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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)  

ý

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

For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2007

OR

o

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



                                                         For the transition period from                to



Commission File No. 1-13906

Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  47-0587703
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4350 McKinley Street, Omaha, Nebraska
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

68112
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:    (402) 453-4444

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
  Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value   American Stock Exchange

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    None

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports filed pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

        Indicate by check mark whether 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 ý No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

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

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company 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 ý

        The aggregate market value of the Company's voting common stock held by non-affiliates, based upon the closing price of the stock on the American Stock Exchange on June 30, 2007 was approximately $81.4 million. The Company does not have any non-voting common equity.

        As of March 28, 2008, 13,858,438 shares of common stock of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2008 are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.





TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.
 
   
  Page No.
Item 1.   Business   3

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

11

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

15

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

16

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

16

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

16

PART II.

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

17

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

18

Item 7.

 

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

 

18

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

31

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

32

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

71

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

71

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 

73

PART III.

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

73

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

73

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

73

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

73

Item 14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

73

PART IV.

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

73

 

 

Signatures

 

74


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Certain statements made in this report on Form 10-K are "forward-looking" in nature, as defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for our products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the achievement of lower costs and expenses; the continued availability of financing in the amounts and on the terms required to support our future business; credit concerns in the theatre exhibition industry; and other risks detailed from time to time in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management's expectations.


PART I

Item 1.  Business

(a)  General Description of Business

General

        We are a manufacturer, distributor and service provider to the theatre exhibition industry on a worldwide basis. Through our Strong® trademark, we can fully outfit and automate a theatre projection booth. We also design, develop, manufacture and distribute lighting systems to the worldwide entertainment lighting industry through our Strong Entertainment lighting division.

        We are a Delaware Corporation and maintain our corporate office and primary manufacturing facilities in Omaha, Nebraska. We were founded in 1932 and went public in 1995. Our shares are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol BTN. We primarily operate within two business segments, theatre and lighting. Approximately 91% of fiscal year 2007 sales were from theatre products, 8% were lighting products and 1% were from all other products.

Acquisitions/Investments

        During the fourth quarter of 2007, we, through a wholly owned subsidiary, Strong Digital Systems, acquired Marcel Desrochers, Inc. (MDI), a Canadian manufacturer of screen systems for the North American cinema screen market. The addition of MDI expands the breadth of our product lines for the cinema industry. MDI is based in Joliette, Canada.

        During the first quarter of 2007, we acquired certain assets of a product line in the lighting segment called the Technobeam from High End Systems, Inc. The Technobeam light projects logos, images and textures for the entertainment lighting industry.

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

        During fiscal 2006, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of National Cinema Service Corp. (NCSC). This business was folded into a wholly-owned subsidiary, Strong Technical Services, Inc. (STS). STS was formed for the purpose of becoming a national provider of cinema services including film and digital projector maintenance, repair, equipment installations, site surveys and other services.

3


Divestitures

        During the fourth quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Design & Manufacturing, Inc. ("Design"). Design manufactured our film handling equipment which we sell to the theatre industry. We will continue to distribute the full line of film handling equipment with the difference being the product will now be purchased from the party who acquired Design at certain third-party agreed-upon pricing. This divestiture will not be classified as discontinued operations.

(b)  Operating Segments

        We conduct our operations through two primary business segments: Theatre and Lighting. The presentation of segment information reflects the manner in which management assesses performance.

        Theatre:    This segment consists of the manufacture, distribution and service of film and digital projection equipment and accessories for the motion picture exhibition industry.

        Lighting:    This segment consists of the design, manufacture and distribution of lighting systems to the worldwide entertainment lighting industry.

        Refer to the Business Segment Section set forth in Note 21 of our consolidated financial statements for further information concerning the amounts of revenues, profits and total assets attributable to each segment for the last three fiscal years.

(c)  Narrative Description of Business

        The following information describes the principal products produced, services rendered, principal markets for, and methods of distribution of each business segment of the Company.

Theatre Segment

Overview

        The domestic theatre exhibition industry (including Canada) is highly concentrated with management estimating that the top ten exhibitors represent over 56% of the total industry. Based on information obtained from the National Association of Theatre Owners, there were approximately 37,000 screens in the United States. Although the theatre exhibition industry remains primarily based on the use of film technology to deliver motion picture images to the public, the transition to digital images (digital cinema) achieved measurable progress in 2007 after several years of research and development. Factors which have limited the digital cinema implementation in the past have included high digital system costs; product availability for digital cinema; security, control and implementation issues, and a lack of standards for system quality and interoperability. Though digital cinema offers significant potential savings via reduced film delivery and handling costs to movie distributors, the financial models to justify the expenditures required by the exhibitor had been limited up to now. Digital Cinema Initiatives LLC ("DCI"), a venture created by the major motion picture studios, has made significant progress in resolving these standards and technology issues. In addition, there have been several business plans created to solve the issue of which party would pay for the substantial costs of retrofitting theatre locations currently using film-based projection equipment. Many models now provide a method whereby the motion picture studios or other content providers pay for the digital equipment over time via Virtual Print Fees to third party facilitators each time a projector shows a movie digitally. However, other means of financing could arise as the digital cinema business models mature.

4


Products

        Digital Equipment—Through a master reseller agreement with NEC Corporation of America ("NEC"), we distribute Starus DLP Cinema projectors. NEC offers the Starus NC2500S for large screen multiplexes, the NC1600C for medium-sized screens and the Starus NC800C for small theatres. All of the projectors use the DLP cinema technology from Texas Instruments. The Starus NC2500S is designed for multiplexes with large screens 49 feet wide and larger. The projector delivers 2K (2048 × 1080) contrast images (2000:1). The Starus NC1600C projector is designed for medium-sized screens 26-49 feet wide. The Starus NC800C projector is designed for screens 10 to 25 feet wide to employ DC 2K DMD technology at 2048 × 1080 pixel native resolution.

        Motion Picture Projection Equipment—We are a developer, manufacturer and distributor of commercial motion picture projection equipment worldwide. Our commercial motion picture projection equipment can fully outfit and automate a motion picture projection booth and consists of 35mm and 70mm motion picture projectors, xenon lamphouses and power supplies, a console system combining a lamphouse and power supply into a single cabinet, soundhead reproducers and related products such as sound systems. The commercial motion picture projection equipment is marketed under the industry-wide recognized trademarks of Strong®, Simplex®, Century® and Ballantyne®. We manufacture the majority of the motion picture projection systems in-house, except for the audio rack components, lamps and lenses. This equipment may be sold individually or as an integrated system with other components manufactured by us.

        We also distribute film handling equipment consisting of a three-deck or five-deck platter and a make-up table, which allows the reels of a full-length motion picture to be spliced together, thereby eliminating the need for an operator to change reels during the showing of the motion picture. Our film transport systems are sold under the Strong® name.

        Lenses—We have the exclusive distribution rights to sell ISCO-Optic film projection lenses throughout North America and also distribute these lenses on a non-exclusive basis throughout the rest of the world. ISCO lenses have developed a reputation for delivering high-image quality and resolution over the entire motion picture screen and have won two Academy Awards for technical achievement.

        Xenon Lamps—We distribute xenon lamps for resale to the theatre and lighting industries through an exclusive distributorship agreement with Lighting Technologies, Inc.

        Replacement Parts—We have a significant installed base of over 50,000 motion picture projection systems. Although these products have an average useful life in excess of 20 years, periodic replacement of components is required as a matter of routine maintenance, in most cases, with parts manufactured by our Company.

        Service & Maintenance—During fiscal 2006, we acquired National Cinema Service Corp. (NCSC) and folded it into a wholly-owned subsidiary, Strong Technical Services, Inc. (STS). STS is now a national provider of cinema services including film and digital projector maintenance, repair, installations, site surveys and other services. STS also installs and repairs audio and advertising equipment as well as other electronic equipment in a theatre auditorium such as theatre management systems, servers and other equipment. We believe that there will be increased demand for service due to the upcoming digital conversion as theatre operators may not have the necessary technical expertise to maintain the sophisticated nature of digital projectors and accessories. In addition, we feel that there are opportunities to provide service for other items at a theatre complex.

5


Markets

        Our theatre business was founded in 1932. Our broad range of both standard and custom-made equipment along with other ancillary equipment can completely outfit and automate a motion picture projection booth and is currently being used by major motion picture exhibitors such as Regal Cinemas, Inc. and AMC Entertainment, Inc.

        We market and sell our products to end users and through a network of domestic and international dealers to major theatre exhibitors and amusement park operators. During the past few years we have increasingly sold directly to the end-users thereby bypassing this distribution network. We believe this trend will continue in the future and will change how we market our products to the industry due in large part to the shift to digital cinema. This shift in the supply chain benefits us in reducing credit exposure, as the exhibitors are generally larger entities with more access to capital. Sales and marketing professionals principally develop business by maintaining regular personal customer contact including conducting site visits, while customer service and technical support functions are dispatched when needed. In addition, we market our products in trade publications such as Film Journal and Box Office and by participating in annual industry trade shows such as ShoWest, ShowEast, CineAsia in Asia and Cinema Expo in Europe, among others. Our sales and marketing professionals have extensive experience with the Company's product lines and have long-term relationships with many current and potential customers.

        We believe our installed base of equipment and customer relationships along with expertise in engineering, manufacturing, prompt order fulfillment, delivery, after-sale technical support and emergency service have allowed us to build and maintain these relationships. These relationships will serve us well in the future as the theatre industry transitions to digital cinema.

Competition

        The markets for commercial motion picture projection equipment are highly competitive. Major competitors include Christie Digital Systems, Cinemeccanica SpA and Kinoton GmbH. We compete in the commercial motion picture projection equipment industry primarily on the basis of quality, fulfillment and delivery, price, after-sale technical support and product customization capabilities.

        In addition to existing motion picture equipment manufacturers, we are now encountering competition from new competitors due to the development of digital cinema technology. We cannot assure that our equipment, whether it be film or digital equipment will not eventually become obsolete as technology advances. Competition in the digital cinema market includes two other licensed OEM's of the preferred Texas Instruments' DLP Cinema technology in addition to the Company's partner, NEC; Christie Digital Systems and Barco NV. There are also other companies, such as SONY, using different digital technologies attempting to enter the marketplace. For a further discussion of potential new competition, see the "Business Strategy" section of this report under the caption "Expand Digital Opportunities".

        Certain competitors for our film and digital equipment have significantly greater resources than Ballantyne.

Lighting Segment

Overview

        Under the trademark Strong®, we are a supplier of long-range follow spotlights which are used for both permanent and touring applications. Under the trademark Britelight™, we are a supplier of high intensity searchlights and computer-based lighting systems for the motion picture production, television, live entertainment, theme park and architectural industries. We also sell high intensity searchlights under the trademark Sky-Tracker®.

6


Products

        Followspots—We have been a developer, manufacturer and distributor of long-range followspots since 1950. Our followspots are primarily marketed under the Strong® trademark and recognized trademarked models such as Super Trouper® and Gladiator®. The Super Trouper® followspot has been the industry standard since 1958. Our long-range followspots are high-intensity general use illumination products designed for both permanent installations, such as indoor arenas, theatres, auditoriums, theme parks, amphitheatres and stadiums, and touring applications. The followspot line consists of six basic models ranging in output from 1000 watts to 4,500 watts. The 1000-watt model, which has a range of 20 to 75 feet, is compact, portable and appropriate for small venues and truss mounting. The 4,500-watt model, which has a range of 300 to 600 feet, is a high-intensity xenon light appropriate for large theatres, arenas and stadiums. Most of our followspots employ a variable focal length lens system which increases the intensity of the light beam as it is narrowed from flood to spot.

        In response to a section of the marketplace demanding less expensive, smaller and more user-friendly products, we have introduced certain new spotlights over the last few years. We distribute an Italian manufactured followspot called the Canto. The Canto spotlight product line consists of six basic models ranging in output from 250 watts to 2,000 watts. We also designed a new followspot called the Radiance®. The Radiance® is a mid-range followspot powered by an 850 watt metal halide lamp.

        Promotional and Other Lighting Products—We are a supplier of high intensity promotional searchlights and lighting systems for the motion picture production, television, live entertainment, theme park and architectural markets. Britelight™ specialty illumination products have been used in numerous feature films and have also been used at live performances such as Super Bowl half-time shows, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics and are currently illuminating such venues as the Luxor Hotel and Casino and the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

        Our Sky-Tracker® high intensity promotional searchlights come in single or multiple head configurations, primarily for use at outside venues requiring extremely bright lighting that can compete with other forms of outdoor illumination. These high intensity promotional searchlights have been used at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, various Olympic games and grand openings.

        We purchased a product line during 2007 called the Technobeam® which projects logos, images and textures. This product is used in a variety of entertainment establishments.

Markets

        We sell our lighting products through a combination of a small direct sales force and commissioned representatives to arenas, stadiums, theme parks, theatres, auditoriums and equipment rental companies. Our followspot products are marketed using the Strong trademark and are used in over 100 major arenas throughout the world. Our high intensity promotional searchlights are marketed under the Sky-Tracker® trademark.

Competition

        The markets for our lighting products are highly competitive. We compete in the lighting industry primarily on the basis of quality, price, branding and product line variety. Certain competitors for our lighting products have significantly greater resources than Ballantyne.

7


Business Strategy

        Our strategy combines the following key elements:

        Expand Digital Opportunities.    We currently are a party to a master reseller agreement with NEC whereby we distribute their line of Starus DLP Cinema projectors. We intend to gain market share in the digital cinema marketplace by leveraging our current industry leadership and relationships.

        We believe we are in a solid position to be a successful participant in the marketplace due to our marketing and sales agreement with NEC, our long term industry relationships and the industry's familiarity with our Company and its large installed base worldwide. However, no assurance can be given that we will in fact be a part of the digital cinema marketplace. If we are unable to take advantage of future digital cinema opportunities or respond to the new competitive pressures, the result could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, the current relationship with NEC is a non-exclusive distributorship agreement and as such the gross margin will be lower than the margin we currently experience on our analog projectors. It is unclear at this time if this lower margin can be offset by the expected increased price point and sales volume digital cinema is expected to add when the rollout occurs.

        Expand Service Company.    We believe that there will be increased demand for service due to the upcoming digital conversion as theatre operators may not have the necessary technical expertise to maintain the more technical nature of digital projectors and accessories. In addition, we feel that there are opportunities to provide service for other items at a theatre complex other than just maintaining the projection equipment. Our STS service subsidiary is forming a core business to service this digital and film marketplace.

        Transition from a Manufacturer to a Distributor.    We believe that the digital transition taking place within the theatre industry will substantially reduce the demand for the products we manufacture and that we will transition to more of a distribution and service business model. We will also continue to manufacture cinema screens through our MDI subsidiary and also manufacture lighting products for our lighting segment. We are implementing programs at our Omaha facility to reduce costs through a cost and inventory reduction program designed to bring costs and inventory in line with revenues.

        Growth Strategy.    Our strategy is to pursue complementary strategic acquisitions both within our current operating segments and also in other markets that would fit in our business plans. We expect to make acquisitions in the future. However, we cannot assure that we will be able to locate appropriate acquisitions in the future, that any identified candidates will be acquired or that acquired operations will be effectively integrated or prove profitable. We are also focusing efforts at increasing our product offerings to the theatre industry to focus on being a one-stop shop to fully outfit a theatre auditorium.

        Expand International Presence.    Sales outside the United States (mainly theatre sales) were 28% and 29% of total revenues in fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. We believe that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of our theatre sales and that film-related sales will continue for a number of years as the rollout of digital cinema will lag behind the U.S. in certain areas of the world. We are also working with NEC to expand our distribution territories for selling their digital projector line beyond North and South America and Hong Kong.

        We are seeking to strengthen and develop our international presence through our international dealer network and our sales force will continue to travel worldwide to market our products. Additionally, we continue to utilize our office in Hong Kong to further penetrate China and surrounding markets. We believe that as a result of these efforts, we are positioned to further expand our brand name recognition and international market share.

8


        Expand Lighting Segment.    Our goal is to increase revenues using the remaining product lines within the segment and by increased emphasis on expanding our product offerings by developing and introducing new products and through strategic acquisitions. During 2008, we will begin to distribute additional lighting products including those to complement our Canto spotlight and also certain outdoor architecture lighting products.

Subsidiaries

        We have three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Strong Westrex, Inc., Strong Technical Services, Inc. and Strong Digital Systems, Inc.

        Strong Westrex, Inc. is the holding company for our sales and service office in Hong Kong.

        Strong Technical Services, Inc. was formed in 2006 upon the purchase of NCSC to service the film and digital marketplace.

        Strong Digital Systems, Inc. was formed in 2007 to acquire the stock of Marcel Desrochers, Inc. which manufactures cinema screens for the theatre exhibition industry.

        We also have three non-operational subsidiaries.

Backlog

        At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had backlogs of $7.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Such backlogs mainly consisted of orders received with a definite shipping date within twelve months; however, these orders are subject to cancellation. Our products are manufactured and shipped within a few weeks following receipt of orders. The dollar amount of our order backlog is therefore not considered by management to be a leading indicator of our expected sales in any particular fiscal period.

