lower volume, and the decrease is attributable to the year-ago period’s unseasonably record revenue driven by high backorder fulfillment resulting from recovery of pandemic-related supply chain challenges and labor availability. The sales decrease was driven by comparatively lower volumes in the Commercial and International business units, partially offset by order fulfillments in the Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units.
Orders for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased by 29.4 percent from the third quarter of fiscal 2023 driven by strong demand in the Live Events business unit, rebounding demand in the Spectacular and Out-of-Home markets in our Commercial business unit, and solid growth in the High School Parks and Recreation and Transportation business units. These higher orders offset an order decrease in the International business unit.
25

Gross Profit and Contribution Margin
Three Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Gross Profit:
Commercial$5,546 16.7 %$10,547 21.1 %
Live Events21,102 28.8 14,405 21.3 
High School Park and Recreation8,029 27.9 7,555 26.7 
Transportation6,180 31.5 5,534 31.5 
International861 5.6 3,672 17.2 
$41,718 24.5 %$41,713 22.6 %
The gross profit improvement for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2023 is due to strategic pricing, greater efficiency of sales volume generation over the cost structure, and a more stable operating environment.
Total warranty costs as a percent of sales for the three months ended January 27, 2024 compared to the same period one year ago increased to 1.9 percent from 1.7 percent.
Three Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesDollar ChangePercent ChangeAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Contribution Margin:
Commercial$1,474 4.4 %$(5,210)(77.9)%$6,684 13.4 %
Live Events17,987 24.5 5,878 48.5 12,109 17.9 
High School Park and Recreation4,515 15.7 142 3.2 4,373 15.4 
Transportation5,202 26.5 759 17.1 4,443 25.3 
International(1,718)(11.3)(2,914)(243.6)1,196 5.6 
$27,460 16.1 %$(1,345)(4.7)%$28,805 15.6 %
Contribution margin is a non-GAAP measure and consists of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing related expenses (show rooms, product demonstration, depreciation and maintenance, conventions and trade show expenses), the cost of customer relationship management/marketing systems, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions, and other expenses.
Contribution margin as a percent of net sales for the fiscal quarter ended January 27, 2024 was positively impacted by the previously discussed impacts on gross profit.
26

Reconciliation from non-GAAP contribution margin to the operating income GAAP measure is as follows:
Three Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesDollar ChangePercent ChangeAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Contribution margin$27,460 16.1 %$(1,345)(4.7)%$28,805 15.6 %
General and administrative10,589 6.2 728 7.4 9,861 5.3 
Product design and development8,835 5.2 1,585 21.9 7,250 3.9 
Goodwill impairment— — (4,576)(100.0)4,576 2.5 
Operating income$8,036 4.7 %$918 12.9 %$7,118 3.8 %
General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023 primarily due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
Product design and development expensesin the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023 primarily due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
We recorded a $4.6 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 that was not repeated in the third quarter of fiscal 2024.
Other Income and Expenses
Three Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesDollar ChangePercent ChangeAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Interest (expense) income, net$(745)(0.4)%$(347)87.2 %$(398)(0.2)%
Change in fair value of convertible note$6,340 3.7 %$6,340 — %$— — %
Other expense and debt issuance costs write-off, net$(1,000)(0.6)%$380 (27.5)%$(1,380)(0.7)%
Interest (expense) income, net: The increase in interest income and expense, net for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to closing in May 2023 on the convertible note (the "Convertible Note") and asset-based and mortgage financings at higher values and interest rates than were in effect under our previous line of credit during the 2023 third quarter.
Change in fair value of Convertible Note: For the three months ended January 27, 2024, we recorded income of $6.3 million related to the change in fair value of the Convertible Note payable, which is accounted for under the fair value option. The fair value change was primarily caused by the decrease in our stock price during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Other expense, net: The change in other expense, net for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to losses recorded for equity method affiliates and foreign currency volatility.
27

Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 was 15.0 percent as compared to an effective tax rate of 30.5 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The lower tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 is caused by the reduction in fair value adjustment to income that is not taxable.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 27, 2024 AND JANUARY 28, 2023
Net Sales
The following table shows information regarding net sales for the nine months ended January 27, 2024 and January 28, 2023:

Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)January 27, 2024January 28, 2023Dollar ChangePercent Change
Net Sales:
Commercial$122,628 $127,132 $(4,504)(3.5)%
Live Events233,602 193,370 40,232 20.8 
High School Park and Recreation133,940 106,127 27,813 26.2 
Transportation61,217 53,797 7,420 13.8 
International50,816 63,908 (13,092)(20.5)
$602,203 $544,334 $57,869 10.6 %
Orders: (1)
Commercial$101,167 $119,126 $(17,959)(15.1)%
Live Events226,436 193,763 32,673 16.9 
High School Park and Recreation103,924 97,574 6,350 6.5 
Transportation59,409 45,812 13,597 29.7 
International43,450 45,130 (1,680)(3.7)
$534,386 $501,405 $32,981 6.6 %

(1) Orders are not measures defined by GAAP, and our methodology for determining orders may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and amounts.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2024, net sales were $602.2 million, an increase of $57.9 million from the prior year's first nine-month period. This increase was primarily due to higher throughput from our past investments in capacity and the more stable operating environment. During the nine-month period ended January 28, 2023, we faced material supply and labor shortages which extended lead times and delayed the conversion of orders into sales.
Order volume increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 from the prior year's nine-month period. Higher orders from customers in the Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation business units offset decreases in the Spectacular and Out-of-Home markets in our Commercial business unit. The change in the Commercial business unit was caused by volatility in bookings of larger sized Spectacular LED video displays projects and a contraction in advertising spend. Orders in the International business unit in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 were lower due to a weakening economic outlook relating to inflationary pressures, geopolitical events, and currency headwinds.
28

Gross Profit and Contribution Margin
Nine Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Gross Profit:
Commercial$25,546 20.8 %$21,565 17.0 %
Live Events68,276 29.2 26,174 13.5 
High School Park and Recreation45,274 33.8 29,343 27.6 
Transportation20,049 32.8 15,456 28.7 
International7,919 15.6 6,673 10.4 
$167,064 27.7 %$99,211 18.2 %
The increase in gross profit percentage in the nine months ended January 27, 2024 as compared to the same nine-month period in fiscal 2023 is attributable to the record sales volume over our fixed manufacturing cost structure, past strategic pricing actions, stabilization of input costs, and fewer supply chain and operational disruptions during the first nine months of fiscal 2024 as compared to a year earlier. The effect of employee benefit programs activation in fiscal year 2024 reduced gross profit by $2.8 million in the nine months ended January 27, 2024.
Total warranty costs as a percent of sales for the nine months ended January 27, 2024 compared to the same period one year ago increased to 2.1 percent from 2.0 percent.
Nine Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesDollar ChangePercent ChangeAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Contribution Margin:
Commercial$12,598 10.3 %$3,795 43.1 %$8,803 6.9 %
Live Events59,974 25.7 41,677 227.8 18,297 9.5 
High School Park and Recreation34,724 25.9 15,332 79.1 19,392 18.3 
Transportation17,144 28.0 4,732 38.1 12,412 23.1 
International784 1.5 2,343 150.3 (1,559)(2.4)
$125,224 20.8 %$67,879 118.4 %$57,345 10.5 %
Contribution margin is a non-GAAP measure and consists of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing related expenses (show rooms, product demonstration, depreciation and maintenance, conventions and trade show expenses), the cost of customer relationship management/marketing systems, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions, and other expenses.
Contribution margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 was positively impacted by the previously discussed sales levels and impacts on gross profit. Employee benefit programs activation reduced contribution margin by $1.0 million in the nine months ended January 27, 2024.
Reconciliation from non-GAAP contribution margin to the operating income GAAP measure is as follows:
29

Nine Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesDollar ChangePercent ChangeAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Contribution margin$125,224 20.8 %$67,879 118.4 %$57,345 10.5 %
General and administrative31,077 5.2 3,088 11.0 27,989 5.1 
Product design and development26,459 4.4 4,804 22.2 21,655 4.0 
Goodwill impairment— — (4,576)(100.0)4,576 0.8 
Operating income (loss)$67,688 11.2 %$64,563 2066.0 %$3,125 0.6 %
General and administrative expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 increased primarily due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
Product design and development expensesin the first nine months of fiscal 2024 increased as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2023 primarily due to an increase in personnel-related expenses.
We recorded a $4.6 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 that was not repeated in the third quarter of fiscal 2024.
Other Income and Expenses
Nine Months Ended
January 27, 2024January 28, 2023
(in thousands)AmountAs a Percent of Net SalesDollar ChangePercent ChangeAmountAs a Percent of Net Sales
Interest (expense) income, net$(2,952)(0.5)%$(2,231)309.4 %$(721)(0.1)%
Change in fair value of convertible note$(11,570)(1.9)%$(11,570)— %$— — %
Other expense and debt issuance costs write-off, net$(6,282)(1.0)%$(3,947)169.0 %$(2,335)(0.4)%
Interest (expense) income, net: The increase in interest income and expense, net in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to closing in May 2023 on the Convertible Note and asset-based and mortgage financings at higher values and interest rates than the utilization of our previous line of credit during the first nine months of fiscal 2023.
Change in fair value of Convertible Note: For the nine months ended January 27, 2024, we recorded an expense of $11.6 million related to the change in fair value of the Convertible Note payable which is accounted for under the fair value option. The fair value change was primarily caused by the increase in our stock price over the conversion price and the decline in market interest rates making the value of potentially converted shares higher than at the debt issuance.
Other expense, net: The change in other expense, net for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to losses recorded for equity method affiliates and foreign currency volatility and expensing of $3.4 million of debt issuance costs related to the Convertible Note carried at fair value.
Income Tax
We have recorded an effective tax rate of 31.5 percent for the nine months ended January 27, 2024. The tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 is caused by the fair value adjustment to expense that is not deductible for tax purposes. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2023 was skewed due a full valuation allowance placed on deferred
30