Manufacturing

        Our manufacturing operations are conducted in Omaha, Nebraska and Jolliette, Canada. The Omaha facility encompass design, fabrication, assembly and shipping of our various product lines. This central location reduces our transportation costs and delivery times of products throughout the United States. Our manufacturing strategy is to minimize costs through manufacturing efficiencies and reduce fixed costs pertaining to manufacturing film projection equipment.

        The manufacturing operations in Jolliette, Canada consist of a 50,000 square-foot facility for the manufacture and shipping of the cinema screen systems business obtained with the acquisition of MDI during 2007. This facility includes a 90-foot-high PVC screen painting facility that houses two paint rigs to accommodate IMAX large format screens. MDI also manufactures screens and screen frames for 2-D and 3-D capabilities. In addition, MDI produces a full line of masking motors.

        We currently manufacture the majority of components used in the film and lighting products we sell. We believe that our integrated manufacturing operations has helped maintain the high quality of our products, further aid lead time reductions and our ability to customize products to a customer's specifications. Our flexible workforce allows for the adjusting of the relative mix of products to meet demand. Manufacturing is mainly comprised of machining aluminum in casting and bar stock forms. Fabrication includes the punching, forming and welding of light gauge materials such as steel and aluminum. We also operate powder paint lines at the Omaha facility. Outside contractors are utilized for further specialized processing such as plating, grinding, etc.

Quality Control

        We believe that our design standards, quality control procedures and the quality standards for the material and components used in our products have contributed significantly to the reputation of the products for high performance and reliability. Inspection of incoming material and components as well as the testing of all of the Company's products during various stages of assembly are key elements of this program.

9


Warranty Policy

        We generally provide a warranty to end users for substantially all of our products, which normally covers a period of 12 months, but is extended under certain circumstances and for certain products. Under our warranty policy, we will repair or replace defective products or components at our election. Costs of warranty service and product replacements were approximately $0.2, $0.2 and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Research and Development

        Our ability to compete successfully depends, in part, upon our continued close work with existing and new customers. We focus research and development efforts on the development of new products based on customer and industry requirements. Research and development costs charged to operations amounted to approximately $0.6, $0.9 and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Patents and Trademarks

        We own or otherwise have rights to numerous trademarks and trade names used in conjunction with the sale of our products. We currently own one patent. We believe our success will not be dependent upon patent or trademark protection, but rather upon our scientific and engineering "know-how" and research and production techniques.

Employees

        As of March 17, 2008, we had a total of 187 employees. Of these employees, 99 were considered manufacturing, 4 were executive, 40 were considered service related and 44 were considered sales and administrative. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement and believe that the relationship with our employees is good.

Environmental Matters

        We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental protection and the discharge of material into the environment. During 2001, we were informed by a neighboring company of likely contaminated soil on certain parcels of land adjacent to Ballantyne's main manufacturing facility in Omaha, Nebraska. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Nebraska Health and Human Services System subsequently determined that certain parcels of Ballantyne property had various levels of contaminated soil relating to a former pesticide company which previously owned the property and that burned down in the 1960's. During October 2004, Ballantyne agreed to enter into an Administrative Order on Consent ("AOC") to resolve the matter. The AOC holds Ballantyne and two other parties jointly and severally responsible for the cleanup. In this regard, the three parties have also entered into a Site Allocation Agreement by which they will divide past, current and future costs of the EPA, the costs of remediation and the cost of long term maintenance. In connection with the AOC, we have paid our share of the costs. At December 31, 2007, we have provided for management's estimate of any future payments relating to this matter which is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

Stockholder Rights Plan

        On May 26, 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan. Under terms of the Rights Plan, which expires June 9, 2010, Ballantyne declared a distribution of one right for each outstanding share of common stock. The rights become exercisable only if a person or group (other than certain exempt persons as defined) acquires 15 percent or more of Ballantyne

10



common stock or announces a tender offer for 15 percent or more of Ballantyne's common stock. Under certain circumstances, the Rights Plan allows stockholders, other than the acquiring person or group, to purchase our common stock at an exercise price of half the market price.

Executive Officers of the Company

        John P. Wilmers, age 63, has been our CEO since March 1997 and a Director since 1995.

        Christopher Stark, age 47, was appointed VP-Operations in May of 2007.

        Kevin S. Herrmann, age 42, was appointed CFO, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer in November 2006. Prior to the appointment, Mr. Herrmann had been our Corporate Controller since 1997.

        Ray F. Boegner, age 58, has been Senior Vice President since 1997. Mr. Boegner joined us in 1985 and has acted in various sales roles.

Information available on Ballantyne Website

        We make available free of charge on our website (www.ballantyne-omaha.com) through a link to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 159(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. However, information posted on our website is not part of the Form 10-K.

Corporate Governance Documents

        The Board of Directors has adopted several corporate governance policies to address significant corporate governance issues. The Board of Directors has adopted the following governance documents:

        These corporate governance documents are available in print to any stockholder upon request by writing to:

1A.  Risk Factors

        You should carefully consider the following risk factors and other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before investing in shares of our common stock. Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. If any of the following risk factors actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment.

11


We may be unsuccessful in adapting to new or advancing technologies, such as digital cinema.

        The transition to digital cinema began to show measurable progress in 2007 after several years of research and development. We believe we are in a position to participate in the digital cinema marketplace either through our relationship with NEC or through other relationships with other digital cinema providers. However, we cannot assure that we will successfully or competitively advance this technology as might be required. In addition, the current relationship with NEC is a non-exclusive distributorship agreement and as such the gross margin will be lower than the margin we currently experience on our analog projectors. It is unclear at this time if this lower margin can be offset by the expected increased price point and sales volume digital cinema is expected to add when the rollout occurs. Our agreement with NEC is not perpetual and could be terminated with 90 day advance written notice. While we currently have no debt, we may have to leverage the Company to fully participate in digital cinema. There is no assurance that we will be able to access sufficient capital given the recent tightening of the global credit market.

        If we are unable to maintain our relationship with NEC, or otherwise take advantage of future digital cinema opportunities or respond to the new competitive pressures, the result could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Our financial results and growth depend largely on the health of the theatre exhibition industry.

        Approximately 91% of our revenues resulted from sales to the theatre exhibition industry. From fiscal years 2000 to 2002, this industry experienced an unprecedented three-year decline. Several exhibition companies filed for federal bankruptcy protection. This resulted in our revenues declining from $83.4 million in fiscal 1999 to $33.8 million in fiscal 2002. While the health of the theatre exhibition industry has improved significantly, there are still risks in the industry which result in continued exposure to Ballantyne. Growth in the number of new motion picture screens may be adversely affected by the economy or other factors. These factors may also have an adverse effect on our customer base. A lack of motion picture screen growth would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are substantially dependent upon significant customers who could cease purchasing our products at any time.

        Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 43% of 2007 consolidated net revenues. While we believe our relationships with such customers are stable, most arrangements are made by purchase order and are terminable at will by either party. A significant decrease or interruption in business from these significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is subject to the economic and political risks of selling products in foreign countries.

        Sales outside the United States (mainly theatre sales) continue to be significant, accounting for 28% and 29% of consolidated sales in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. We are seeking to expand our share of foreign sales, which we expect will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues. Foreign sales are subject to political and economic risks, including political instability, currency controls, fluctuating exchange rates with respect to sales not denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in import/export regulations, tariffs and freight rates. Historically, the majority of our foreign sales have been denominated in U.S. dollars. A weakening in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse impact on us by increasing the effective price of our products in international markets. In addition, there can be no assurance that our international customers will continue to accept orders denominated in U.S. dollars. To the extent that orders are denominated in foreign currencies, our reported sales and earnings are more directly subject to foreign

12



exchange fluctuations. Certain areas of the world are also more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced higher than local manufacturers. We cannot assure that these factors will not adversely affect our foreign sales in the future.

        We are also exposed to foreign currency fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollar due to the purchase of MDI as a majority of their sales are denominated in the U.S. dollar while their expenses are denominated in Canadian currency.

The markets for our products are highly competitive and if we fail to invest in product development and productivity improvements, our business could be materially adversely impacted.

        The domestic and international markets for our product lines are highly competitive. Certain of our competitors for our equipment have significantly greater resources. In the theatre segment, we are experiencing new competition in the film motion picture industry as well as from the development of new technology for alternative means of motion picture presentation in the form of digital cinema. We cannot assure that our equipment (whether film or digital) will not become obsolete as technology advances. If we lose market share due to these issues, we may be unable to lower our cost structure quickly enough to offset the lost revenue. To counter these risks, we have initiated a cost reduction program, continue to streamline our manufacturing processes and have a strategy to respond to the digital marketplace. However, we cannot assure that this strategy will succeed or that it will be able to obtain adequate financing to take advantage of potential opportunities.

If we fail to retain key members of management, our business may be materially harmed.

        Our success depends, in substantial part, on the efforts and abilities of our current management team. Many of these individuals have acquired specialized knowledge and skills with respect to Ballantyne and its operations. If certain of these individuals were to leave unexpectedly, we could face difficulty in hiring qualified successors and could experience a loss in productivity while any successor obtains the necessary training and experience.

Growth through acquisition is a part of our business plan and we may not be able to successfully identify, finance or integrate acquisitions.

        As discussed in further detail in the "Business Strategy" portion of Item 1, our strategy is to pursue complementary strategic acquisitions in the theatre and in other markets that would fit in our business plans. We expect to make acquisitions in the future. However, we cannot assure that we will be able to locate appropriate acquisition candidates, that any identified candidates will be acquired or that acquired operations will be effectively integrated or prove profitable. Additionally, our credit facility with First National Bank of Omaha currently prohibits us from making acquisitions over $7 million without the bank's consent.

Interruptions of, or higher prices of components from, certain suppliers may affect our results of operations and financial performance.

        NEC is our sole supplier for the Digital equipment we distribute to the theatre industry. The industry transition to digital cinema is currently in the initial stages and during this time, there could be pricing pressures placed upon us as we market the NEC line of digital equipment. While our partnership with NEC to-date has been to strategically price the NEC projectors to the market-place, there are no assurances that if future pricing pressures would arise that NEC will drop their prices to allow us to remain competitive. We are also dependent on NEC to supply us digital products in a timely manner and while we have not experienced difficulty in obtaining these products in the past, there is no assurance that shortages will not arise in the future.

13


        We utilize a single contract manufacturer for each of our intermittent movement components, lenses and xenon lamps on the film side. The loss of any one or more of the contract manufacturers could have a short-term adverse effect on the Company until alternative manufacturing arrangements are secured. We are not dependent upon any one contract manufacturer or supplier for the balance of our raw materials and components. We believe that there are adequate alternative sources of such raw materials and components of sufficient quantity and quality, but cannot assure that this will continue in the future.

        In addition, volatility in the price for certain raw materials and components such as steel, fuel and lenses could adversely affect our financial results. In particular, the strengthening of the Euro has resulted in increased costs for lens purchases from our German supplier. Based on forecasted purchases during 2008, an average 10% devaluation of the dollar compared to the Euro would cost us approximately $0.1 million.

Our stock price is vulnerable to significant fluctuations.

        The trading price of our common stock has been highly volatile in the past and could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in quarterly operating results, general conditions in the industries in which we operate and other factors. In addition, the stock market is subject to price and volume fluctuations affecting the market price for the stock of many companies in general, with fluctuations often being unrelated to operating performance.

Pending litigation could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

        Ballantyne is currently a defendant in an asbestos case entitled Larry C. Stehman and Leila Stehman v. Asbestos Corporation, Limited and Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. individually and as successor in interest to Strong International, Strong Electric Corporation and Century Projector Corporation, et al, filed December 8, 2006 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco. We believe that we have strong defenses and intend to defend the suit vigorously. It is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this case, or the amount of damages, if any, that a jury may award. The plaintiffs have made no monetary demand upon Ballantyne. This case is scheduled for trial to commence in August 2008. It is possible that an adverse resolution of this case could have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

        We are a party from time to time to various other legal actions which are ordinary routine litigation matters incidental to the Company's business, such as products liability.

Certain anti-takeover provisions in Ballantyne's governing documents could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire Ballantyne.

        The Board of Directors has adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan. Under the terms of the Rights Plan, which expires June 9, 2010, we declared a distribution of one right for each outstanding share of common stock. The rights become exercisable only if a person or group (other than certain exempt persons), acquires 15% or more of our common stock or announces a tender offer for 15% or more of our common stock. Under certain circumstances, the Rights Plan allows stockholders, other than the acquiring person or group, to purchase our common stock at a price that is one-half the market price.

        Our Certificate of Incorporation also provides for, among other things, the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Board of Directors is authorized, without stockholder approval, to cause Ballantyne to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the voting powers and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights and restrictions of the preferred stock. Accordingly, we may issue a series of preferred stock in the future

14



that will have preference over the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or have voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power and ownership percentages of the holders of common stock. Our Certificate of Incorporation also provides for the affirmative vote of at least 662/3% of all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting as a single class, to change certain provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Our Bylaws contain certain advance notice requirements relating to stockholder proposals and stockholder nomination of directors. These provisions may have the effect of making it more difficult or discouraging transactions that could give stockholders of Ballantyne the opportunity to realize a premium over the then prevailing market price for their shares of common stock.

Shares eligible for future sale could have a possible adverse effect on the market price.

        Future sales of common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the common stock or our ability to raise additional capital through sales of its equity securities.

        As of December 31, 2007, we had: i) 13,858,438 shares owned by stockholders and ii) 1,923,186 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under stock plans. Of the shares outstanding, subject to outstanding options and reserved for issuance under the employee stock purchase plan, 428,000 shares are immediately eligible for resale in the public market without restriction.

        We are unable to predict the effect that the sales of these shares may have on the prevailing market price of the common stock.

Subsequent to year-end certain of our short-term investments are experiencing liquidity issues.

        We ended fiscal year 2007 with total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $17.2 million including $13.0 million of investments in certain auction rate securities ("ARS"). Subsequent to year-end, the market for our investments in auction-rate securities began experiencing a liquidity issue when the securities came up for auction due to an imbalance of buyers of sellers for the securities. We cannot predict how long the current imbalance in the auction market will continue. As a result, for a period of time, we may be unable to liquidate our auction rate securities held. However, all the securities held continue to be AAA rated and fully collateralized by the fund itself at a minimum 200% net asset to fund ratio. Therefore, we have no reason to believe that any of the issuers are presently at risk or that the credit quality of the assets backing these investments are impacted by the reduced liquidity of these investments.

        We are currently evaluating the market for these securities to determine if impairment of the carrying value of the securities has occurred due to the loss of liquidity. Any decline in the fair value of the securities, at this time, as a result of a potential liquidity discount is considered temporary. In the future, if indicators exist that lead to an other than temporary impairment, we would recognize an impairment loss in the consolidated statement of operations.


Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

        None.

15



Item 2.  Properties

        Our headquarters and main manufacturing facility is located at 4350 McKinley Street, Omaha, Nebraska, where we own a building consisting of approximately 166,000 square feet on approximately 12.0 acres. The premises are used for offices and for the manufacture, assembly and distribution of our products. We also lease a sales and service facility in Hong Kong and a small sales office in Miami, Florida.

        We lease a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Joliette, Canada used for offices, manufacturing, assembly and distribution of the cinema screens for MDI.


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

        We are currently a defendant in an asbestos case entitled Larry C. Stehman and Leila Stehman v. Asbestos Corporation, Limited and Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. individually and as successor in interest to Strong International, Strong Electric Corporation and Century Projector Corporation, et al, filed December 8, 2006 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco. We believe that we have strong defenses and intend to defend the suit vigorously. It is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this case, or the amount of damages, if any, that a jury may award. The plaintiffs have made no monetary demand upon Ballantyne. This case is scheduled for trial to commence in August 2008. It is possible that an adverse resolution of this case could have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

        During March 2006, we settled an asbestos case entitled Bercu v. BICC Cables Corporation, et al., originally filed June 27, 2003 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York. The settlement amount was not material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

        We are also a party to various other legal actions which are ordinary routine litigation matters incidental to our business, such as products liability. Based on currently available information, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flow.


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, no issues were submitted to a vote of stockholders.

16



PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        Our common stock is listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "BTN". The following table sets forth the high and low per share sale price or the range of high and low bid information for the common stock as reported by the American Stock Exchange.

 
   
  High
  Low
2007   First Quarter   $ 5.62   $ 4.82
    Second Quarter     6.67     4.84
    Third Quarter     6.80     5.34
    Fourth Quarter     6.45     5.50

2006

 

First Quarter

 

$

4.94

 

$

3.50
    Second Quarter     4.49     3.65
    Third Quarter     5.05     3.75
    Fourth Quarter     5.30     3.61

2005

 

First Quarter

 

$

5.93

 

$

4.06
    Second Quarter     4.85     3.70
    Third Quarter     4.94     3.69
    Fourth Quarter     5.16     4.42

        The last reported per share sale price for the common stock on March 28, 2008 was $4.46. We had 13,858,438 shares of common stock outstanding on March 17, 2008, with approximately 189 holders of record and an estimated 2,200 owners held in the name of nominees.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

        The following table sets forth information regarding our Stock Option and Purchase Plan Agreements as of December 31, 2007.

Plan Category

  Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
excluding securities
reflected in column (a)

 
 
  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   443,750   $ 2.33   626,496 (1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders         852,940 (2)
   
 
 
 
  Total   443,750   $ 2.33   1,479,436  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Includes 123,746 securities for the 2005 Stock Purchase Plan, 252,750 securities for the 2005 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan and 250,000 securities for the 2005 Restricted Stock Plan.

(2)
Amounts pertain to the 2001 Non-Employee Director's Stock Option Plan. See note 17 to the consolidated financial statements filed under Part II, Item 8 of this report for a description of this plan.

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Dividend Policy

        We intend to retain our earnings to assist in financing our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of dividends by the Company are also subject to the discretion of the Board, and our credit facility contains certain prohibitions on the payment of cash dividends. Any determination by the Board as to the payment of dividends in the future will depend upon, among other things, business conditions, our financial condition and capital requirements, as well as any other factors deemed relevant by the Board. We have not paid cash dividends since we went public in 1995.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data (1)

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
  2004
  2003
Statement of operations data                      
Net revenue   $ 51,486   49,732   53,857   49,145   37,433
Gross profit   $ 9,456   10,826   14,905   13,515   8,616
Net income   $ 228   1,568   4,309   5,073   579

Net income per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic   $ 0.02   0.12   0.33   0.40   0.05
  Diluted   $ 0.02   0.11   0.31   0.37   0.04

Balance sheet data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Working capital   $ 32,390   34,974   32,627   26,900   20,806
Total assets   $ 54,140   49,908   46,936   42,171   37,235
Total debt   $   15   43   68   93
Stockholders' equity   $ 43,042   42,389   39,998   34,523   29,089

(1)
All amounts in thousands (000's) except per share data


Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. Management's discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for our products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the achievement of lower costs and expenses; the continued availability of financing in the amounts and on the terms required to support our future business; credit concerns in the theatre exhibition industry; and other risks detailed from time to time in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management's expectations. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report may include additional factors which could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

18


        Investors should also be aware that while we do communicate with securities analysts from time to time, it is against our policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential information. Accordingly, investors should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, we have a policy against issuing or confirming financial forecast or projections issued by others. Therefore, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of Ballantyne.

Overview

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

        We have two primary reportable core operating segments: theatre and lighting. Approximately 91% of fiscal year 2007 sales were from theatre products, 8% were lighting products and 1% were from other products.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

General

        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are 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 that are not readily apparent from other sources. Senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.

        Our accounting policies are discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in this report. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

        We normally recognize revenue upon shipment of goods or delivery of the service to customers when collectability is reasonably assured. In certain circumstances revenue is not recognized until the goods are received by the customer or upon installation and customer acceptance based on the terms of the sale agreement. We have adopted the provisions of EITF 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables (EITF 00-21). EITF 00-21 addresses certain aspects of revenue recognition on contracts with multiple deliverable elements. We permit product returns from customers under certain circumstances and also allow returns under the Ballantyne's warranty policy. Allowances for product returns are estimated and recorded at the time revenue is recognized. The return allowance is recorded as a reduction to revenues for the estimated sales value of the projected returns and as a reduction in cost of products for the corresponding cost amount. See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a full description of our revenue recognition policy.

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        We make judgments about the credit worthiness of both current and prospective customers based on ongoing credit evaluations performed by our credit department. These evaluations include, but are not limited to, reviewing customers' prior payment history, analyzing credit applications, monitoring the aging of receivables from current customers and reviewing financial statements, if applicable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is developed based on several factors including overall customer credit quality, historical write-off experience and a specific account analysis that project the ultimate collectability of the accounts. As such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly. When it is determined that a customer is unlikely to pay, a charge is recorded to bad debt expense in the consolidated statements of operations and the allowance for doubtful accounts is increased. When it becomes certain the customer cannot pay, the receivable is written off by removing the accounts receivable amount and reducing the allowance for doubtful accounts accordingly.

        At December 31, 2007, there were approximately $8.3 million in gross outstanding accounts receivable and $0.5 million recorded in the allowance for doubtful accounts to cover potential future customer non-payments. At December 31, 2006, there were approximately $8.0 million in gross outstanding accounts receivable and $0.5 million recorded in the allowance for doubtful accounts. If economic conditions deteriorate significantly or if one of our large customers were to declare bankruptcy, a larger allowance for doubtful accounts might be necessary.

Inventory Valuation

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include appropriate elements of material, labor and overhead. Our policy is to evaluate all inventory quantities for amounts on-hand that are potentially in excess of estimated usage requirements, and to write down any excess quantities to estimated net realizable value. Inherent in the estimates of net realizable values are management's estimates related to our future manufacturing schedules, customer demand and the development of digital technology, which could make our theatre products obsolete, among other items. Management has managed these risks in the past and believes that it can manage them in the future, however, operating margins may suffer if they are unable to effectively manage these risks. At December 31, 2007 we had recorded gross inventory of approximately $11.8 million and $1.9 million of inventory reserves. This compared to $10.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2006.

Warranty

        Our products must meet certain product quality and performance criteria. In addition to known claims or warranty issues, we estimate future claims on recent sales. We rely on historical product claims data to estimate the cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. In determining the accrual for the estimated cost of warranty claims, we consider experience with: 1) costs for replacement parts; 2) costs of scrapping defective products; 3) the number of product units subject to warranty claims and 4) other direct costs associated with warranty claims. If the cost to repair a product or the number of products subject to warranty claims is greater than originally estimated, our accrued cost for warranty claims would increase.

        At December 31, 2007, the warranty accrual amounted to $0.4 million and amounts charged to expense were $0.2 million. At December 31, 2006, the warranty accrual amounted to $0.6 million and amounts charged to expense were $0.2 million.

Long-lived Assets

        We review long-lived assets, exclusive of goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

20


        Our most significant long-lived assets subject to these periodic assessments of recoverability are property, plant and equipment, which have a net book value of $3.6 million at December 31, 2007. Because the recoverability of property, plant and equipment is based on estimates of future undiscounted cash flows, these estimates may vary due to a number of factors, some of which may be outside of management's control. To the extent that we are unable to achieve management's forecasts of future income, it may become necessary to record impairment losses for any excess of the net book value of property, plant and equipment over its fair value.

Goodwill

        In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we evaluate our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis based on values at the end of the fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist. As a result of an analysis conducted in our annual year-end review of goodwill, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $1.25 million on a portion of our goodwill pertaining to a reporting unit within the theatre segment during the fourth quarter of 2006. During the second quarter of 2007, we reevaluated the recoverability of the remaining goodwill of this reporting unit. The impairment resulting from the current test was due to current operating results within the segment being below the expectations reflected in the test performed in the fourth quarter of 2006 and other factors. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $0.6 million during the second quarter. The analyses took into consideration the ongoing transition taking place in our strategy and operations, moving from the manufacture of traditional film equipment to a business model focused on the distribution and service of digital projectors.

        Goodwill totaling $2.4 million and $1.8 million was included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Management's assumptions about future cash flows for the reporting units require significant judgment and actual cash flows in the future may differ significantly from those forecasted today.

Income Taxes

        Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. We use an estimate of our annual effective rate at each interim period based on the facts and circumstances known at the time, while the actual effective rate is calculated at year-end. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (as amended), effective January 1, 2007. The Company's uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. Estimated amounts related to estimated underpayment of income taxes, including interest and penalties, are classified as a component of tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Amounts accrued for estimated underpayment of income taxes amounted to $0.3 million as of January 1, 2007 and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2007, respectively. The accruals largely related to state tax matters.

Self-insurance Reserves

        We are partially self-insured for certain employee health benefits. The related liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Our policy is to accrue the liabilities based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events.

21


Stock-based Compensation

        Prior to fiscal 2006, we applied the intrinsic value method as prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB No. 25), and related interpretations, in accounting for stock options granted under the stock option plan. Under the intrinsic value method, no compensation cost is recognized if the exercise price of our employee stock options was equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. Accordingly, no compensation cost was recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income prior to fiscal year 2006 on stock options granted to employees and directors, since all options granted under our stock option plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

        Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)). This statement replaced FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Statement 123) and supersedes APB No. 25. Statement 123(R) requires that all stock-based compensation be recognized as an expense in the financial statements and that such cost be measured at the fair value of the award. This statement was adopted using the modified prospective method of application, which requires us to recognize compensation cost on a prospective basis. Therefore, prior years' financial statements have not been restated. Under this method, we recorded stock-based compensation expense for awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, using the fair value amounts determined for pro forma disclosures under Statement 123. For stock-based awards granted after January 1, 2006, we recognize compensation expense based on estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

        In a change from previous standards, Statement 123(R) also requires that excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises be reflected as financing cash inflows. Therefore, excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises in 2005 are reflected in operating activities. Share-based compensation cost that has been included in income from operations amounted to $81,325 and $106,723 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No share-based compensation cost was capitalized as a part of inventory as of December 31, 2007 or 2006.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations ("SFAS No. 141(R)"). SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The provisions of SFAS No. 141(R) are effective for the Company's business combinations occurring on or after January 1, 2009.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements". SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of FASB 157 for certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We have not yet completed our evaluation of the impact of adopting SFAS 157 or FSP No. 157-2.

        In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 159 on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

22


Results of Operations:

        The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net revenues represented by certain items reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
  2004
  2003
 
Net revenue   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of revenues   81.6   78.2   72.3   72.5   77.0  
Gross profit   18.4   21.8   27.7   27.5   23.0  
Selling and administrative expenses(1)   18.1   16.3   15.7   15.7   20.4  
Income (loss) from operations   (0.8 ) 3.0   12.0   12.0   3.0  
Net income   0.4   3.2   8.0   10.3   1.5  

(1)
The fiscal 2006 amount excludes a $1.25 million impairment charge pertaining to goodwill. The fiscal 2007 amount excludes a $0.6 million impairment charge pertaining to goodwill.

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006

Revenues

        Net revenues during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 increased to $51.5 million from $49.7 million in 2006.

 
  Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 
  2007
  2006
Theatre            
  Products   $ 42,883,762   $ 43,721,847
  Services     3,667,134     2,260,560
   
 
    Total theatre revenues     46,550,896     45,982,407
Lighting     4,268,437     3,035,984
Other     666,531     713,980
   
 
    Total net revenues   $ 51,485,864   $ 49,732,371
   
 

Theatre Segment

        Sales of theatre products increased 1.2% to $46.6 million in 2007 from $46.0 million in 2006 reflecting higher demand for digital projection equipment which increased to $4.2 million from $0.8 million in 2006. We also generated higher service revenues which rose to $3.7 million from $2.3 million a year-ago. The increase in service revenues resulted from a combination of more service on digital equipment and also due to experiencing a full twelve months of revenues from the acquisition of our service subsidiary, Strong Technical Services, Inc. (STS) which was purchased in the middle of 2006. The remaining revenue increase resulted from the purchase of Marcel Desrochers, Inc. (MDI) a Canadian-based manufacturer of cinema projection screens during the fourth quarter of 2007 and which subsequently generated $0.9 million of revenue (excluding intercompany revenue) during the period we owned that company.

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        The theatre exhibition industry's transition to digital cinema is in the initial stages and theatre owners are evaluating their options as they plan capital expenditures relative to new or used film projectors or digital equipment. To that end, we did experience a decline in sales of film projection equipment which fell to $22.5 million in 2007 from $27.0 million a year-ago. The film equipment results also reflect more sales of used equipment as opposed to equipment that we manufacture. Sales of such used film equipment approximated $1.7 million during the year. There were no such sales a year-ago. These used units were obtained from theatre chains which have converted their film auditoriums to digital and had no further use for the film projectors. We see a short-term opportunity to buy and resell these units as they become available and which are in a suitable condition for us to be able to refurbish them in a profitable manner.

        Sales of replacement parts were also impacted by the industry transition declining to $7.2 million from $7.6 million a year-ago despite a full twelve months of parts sales from STS which generated $1.0 million of revenue compared to $0.6 million a year-ago.

        Sales of lenses decreased to $1.7 million from $2.3 million a year-ago as these products are also being impacted by the transition. Sales of xenon lamps rose to $6.4 million during 2007 from $6.0 million a year ago reflecting market share gains. The uncertainty regarding digital cinema has not impacted lamp sales as they are a necessary replacement item for projectors in service and are relatively unaffected by the used equipment market.

        Our top ten theatre customers accounted for approximately 47% of total theatre revenues compared to 45% a year ago.

Lighting Segment

        Sales of lighting products increased 40.6% to $4.3 million in 2007 from $3.0 million a year ago due mainly to increased demand for follow spotlight sales which rose to $2.2 million from $1.2 million during 2006. Replacement parts also rose during the year from $0.6 million in 2006 to $0.8 in 2007. In addition, Sky-Tracker sales rose to $0.6 million from $0.5 million in 2006.

        Sales of all other lighting products, including but not limited to, xenon lamps, britelights and nocturns amounted to $0.7 million in both 2007 and 2006 periods.

Export Revenues

        Sales outside the United States (mainly theatre sales) declined to $14.2 million in 2007 from $14.6 million in 2006 resulting primarily from a decline in business in Asia where sales declined to $6.7 million in 2007 from $7.7 million in 2006. This decrease was offset to a degree by a turnaround in business in Europe where sales rose to $2.0 million from $1.7 million in 2006. Export sales are sensitive to worldwide economic and political conditions that can lead to volatility. Additionally, certain areas of the world are more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced higher than local manufacturers making it more difficult to generate sufficient profit to justify selling into these regions. Additionally, foreign exchange rates and excise taxes sometimes make it difficult to market our products overseas at reasonable selling prices.

Gross Profit

        Consolidated gross profit decreased to $9.5 million in 2007 from $10.8 million in 2006 and as a percent of revenue declined to 18.4% from 21.8% in 2006 due to the reasons discussed below.

        Gross profit in the theatre segment fell to $8.0 million in 2007 from $9.7 million in 2006 and as a percentage of sales declined to 17.3% from 21.1% a year ago. The margin reflects the transition that is taking place in the theater industry. During 2007 we sold $4.2 million of digital equipment which we distribute through our agreement with NEC. The gross margin on these sales is significantly lower than

24



the margin we currently experience on our film projectors. However, the sales price on the digital projectors is higher than what we receive on film projectors which causes the gross margin dollars to be more comparable. Our margin was also impacted by service revenues becoming a larger part of our business. The current service business primarily relates to servicing film projection equipment which is in a mature industry and as such, gross profit percentages typically are lower than margins from film equipment sales. We expect this business to transition to servicing more digital projectors in the future when the digital cinema rollout accelerates. At that time, margins are expected to increase. We also continue to depreciate certain digital projectors out at customer locations for testing and demonstration purposes. During 2007 we recorded approximately $0.9 million of expense compared to $0.4 million a year-ago. Gross margins also continue to be impacted by higher manufacturing costs pertaining to purchasing in lower quantities and rising raw material costs.

        The gross profit in the lighting segment increased to $1.1 million in 2007 from $0.8 in 2006 but as a percent of revenues fell to 26.1% from 27.5% a year-ago. The results reflect a product mix consisting of more distribution items coupled with higher manufacturing costs.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

        Selling and administrative expenses (excluding goodwill impairment charges of $0.6 million in 2007 and $1.3 million in 2006) increased to $9.3 million in 2007 from $8.1 million in 2006 and as a percent of revenue increased to 18.1% in 2007 from 16.3% in 2006. The goodwill impairment charges pertained to the operations of our Design & Manufacturing, Inc. subsidiary which was subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2007.

        Administrative costs increased to $6.1 million or 11.9% of revenues compared to $5.1 million or 10.3% a year ago. During 2007, we experienced higher costs pertaining to Sarbanes/Oxley compliance of $0.4 million as 2007 was the first year we were subject to the Section 404 audit and assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. In addition we experienced an increase in professional fees pertaining to due diligence work performed on terminated acquisitions, fees pertaining to providing audited and pro-forma financial information pertaining to the acquisition of MDI and fees to file Form 8-K's in relation to the purchase of MDI. We also incurred legal and accounting costs to sell the operations of Design & Manufacturing, Inc. during the fourth quarter of 2007. Other items increasing administrative costs included hiring an executive during 2007 and hiring additional personnel to assist with Sarbanes/Oxley compliance which increased our payroll costs during the year. Administrative expenses also rose by $0.1 million due to experiencing a full twelve months of administrative expense pertaining to STS as compared to 2006 where we only owned them for 7 months. The remaining increase in administrative costs pertained to travel costs and additional depreciation and amortization expenses related to the purchase of computer equipment and intangible assets, respectively.

        Selling expenses rose to $3.2 million in 2007 from $3.0 million in 2006 but as a percent of revenues rose to 6.2% from 6.0% a year ago. The increase resulted from selling expenses to grow the lighting segment coupled with initiatives to strengthen our position in the digital cinema marketplace by actively promoting the NEC digital projectors we distribute to the theatre exhibition industry.

Other Financial Items

        During 2007, we recorded a loss of $0.1 million pertaining to the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Design & Manufacturing, Inc.

        During 2007, we transferred $6.2 million of equipment and related services to our joint venture with Real D (Digital Link II) in exchange for a 44.4% ownership interest and cash considerations. The gain on the initial transfer was approximately $0.2 million.