taxes. Absent any major tax changes, we expect our full year effective tax rate to be in the mid-twenties, before the impacts of fair value accounting for the Convertible Note.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
Dollar Change
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$53,789 $(9,487)$63,276 
Investing activities(17,055)(20,947)3,892 
Financing activities15,689 23,498 (7,809)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash80 (342)422 
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$52,503 $(7,278)$59,781 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities was $53.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $9.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The $63.3 million change in cash provided by (used in) operating activities was primarily the result of an increase in net income of $46.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to the same period in fiscal 2023 as strategic pricing actions and operating conditions improved, the $11.6 million of non-cash fair value change of our Convertible Note impacting net income, and improved working capital positions. We also had strategically invested in inventory through the first nine months of fiscal 2023 as a reaction to supply chain constraints and historic backlog, which consumed cash. Since January 28, 2023, we have reduced inventory and related payables for inventory as we reduced backlog and generated cash from inventory reduction. Increases in contract asset levels have used some cash for working capital because of business increases.
The changes in net operating assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
Nine Months Ended
January 27,
2024
January 28,
2023
(Increase) decrease:
Accounts receivable$8,725 $(15,753)
Long-term receivables1,123 1,265 
Inventories8,880 (30,346)
Contract assets(1,213)5,653 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets1,788 6,176 
Income tax receivables(1,175)(2,653)
Investment in affiliates and other assets201 (581)
Increase (decrease):
Accounts payable(18,325)(2,921)
Contract liabilities(19,351)9,196 
Accrued expenses4,484 (1,220)
Warranty obligations656 (623)
Long-term warranty obligations1,493 1,958 
Income taxes payable(2,260)(150)
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables1,568 793 
$(13,406)$(29,206)
31

Net cash used in investing activities: Net cash used in investing activities totaled $17.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $20.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $13.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to $21.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Fiscal 2023 purchases were higher because of initiatives to upgrade existing or purchase new manufacturing equipment for capacity and automation.
Net cash provided by financing activities: Net cash provided by financing activities was $15.7 million for the nine months ended January 27, 2024 due to cash provided by the closing of a $25.0 million Convertible Note financing and the $15.0 million mortgage financing offset by the payoff of our previous credit line of $17.8 million, expending $6.8 million of debt issuance costs, and principal payments on the mortgage, as compared to $23.5 million of cash provided by financing due to draws on our line of credit in the first nine months of fiscal 2023.
Debt and cash
We maintain a $60.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility ("ABL") with a maturity date of May 11, 2027 subject to customary covenants and conditions. As of January 27, 2024, we had no borrowings against the ABL and $5.4 million used to secure letters of credit outstanding. We also have a mortgage of $14.3 million secured by a first priority lien on our Brookings, South Dakota real estate and $25.0 million evidenced by the Convertible Note secured by a second priority lien on assets securing the ABL facility and a first priority lien on substantially all the other assets of the Company, excluding all real property.
As of January 27, 2024, we had $76.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $32.9 million in borrowing capacity under our ABL. We believe cash flow from operations, existing lines of credit, and access to debt and capital markets will be sufficient to meet our current liquidity needs, and we have committed liquidity and cash reserves in excess of our anticipated funding requirements.
Our cash and cash equivalent balances consist of high-quality, short-term money market instruments.
Working Capital
Working capital was $205.3 million and $132.5 million as of January 27, 2024 and April 29, 2023, respectively. We had $10.4 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and contract assets as of January 27, 2024 which we expect to collect within one year and which are included in the short-term asset portion of working capital.
Other Liquidity and Capital Uses
We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations; we have a bonding line available through surety companies for an aggregate of $190.0 million in bonded work outstanding. If we were unable to complete the installation work, and our customer would call upon the bond for payment, the surety company would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. As of January 27, 2024, we had $45.7 million of bonded work outstanding.
Our business growth and profitability improvement strategies depend on investments in capital expenditures and strategic investments. We are projecting total fiscal 2024 capital expenditures to be approximately $19 million, of which we have incurred $13.6 million for the first nine months of the fiscal 2024. Projected capital expenditures include purchasing manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production and expanded capacity and increased automation of processes; investments in quality and reliability equipment and demonstration and showroom assets; and continued information infrastructure investments. 
We also evaluate and may make strategic investments in new technologies or in our affiliates or acquire companies aligned with our business strategy. We are committed to invest an additional $0.8 million for the remainder of fiscal 2024 in our current affiliates. We may make additional investments beyond our commitments.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, we entered into a new credit facility and mortgage and the Convertible Note as disclosed herein. There have been no other material changes in our contractual obligations since the end of fiscal 2023. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 for additional information regarding our contractual obligations and commercial commitments.
32

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
We describe our significant accounting policies in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023. We discuss our critical accounting estimates in "Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023.
New Accounting Pronouncements
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"Presentation" of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report.Statements.

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, the acceptance of a variety of digital 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 multimillion-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 customers' 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 use 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 Out-of-Home ("OOH") companies continue developing new sites and replacing digital billboards which are reaching end of life.  This is dependent on there being no adverse changes in the digital billboard regulatory environment restricting 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 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.

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:



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 school athletic facilities, such as large integrated video systems.

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 state and federal governments, 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 continue 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 of the United States and Canada.

Each of our business units is 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 27, 2018 AND JANUARY 28, 2017

Net Sales
 Three Months Ended
(in thousands)January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 Dollar Change Percent Change
Net sales:       
    Commercial$35,483
 $36,165
 $(682) (1.9)%
    Live Events45,167
 41,036
 4,131
 10.1
    High School Park and Recreation11,463
 12,653
 (1,190) (9.4)
    Transportation11,189
 9,130
 2,059
 22.6
    International27,014
 16,735
 10,279
 61.4
 $130,316
 $115,719
 $14,597
 12.6 %
Orders: 
  
    
    Commercial$28,745
 $32,595
 $(3,850) (11.8)%
    Live Events39,911
 51,590
 (11,679) (22.6)
    High School Park and Recreation13,451
 14,178
 (727) (5.1)
    Transportation14,641
 19,621
 (4,980) (25.4)
    International29,405
 25,329
 4,076
 16.1
 $126,153
 $143,313
 $(17,160) (12.0)%

Commercial: The decrease in net sales for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to lower order volumes in the on-premise niche and the timing of delivery of large projects in the spectacular niche, which were partially offset by an increase in the billboard niche shipment activity due to changes of timing of customer demand as compared to last year.

The decrease in orders for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of decreases in the billboard niche and decreases in the on-premise niche due to a number of factors, including competitive market pricing, a delay of national account-based opportunities, and the natural volatility of large project timing.



Live Events:  The increase in net sales for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to continued demand and the timing of customer needs. This year, net sales were impacted by projects for professional baseball facilities renovation and construction project timeliness.

Orders decreased for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to variability in order timing.

High School Park and Recreation: The decrease in net sales for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to the timing of customer demand.

Orders decreased for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to fewer video project orders which have larger average selling prices in this segment during the period.
Transportation: The increase in net sales for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to higher delivery needs from state transportation authorities during the quarter this year as compared to last year.

Orders for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago decreased primarily due to variability caused by large order timing.

International:  Net sales for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago increased primarily due to increased market demand in OOH.

Orders increased for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to the volatility of large order timing.

Backlog

The product order backlog as of January 27, 2018 was $151 million as compared to $170 million as of January 28, 2017 and $155 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2018.  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 27, 2018 decreased from January 28, 2017 in our Commercial, Live Events and Transportation business units, increased in our International business unit, and remained relatively flat in our High School Park and Recreation business unit.