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        Net other expense amounted to approximately $91,000 in 2007 compared to net other income of approximately $40,100 in 2006. The change from a year-ago was due to the reversal of a non-operating accrual during 2006 as the statute of limitations had expired.

        During both 2007 and 2006, we recorded interest income of $0.8 million as our average cash and investment balances remained consistent. Interest expense decreased to $37,000 from $46,000 in 2006 due primarily to the payoff of debt during 2006 initially assumed with the purchase of National Cinema Service Corp during that year.

        We recorded an income tax benefit of $0.2 million in 2007 compared to income tax expense of $0.7 million in 2006. The change primarily resulted from a decrease in pre-tax income in the current year and the impact of tax-free interest income and foreign tax rates.

        For the reasons outlined herein, we earned net income of $0.2 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.02 in 2007, respectively, compared to net income of $1.6 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.12 and $0.11 a year ago, respectively.

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2005

Revenues

        Net revenues during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 decreased to $49.7 million from $53.9 million in 2005. As discussed in further detail below, the decrease resulted primarily from lower theatre revenues.

 
  Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
  2006
  2005
Theatre            
  Products   $ 43,721,847   $ 49,651,050
  Services     2,260,560    
   
 
    Total theatre revenues     45,982,407     49,651,050
Lighting     3,035,984     3,374,820
Other     713,980     831,127
   
 
    Total net revenues   $ 49,732,371   $ 53,856,997
   
 

Theatre Segment

        Sales of theatre products decreased 7.4% to $46.0 million in 2006 from $49.7 million in 2005 reflecting lower demand for analog projection equipment which decreased to $27.0 million in 2006 from $34.8 million in 2005, a decrease of 22.3%. The theatre exhibition industry's transition to digital cinema is in the initial stages and theatre owners were evaluating their options as they plan capital expenditures relative to new or used film projectors or digital equipment. Sales of digital projection equipment and accessories amounted to $0.8 million in 2006. There were no such sales in 2005.

        During 2006, we entered the service and maintenance marketplace with the acquisition of National Cinema Service Corp. This business was rolled into a wholly-owned subsidiary named Strong Technical Services, Inc. (STS). Revenues generated since the acquisition effective date of May 31, 2006 have amounted to $2.9 million of which $0.6 million were parts revenues and $2.3 million were service revenues.

        Sales of xenon lamps rose 29.4% in 2006 to $6.0 million from $4.7 million in 2005 reflecting market share gains and a general improvement in the theatre exhibition industry. The uncertainty

26



regarding digital cinema has not impacted lamp sales as they are a necessary replacement item for projectors in service.

        Sales of lenses declined 27.5% in 2006 to $2.3 million from $3.1 million in 2005. The decrease pertains to fewer sales of projectors and a general decrease in demand.

        Revenues from theatre replacement parts amounted to $7.6 million in 2006 (including the $0.6 million generated by STS) compared to $7.1 million in 2005.

        Our top ten theatre customers accounted for approximately 45% of total theatre revenues compared to 53% a year ago.

Lighting Segment

        Sales of lighting products decreased 10% to $3.0 million in 2006 from $3.4 million in 2005. The decrease primarily resulted from a decline in demand for spotlight and Sky-Tracker products. Sales of spotlights decreased to $1.2 million from $1.5 million in 2005 while Sky-Tracker sales declined to $0.5 million from $0.7 million in 2005. Sales of britelights rose to $0.3 million from $0.1 million in 2005 resulting from a $0.2 million sale of 10K lights to be used for NASA. Replacement parts sales rose 19.7% to $0.6 million from $0.5 million in 2005.

        Sales of all other lighting products, including but not limited to, xenon lamps and nocturns declined to $0.4 million from $0.6 million in 2005.

Other Revenues

        Sales of other products amounted to approximately $0.7 million in 2006 compared to $0.8 million in 2005.

Export Revenues

        Sales outside the United States (mainly theatre sales) declined to $14.6 million in 2006 from $15.8 million in 2005 resulting primarily from a decline in business in South America where we experienced increased competition from companies selling used equipment in that region. We did experience higher demand in Asia with sales rising from $7.4 million in 2005 to $7.7 million in 2006. Export sales are sensitive to worldwide economic and political conditions that can lead to volatility. Additionally, certain areas of the world are more cost conscious than the U.S. market and there are instances where our products are priced higher than local manufacturers making it more difficult to generate sufficient profit to justify selling into these regions. Additionally, foreign exchange rates and excise taxes sometimes make it difficult to market our products overseas at reasonable selling prices.

Gross Profit

        Consolidated gross profit decreased to $10.8 million in 2006 from $14.9 million in 2005 and as a percent of revenue declined to 21.8% from 27.7% in 2005 due to the reasons discussed below.

        Gross profit in the theatre segment fell to $9.7 million in 2006 from $13.5 million in 2005 and as a percentage of sales declined to 21.1% from 27.1% in 2005. The results primarily reflect lower production demand which resulted in certain manufacturing inefficiencies and not covering fixed overhead costs in a productive manner. We have reduced production personnel and are streamlining our manufacturing facilities to offset expected lower demand for analog projectors in the future which will reduce production demand in our manufacturing plants. Margins were also dampened by the deferral of revenue recognition and the expensing of the entire cost of certain digital projectors that we sold and financed during the year. Only the payments received on this sale were recorded as revenue during fiscal 2006. As future payments are received related to this agreement, revenue will be recognized with no associated cost.

27


        Gross profit in the lighting segment decreased to $0.8 million in 2006 compared to $1.1 million in 2005 and as a percent of revenues fell to 27.5% from 31.8% a year ago. The results reflect manufacturing inefficiencies as the decline in theatre projection equipment sales had an effect throughout the manufacturing plant in Omaha.

        Other product margins were approximately $0.3 million in 2006 compared to $0.4 million in 2005 and as a percent of revenues fell to 39.1% from 45.5% a year ago. These margins have been volatile due to selling off the discontinued restaurant equipment product line.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

        Selling and administrative expenses increased to $9.4 million in 2006 from $8.5 million in 2005 and as a percent of revenue increased to 18.8% in 2006 from 15.7% in 2005. 2006 expenses include a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1.25 million pertaining to a reporting unit within the theatre segment. The analysis took into consideration the ongoing transition taking place in our business strategy, moving from the manufacture of traditional film equipment to a business model focused on the distribution and service of digital projectors.

        Administrative costs, excluding the $1.25 million goodwill impairment charge, decreased to $5.1 million or 10.3% of revenue compared to $5.6 million or 10.5% in 2005. The decrease in administrative costs primarily pertains to the lack of bonus expense as management did not meet certain financial targets. Other administrative expenses rose in 2006 and include those pertaining to legal, severance, compliance and compensation costs. The legal costs result from the settlement of an asbestos case during the first quarter while the severance costs relate to planned workforce reductions also incurred in the first quarter. Compliance costs pertain to filing more regulatory reports in multiple states while higher compensation costs relate to accounting for SFAS 123R and higher health insurance costs.

        Selling expenses rose to $3.0 million in 2006 from $2.8 million in 2005 and as a percent of revenues rose to 6.0% from 5.3% in 2005 as the majority of our selling expenses do not necessarily rise and fall with revenue levels. We are also working on certain initiatives to strengthen our position in the digital cinema marketplace.

Other Financial Items

        Net other income amounted to approximately $40,100 in 2006 compared to net expense of approximately $47,000 in 2005. The increase to income is due to the reversal of a non-operating accrual during 2006 as the statute of limitations for the accrual established expired during the current year.

        During 2006, we recorded interest income of $0.8 million compared to $0.4 million a year ago as we earned interest from higher cash levels. Interest expense rose to approximately $46,000 in 2006 from approximately $31,000 in 2005 due primarily to the acquisition of National Cinema Service Corp.

        We recorded income tax expense of $0.7 million in 2006 compared to $2.5 million in 2005. The effective tax rate declined to 31.8% in 2006 compared to 36.5% in 2005 as we invested in more tax-free municipal bonds during the year and took advantage of the tax deduction on qualified production activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

        For the reasons outlined herein, we earned net income of $1.6 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.12 and $0.11 in 2006, respectively, compared to net income of $4.3 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.33 and $0.31 in 2005, respectively.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

        During the past several years, we have met our working capital and capital resource needs from our operating cash flows. We ended Fiscal Year 2007 with total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $17.2 million including $13.0 million of investments in auction rate securities ("ARS"). Subsequent to year-end, the ARS market began experiencing a liquidity issue when the securities came up for auction due to an imbalance of buyers and sellers for the securities. We cannot predict how long the current imbalance in the auction market will continue. As a result, for a period of time, we may be unable to liquidate our auction rate securities held until a successful auction occurs. However, all the securities are held within closed-end funds that continue to be AAA rated and fully collateralized at a minimum 200% net asset to fund ratio. Therefore, we have no reason to believe that any of the issuers are presently at risk or that the credit quality of the assets backing these investments are impacted by the reduced liquidity of these investments.

        We believe that as of December 31, 2007, there is sufficient capital to run our business with our cash position and our ability to draw on our line of credit and the current lack of liquidity in the auction rate market will not have a material impact on our ability to fund our operations or interfere with our external growth plans. (See Note 8 to the Notes of Consolidated Financial Statements).

        We are a party to a revolving credit facility with First National Bank of Omaha expiring August 28, 2008. We plan on renewing the credit facility in the ordinary course of business. The credit facility provides for borrowings up to the lesser of $4.0 million or amounts determined by an asset-based lending formula, as defined. Borrowings available under the credit facility amounted to $4.0 million at December 31, 2007. No amounts are currently outstanding. We pay interest on outstanding amounts equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.25% (7.50% at December 31, 2007) and pay a fee of 0.125% on the unused portion. The credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants mainly related to maintaining certain earnings, as defined, and restrictions on acquisitions and dividends. All of our personal property and stock in our subsidiaries secure this credit facility.

        Net cash used by operating activities amounted to $1.8 million in 2007 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $4.8 million a year ago. The decrease in cash flow was due in part to the purchase of the digital projectors that were transferred to Digital Link II, LLC in exchange for a non-controlling ownership interest in Digital Link II of $2.7 million and cash consideration. The subsequent transfer of inventory up to the amount of the investment in Digital Link II of $2.7 million was considered a non-cash transfer of assets. Therefore, the corresponding decrease in inventory did not have an effect to cash flow. A decrease in cash flow also resulted from additional purchases of digital projection equipment made of approximately $3.8 million to further expand our inventory to meet customer demand and to increase the amount of equipment being used for consignment and demonstration purposes. There were $6.3 million of such inventory recorded at December 31, 2007, excluding our investment in Digital Link II.

        Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to $3.1 million in 2007 compared to cash used in investing activities of $4.9 million in 2006. During 2007, investing outflows consisted of the $3.4 million (including restricted cash placed in escrow) purchase of MDI during 2007 and investing in our joint venture with Real D (Digital Link II) in the amount of $1.4 million. We also incurred capital expenditures of $0.6 million during 2007. We did generate $7 million from proceeds from available-for-sale securities. We also generated $1.6 million of cash from the sale of Design & Manufacturing, Inc. during the fourth quarter of 2007. Investing activities a year-ago primarily resulted from the acquisition of National Cinema Service Corp for $2.0 million (including restricted cash placed in escrow), capital expenditures of $0.6 million, proceeds from the sale of assets of $0.3 million and net purchases of available-for-sale securities of $2.5 million.

29


        Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $0.3 million compared to $0.6 million in 2007. We received proceeds of $0.1 million from our stock plans in 2007 and recorded a $0.2 million income tax benefit pertaining to these plans. During 2006, we received proceeds of $0.4 million from our stock plans, recorded a $0.4 million income tax benefit pertaining to these exercises and made debt payments of $0.2 million.

Transactions with Related and Certain Other Parties

        There were no significant transactions with related and certain other parties during 2007.

Financial Instruments and Credit Risk Concentrations

        Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 43% of 2007 consolidated net revenues and were primarily from the theatre segment. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 51% of net consolidated receivables at December 31, 2007. Sales to AMC Theatres, Inc. represented over 10% of consolidated sales. Additionally, receivables from Vari International represented over 10% of net consolidated receivables at December 31, 2007. While we believe our relationships with these customers are stable, most arrangements are made by purchase order and are terminable at will by either party. A significant decrease or interruption in business from our significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We could also be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which we sell our products. In addition, advancing technologies, such as digital cinema, could disrupt historical customer relationships.

        Financial instruments that potentially expose us to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of investments and accounts receivable. We place our investments in auction-rate securities with short-term maturities which limits the amount of credit exposure. (See Note 8 to the Notes of Consolidated Financial Statements). We sell product to a large number of customers in many different geographic regions. To minimize credit concentration risk, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers' financial condition or use letters of credit.

Hedging and Trading Activities

        We do not engage in any hedging activities, including currency-hedging activities, in connection with our foreign operations and sales. Historically, the majority of our international sales have been denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, we do not have any trading activities that include non-exchange traded contracts at fair value.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

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

 
  Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations

  Total
  2008
  2009
  2010
  2011
  2012
  Thereafter
Non-competition agreement     100,000   25,000   25,000     50,000    
Postretirement benefits     213,926   20,874   22,320   17,829   18,895   19,878   114,130
Operating leases     1,415,636   333,139   288,733   285,295   285,295   223,174  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Contractual cash obligations   $ 1,729,562   379,013   336,053   303,124   354,190   243,052   114,130
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        We have a contractual obligation to pay up to $150,000 to High End Systems, Inc. Payment is contingent on satisfaction of certain future sales of the product line purchased as part of the Technobeam® business. In addition, we have accrued approximately $0.2 million for the estimated

30



underpayment of income taxes we may be obligated to pay. The accrual is primarily related to state tax matters. There were no other contractual obligations other than inventory and property, plant and equipment purchases in the ordinary course of business.

Seasonality

        Generally, our business exhibits a moderate level of seasonality as sales of theatre products typically increase during the third and fourth quarters. We believe that such increased sales reflect seasonal increases in the construction of new motion picture screens in anticipation of the holiday movie season.

Environmental and Legal

        See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements, and Item 3 of this report, for a full description of all environmental and legal matters.

Inflation

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

2008 Outlook

        We have begun to see evidence of the theatre exhibition industry expected transition to digital cinema during 2008. Theatre owners are now evaluating their options as they plan capital expenditures relative to new or used film projectors or digital equipment. However, the extent and timing of the impact to our 2008 revenues and operations is currently unclear. Digital cinema remains an important component of our long-term growth strategy, and we continue to work closely with our partner, NEC Corporation of America, to launch this next generation technology within the exhibition industry.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        We market our products throughout the United States and the world. As a result, we could be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic conditions. As a majority of sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the dollar can and sometimes has made our products less competitive in foreign markets. We purchase the majority of our lenses from a German manufacturer. Based on forecasted purchases during 2007, an average 10% devaluation of the dollar compared to the Euro would cost us approximately $0.1 million.

        We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk through subsidiaries located in Canada and Asia. Based on historical data, a 10% devaluation of the U.S. dollar would have less than a $0.1 million impact to the Company.

        We have also evaluated our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. If we would borrow up to the maximum amount available under our variable interest rate credit facility, a one percent increase in the interest rate would increase interest expense by $40,000 per annum. No amounts are currently outstanding under the credit facility. Interest rate risks from our other interest-related accounts such as our postretirement obligations are not deemed significant.

        Additionally, we are exposed to market risk related to interest-rate risk on our interest-bearing securities. These investments have carrying values that are subject to interest rate changes that could impact the interest income we earn. For each one quarter percent decline in the interest rate earned on our cash and investment balances at December 31, 2007, our interest income would decrease approximately $39,000 per annum.

        We have not historically and are not currently using derivative instruments to manage the above risks.

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Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page No.

 

 

 

Management's Responsibility for Consolidated Financial Statements

 

33

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

34

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2007 and 2006

 

35
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

36
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity—Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

37
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

38
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

39

Financial Statement Schedule Supporting Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
 
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

70

32



MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        The consolidated financial statements of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries and the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K were prepared by and are the responsibility of management. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and necessarily include amounts based on management's best estimates and judgments.

        In fulfilling its responsibilities, management relies on a system of internal controls, which provide reasonable assurance that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability of assets. Internal controls are designed to reduce the risk that material errors or irregularities in the financial statements may occur and not be timely detected. These systems are augmented by written policies, careful selection and training of qualified personnel, an organizational structure providing for the division of responsibilities and a program of financial, operational and systems reviews.

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed of four non-employee directors, is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors the independent accounting firm to be retained each year. The Audit Committee meets regularly, and when appropriate separately, with the independent auditors and management to review the Company's performance. The independent auditors and the Audit Committee have unrestricted access to each other in the discharge of their responsibilities.

/s/  JOHN P. WILMERS      
John P. Wilmers
President and Chief Executive Officer
       

/s/  
KEVIN HERRMANN      
Kevin Herrmann
Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

33



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule II. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule II based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule II, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        As discussed in notes 1 and 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment on January 1, 2006.

        As discussed in notes 1 and 19 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employer's Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, as of December 31, 2006.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated April 1, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Omaha, Nebraska
April 1, 2008

34



Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2007 and 2006

 
  2007
  2006
 
Assets              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,220,355   $ 2,622,654  
  Short-term investments     13,000,000     20,000,000  
  Restricted cash     1,191,747     611,391  
  Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $534,526 in 2007 and $498,783 in 2006)     7,841,348     7,468,533  
  Inventories, net     9,883,555     8,848,396  
  Recoverable income taxes     1,365,530      
  Deferred income taxes     1,695,926     1,491,458  
  Consignment inventory     2,767,899     573,205  
  Other current assets     322,102     445,802  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     42,288,462     42,061,439  

Investment in joint venture

 

 

3,727,485

 

 


 
Property, plant and equipment, net     3,633,124     4,854,508  
Goodwill, net     2,420,993     1,794,426  
Intangible assets, net     2,047,185     486,003  
Other assets     23,099     27,057  
Deferred income taxes         684,067  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 54,140,348   $ 49,907,500  
   
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity              
Current liabilities:              
  Current portion of long-term debt   $   $ 14,608  
  Accounts payable     6,134,703     3,257,948  
  Warranty reserves     381,710     617,052  
  Accrued group health insurance claims     201,687     276,405  
  Accrued bonuses     54,178      
  Other accrued expenses     2,151,413     2,310,339  
  Customer deposits     974,910     344,599  
  Income tax payable         266,395  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     9,898,601     7,087,346  
Deferred income taxes     98,532      
Other accrued expenses, net of current portion     1,101,517     431,207  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     11,098,650     7,518,553  

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; Authorized 1,000,000 shares, none outstanding          
  Common stock, par value $.01 per share; Authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 15,956,243 shares in 2007 and 15,824,389 shares in 2006     159,562     158,243  
  Additional paid-in capital     34,637,868     34,216,227  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income:              
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     (59,427 )    
    Pension liability adjustment     75,833     14,746  
  Retained earnings     23,543,316     23,315,185  
   
 
 
      58,357,152     57,704,401  
  Less 2,097,805 common shares in treasury, at cost     (15,315,454 )   (15,315,454 )
   
 
 
    Total stockholders' equity     43,041,698     42,388,947  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 54,140,348   $ 49,907,500  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

35



Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Net revenues   $ 51,485,864   $ 49,732,371   $ 53,856,997  
Cost of revenues     42,030,270     38,906,691     38,951,626  
   
 
 
 
    Gross profit     9,455,594     10,825,680     14,905,371  

Selling and administrative expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Selling     3,170,367     2,982,893     2,831,706  
  Administrative     6,147,004     5,120,740     5,632,643  
  Goodwill impairment     639,466     1,250,534      
   
 
 
 
    Total selling and administrative expenses     9,956,837     9,354,167     8,464,349  
Gain on transfer of assets     234,557          
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net     (24,102 )   37,546     9,171  
Loss on sale of business     (142,284 )        
   
 
 
 
    Income (loss) from operations     (433,072 )   1,509,059     6,450,193  

Interest income

 

 

797,073

 

 

796,016

 

 

412,408

 
Interest expense     (36,937 )   (45,652 )   (30,939 )
Equity in loss of joint venture     (245,703 )        
Other income (expense), net     (90,920 )   40,101     (46,897 )
   
 
 
 
    Income (loss) before income taxes     (9,559 )   2,299,524     6,784,765  
Income tax benefit (expense)     237,690     (731,332 )   (2,475,868 )
   
 
 
 
    Net income   $ 228,131   $ 1,568,192   $ 4,308,897  
   
 
 
 
   
Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.33

 
   
 
 
 
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.02   $ 0.11   $ 0.31  
   
 
 
 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Basic     13,817,802     13,586,252     13,255,349  
   
 
 
 
    Diluted     14,094,927     14,018,682     13,852,899  
   
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

36



Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 
  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  Retained
Earnings

  Treasury
Stock

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

  Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 
Balance at December 31, 2004   $ 150,908   32,249,888       17,438,096   (15,315,454 )   34,523,438  
Comprehensive Income:                                
Net income         4,308,897   4,308,897       4,308,897  
             
                 
Comprehensive Income:             4,308,897                  
             
                 
Issuance of 386,150 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options     3,862   829,045             832,907  
Issuance of 18,323 shares of common stock under the employees stock purchase plan     183   48,934             49,117  
Income tax benefit related to stock option plans       283,146             283,146  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2005   $ 154,953   33,411,013       21,746,993   (15,315,454 )   39,997,505  

Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net income         1,568,192   1,568,192       1,568,192  
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158               14,746   14,746  
             
                 
Comprehensive Income             1,568,192                  
             
                 

Issuance of 313,403 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

 

3,134

 

298,881

 

 

 


 


 


 

302,015

 
Issuance of 15,650 shares of common stock under the employees stock purchase plan     156   58,844             59,000  
Income tax benefit related to stock option plans       367,685             367,685  
Stock compensation expense       79,804               79,804  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2006   $ 158,243   34,216,227       23,315,185   (15,315,454 ) 14,746   42,388,947  

Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net income         228,131   228,131       228,131  
Foreign currency translation         (59,427 )       (59,427 ) (59,427 )
Net unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost         61,087         61,087   61,087  
             
                 
Comprehensive Income             229,971                  
             
                 

Issuance of 121,250 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

 

1,213

 

64,202

 

 

 


 


 


 

65,415

 
Issuance of 10,604 shares of common stock under the employees stock purchase plan     106   73,262             73,368  
Income tax benefit related to stock option plans       217,720             217,720  
Stock compensation expense       66,457               66,457  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2007   $ 159,562   34,637,868       23,543,316   (15,315,454 ) 16,406   43,041,698  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

37



Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  Net income   $ 228,131   $ 1,568,192   $ 4,308,897  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                    
    Provision for doubtful accounts     63,517     120,176     20,699  
    Provision for obsolete inventory     667,587     847,337     449,577  
    Depreciation of consignment inventory     928,647     447,556     60,000  
    Depreciation of property, plant and equipment     1,060,506     1,076,308     1,113,334  
    Amortization of intangibles     162,377     41,224     23,488  
    Equity in loss of joint venture     245,703          
    Goodwill impairment     639,466     1,250,534      
    Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets     24,102     (37,546 )   (9,171 )
    Loss on the sale of business     142,284          
    Deferred income taxes     34,876     (1,084,828 )   (26,114 )
    Share-based compensation expense     81,325     106,723      
    Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised     (217,720 )   (367,685 )    
  Changes in assets and liabilities:                    
    Accounts receivable     (106,381 )   800,959     (1,682,020 )
    Inventories     (3,996,477 )   361,625     1,782,324  
    Consignment inventory     (3,123,341 )   (910,992 )   (96,233 )
    Other current assets     136,781     (114,875 )   (100,502 )
    Accounts payable     2,805,500     844,668     (388,421 )
    Warranty reserves     (234,450 )   (62,965 )   11,749  
    Accrued group health insurance claims     (74,718 )   937     40,870  
    Accrued bonuses     54,178     (983,235 )   71,715  
    Other accrued expenses     (410,915 )   523,613     239,250  
    Customer deposits     559,328     (192,125 )   (376,543 )
    Current income taxes     (1,519,913 )   570,863     100,377  
    Other assets     8,298     (7,800 )   4,500  
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (1,841,309 )   4,798,664     5,547,776  
   
 
 
 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (2,910,819 )   (1,508,258 )    
  Investment in joint venture     (1,429,417 )        
  Proceeds from the sale of business, net of cash     1,641,005          
  Increase in restricted investments     (594,640 )   (611,391 )    
  Capital expenditures     (613,410 )   (514,927 )   (827,302 )
  Proceeds from sale of assets         265,401     19,801  
  Purchases of available-for-sale securities         (8,400,000 )   (22,500,000 )
  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities     7,000,000     5,900,000     13,000,000  
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     3,092,719     (4,869,175 )   (10,307,501 )
   
 
 
 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Payments on long-term debt     (14,608 )   (234,266 )   (25,935 )
  Increase in checks outstanding in excess of bank balances         70,383      
  Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan     73,368     59,000     49,117  
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options     65,415     302,015     832,907  
  Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised     217,720     367,685      
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by financing activities     341,895     564,817     856,089  
      Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     4,396          
   
 
 
 
      Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     1,597,701     494,306     (3,903,636 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     2,622,654     2,128,348     6,031,984  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 4,220,355   $ 2,622,654   $ 2,128,348  
   
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

38



Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.    Company

        Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ballantyne" or the "Company"), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Strong Westrex, Inc., Strong Technical Services, Inc., and Strong Digital Systems, Inc., design, develop, manufacture, service and distribute theatre equipment and lighting systems. The Company's products are distributed to movie exhibition companies, sports arenas, auditoriums, amusement parks and special venues. Sales in 2007 were distributed as follows: Theatre—91%, Lighting—8%, and Other—1%. Refer to the Business Segment Section (note 21) for further information.

2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        The principal accounting policies upon which the accompanying consolidated financial statements are based are summarized as follows:

a.    Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

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

b.    Use of Estimates

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

c.    Trade Accounts Receivable

        Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Amounts collected on trade accounts receivable are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

        The Company maintained an allowance for doubtful accounts of $534,526 and $498,783 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. This allowance is developed based on several factors including overall customer credit quality, historical write-off experience and a specific analysis that projects the ultimate collectability of the account. As such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly.

d.    Inventories

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include appropriate elements of material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Inventory balances are net of reserves of slow moving or obsolete inventory estimated based on management's review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales.

e.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of assets of businesses acquired through purchase business combinations in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but instead tested for impairment at least annually as well as when events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have

39


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)


occurred. Certain factors that may occur and indicate that an impairment exists include, but are not limited to, operating results that are lower than expected and adverse industry or market economic trends.

        The impairment testing requires management to estimate the fair value of the assets or reporting unit. The estimate of the fair value of the assets is determined on the basis of discounted cash flows. In estimating the fair value, management must make assumptions and projections regarding such items as future cash flows, future revenues, future earnings in addition to other factors. The fair value of the reporting unit is then compared to the carrying amount of the assets to quantify an impairment charge as of the assessment date for the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's assets over the fair value of the reporting unit's assets.

        Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets."

f.    Property, Plant and Equipment

        Significant expenditures for the replacement or expansion of property, plant and equipment are capitalized. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. For financial reporting purposes, assets are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of 20 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, 7 years for furniture and fixtures and 3 years for computers and accessories. The Company generally uses accelerated methods of depreciation for income tax purposes.

g.    Major Maintenance Activities

        The Company incurs maintenance costs on all its major equipment. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

h.    Income Taxes

        Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company uses an estimate of its annual effective rate at each interim period based on the facts and circumstances at the time while the actual effective rate is calculated at year-end. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

i.    Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes revenue from product sales upon shipment to the customer when collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenues related to services are recognized as earned over the terms of the contracts or delivery of the service to the customer.

        The Company enters into transactions that represent multiple element arrangements, which may include a combination of services and asset sales. Under EITF 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, multiple element arrangements are assessed to determine whether they can be separated into more than one unit of accounting. A multiple element arrangement is separated into more than one unit of accounting if all of the following criteria are met.

40


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        If these criteria are not met, then revenue is deferred until such criteria are met or until the period(s) over which the last undelivered element is delivered. If there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for all units of accounting in an arrangement, the arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on each unit's relative fair value. There may be cases, however, in which there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of the undelivered item(s) but no such evidence for the delivered item(s). In those cases, the residual method is used to allocate the arrangement consideration. Under the residual method, the amount of consideration allocated to the delivered items(s) equals the total arrangement consideration less the aggregate fair value of the undelivered item.

j.    Research and Development

        Research and development costs are charged to operations in the period incurred. Such costs amounted to approximately $606,000, $886,000 and $395,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

k.    Advertising Costs

        Advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $845,000, $757,000 and $729,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

l.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, available-for-sale securities, debt, accounts payable and accrued expenses reported in the consolidated balance sheets equal or approximate their fair values.

m.    Cash and Cash Equivalents

        All highly liquid financial instruments with maturities of three months or less from date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows.

n.    Investments

        The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with Statement of Accounting Standards Board (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". Investments classified as short-term investments include the Company's investments in auction-rate securities, which are classified as available-for-sale securities. Interest rates on these auction rate securities are reset through an auction process that resets the applicable interest at pre-determined intervals every seven days. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity (net of the effect of income taxes), using the specific identification method, until they are sold. There are no unrealized gains and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities, as all available-for-sale securities are invested in auction-rate securities where the fair market value is equivalent to cost due to the short-term nature of the investments. The Company's investment in ARS securities were $13.0 million and $20.0 million, at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

41


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

o.    Consignment Inventory

        Digital and film projection equipment is provided to potential customers for consignment and demonstration purposes. During 2007, the Company entered into operating lease agreements with third party customers for the use of the projection equipment. Digital and film projection equipment on consignment amounted to approximately $2.8 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

p.    Earnings Per Common Share

        The Company computes and presents earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding after giving effect to potential common shares from dilutive stock options. The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted income per share:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Basic earnings per share:                  
Earnings applicable to common stock   $ 228,131   $ 1,568,192   $ 4,308,897
Weighted average common shares outstanding     13,817,802     13,586,252     13,255,349
   
 
 
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.02   $ 0.12   $ 0.33
   
 
 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Earnings applicable to common stock   $ 228,131   $ 1,568,192   $ 4,308,897
Weighted average common shares outstanding     13,817,802     13,586,252     13,255,349
Assuming conversion of options outstanding     277,125     432,430     597,550
   
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, as adjusted     14,094,927     14,018,682     13,852,899
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.02   $ 0.11   $ 0.31
   
 
 

        At December 31, 2007, options to purchase 42,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $7.30 per share, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2007 as the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. These options expire in December 2008. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, options to purchase 268,800 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $8.43 per share, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 as the options' exercise price was greater than the average market price of common share.

q.    Stock Compensation Plans

        Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)). This statement replaced FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (Statement 123) and supersedes APB No. 25. Statement 123(R) and requires that all stock-based compensation be recognized as an expense in the financial statements and that such cost be measured at the fair value of the award. This statement was adopted using the modified prospective method of application, which requires the Company to recognize compensation cost on a prospective basis. Therefore, prior years' financial statements have not been restated. Under this method, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense for awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, using the fair value amounts determined for pro forma disclosures

42


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)


under Statement 123. For stock-based awards granted after January 1, 2006, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. In a change from previous standards, Statement 123(R) also requires that excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises be reflected as financing cash inflows.

        The following table illustrates the effect on net income for the year ended December 31, 2005 as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement 123(R) to options granted under the Company's stock plans prior to adoption of Statement 123(R) on January 1, 2006. No pro forma disclosure has been made for periods subsequent to January 1, 2006 as all stock-based compensation has been recognized in net income. For purposes of this pro forma disclosure, the value of the options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and amortized to expense over the options' service periods with forfeiture recognized as they occurred.

 
  2005
 
Net income, as reported   $ 4,308,897  
Less pro forma stock compensation cost, net of tax benefit     (91,431 )
   
 
  Pro forma net income   $ 4,217,466  
   
 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 
  As reported   $ 0.33  
   
 
  Pro forma   $ 0.32  
   
 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 
  As reported   $ 0.31  
   
 
  Pro forma   $ 0.30  
   
 

        Share-based compensation cost that has been included in income from operations amounted to $81,325 and $106,723 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. No share-based compensation cost was capitalized as a part of inventory as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

r.    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

        The Company reviews long-lived assets, exclusive of goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

        The Company's most significant long-lived assets subject to these periodic assessments of recoverability are property, plant and equipment, which have a net book value of $3.6 million at December 31, 2007. Because the recoverability of property, plant and equipment is based on estimates of future undiscounted cash flows, these estimates may vary due to a number of factors, some of which may be outside of management's control. To the extent that the Company is unable to achieve management's forecasts of future income, it may become necessary to record impairment losses for any excess of the net book value of property, plant and equipment over its fair value. In addition, the Company has long-lived assets which consist of the Company's equity method investment in a joint venture. The Company would recognize a loss when there is a loss in value of the equity method investment which is other than a temporary decline. No impairment existed at December 31, 2007.

43


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

s.    Foreign Currency Translation

        For foreign operations, local currencies are considered the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into the United States dollar at the foreign exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Revenue and expenses of foreign subsidiaries are translated using an average of the foreign exchange rates in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income but are disclosed and accumulated in comprehensive income (loss) within the Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity.

        Transaction gains and losses that arise from foreign exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the statements of operations as incurred.

t.    Warranty Reserves

        The Company generally grants a warranty to its customers for a one-year period following the sale of all new equipment, and on selected repaired equipment for a one-year period following the repair. The warranty period is extended under certain circumstances and for certain products. The Company accrues for these costs at the time of sale, repair or when events dictate that additional accruals are necessary. The following table summarizes warranty activity for the three years ended December 31, 2007.