Gross Profit
 Three Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
  Amount As a Percent of Net Sales    Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Commercial$7,546
 21.3% 
 $7,711
 21.3%
Live Events9,747
 21.6
 
 6,629
 16.2
High School Park and Recreation
2,768
 24.1
 
 3,198
 25.3
Transportation3,570
 31.9
 
 2,325
 25.5
International4,936
 18.3
 
 3,453
 20.6
 $28,567
 21.9% 
 $23,316
 20.1%

Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold consists 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 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to higher sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs. The following describes the overall impact by business unit:

Commercial:  The gross profit percent for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago remained relatively flat.

Live Events: The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was due to an increased volume of sales over relatively fixed infrastructure costs and lower warranty expenses.



High School Park and Recreation:  The gross profit percent decrease for the three months ended January 27, 2018 as compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to lower sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs and a change in sales mix.
Transportation:  The gross profit percent increase for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to higher sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs.

International:  The gross profit percent decrease for the three months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of higher warranty expenses and an unfavorable sales mix, which were offset by increased volume of sales over relatively fixed infrastructure costs.

Selling Expense
 Three Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)    
Commercial$4,415
 12.4% (3.5)% $4,575
 12.7%
Live Events3,843
 8.5
 12.5
 3,417
 8.3
High School Park and Recreation2,726
 23.8
 5.6
 2,581
 20.4
Transportation945
 8.4
 (0.7) 952
 10.4
International3,342
 12.4
 6.0
 3,153
 18.8
 $15,271
 11.7% 4.0 % $14,678
 12.7%
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 business unit for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased compared to the same quarter a year ago due to decreases in personnel expenses. Selling expense in our Live Events business unit increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same quarter a year ago due to increases in conventions/advertising expenses and higher bad debt expenses. Selling expense in our High School Park and Recreation business unit increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same quarter a year ago due to travel and entertainment expenses and conventions/advertising expenses. Selling expense remained relatively flat in our Transportation business unit in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same quarter a year ago. Selling expense in our International business unit increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same quarter a year ago due to increases in personnel expenses and third-party commissions expenses.

Other Operating Expenses
 Three Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
General and administrative$8,335
 6.4% (3.1)% $8,599
 7.4%
Product design and development$8,299
 6.4% 19.0 % $6,973
 6.0%

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 third quarter of fiscal 2018 decreased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to decreases in personnel expenses.

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional services, facilities costs and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points. We plan to make continued investments in our software and controller capabilities throughout our various product offerings. Through all design efforts, we focus on standardizing 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.

Product development expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 increased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to increased labor costs and professional services assigned to product development projects relating to our strategy to accelerate the deployment of products and solutions to our markets. 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 for the remainder of fiscal 2018 as compared to prior years.

Other Income and Expenses
 Three Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Interest income, net$118
 0.1 % (7.1)% $127
 0.1 %
Other (expense) income, net$(487) (0.4)% 59.7 % $(305) (0.3)%
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, net in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same period one year ago remained relatively flat. As a result of the volatility of working capital needs and changes in investing and financing activities, along with changes in the interest rate environment, it is difficult to project changes in interest income.

Other (expense) income, net:  The change in other income and expense, net for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 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

The current-year rate was significantly impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. Most notably, the Tax Act reduced the statutory federal income tax rate for corporations from 35% to 21%. Because we file our tax return based on our fiscal year, the statutory tax rate for our 2018 tax return will be a blended rate of approximately 30.4%. In addition to the effect of the lower overall federal tax rate, the Tax Act resulted in a $3.7 million one-time expense for the estimated re-measurement of our net deferred tax asset and a $0.6 million estimated one-time transition tax on certain undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries in the quarter ended January 27, 2018. Any additional impacts from the enactment of the Tax Act will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"). Excluding the impact of this one-time expense, our effective tax rate was 46.9% for the three months ended January 27, 2018. We expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 30% for the remainder of our fiscal year. In fiscal 2019, we expect an effective tax rate of approximately 21%, exclusive of any SAB 118 changes in estimate.

COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 27, 2018 AND JANUARY 28, 2017

Net Sales


 Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 Dollar Change Percent Change
Net sales:       
    Commercial$102,723
 $112,342
 $(9,619) (8.6)%
    Live Events191,432
 157,032
 34,400
 21.9
    High School Park and Recreation69,602
 68,977
 625
 0.9
    Transportation46,577
 39,517
 7,060
 17.9
    International62,019
 64,989
 (2,970) (4.6)
 $472,353
 $442,857
 $29,496
 6.7 %
Orders:       
    Commercial$97,816
 $114,326
 $(16,510) (14.4)%
    Live Events145,246
 135,520
 9,726
 7.2
    High School Park and Recreation60,368
 61,055
 (687) (1.1)
    Transportation38,155
 46,290
 (8,135) (17.6)
    International79,909
 78,164
 1,745
 2.2
 $421,494
 $435,355
 $(13,861) (3.2)%

Commercial: Net sales for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago decreased as a result of lower order volumes in the on-premise niche and the timing of delivery of large projects in the spectacular niche, partially offset by an increase in the billboard niche.