Warranty accrual at December 31, 2004   $ 668,268  
Charged to expense     342,514  
Amounts written off, net of recoveries     (330,765 )
   
 
Warranty accrual at December 31, 2005   $ 680,017  
Charged to expense     160,428  
Amounts written off, net of recoveries     (223,393 )
   
 
Warranty accrual at December 31, 2006   $ 617,052  
Charged to expense     170,549  
Addition related to acquisition     11,639  
Amounts written off, net of recoveries     (417,530 )
   
 
Warranty accrual at December 31, 2007   $ 381,710  
   
 

u.    Reclassifications and Corrections in Presentation

        Certain amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

        In preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements fiscal 2007, the Company's management determined that its historical financial statements should have presented investments held in auction-rate securities as short-term investments and not as cash equivalents, as previously reported. The Company corrected the presentation of the auction rate securities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets in 2006 and on its 2006 and 2005 Statements of Cash Flows, which were previously presented as cash and cash equivalents. The presentation corrected within the balance sheet totaled $20 million for 2006. The purchases and sales related to the investments held in each of the three years ended December 31, 2007 have been presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the investing activities section.

44


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

v.    Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

        In May 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 48-1, "Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48." FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP FIN 48-1 is applied retrospectively to the Company's initial adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FSP FIN 48-1 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)" (SFAS No. 158). SFAS No. 158 requires an employer that sponsors one or more single-employer defined benefit plans to (a) recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a benefit plan in its statement of financial position, (b) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions", or SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions", (c) measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer's fiscal year-end, and (d) disclose in the notes to financial statements additional information about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition asset or obligation. The Company adopted SFAS No. 158 during 2006 resulting in the recording of an adjustment to accumulative other comprehensive income of $14,746.

        In September 2006, the SEC issued SAB No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current year Financial Statements" ("SAB No. 108"). SAB 108 establishes a single quantification framework wherein the significance measurement is based on the effects of the misstatements on each of the financial statements as well as the related financial statement disclosures. If a company's existing methods for assessing the materiality of misstatements are not in compliance with the provisions of SAB 108, the initial application of the provisions may be adopted by restating prior period financial statements under certain circumstances or otherwise by recording the cumulative effect of initially applying the provisions of SAB 108 as adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2006 with an offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. The adoption of SAB 108 did not have a material effect on the Company's current process for assessing and quantifying financial statement misstatements.

        On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The adoption of this interpretation as of January 1, 2007, did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        During 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF Issue No. 06-3, "How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement" (that is, gross versus net presentation) for tax receipts on the face of their income statements. The scope of this guidance includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added and some excise taxes (gross receipts taxes are excluded). The Company has historically presented such taxes on a net basis.

45


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        The FASB has adopted SFAS No. 151, "Inventory Costs—an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4." The provisions of SFAS 151 are intended to eliminate narrow differences between the existing accounting standards of the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) related to inventory costs, in particular, the treatment of abnormal idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage. SFAS 151 requires that these costs be recognized as current period charges regardless of the extent to which they are considered abnormal. The provisions of SFAS 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 151 did not have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

w.    Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations ("SFAS No. 141(R)"). SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The provisions of SFAS No. 141(R) are effective for the Company's business combinations occurring on or after January 1, 2009.

        In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities". SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 159 on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements". SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2008, FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of FASB 157 for certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact of adopting SFAS 157 or FSP No. 157-2.

3.    Acquisition of National Cinema Service Corp.

        On May 31, 2006, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of National Cinema Service Corp. (NCSC). The total purchase price of NCSC at the date of acquisition was $1.7 million including cash acquired. The Company entered into an agreement to pay the former owner of NCSC, $150,000 in consideration for a five-year covenant not to compete, of which $25,000 was paid at closing, with the remaining $125,000 being placed in escrow to be paid over five-years. The payments are contingent upon the satisfaction of the requirement to not compete with the Company in the cinema service business over a five-year period. As of December 31, 2007, $100,000 remained in the escrow account to be paid out over the remainder of the contract term.

        The purchase price excluded an additional $0.5 million of restricted funds that were placed in escrow for contingent payments. These contingencies related to certain aged accounts receivable and inventories deemed to have a heightened risk of becoming obsolete and certain contingent sales tax liabilities. During 2006, the satisfaction of the terms outlined in the purchase agreement related to aged accounts receivable, inventories and certain sales tax liabilities were satisfied, however, there are still $0.2 million of contingencies pertaining primarily to sales tax liabilities at December 31, 2007.

        Funds for the purchase were provided by internally generated cash flows. Direct transaction costs were not material to the transaction.

46


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

4.    Investment in Digital Link II Joint Venture

        On March 6, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with RealD to form an operating entity Digital Link II, LLC (the "LLC"). Under the agreement, the LLC was formed with the Company and RealD as the only two members with membership interests of 44.4% and 55.6%, respectively. The LLC was formed for purposes of commercializing certain 3D technology and to fund the deployment of digital projector systems and servers to exhibitors. As of December 31, 2007, total current and non-current assets of the joint venture amounted to approximately $0.2 million and $9.1 million respectively. Total liabilities and equity at December 31, 2007 amounted to $0.5 million and $8.8 million, respectively. The joint venture reported a net loss for the period in the amount of $0.6 million which primarily resulted from depreciation expense related to projection equipment on consignment to third party customers. Revenues recognized during the period amounted to $0.02 million.

        The Company's investment balance in the joint venture represents the retained interest in the cost basis of the projectors transferred or sold to the joint venture in addition to capital contributions and the Company's portion of equity earnings or losses in the LLC. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company transferred $6.2 million of equipment and related services to the LLC in exchange for a 44.4% ownership interest in the LLC and cash considerations. The gain on the initial transfer of equipment was approximately $0.2 million. No revenue was recorded in conjunction with this transaction. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company sold $2.6 million of equipment and related services to the LLC. The Company deferred a portion of the gross profit related to the transaction which represented 44.4% of total gross profit to be recorded on the sale. The additional gross profit on these transactions will be recognized upon sale of the equipment by the joint venture to the third party exhibitors. The total investment in the LLC amounted to $3.7 million at December 31, 2007.

        The Company accounts for its investment by the equity method. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of Digital Link II's net income or loss based on the most recently available financial statements. The Company's portion of losses of the LLC amounted to approximately $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

5.    Acquisition of Technobeam

        During the first quarter of 2007, the Company acquired certain assets of a business in the lighting segment from High End Systems, Inc. The results of Technobeam's operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date through the reporting period ended December 31, 2007. The Company made an initial payment of $0.2 million. Additional consideration to be paid of up to $150,000 is contingent upon satisfaction and attainment of certain future sales of the business product line. Direct transaction costs were not material to the acquisition.

        The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values determined at the date of acquisition. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company completed the valuation of identifiable intangible assets that resulted from the acquisition. The Company allocated $26,000 to intangibles related to the Technobeam Trademark, $51,000 relating to customer relationships, and $12,000 relating to the non-competition agreement. In addition, the Company recorded approximately $13,000 of amortization during 2007.

47


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired:

Inventory   $ 83,364  
Property and equipment     70,000  
Intangible assets     89,000  
Goodwill     91,000  
   
 
  Total assets acquired     333,364  
Long-term liabilities     (150,000 )
   
 
Net assets acquired   $ 183,364  
   
 

        Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

6.    Acquisition of Marcel Desrochers, Inc.

        On October 12, 2007, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Strong Digital Systems, Inc., acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Marcel Desrochers, Inc. (MDI), a manufacturer and supplier of film and digital cinema screens, for cash consideration. The results of MDI's operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date through the reporting period ended December 31, 2007. As a result of the acquisition, MDI will form a core business established to supply cinema screens to the digital and film cinema marketplace.

        The total purchase price of MDI at the date of acquisition was $2.5 million including cash acquired. The purchase price excluded an additional $0.9 million of restricted funds that were placed in escrow to secure certain indemnification and other obligation contingencies.

        Funds for the purchase were provided by internally generated cash flows. Direct transaction costs related to the acquisition amounted to $0.3 million.

        The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

Cash acquired   $ 100,118  
Accounts receivable     583,245  
Inventories     909,789  
Property and equipment     205,714  
Other current assets     26,098  
Amortizable intangible assets     1,658,908  
Goodwill     1,193,161  
   
 
  Total assets acquired     4,677,033  
Current liabilities     (836,856 )
Non-current liabilities     (1,012,604 )
   
 
  Total liabilities assumed     (1,849,460 )
   
 
Net assets acquired   $ 2,827,573  
   
 

        The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values as determined by Company's management based on information currently available and preliminary independent appraisals. Based on the preliminary analysis, $1.7 million of acquired intangible assets is subject to amortization using a weighted-average useful life of 4.7 years. The allocation of the purchase price is subject to revision, which is not expected to be material, based on the final determination of appraised and other fair values. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

48


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        The following tables summarize the unaudited pro forma results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 as if MDI had been combined as of the beginning of the year. In addition, the tables summarize the unaudited results of operations for comparable periods ended December 31, 2006 as if MDI had been combined at the beginning of that period.

        The pro forma results include estimates and assumptions which management believes are reasonable. However, the pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results which would have occurred if the business combination had been in effect on the dates indicated, or which may result in the future.

 
  Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
Net sales   $ 54,290,774   $ 52,962,947
Earnings before taxes     815,478     3,019,763
Net income     789,981     2,058,675
Basic earnings per common share     0.06     0.15

7.    Sale of Design & Manufacturing, Inc.

        During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Design & Manufacturing, Inc. (Design) in exchange for $1.7 million in cash. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a loss on the sale of $0.1 million.

        Significant cash outflows are expected to be recognized by the Company as a result of the continuation of activities between the Company and Design subsequent to the date of sale. Activities primarily attributable to the expected cash outflows include the purchase of platter systems for the manufacture and sale of traditional film projection equipment. The Company expects a continuation of activities to occur with Design over the next several years until digital cinema equipment fully replaces traditional film equipment. During the fiscal year 2007, total revenues generated by Design as a result of sales to Ballantyne represented approximately fifty-three percent of total revenues. The Company estimates total revenues generated by Design over the next twelve months as a result of sales to Ballantyne will be significant to total revenues generated. Therefore, due to the nature and significance of the cash inflows expected to be generated by Design as a result of continued sales to Ballantyne, the Company has not presented the operations of Design as discontinued operations.

        Prior to the sale, intercompany revenues were recorded by Design at cost. Total intercompany revenues and expenses that were eliminated prior to the sale amounted to $2,401,830, $3,121,536, and $4,469,145 for the eleven months ended December 31, 2007 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Additionally, the Company will not have a significant continuing involvement in the operations of Design after the disposal transaction.

8.    Investments

        The Company accounts for investments in accordance with Statement of Accounting Standards Board (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Investments classified as short term investments include the Company's investments in auction-rate securities, which are classified as available-for-sale securities. The interest rates on these auction rate securities are reset through an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals every seven days. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholder's equity (net of the effect of income taxes), using the specific identification method, until they are sold. There are no unrealized gains or losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities, as all available-for-sale securities are invested in auction-rate securities where the fair market value is equivalent to cost due to the short term nature of the investments.

49


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        The following is a summary of investments as of December 31, 2007.

 
  Cost
  Gross Unrealized Gains
  Gross Unrealized Losses
  Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-Sale Securities:                    
  Auction-rate securities   $ 13,000,000       $ 13,000,000
   
 
 
 

        The following is a summary of investments as of December 31, 2006.

 
  Cost
  Gross Unrealized Gains
  Gross Unrealized Losses
  Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-Sale Securities:                    
  Auction-rate securities   $ 20,000,000       $ 20,000,000
   
 
 
 

        Subsequent to year-end, the market for the Company's investments in auction-rate securities began experiencing a liquidity issue when the securities came up for auction due to an imbalance of buyers of sellers for the securities. The Company cannot predict how long the current imbalance in the auction market will continue. As a result, for a period of time, the Company may be unable to liquidate the auction rate securities held until a successful auction occurs. However, all the securities are held within closed-end funds that continue to be AAA rated and fully collateralized at a minimum 200% net asset to fund ratio.

        The Company is currently evaluating the market for these securities to determine if impairment of the carrying value of the securities has occurred due to the loss of liquidity. As of December 31, 2007, the Company does not believe the investments in auction-rate securities are impaired. In the future, if indicators exist that lead to an other than temporary impairment, the Company would recognize an impairment loss in the consolidated statement of operations.

9.    Intangible Assets

        As of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had unamortized identifiable net assets of $2,047,185 and $486,003, respectively. The following table details amounts relating to amortizable net assets.

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
 
Amortizable intangible assets:              
  Customer relationships   $ 1,810,072   $ 391,265  
  Trademarks     246,202      
  Non-competition agreement     167,658     135,962  
   
 
 
    $ 2,223,932   $ 527,227  
   
 
 

Accumulated amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Customer relationships   $ (137,958 ) $ (25,360 )
  Trademarks     (17,870 )    
  Non-competition agreement     (46,919 )   (15,864 )
   
 
 
    $ (202,747 ) $ (41,224 )
   
 
 

        Additionally, the Company had intangible net assets of $26,000 at December 31, 2007 with indefinite lives and therefore will not be amortized.

50


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        Intangible assets, other than goodwill, with definitive lives are amortized over their useful lives.

        During 2006, the Company purchased certain intangible assets pertaining to an asset purchase agreement between the Company and National Cinema Service Corporation. The assets were recorded at fair value. Customer relationships are being amortized over useful lives of nine years and the non-competition agreement is being amortized over a useful life of five years.

        During 2007, the Company purchased certain intangible assets pertaining to an agreement between High End Systems and the Company. The assets were recorded at fair value. Customer relationship are being amortized over a useful life of four years and non-compete intangibles are being amortized over a useful life of three years. The trademark intangible was determined to have an indefinite life and therefore will not be amortized.

        During 2007, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary Strong Digital Systems, purchased certain intangible assets pertaining to the stock acquisition of Marcel Desrochers, Inc. These assets were recorded at fair value. Customer relationships and the non-competition agreement are being amortized over useful lives of five years and the trademark is being amortized over three years.

        The Company recorded amortization expense relating to other identifiable intangible assets of $162,377, $41,224, and $23,488 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Future amortization expense related to the intangibles recorded at December 31, 2007 are as follows: 2008–$446,987; 2009–$446,987; 2010–$426,119; 2011–$335,493; 2012–$260,552; thereafter–$105,047.

51


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

10.    Goodwill

        As of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had unamortized goodwill of $2,420,993 and $1,794,426, respectively, resulting in a net increase of $626,567. The change in goodwill resulted from an increase in goodwill of $1,175,033 related to the acquisition of Marcel Desrochers, Inc. In addition, an increase in goodwill of $91,000 resulted from the purchase of certain assets of a business in the lighting segment. The increase was offset by a decrease of $639,466 which resulted from impairment charges related to a reporting unit within the Theatre segment which is discussed in the following paragraphs.

        As of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company had unamortized goodwill of $1,794,426 and $2,467,219, respectively, resulting in a net decrease of $672,793. The change in goodwill resulted from an increase in goodwill of $577,741 from the acquisition of National Cinema Service Corporation. The increase was offset by a decrease of $1,250,534 which resulted from impairment charges related to a reporting unit within the Theatre segment which is discussed in the following paragraphs.

        Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of assets of businesses acquired through purchase business combinations in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but instead tested for impairment at least annually as well as when events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Certain factors that may occur and indicate that an impairment exists include, but are not limited to, operating results that are lower than expected and adverse industry or market economic trends.

        The impairment testing requires management to estimate the fair value of the assets or reporting unit. The estimate of the fair value of the assets is determined on the basis of discounted cash flows. In estimating the fair value, management must make assumptions and projections regarding such items as future cash flows, future revenues, future earnings in addition to other factors. The fair value of the reporting unit is then compared to the carrying amount of the assets to quantify an impairment charge as of the assessment date for the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's assets over the fair value of the reporting unit's assets.

        As a result of an analysis conducted during the 2006 review of goodwill pursuant to SFAS No. 142, Ballantyne recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $1,250,534 on a portion of the Company's goodwill pertaining to a reporting unit within the Theatre segment.

        As a result of an analysis conducted during the second quarter of 2007 pursuant to SFAS No. 142, Ballantyne recorded an additional pretax impairment charge of $639,466 related to the same reporting unit within the theatre segment which reduced the goodwill attributable to this unit to zero. The analysis took into consideration the ongoing transition taking place in the Company's strategy and operations, moving from the manufacture of traditional film equipment to a business model focused on the distribution and service of digital projectors. Accordingly, the Company has taken a 2007 non-cash charge amounting to $0.6 million (see above), or $0.03 per diluted share after tax. The effect of the charge has been to reduce 2007 reported net income and EPS.