The decrease in orders for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of decreases in the on-premise and spectacular niches due to a number of factors including competitive market pricing, a delay of national account-based opportunities during the nine months ended January 27, 2018 as compared to the same period last year, and the natural volatility of large project timing.

Live Events:  The increase in net sales for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to 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 nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to an increased number of projects in professional sport arenas.

High School Park and Recreation: Net sales for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago remained relatively flat.

Orders decreased for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to fewer large sports video projects awarded during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

Transportation: The increase in net sales for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was related to the variability caused by large order production timing.

Orders decreased for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to variability caused by large order timing.

International:  Net sales decreased in our International business unit for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago mainly due to timing of revenue recognition.

Orders increased for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to the volatility of large order timing.



Gross Profit
 Nine Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
  Amount As a Percent of Net Sales    Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Commercial$21,085
 20.5%   $27,418
 24.4%
Live Events43,056
 22.5
   30,430
 19.4
High School Park and Recreation
23,672
 34.0
   21,900
 31.7
Transportation16,696
 35.8
   12,966
 32.8
International11,308
 18.2
   13,977
 21.5
 $115,817
 24.5%   $106,691
 24.1%

Gross profit is net sales less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold consists 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 profitpercentage for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the net result of the changes described below:

Commercial:  The gross profit percent decrease for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of higher warranty expenses and lower sales volumes over relatively fixed infrastructure costs.

Live Events: The gross profit percent increase for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was the result of an increased volume of sales over relatively fixed infrastructure costs, improved performance on large projects as compared to original estimates.

High School Park and Recreation:  The gross profit percent increase for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 as compared to the same period one year ago primarily was due to a favorable sales mix and improved productivity.

Transportation:  The gross profit percent increase for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to an increased volume of sales over relatively fixed infrastructure costs.

International:  The gross profit percent decrease for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily the result of lower sales volumes over a relatively fixed cost structure and higher warranty expenses, which were offset by the $1.2 million gain from the sale of our non-digital assets.

Selling Expense
 Nine Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)    
Commercial$13,778
 13.4% (1.2)% $13,949
 12.4%
Live Events10,562
 5.5
 9.0
 9,686
 6.2
High School Park and Recreation8,073
 11.6
 7.2
 7,532
 10.9
Transportation3,084
 6.6
 (10.9) 3,461
 8.8
International10,063
 16.2
 (10.2) 11,200
 17.2
 $45,560
 9.6% (0.6)% $45,828
 10.3%

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 business unit decreased in the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to third-party commission expenses. Selling expense in our Live Events business unit increased in the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to increased conventions/advertising expenses, bad debt expenses, and travel and entertainment expenses. Selling expense in our High School Park and Recreation business unit increased in the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to increases in personnel expenses. Selling expense in our Transportation business unit decreased in the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to lower bad debt expense. Selling expense in our International business unit declined in the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago due to lower bad debt expenses, lower third-party commissions expenses and a $0.2 million intangible asset impairment that had been incurred in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 that was not incurred in the first nine months of fiscal 2018.

Other Operating Expenses
 Nine Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
General and administrative$26,138
 5.5% 0.5% $26,007
 5.9%
Product design and development$26,294
 5.6% 24.4% $21,142
 4.8%

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 27, 2018 increased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to increases in personnel expenses and information technology software and hardware expenses.

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional services, facilities costs and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points. We plan to make continued investments in our software and controller capabilities throughout our various product offerings. Through all design efforts, we focus on standardizing 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.

Product development expenses in the nine months ended January 27, 2018 as compared to the same period one year ago increased primarily due to increased labor costs and professional services assigned to product development projects relating to our strategy to accelerate the deployment of products and solutions to our markets. 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 for the remainder of fiscal 2018 as compared to prior years.

Other Income and Expenses
 Nine Months Ended
 January 27, 2018   January 28, 2017
 Amount As a Percent of Net Sales Percent Change Amount As a Percent of Net Sales
(in thousands)
Interest income, net$347
 0.1 % (9.9)% $385
 0.1 %
Other (expense) income, net$(429) (0.1)% 71.6 % $(250) (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, net in the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago decreased as a result of lower long-term receivables which bear imputed interest rates. As a result of the volatility of working capital needs and changes in investing and financing activities, along with changes in the interest rate environment, it is difficult to project changes in interest income.

Other (expense) income, net:  The change in other income and expense, net for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to foreign currency volatility, the losses recorded from an equity method affiliate, and an income tax penalty incurred on a late filing.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 47.2 percent for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 as compared to an effective tax rate of 31.9 percent for the nine months ended January 28, 2017.

The current-year rate was significantly impacted by the Tax Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. Most notably, the Tax Act reduced the statutory federal income tax rate for corporations from 35% to 21%. Because we file our tax return based on our fiscal year, the statutory tax rate for our 2018 tax return will be a blended rate of approximately 30.4%. In addition to the effect of the lower overall federal tax rate, the Tax Act resulted in a $3.7 million one-time expense for the estimated re-measurement of our net deferred tax asset and a $0.6 million estimated one-time transition tax on certain undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries in the quarter ended January 27, 2018. Any additional impacts from the enactment of the Tax Act will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in accordance with SAB 118. Excluding the impact of this one-time expense, our effective tax rate was 23% for the nine months ended January 27, 2018, and we expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 48% for the remainder of our fiscal year. In fiscal 2019, we expect an effective tax rate of approximately 21%, exclusive of any SAB 118 changes in estimate.



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 Nine Months Ended
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
 Percent Change
(in thousands)
Net cash (used in) provided by:     
Operating activities$26,953
 $45,387
 (40.6)%
Investing activities(1,245) (11,421) (89.1)
Financing activities(10,144) (13,229) (23.3)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash667
 (680) (198.1)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$16,231
 $20,057
 (19.1)%

Net cash provided by operating activities:  Operating cash flows consist primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes and the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $27.0 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $45.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017. The $18.4 million decrease in cash from operating activities from the first nine months of fiscal 2017 to the first nine months of fiscal 2018 was the net result of changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $18.6 million, a $1.4 million decrease in depreciation, amortization and impairment, a $1.2 million gain on the sale of our non-digital division, a $0.9 million decrease in the provision for doubtful accounts, and a $0.1 million decrease in net income, adjusted by an increase of $3.7 million in deferred income taxes and a $0.1 million increase in other non-cash items, net.

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

 Nine Months Ended
 January 27,
2018
 January 28,
2017
(Increase) decrease:   
Accounts receivable$2,797
 $5,020
Long-term receivables752
 1,991
Inventories(4,462) 7,790
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings3,954
 (3,004)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets221
 500
Income tax receivables(2,115) 4,556
Investment in affiliates and other assets272
 139
Increase (decrease):   
Current marketing obligations and other payables(385) (106)
Accounts payable(9,829) (4,744)
Customer deposits (billed or collected)(4,210) (1,529)
Accrued expenses4,220
 2,859
Warranty obligations(242) (1,717)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings3,532
 1,719
Long-term warranty obligations1,588
 707
Income taxes payable(447) 1,525
Deferred revenue (billed or collected)3,251
 1,391
Long-term marketing obligations and other payables807
 1,169
 $(296) $18,266

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 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 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.


Net cash used in investing activities:Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to $11.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017. The change in the amount of cash used in investing activities was the result of a net increase in marketable securities of $12.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2017. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $10.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to $6.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017. Proceeds from the sale of property, equipment and other assets totaled $2.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to $0.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017; this was mostly related to the sale of our non-digital division.

Net cash used in financing activities:  Net cash used in financing activities was $10.1 million for the nine months ended January 27, 2018 compared to $13.2 million in the same period one year ago. Dividends of $9.3 million, or $0.21 per share, were paid to Daktronics shareholders during the first nine months of fiscal 2018, as compared to dividends of $10.6 million, or $0.24 per share, paid to Daktronics shareholders during the first nine months of fiscal 2017. In the first nine months of fiscal 2017, we used $1.8 million to purchase our common shares as part of the $40.0 million share repurchase plan authorized by our Board of Directors, and there have been no purchases in the nine months ended January 27, 2018.

Other Liquidity and Capital Resources Discussion: We have $6.6 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and costs in excess of billings as of January 27, 2018, which we expect to collect within one year.

Working capital was $142.9 million and $127.1 million at January 27, 2018 and April 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.

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 GAAP.  The effective interest rate was 3.0 percent at January 27, 2018.  We are assessed a loan fee equal to 0.125 percent per annum on any unused portion of the loan.  As of January 27, 2018, 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 $10.7 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 intend 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. As of January 27, 2018, there were no advances outstanding under the loan agreement and approximately $2.7 million in bank guarantees under this line of credit.