52


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

11.    Inventories

 
  December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
Raw materials and components   $ 4,911,345   $ 6,041,409
Work in process     772,055     769,575
Finished goods     4,200,155     2,037,412
   
 
    $ 9,883,555   $ 8,848,396
   
 

The inventory balances are net of reserves for slow moving or obsolete inventory of approximately $1,901,000 and $1,535,000 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

12.    Property, Plant and Equipment

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
 
Land   $ 313,500   $ 343,500  
Buildings and improvements     3,962,989     4,699,981  
Machinery and equipment     7,199,257     9,150,422  
Office furniture and fixtures     1,662,578     2,427,577  
   
 
 
      13,138,324     16,621,480  
Less accumulated depreciation     (9,505,200 )   (11,766,972 )
   
 
 
  Net property, plant and equipment   $ 3,633,124   $ 4,854,508  
   
 
 

        Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment amounted to approximately $1,061,000, $1,076,000 and $1,113,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

13.    Accrued Expenses

        The major components of other accrued expenses are as follows:

 
  December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
Employee related   $ 683,452   $ 713,603
Interest and taxes     583,256     819,389
Acquisition and related accruals     1,182,228     455,687
Post-retirement benefit obligation     387,769     364,522
Legal and professional fees     278,517     207,267
Other     137,708     181,078
   
 
  Total   $ 3,252,930   $ 2,741,546
   
 

14.    Debt

        The Company is a party to a revolving credit facility with First National Bank of Omaha expiring August 28, 2008. The Company expects to renew the credit facility in the ordinary course of business.

53


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)


The credit facility provides for borrowings up to the lesser of $4.0 million or amounts determined by an asset based lending formula, as defined. Borrowings available under the credit facility amounted to $4.0 million at December 31, 2007. No amounts are currently outstanding. The Company would pay interest on outstanding amounts equal to the Prime Rate plus 0.25% (7.5% at December 31, 2007) and pays a fee of 0.125% on the unused portion. The credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants primarily related to maintaining certain earnings, as defined, and restrictions on acquisitions and dividends. All of the Company's personal property and stock in its subsidiaries secure this credit facility.

15.    Income Taxes

        Income (loss) before income taxes consists of:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
United States   $ (510,868 ) $ 2,079,862   $ 6,558,558
Foreign     501,309     219,662     226,207
   
 
 
    $ (9,559 ) $ 2,299,524   $ 6,784,765
   
 
 

        Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from operations consists of:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Current:                    
  Federal expense (benefit)   $ (369,069 ) $ 1,685,151   $ 2,284,114  
  State expense (benefit)     (6,000 )   93,232     178,000  
  Foreign expense     102,312     37,777     39,868  
Deferred expense (benefit)     35,067     (1,084,828 )   (26,114 )
   
 
 
 
    $ (237,690 ) $ 731,332   $ 2,475,868  
   
 
 
 

        Income tax expense attributable to income (loss) from operations differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 34 percent to pretax income from operations as follows:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Expected tax expense   $ (3,250 ) $ 781,838   $ 2,306,820
State income taxes, net of federal effect     (3,960 )   61,533     117,480
Tax-exempt interest     (167,597 )   (160,410 )  
Other     (62,883 )   48,371     51,568
   
 
 
    $ (237,690 ) $ 731,332   $ 2,475,868
   
 
 

54


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following:

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2007
  2006
 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Non-deductible accruals   $ 292,446   $ 290,863  
  Inventory reserves     1,154,984     795,860  
  Warranty reserves     129,525     225,224  
  State NOL     9,978     20,000  
  Uncollectible receivable reserves     338,302     380,755  
  Accrued group health insurance claims     70,590     100,888  
  Stock compensation expense     51,192     32,365  
  Goodwill impairment         456,445  
  Other     30,447     125,225  
   
 
 
    Net deferred tax assets     2,077,464     2,427,625  
Deferred tax liability—depreciation and amortization     (480,070 )   (252,100 )
   
 
 
    Net deferred tax assets   $ 1,597,394   $ 2,175,525  
   
 
 

        Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Based on the Company's assessment of estimated future taxable income, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

        Federal and state income taxes have not been provided on accumulated but undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries aggregating approximately $0.2 million at December 31, 2007 as such earnings have been permanently reinvested in the business. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable.

        The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (as amended), effective January 1, 2007. The Company's uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. The Company has examinations not yet initiated for Federal purposes for fiscal years 2004 through 2006. In most cases, the Company has examinations open for State or local jurisdictions based on the particular jurisdiction's statute of limitations. The Company does not currently have any examinations in process. As of January 1, 2007, the Company had $0.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits. If recognized, the tax benefits would be recorded as a component of income tax expense.

        Estimated amounts related to estimated underpayment of income taxes, including interest and penalties, are classified as a component of tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for the year ended December 31, 2007. Amounts accrued for estimated underpayment of income taxes amounted to $0.3 million as of January 1, 2007 and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2007, respectively. The accruals largely related to state tax matters.

55


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

16.    Note Receivable

        During July 2006, the Company entered into a note receivable arrangement with Digital Link LLC (Digital Link) pertaining to the sale and installation of digital projectors. The sale amounted to $780,000 of which 25% was due upon installation and was collected. The remaining amounts are due over a 5-year period at an 8% interest rate. At December 31, 2007, $441,415 is due from Digital Link. Only the payments received in 2007 and 2006 on the note receivable totaling $338,585 were recorded as revenue with the remaining amounts to be recognized as revenue in future periods when payment is received from Digital Link as described in the note receivable arrangement or when collections from the Digital Link can be reasonably assured. Additionally, until collections from Digital Link can be reasonably assured, no receivable will be recorded in relation to this transaction. The costs incurred with the sale of projectors to Digital Link were expensed during 2006 with no future associated costs to be incurred.

17.    Supplemental Cash Flow Information

        Supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows are as follows:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Cash paid during the year for: Interest   $ 28,672   $ 21,200   $ 9,561
   
 
 
  Income taxes   $ 1,247,312   $ 160,469   $ 2,401,605
   
 
 
 
  Years Ended December 31,

 


 

2007

 

2006


 

2005

Non-cash investing activities:
Non-cash investment in joint venture
  $ 2,543,771   $   $
   
 
 

18.    Stock Compensation

Options

        The Company currently maintains a 2001 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan ("2001 Directors Plan") which has not been approved by the Company's stockholders. The plan is administered by the Board of Directors and exists to provide incentive to non-employee directors to serve on the Board and exert their best efforts. The 2001 Director's Plan provides an option to purchase common stock in lieu of all or part of the retainer paid to Directors for their services. The Board of Directors fix the amount of the retainer fee for the coming year at least thirty days prior to beginning of plan year. At that time, each non-employee director may elect to receive stock options for all or part of the retainer fee to be provided.

        In addition, the Company currently maintains a 2005 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan ("2005 Outside Directors Plan") which has been approved by the Company's stockholders. The Company also maintained a 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan and a 1995 Directors Stock Plan which both expired in 2005, however, there are outstanding stock options remaining under these two expired plans.

        All past and future grants under the Company's stock option plans were granted at prices based on the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The outstanding options generally vest over periods ranging from zero to three years from the grant date and expire between 5 and 10 years after the grant date.

56


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        All options granted under the 2001 Directors Plan and the 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan were fully vested, based on their original terms, prior to January 1, 2006. As such, no compensation expense related to those options has been recognized under SFAS No. 123(R). The 1995 Outside Directors Stock Plan had 47,250 shares outstanding not yet vested at January 1, 2006 and were subject to the recognition of compensation expense. The Company currently uses authorized and unissued shares to satisfy share award exercises.

        A total of 1,105,690 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company's stock option plans for directors at December 31, 2007.

        On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share Based Payments (SFAS No. 123(R)). As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company records compensation expense for stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company uses historical data among other factors to estimate the expected price volatility, the expected option life and the expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. The Company has not and is not expected to pay cash dividends in the future. The Company policy is to record the fair value of the options to selling, general and administrative expenses on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

        No stock options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company granted 47,250 stock options during the year ended December 31, 2006.

        The fair value of option grants during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was estimated using the following weighted average assumptions:

 
  2006
  2005
 
Expected dividend yield   0.0 % 0.0 %
Risk-free interest rate   4.97 % 3.82 %
Expected volatility   48.9 % 66.9 %
Expected life (in years)   4   3.6  

        Earnings before income taxes included $66,457 and $79,804 of share-based compensation expense related to stock options, with associated tax benefits of $23,260 and $29,128 for the year-ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

57


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        The following table summarizes the Company's activities with respect to its stock options for the three years ended December 31, 2007 as follows:

 
  Number of Options
  Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
  Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at December 31, 2004   1,302,353   $ 2.55          
  Granted   70,875     4.75          
  Exercised   (386,150 )   2.16          
  Forfeited                
   
 
         
Options outstanding at December 31, 2005   987,078     2.86          
  Granted   47,250     4.25          
  Exercised   (313,403 )   0.96          
  Forfeited                
   
 
         
Options outstanding at December 31, 2006   720,925     3.77          
  Granted                
  Exercised   (121,250 )   0.54          
  Forfeited   (155,925 )   10.40          
   
 
         
Outstanding at December 31, 2007   443,750   $ 2.33   3.41   $ 1,594,983
   
 
 
 
Exercisable at December 31, 2007   428,000   $ 2.26   3.41   $ 1,570,885
   
 
 
 

        The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on December 31, 2007. The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $613,274, $1,062,417 and $907,420, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted in the years ended December 31, 2006, and 2005 was $1.86 and $2.55, respectively. No options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2007.

        Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $65,415, $302,015 and $832,907, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises under all plans totaled $217,720, $367,685 and $283,146 for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

        The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2007:

 
  Options outstanding at
December 31, 2007

  Exercisable at
December 31, 2007

Range of option
exercise price

  Number of options
  Weighted average remaining contractual life
  Weighted average exercise price per option
  Number of options
  Weighted average remaining contractual life
  Weighted average exercise price per option
$0.62 to 1.19   283,625   4.01   $ 0.67   283,625   4.01   $ 0.67
  4.25 to 4.75   118,125   2.82     4.55   102,375   2.72     4.60
  7.30   42,000   1.01     7.30   42,000   1.01     7.30
   
 
 
 
 
 
$0.62 to 7.30   443,750   3.41   $ 2.33   428,000   3.41   $ 2.26
   
 
 
 
 
 

58


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        As of December 31, 2007, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was approximately $6,093 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 5 months.

Restricted Stock

        During 2005, the Company adopted and the stockholders approved, the 2005 Restricted Stock Plan. Under terms of the plan, the compensation committee of the Board of Directors selects which employees of the Company are to receive restricted stock awards and the terms of such awards. The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan is 250,000 shares. There have been no shares issued under the plan since inception. The plan expires in September 2010.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

        The Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, approved by the stockholders, provides for the purchase of shares of Ballantyne common stock by eligible employees at a per share purchase price equal to 85% of the fair market value of a share of Ballantyne common stock at either the beginning or end of the offering period, as defined, whichever is lower. Purchases are made through payroll deductions of up to 10% of each participating employee's salary. The maximum number of shares that can be purchased by participants in any offering period is 2,000 shares. Additionally, the Plan has set certain limits, as defined, in regard to the number of shares that may be purchased by all eligible employees during an offering period. At December 31, 2007, 123,746 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the Plan. The Plan expires in October 2010. The Company recorded $14,868 and $26,919 of Share-based Compensation expense pertaining to the stock purchase plan with associated tax benefits of $2,456 and $3,271 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. At December 31, 2007, the total unrecognized estimated compensation cost was $23,620 which is expected to be recognized over a period of 10 months.

        The fair value of option grants of $2.12 and $1.85 for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, was estimated using the following weighted average assumption:

 
  2007
  2006
 
Expected dividend yield   0.0 % 0.0 %
Risk free interest rate   3.34 % 4.91 %
Expected volatility   28.75 % 37.8 %
Expected life (in years)   1   1  

19.    Stockholder Rights Plan

        On May 26, 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan"). Under terms of the Rights Plan, which expires June 9, 2010, the Company declared a distribution of one right for each outstanding share of common stock. The rights become exercisable only if a person or group (other than certain exempt persons, as defined) acquires 15 percent or more of Ballantyne common stock or announces a tender offer for 15 percent or more of Ballantyne's common stock. Under certain circumstances, the Rights Plan allows stockholders, other than the acquiring person or group, to purchase the Company's common stock at an exercise price of half the market price.

59


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

20.    Commitments, Contingencies and Concentrations

a.    Bonus Plans

        During 2007, the Board of Directors approved a short-term incentive plan, to replace the Company's previous Profit Sharing Plans. The plan is an annual cash incentive program that provides certain officers and key employees cash bonuses if the Company achieves certain financial goals. Each payout is further subject to the achievement of certain individual goals, as defined. Charges to expense for the plans amounted to approximately $54,178 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. During 2006, the Company did not achieve the necessary financial goals in order for the bonuses to be paid out.

b.    Retirement Plan

        The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401-K plan (the "Plan") for all eligible employees. Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, employees may defer up to 100% of their compensation. The Company will match 50% of the amount deferred up to 6% of their compensation. The contributions made to the Plan by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 amounted to approximately $215,000, $202,000 and $186,000, respectively.

c.    Postretirement Health Care

        The Company sponsors a postretirement health care plan (the "Plan") for certain current and former executives and their spouses. The Company's policy is to fund the cost of the Plan as expenses are incurred. The costs of the postretirement benefits are accrued over the employees' service lives.

        Effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of FASB Statement 158. Statement 158 requires companies to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as a net asset or liability on its balance sheet. Actuarial gains and losses are generally amortized subject to the corridor, over the average remaining service life of the Company's active employees.

60


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        The following table sets forth the Plan's benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, and funded status at December 31, 2007, and 2006:

 
  2007
  2006
 
Reconciliation of benefit obligation              
Benefit obligation at January 1   $ 364,520   $ 408,668  
Service cost         10,434  
Interest cost     17,574     19,153  
Benefits paid, net of contributions     (4,964 )   (3,470 )
Actuarial gain     (63,618 )   (70,265 )
   
 
 
Benefit obligation at December 31   $ (313,512 ) $ (364,520 )
   
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at December 31          
   
 
 
    Funded status at end of year   $ (313,512 ) $ (364,520 )
   
 
 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:              
  Noncurrent assets   $   $  
  Current liabilities     (20,874 )   (7,667 )
  Noncurrent liabilities     (292,638 )   (356,853 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     (75,833 )   (14,746 )
   
 
 
    Net amount recognized   $ (389,345 ) $ (379,266 )
   
 
 

        Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consists of:

 
  2007
  2006
Net actuarial gain   $ 75,833   $ 14,746
   
 
  Total accumulated other comprehensive income   $ 75,833   $ 14,746
   
 

        The accumulated benefit obligation for the Plan was $313,512 and $364,520 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Net periodic benefit cost recognized in 2007, 2006, and 2005 was:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Service cost   $   $ 10,434   $ 10,798
Interest cost     17,574     19,153     21,378
Amortization of gain     (2,531 )      
Amortization of prior service cost         22,390     26,870
   
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost recognized   $ 15,043   $ 51,977   $ 59,046
   
 
 

61


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Net actuarial gain   $ 63,618   $ 14,746   $
   
 
 
Amortization of gain   $ (2,531 ) $   $
   
 
 
  Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income   $ 61,087   $ 14,746   $
   
 
 
  Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive income   $ 76,130     66,723   $
   
 
 

        For the defined postretirement benefits plan, amortization of the net gain from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in the amount of $3,475 is expected to be recognized in the next fiscal year.

        Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 were as follows:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Discount rate   5.75 % 5.75 % 5.50 %
Rate of compensation increase   N/A   N/A   N/A  
Healthcare cost trend rate   7.50 % 8.00 % 8.50 %

        Weighted average assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Discount rate   5.75 % 5.50 % 6.00 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets   N/A   N/A   N/A  
Rate of compensation increase   N/A   N/A   N/A  
Healthcare cost trend rate   7.50 % 8.00 % 8.50 %

        Assumed health care trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 
  1% Increase
  1% Decrease
 
Effect on total service and interest cost components of periodic postretirement health care benefit cost   $ 2,321   $ (2,037 )
   
 
 
Effect on the health care component of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation   $ (37,655 ) $ (33,558 )
   
 
 

62


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        For measurement purposes, an 8.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2007. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 6.00% through 2011 and remain at that level thereafter.

        The components of post-retirement expense are as follows:

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Benefit cost   $ 15,043   $ 51,977   $ 59,046
Plan participants' contributions     1,800     1,800     1,800
Benefits paid     6,764     5,270     4,985

        The Company expects to contribute $20,874 to its postretirement benefit plan in 2008.

        The benefits expected to be paid from the postretirement benefit plan in each year 2008-2012 are $20,874, $22,320, $17,829, $18,895 and $19,878, respectively. The aggregate benefits expected to be paid in the five years from 2013-2017 are $114,130. The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company's benefit obligation at December 31 and include estimated future employee service.

        In December 2003, the United States enacted into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act"). The Act established a prescription drug benefit under Medicare, known as "Medicare Part D" and a federal subsidy to sponsors of retired healthcare benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. On May 19, 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS-106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" (FSP-106-2), which requires measures of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit costs to reflect the effects of the Act in the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2004. On January 21, 2005, final regulations under the Act were issued. The effects of the Act did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.

d.    Concentrations

        The Company's top ten customers accounted for approximately 43% of 2007 consolidated net revenues. The top ten customers were primarily from the theatre segment. Trade accounts receivable from these customers represented approximately 51% of net consolidated receivables at December 31, 2007. Sales to AMC Theatres, Inc. represented approximately 10% of consolidated sales. Additionally, receivables from Vari International represented over 10% of net consolidated receivables at December 31, 2007. While the Company believes its relationships with such customers are stable, most arrangements are made by purchase order and are terminable at will by either party. A significant decrease or interruption in business from the Company's significant customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company could also be adversely affected by such factors as changes in foreign currency rates and weak economic and political conditions in each of the countries in which the Company sells its products.