As of January 27, 2018, we were in compliance with all applicable bank loan covenants.

We utilize cash on hand to pay dividends to our investors. The following table summarizes the quarterly dividends declared and/or paid since the prior fiscal year end of April 29, 2017:


Date DeclaredRecord DatePayment DateAmount per Share
June 1, 2017June 13, 2017June 23, 2017$0.07
August 31, 2017September 11, 2017September 22, 2017$0.07
November 30, 2017December 11, 2017December 21, 2017$0.07
March 1, 2018March 12, 2018March 22, 2018$0.07

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 27, 2018, we had $8.3 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 $20 million for fiscal 2018 for purchases of manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production, expanded capacity, investments in quality and reliability equipment, 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 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

We are exposed to certain interest rate, foreign currency, and commodity risks as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023. During the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we entered into the ABL and the $15.0 million delayed draw loan, which are subject to interest rate risks.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Through January 27, 2018, most of our net sales were denominatedThere have been no other material changes in U.S. dollars, and our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes on net sales had not been significant. Forthese risks during the first nine months ended January 27, 2018, net sales originating outside the United States were 16.1 percentof 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 believed currency risk in any foreign location is significant, we would utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations.  fiscal 2024.

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 our 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 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 $1.1 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 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 contracts with customers denominated in a foreign currency. The notional amount of these derivatives is $10.4 million, and all contracts mature within 19 months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges. See "Note 14. 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 27, 2018, our outstanding marketing obligations were $0.5 million, all of which were in fixed rate obligations.



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 27, 2018, our outstanding long-term receivables were $4.1 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)
  
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter
Assets:           
Long-term receivables, including current maturities:           
Fixed-rate$572
 $2,030
 $689
 $447
 $341
 $68
Average interest rate8.9% 8.7% 8.7% 8.5% 9.0% 9.0%
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
Long- and short-term debt: 
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed-rate$379
 $575
 $1,013
 $
 $
 $
Average interest rate5.5% 4.5% 3.3% % % %
Long-term marketing obligations, including current portion: 
  
  
  
  
  
Fixed-rate$131
 $200
 $109
 $10
 $
 $
Average interest rate8.6% 7.8% 9.0% 9.0% % %

Of our $49.0 million in cash balances at January 27, 2018, $40.8 million were denominated in U.S. dollars of which $3.7 million is held by our foreign subsidiaries.  We have an additional $8.2 million in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies of which $7.1 million are 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 have been impacted by longer lead times because of worldwide shortages; however, we believe that we have adequate sources of supply for our key materials.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried outManagement of our Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of January 27, 2024, an evaluation was performed, 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 “disclosuredisclosure 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 27, 2018, which is the end of the period covered by this Report.procedures. Based upon that evaluation, theour Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of January 27, 2018,2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.not effective due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below.

Based on the evaluation described in the foregoing paragraph,Notwithstanding this identified material weakness, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly represent, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We are in the process of remediating the material weakness in our internal control, as described below under the section entitled "Remediation Plan".
Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In Part 2, Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2023, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2023, management concluded that duringour internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of April 29, 2023. Management identified a material weakness related to the ineffective operation of certain transactional level controls related to revenue contracts recognized over time. These controls operated ineffectively due to insufficient training of the control operators as to the level of precision expected when executing the revenue controls in accordance with the Company's policy.
Remediation Plan
Our remediation plan includes providing training to the revenue control operators relating to the level of precision expected when executing these controls in accordance with the Company's policy. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, we conducted additional training of our control operators. In conjunction with the training, management made enhancements to improve and ensure operation of certain transactional level controls.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

33

During the quarter ended January 27, 2018,2024, there washave been no changechanges in our internal control over financial reporting which hasthat have materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in a variety of legal actions relating to various matters during the normal course of business. Although we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of these matters, taken as a whole, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. See "Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q for further information on any legal proceedings and claims.
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 Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.2023. 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

Share Repurchases

During the ninethree months ended January 27, 2018,2024, we did not repurchase any shares of 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 reportReport is set forth in the following Index of Exhibits, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.to Exhibits.
34


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 2, 2018




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. 0-23246001-38747 unless otherwise indicated.
101101.INSThe following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q forInline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the period ended January 27, 2018 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i)Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within 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)Inline XBRL document)
101.SCH(1)Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
(1)Filed herewith electronically.
* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


1



35

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: February 28, 2024
36