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

63


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

e.    Leases

        The Company and its subsidiaries lease plant and office facilities, furniture, autos and equipment under operating leases expiring through 2012. These leases generally contain renewal options and the Company expects to renew or replace the leases in the ordinary course of business. Rent expense under operating lease agreements amounted to approximately $126,000, $61,000 and $74,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

        As part of the acquisition of Marcel Desrochers, Inc. on October 12, 2007, MDI entered into an operating lease agreement for the manufacturing facilities located in Canada which are primarily used for the manufacture of motion picture theatre screens. The term of the lease is for sixty months which expires on October 12, 2012.

        Future minimum lease payments for operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2007 are as follows: 2008—$333,139; 2009—$288,733; 2010—$285,295; 2011—$285,295; and 2012—$223,174.

f.    Self-Insurance

        The Company is self-insured up to certain stop loss limits for group health insurance. Accruals for claims incurred but not paid as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 are included in accrued group health insurance claims in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company's policy is to accrue the employee health benefit accruals based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events.

g.    Litigation

        Ballantyne is currently a defendant in an asbestos case entitled Larry C. Stehman and Leila Stehman v. Asbestos Corporation, Limited and Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. individually and as successor in interest to Strong International, Strong Electric Corporation and Century Projector Corporation, et al, filed December 8, 2006 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco. We believe that we have strong defenses and intend to defend the suit vigorously. It is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this case, or the amount of damages, if any, that a jury may award. The plaintiffs have made no monetary demand upon Ballantyne. This case is scheduled for trial in August 2008. It is possible that an adverse resolution of this case could have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

        During March 2006, Ballantyne settled an asbestos case entitled Bercu v. BICC Cables Corporation, et al., originally filed June 27, 2003 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York. The settlement amount was not material to the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

        Ballantyne is a party to various other legal actions which are ordinary routine litigation matters incidental to the Company's business, such as products liability. Based on currently available information, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

h.    Environmental

        The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental protection and the discharge of material into the environment. During 2001, Ballantyne was informed by a neighboring company of likely contaminated soil on certain parcels of land adjacent to Ballantyne's main manufacturing facility in Omaha, Nebraska. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Nebraska Health and Human Services System subsequently determined that certain parcels of

64


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)


Ballantyne property had various levels of contaminated soil relating to a former pesticide company which previously owned the property and that burned down in the 1960's. During October 2004, Ballantyne agreed to enter into an Administrative Order on Consent ("AOC") to resolve the matter. The AOC holds Ballantyne and two other parties jointly and severally responsible for the cleanup. In this regard, the three parties have also entered into a Site Allocation Agreement by which they will divide past, current and future costs of the EPA, the costs of remediation and the cost of long term maintenance. In connection with the AOC, the Company has paid its share of the costs. At December 31, 2007, the Company has provided for management's estimate of any future payments relating to this matter which is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

21.    Business Segment Information

        The presentation of segment information reflects the manner in which management organizes segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance. As of December 31, 2007, the Company's operations were conducted principally through two business segments: Theatre and Lighting. Theatre operations include the design, manufacture, assembly, sale and service of motion picture projectors, xenon lamphouses and power supplies. Theatre operations also include the sale and service of digital projection equipment and accessories, sound systems, xenon lamps and lenses. The lighting segment operations include the design, manufacture, assembly and sale of follow spotlights, stationary searchlights and computer operated lighting systems for the motion picture production, television, live entertainment, theme parks and architectural industries. The Company allocates resources to business segments and evaluates the performance of these segments based upon reported segment gross profit. However, certain key operations of a particular segment are tracked on the basis of operating profit. All intercompany sales are eliminated in consolidation.

65


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Summary by Business Segments

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
 
Net revenue                    
  Theatre                    
    Products   $ 42,883,762   $ 43,721,847   $ 49,651,050  
    Services     3,667,134     2,260,560      
   
 
 
 
      Total theatre     46,550,896     45,982,407     49,651,050  
  Lighting     4,268,437     3,035,984     3,374,820  
  Restaurant     666,531     713,980     831,127  
   
 
 
 
    Total revenue   $ 51,485,864   $ 49,732,371   $ 53,856,997  
   
 
 
 
Gross profit                    
  Theatre                    
    Products   $ 7,858,293   $ 9,467,757   $ 13,453,120  
    Services     187,561     243,456      
   
 
 
 
      Total theatre     8,045,854     9,711,213     13,453,120  
  Lighting     1,114,673     835,064     1,074,015  
  Restaurant     295,067     279,403     378,236  
   
 
 
 
    Total gross profit     9,455,594     10,825,680     14,905,371  

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Selling     (3,170,367 )   (2,982,893 )   (2,831,706 )
  Administrative     (6,147,004 )   (5,120,740 )   (5,632,643 )
Goodwill impairment     (639,466 )   (1,250,534 )    
Gain on transfer of assets     234,557          
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net     (24,102 )   37,546     9,171  
Loss on sale of business     (142,284 )        
   
 
 
 
    Operating income (loss)     (433,072 )   1,509,059     6,450,193  
Net interest income     760,136     750,364     381,469  
Equity in loss of joint venture     (245,703 )        
Other income (expense), net     (90,920 )   40,101     (46,897 )
   
 
 
 
    Income (loss) before income taxes   $ (9,559 ) $ 2,299,524   $ 6,784,765  
   
 
 
 
Identifiable assets                    
  Theatre                    
    Products   $ 47,442,283   $ 43,367,926   $ 42,866,118  
    Services     2,195,660     2,667,029      
   
 
 
 
      Total theatre     49,637,943     46,034,955     42,866,118  
  Lighting     3,970,457     3,387,523     3,382,738  
  Restaurant     531,948     485,022     687,071  
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 54,140,348   $ 49,907,500   $ 46,935,927  
   
 
 
 

66


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Expenditures on capital equipment                    
  Theatre                    
    Products   $ 395,964   $ 376,450   $ 787,230  
    Services     184,951     123,319      
   
 
 
 
      Total theatre     580,915     499,769     787,230  
  Lighting     32,495     15,158     40,072  
  Restaurant              
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 613,410   $ 514,927   $ 827,302  
   
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and impairment                    
  Theatre                    
    Products   $ 2,665,786   $ 2,667,358   $ 1,147,371  
    Services     60,220     88,208      
   
 
 
 
      Total theatre     2,726,006     2,755,566     1,147,371  
  Lighting     64,990     60,056     49,451  
  Restaurant              
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 2,790,996   $ 2,815,622   $ 1,196,822  
   
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on disposal of long-lived assets                    
  Theatre                    
    Products   $ (23,054 ) $ 37,546   $ 8,621  
    Services              
   
 
 
 
      Total theatre     (23,054 )   37,546     8,621  
  Lighting     (1,048 )       550  
  Restaurant              
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ (24,102 ) $ 37,546   $ 9,171  
   
 
 
 

Summary by Geographical Area

 
  2007
  2006
  2005
Net revenue                  
  United States   $ 37,316,708   $ 35,179,899   $ 38,038,322
  Canada     901,614     730,347     786,455
  Asia     6,681,644     7,733,288     7,445,010
  Mexico and South America     4,317,568     4,339,957     5,697,097
  Europe     2,022,575     1,690,404     1,768,934
  Other     245,755     58,476     121,179
   
 
 
    Total   $ 51,485,864   $ 49,732,371   $ 53,856,997
   
 
 
Identifiable assets                  
  United States   $ 45,359,184   $ 47,975,865   $ 44,910,526
  Asia     3,018,403     1,931,635     2,025,401
  Canada     5,762,761        
   
 
 
    Total   $ 54,140,348   $ 49,907,500   $ 46,935,927
   
 
 

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

67


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

22.    Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

        The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 
  First Quarter
  Second Quarter
  Third Quarter
  Fourth Quarter
 
2007:                    
Net revenue   $ 12,930,750   12,659,994   12,615,705   13,279,415  
Gross profit     2,721,784   2,482,213   2,088,866   2,162,731  
Net income (loss)     572,739   (197,166 ) 128,638   (276,080 )

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic     0.04   (0.01 ) 0.01   (0.02 )
  Diluted     0.04   (0.01 ) 0.01   (0.02 )

Stock price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  High     5.62   6.67   6.80   6.45  
  Low     4.82   4.84   5.34   5.50  

2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net revenue   $ 12,433,338   11,854,768   13,069,673   12,374,592  
Gross profit     3,330,967   2,732,128   2,194,524   2,568,061  
Net income (loss)     914,748   727,435   374,713   (448,704 )

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic     0.07   0.05   0.03   (0.03 )
  Diluted     0.07   0.05   0.03   (0.03 )

Stock price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  High     4.94   4.49   5.05   5.30  
  Low     3.50   3.65   3.75   3.61  

2005:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net revenue   $ 12,511,869   13,041,594   14,260,237   14,043,297  
Gross profit     3,394,591   3,686,992   4,056,243   3,767,545  
Net income     941,914   1,061,261   1,229,045   1,076,677  

Basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic     0.07   0.08   0.09   0.08  
  Diluted     0.07   0.08   0.09   0.08  

Stock price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  High     5.93   4.85   4.94   5.16  
  Low     4.06   3.70   3.69   4.42  

        Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the total for the year.

68


Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

        In preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements fiscal 2007, the Company's management determined that its historical financial statements should have presented investments held in auction-rate securities as short-term investments and not as cash equivalents, as previously reported. The following is a summary of the effects of the correction in presentation on the Company's statements of cash flows for the three previously reported quarters in 2007:

 
  Q1 2007
  Q2 2007
  Q3 2007
Statement of Cash Flows

  As
previously
reported

  Corrected
presentation

  As
previously
reported

  Corrected
presentation

  As
previously
reported

  Corrected
presentation

  Cash flows from Investing Activities:                        
    Sales of short-term investments     2,500,000         2,000,000
    Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities   (297,412 ) 2,202,588   (373,968 ) (373,968 ) 150,512   2,150,512
  Net (decrease) increase in cash or cash equivalents   466,366   2,966,366   (3,205,465 ) (3,205,465 ) (1,228,646 ) 771,354
  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the quarter   22,622,654   2,622,654   23,089,020   5,589,020   19,883,555   2,383,555
  Cash and cash equivalents, end of the quarter   23,089,020   5,589,020   19,883,555   2,383,555   18,654,909   3,154,909

69



Schedule II


Ballantyne Of Omaha, Inc.

and Subsidiaries

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 
  Balance at beginning of year
  Charged to costs and expenses
  Amounts Written off(1)
  Balance at end of year
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes                  

Year ended December 31, 2007—

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 498,783   63,517   (27,774 ) 534,526
   
 
 
 

Year ended December 31, 2006—

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 420,223   120,176   (41,616 ) 498,783
   
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2005—                  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 485,829   20,699   (86,305 ) 420,223
   
 
 
 
Inventory reserves                  

Year ended December 31, 2007—

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Inventory reserves   $ 1,534,874   667,587   (301,423 ) 1,901,038
   
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2006—                  
  Inventory reserves   $ 1,137,572   847,337   (450,035 ) 1,534,874
   
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2005—                  
  Inventory reserves   $ 1,085,540   449,577   (397,545 ) 1,137,572
   
 
 
 

(1)
The deductions from reserves are net of recoveries.

70


Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

1.    Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15(e) and internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in enabling the Company to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings within the required time period.

2.    Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        (a) Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The Company's management used the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) to perform this evaluation. Based on that evaluation, the Company's management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.

        The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, a copy of which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The Company acquired Marcel Desrochers, Inc. ("MDI") during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, MDI's internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $5.8 million and total revenues of $1.0 million included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007. The exclusion is primarily due to the timing of the acquisition and the foreign location of operations.

        (b) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.:

        We have audited Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over

71



financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

        Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. acquired Marcel Desrochers, Inc. during 2007, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, Marcel Desrochers, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $5.8 million and total revenues of $1.0 million included in the consolidated financial statements of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the Marcel Desrochers, Inc.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2007, and our report dated April 1, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Omaha, Nebraska
April 1, 2008

72


        (c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        There were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information

        None


PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

        Incorporated by reference to the Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 21, 2008.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

        Incorporated by reference to the Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 21, 2008.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

        Incorporated by reference to the Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 21, 2008.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

        Incorporated by reference to the Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 21, 2008.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        Incorporated by reference to the Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 21, 2008.


PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

a.    The following documents are filed as part of this report:

73



SIGNATURES

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

BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC.      

By:

 

/s/  
JOHN WILMERS      

 

By:

/s/  
KEVIN HERRMANN      
    John Wilmers, President,
Chief Executive Officer, and Director
    Kevin Herrmann, Secretary/Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 1, 2008

 

Date: April 1, 2008

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


By:

 

/s/  
WILLIAM F. WELSH, II      
William F. Welsh, II Chairman

 

 

 

 

Date:  April 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
ALVIN ABRAMSON      
Alvin Abramson, Director

 

 

 

 

Date:  April 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
CHRISTOPHER E. BEACH      
Christopher E. Beach, Director

 

 

 

 

Date:  April 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
MARC E. LEBARON      
Marc E. LeBaron, Director

 

 

 

 

Date:  April 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
MARK D. HASEBROOCK      
Mark D. Hasebroock, Director

 

 

 

 

Date:  April 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

74



EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form S-8, File No. 333-139177 (the "Form S-8")).

3.1.1

 

First Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 to the Form S-8).

3.1.2

 

Second Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.2 to the Form S-8).

3.1.3

 

Third Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.3 to the Form S-8).

3.2

 

Bylaws of the Company. •

3.2.1

 

First Amendment to Bylaws of the Company. •

3.2.2

 

Second Amendment to Bylaws of the Company. •

3.2.3

 

Third Amendment to the Bylaws of the Company. •

3.2.4

 

Fourth Amendment to the Bylaws of the Company. •

3.3

 

Stockholder Rights Agreement dated May 25, 2000 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services L.L.C. (formerly ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Form 8-A12B as filed on May 26, 2000).

3.3.1

 

First Amendment dated April 30, 2001 to Rights Agreement dated as of May 25, 2000 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C. as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K as filed on May 7, 2001).

3.3.2

 

Second Amendment dated July 25, 2001 to Rights Agreement dated as of May 25, 2000 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C., as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).

3.3.3

 

Third Amendment dated October 2, 2001 to Rights Agreement dated as of May 25, 2001 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C. as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).

4.2

 

Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 10, 2003 between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).

4.2.1

 

First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated August 31, 2003 between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).

4.2.2

 

Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated February 27, 2004 between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.2 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).

4.2.3

 

Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated August 30, 2004 between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).

4.2.4

 

Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.4 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005).

75



4.2.5

 

Fifth Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated August 28, 2006 between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.5 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).

4.2.6

 

Consent and Waiver Agreement dated September 29, 2006 between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.6 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).

4.2.7

 

Sixth Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated August 29, 2007 between the Company and First National Bank of Omaha, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.5 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007).

10.1

 

Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix D to the Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company's 2005 Annual Meeting).*

10.2

 

Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. 2005 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company's 2005 Annual Meeting).*

10.3

 

Form of 2001 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001).*

10.3.1

 

First Amendment to the 2001 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.6 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001). *

10.4

 

Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company's 2005 Annual Meeting).*

10.6

 

Short-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007).*

10.7

 

Distributorship Agreement, dated November 1, 2004 between the Company and ISCO Precision Optics GmbH (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).

10.8

 

Operating Agreement of Digital Link II, LLC, dated March 6, 2007, between the Company and RealD (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006).

10.9

 

Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and National Cinema Service Corp. dated June 30, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).

10.10

 

Authorized Digital Cinema Reseller Master Agreement dated May 23, 2005 between the Company and NEC Solutions (America), Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005).

10.11

 

Definitive Agreement between the Company and NEC Viewtechnology Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).

10.12

 

Equipment Purchase Agreement between the Company and Digital Link LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).

10.13

 

Amendment No. 1 to Equipment Purchase Agreement between the Company and Digital Link L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).

76



10.14

 

Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and Brian Hendricks dated December 10, 2007 (incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K/A as filed on December 20, 2007).

10.15

 

Asset Purchase Agreement between the Strong Digital Systems, Inc. and Marcel Desrochers, Inc. dated October 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K/A as filed on December 28, 2007).

21

 

Registrant owns 100% of the outstanding capital stock of the following subsidiaries:
 
   
  Name

  Jusrisdiction of
Incorporation

    a.   Strong Westrex, Inc   Nebraska
    b.   Strong Technical Services, Inc   Nebraska
    c.   Xenotech Rental Corp   Nebraska
    d.   BTN Manufacturing, Inc   Nebraska
    e.   Xenotech Strong, Inc   Nebraska
    f.   Strong Digital Systems, Inc. (owns 100% of one foreign corporation)   Canada
 

23

 

Consent of KPMG LLP. •

31.1

 

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

31.2

 

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

32.1

 

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

32.2

 

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

*
Management contract or compensatory plan.

Filed herewith.

77




QuickLinks

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I
PART II
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2007 and 2006
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II
Ballantyne Of Omaha, Inc. and Subsidiaries Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
PART III
PART IV
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX