Table of Contents



UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q


 

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

 

for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the transition period from ___________________ to _________________

 

Commission File Number:  1-13471

 


INSIGNIA SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Minnesota

41-1656308

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

8799 Brooklyn Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55445

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(763) 392-6200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not applicable.

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed since last report)


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such report(s), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x       No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes o       No o

 

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

Large accelerated filer    o

Accelerated filer    x

Non-accelerated filer    o

Smaller Reporting Company    o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 

Yes o       No x

 

Number of shares outstanding of Common Stock, $.01 par value, as of May 4, 2011, was 15,667,717.



 

1


 

 

Insignia Systems, Inc.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements  

3

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheets – March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (unaudited)

3

 

 

 

 

Statements of Operations – Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)

4

 

 

 

 

Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)

5

 

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements – March 31, 2011 (unaudited)

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

10

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

15

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

16

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

16

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

16

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

17

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

17

 

 

 

Item 4.

Removed and Reserved

17

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

17

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

17

 

2


 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

Insignia Systems, Inc.
BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

ASSETS

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

90,240,000

 

$

13,196,000

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

2,822,000

 

 

3,227,000

 

Inventories

 

 

433,000

 

 

414,000

 

Deferred tax assets, net

 

 

151,000

 

 

151,000

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

658,000

 

 

360,000

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

94,304,000

 

 

17,848,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

928,000

 

 

975,000

 

Non-current deferred tax assets, net

 

 

166,000

 

 

6,581,000

 

Other

 

 

3,875,000

 

 

227,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

99,273,000

 

$

25,631,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

2,152,000

 

 

2,335,000

 

Dividend payable

 

 

31,335,000

 

 

 

Income tax payable

 

 

25,980,000

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation

 

 

1,407,000

 

 

809,000

 

Legal

 

 

167,000

 

 

376,000

 

Employee stock purchase plan

 

 

49,000

 

 

170,000

 

Retailer payments

 

 

37,000

 

 

1,119,000

 

Other

 

 

284,000

 

 

400,000

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

159,000

 

 

134,000

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

61,570,000

 

 

5,343,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued income taxes

 

 

400,000

 

 

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

800,000

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

62,770,000

 

 

5,343,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.01:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized shares - 40,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued and outstanding shares - 15,793,000 at March 31, 2011 and 15,847,000 at December 31, 2010

 

 

158,000

 

 

159,000

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

27,226,000

 

 

33,548,000

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

 

9,119,000

 

 

(13,419,000

)

Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

36,503,000

 

 

20,288,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

$

99,273,000

 

$

25,631,000

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Insignia Systems, Inc.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

2011

 

2010

 

Services revenues

      

$

4,374,000

      

$

5,137,000

 

Products revenues

 

 

573,000

 

 

746,000

 

Total Net Sales

 

 

4,947,000

 

 

5,883,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services

 

 

2,543,000

 

 

2,436,000

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

368,000

 

 

517,000

 

Total Cost of Sales

 

 

2,911,000

 

 

2,953,000

 

Gross Profit

 

 

2,036,000

 

 

2,930,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling

 

 

1,555,000

 

 

1,636,000

 

Marketing

 

 

414,000

 

 

395,000

 

General and administrative

 

 

2,026,000

 

 

1,347,000

 

Gain from litigation settlement, net

 

 

(89,762,000

)

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

 

(85,767,000

)

 

3,378,000

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

87,803,000

 

 

(448,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

21,000

 

 

18,000

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

(5,000

)

Total Other Income

 

 

21,000

 

 

13,000

 

Income (Loss) Before Taxes

 

 

87,824,000

 

 

(435,000

)

Income tax expense

 

 

(33,951,000

)

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

53,873,000

 

$

 (435,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

3.37

 

$

 (0.03

)

Diluted

 

$

3.17

 

$

 (0.03

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used in calculation of net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

15,990,000

 

 

15,381,000

 

Diluted

 

 

16,986,000

 

 

15,381,000

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Insignia Systems, Inc.
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated)
Deficit)

 

Total

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

      

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

15,847,000

 

$

159,000

 

$

33,548,000

 

$

 (13,419,000

)

$

20,288,000

 

Issuance of common stock, net

 

1,529,000

 

 

15,000

 

 

3,054,000

 

 

 

 

3,069,000

 

Repurchase of common stock, net

 

(1,583,000

)

 

(16,000

)

 

(10,656,000

)

 

 

 

(10,672,000

)

Value of stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

145,000

 

 

 

 

145,000

 

Windfall tax benefit from share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

1,135,000

 

 

 

 

1,135,000

 

Cash dividends, $2.00 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(31,335,000

)

 

(31,335,000

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,873,000

 

 

53,873,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2011

 

15,793,000

 

$

158,000

 

$

27,226,000

 

$

9,119,000

 

$

36,503,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

 

15,181,000

 

$

152,000

 

$

32,578,000

 

$

 (21,045,000

)

$

11,685,000

 

Issuance of common stock, net

 

333,000

 

 

3,000

 

 

635,000

 

 

 

 

638,000

 

Repurchase of common stock, net

 

(75,000

)

 

(1,000

)

 

(411,000

)

 

 

 

(412,000

)

Value of stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

113,000

 

 

 

 

113,000

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(435,000

)

 

(435,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2010

 

15,439,000

 

$

154,000

 

$

32,915,000

 

$

(21,480,000

)

$

11,589,000

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Insignia Systems, Inc.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

2011

 

2010

 

Operating Activities:

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

53,873,000

 

$

 (435,000

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

88,000

 

 

79,000

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

6,415,000

 

 

 

Windfall tax benefit

 

 

1,135,000

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

145,000

 

 

113,000

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

405,000

 

 

(229,000

)

Inventories

 

 

(19,000

)

 

(93,000

)

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

(3,946,000

)

 

125,000

 

Accounts payable

 

 

(183,000

)

 

(382,000

)

Accrued liabilities

 

 

(130,000

)

 

(1,223,000

)

Income taxes

 

 

25,245,000

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

25,000

 

 

(247,000

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

83,053,000

 

 

(2,292,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(41,000

)

 

(198,000

)

Purchases of investments

 

 

 

 

(1,300,000

)

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

 

500,000

 

 

1,400,000

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

459,000

 

 

(98,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

 

 

3,069,000

 

 

638,000

 

Windfall tax benefit

 

 

1,135,000

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock, net

 

 

(10,672,000

)

 

(412,000

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(6,468,000

)

 

226,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

77,044,000

 

 

(2,164,000

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

13,196,000

 

 

8,797,000

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

90,240,000

 

$

6,633,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures for cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during period for income taxes

 

$

12,000

 

$

40,000

 

Dividend payable

 

 

31,335,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cashless exercise of options

 

$

800,000

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Insignia Systems, Inc.

Notes To Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1.    

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Description of Business . Insignia Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) markets in-store advertising products, programs and services to consumer packaged goods manufacturers (customers) and retailers. The Company has been in business since 1990. The Company’s products and services includes the Insignia POPSign® program, thermal sign card supplies for the Company’s SIGNright and Impulse systems, Stylus software and laser printable cardstock and label supplies. Since 1998, the Company has been focusing on providing in-store services through the Insignia Point-of- Purchase Services (Insignia POPS®) in-store advertising program.

 

Basis of Presentation . Financial statements for the interim periods included herein are unaudited; however, they contain all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, which in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at March 31, 2011, and its results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. Results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

The financial statements do not include certain footnote disclosures and financial information normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

The Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K describes the Company’s accounting policies.

 

Inventories . Inventories are primarily comprised of parts and supplies for Impulse and SIGNright machines, sign cards, rollstock and POPSign supplies.  Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, and consists of the following:

 

 

March 31,
2011

December 31,
2010

Raw materials

$

93,000

$

132,000

Work-in-process

31,000

25,000

Finished goods

 

309,000

 

257,000

 

$

433,000

$

414,000

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

Property and Equipment . Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

 

March 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

Property and Equipment:

Production tooling, machinery and equipment

$

2,346,000

$

2,344,000

Office furniture and fixtures

258,000

258,000

Computer equipment and software

975,000

936,000

Web site

38,000

38,000

Leasehold improvements

 

351,000

 

 

351,000

 

3,968,000

3,927,000

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

(3,040,000

)

(2,952,000

)

Net Property and Equipment

$

928,000

 

$

975,000

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation . The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted average fair value of options and employee stock purchase plan rights.  The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line method over the requisite service period of the award.

 

There were no stock option awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-based rights granted during the three months ended March 31, 2011, under the employee stock purchase plan using the following weighted average assumptions: expected life of 1 year, expected volatility of 30%, dividend yield of 0% and risk-free interest rate of 0.30%. Total stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, was $145,000 and $113,000, respectively.

 

Dividend Payable . On February 22, 2011, the Board of Directors approved a special $2.00 per common share dividend totaling $31,335,000. The dividend was accrued at March 31, 2011, and paid on May 2, 2011.  

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share . Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted net income (loss) per share gives effect to all diluted potential common shares outstanding during the period. Options and warrants to purchase approximately 315,000 and 438,000 shares of common stock with weighted average exercise prices of $8.80 and $8.01 were outstanding at March 31, 2011 and 2010 and were not included in the computation of common stock equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 because their exercise prices were higher than the average fair market value of the common shares during the reporting period .   During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the effect of options and warrants outstanding was anti-dilutive due to the net loss incurred during the period. Had net income been achieved, approximately 1,324,000 of common stock equivalents would have been included in the computation of diluted net income per share.

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

2011

2010

 

Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted average shares

15,990,000

15,381,000

Effect of dilutive securities:

Stock options and warrants

 

996,000

 

 

Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per share - weighted average shares

 

16,986,000

 

15,381,000

 

 

 

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2.    

Commitments and Contingencies.

 

Legal . On September 23, 2004, the Company brought suit against News America and Albertson’s Inc. (Albertson’s) in Federal District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for violations of federal and state antitrust and false advertising laws, alleging that News America has acquired and maintained monopoly power through various wrongful acts designed to harm the Company in the in-store advertising and promotion products and services market.  The suit sought injunctive relief sufficient to prevent further antitrust injury and an award of treble damages for the harm caused to the Company. On September 20, 2006, the State of Minnesota through its Attorney General intervened as a co-plaintiff in the business disparagement portion of the case. In December 2006, News America filed counterclaims in the case that included claims of alleged interference with contracts and alleged libel and slander against Insignia and one of its officers. On February 4, 2008, the Court approved a consent decree entered into by News America and the State of Minnesota under which News America agreed to not violate Minnesota’s statutes prohibiting commercial disparagement. On July 29, 2008, the Company and Albertson’s entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release, in which they each agreed to release all claims against the other, and the Company agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against Albertson’s.

 

On February 7, 2011, trial in the Company’s lawsuit against News America commenced in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.  On February 9, 2011, the Company and News America entered into a Settlement Agreement to settle the lawsuit.  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, News America paid the Company $125,000,000, and the Company paid News America $4,000,000 in exchange for a 10-year arrangement to sell signs with price into News America’s network of retailers as News America’s exclusive agent.  As of the date of this filing, the definitive agreement for the 10-year arrangement was still being negotiated, and had not yet been signed.  If the parties cannot reach agreement, the Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, will resolve any remaining issues.  The Settlement Agreement included the dismissal with prejudice of the Company’s lawsuit against News America.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company incurred legal fees of $32,076,000 in connection with the News America lawsuit. A contingent fee payment of $31,250,000 was made to the Company’s lead trial counsel out of the settlement proceeds. Additional legal fees of $826,000 were incurred in connection with the lawsuit as the Company prepared for trial, worked through settlement discussions, and post settlement activities. Management does not expect significant legal fees and expenses in future periods after post-settlement activities are concluded. Legal fees and expenses are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations, except for the contingent fee which was included as a reduction of the gain from the litigation settlement.

 

The Company is subject to various other legal proceedings in the normal course of business. Management believes the outcome of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. 

3.

Income Taxes .   For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the provision for income taxes was $33,951,000, or 38.7% of income before income taxes. The loss for the three months ended March 31, 2010, resulted in no provision for income taxes or tax benefit for that period. The provision for income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2011, is comprised of federal and state taxes. The primary difference between the Company’s March 31, 2011, effective tax rate and the statutory federal rate is state income taxes. The lack of profitability in the first quarter of 2010 and the use of a full valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets resulted in no provision for taxes or tax benefit for the period.

 

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $400,000 excluding interest which relate to state nexus issues. The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, that would affect the effective income tax rates of future periods is $400,000. Due to the current statute of limitations regarding the unrecognized tax benefits, the unrecognized tax benefits and associated interest is not expected to decrease in 2011.

 

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4.    

Concentrations.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, Nestle Co. and Valassis Sales and Marketing Services, Inc. accounted for 29% and 18%, respectively, of the Company’s total net sales. At March 31, 2011, these two customers represented 26% and 12%, respectively, of the Company’s total accounts receivable. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, General Mills, Inc., Valassis Sales and Marketing Services, Inc., and Nestle Co. accounted for 23%, 13% and 13%, respectively, of the Company’s total net sales. At March 31, 2010 these three customers represented 14%, 14% and 15%, respectively, of the Company’s total accounts receivable. Valassis Sales and Marketing Services, Inc. is a reseller of the Company’s POPSign program to consumer packaged goods manufacturers.

 

Although there are a number of customers that the Company sells to, the loss of a major customer could cause a delay in and possible loss of sales, which would adversely affect operating results. Additionally, the loss of a major retailer from the Company’s retail network could adversely affect operating results.

5.

New Accounting Pronouncements .  In December 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic 820 “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. This ASU requires some new disclosures and clarifies some existing disclosure requirements about fair value measurement as set forth in Codification Subtopic 820-10. The FASB’s objective is to improve these disclosures and, thus, increase the transparency in financial reporting. Some of the new disclosures were effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, with the remaining new disclosures effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted the amended guidance and it did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables Topic 310 “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses,” to enhance the disclosures required for financing receivables (for example, loans, trade accounts receivable, notes receivable, and receivables relating to a lessor’s leveraged, direct financing, and sales-type leases) and allowances for credit losses. The amended disclosures are designed to provide more information to financial statement users regarding the credit quality of a creditor’s financing receivables and the adequacy of its allowance for credit losses. The amended guidance is effective for period-end balances beginning with the first interim or annual reporting period ending on or after December 15, 2010. The amended guidance is effective for activity during a reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted the amended guidance and it did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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

 

Overview

 

Insignia Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) markets in-store advertising products, programs and services to consumer packaged goods manufacturers (customers) and retailers. The Company’s products and services includes the Insignia POPSign® program, thermal sign card supplies for the Company’s SIGNright and Impulse systems, Stylus software and laser printable cardstock and label supplies.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items in the Company’s Statements of Operations as a percentage of total net sales.

 

Three Months Ended March 31

2011

2010

Net sales

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of Sales

58.8

 

50.2

Gross Profit

41.2

49.8

Operating expenses:

Selling

31.4

27.8

Marketing

8.4

6.7

General and administrative

41.0

22.9

Gain from litigation settlement, net

(1,814.5

)

Total operating expenses

(1,733.7

)

57.4

Operating income (loss)

1,774.9

(7.6

)

Other income

0.4

 

0.2

Income (loss) before taxes

1,775.3

(7.4

)

Income tax expense

(686.3

)

Net income (loss)

1,089.0

%

(7.4

)%

 

Decreased net sales in the first three months of 2011 compared to the first three months of 2010, combined with the effect of fixed costs in the costs of sales, resulted in a decrease in gross profit in the 2011 period. The decrease in gross profit and increased operating expenses in the 2011 period were dramatically offset by the litigation settlement, resulting in significant net income in 2011 as compared to a net loss in the 2010 period. See the non-GAAP financial measures information which follows later in this section for a comparison of the 2011 and 2010 periods non-GAAP net losses.

 

Three Months ended March 31, 2011, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 15.9% to $4,947,000 compared to $5,883,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. 

 

Service revenues from our POPSign programs for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 14.9% to $4,374,000 compared to $5,137,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average sign price as well as a decrease in the number of POPS signs displayed for customers at stores in the Company’s retail network. The decrease in the number of signs displayed in the 2011 period was primarily related to the expiration of the Kroger retailer contract at the end of 2010.

 

Product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 23.2% to $573,000 compared to $746,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. This was primarily due to lower sales volume of laser printer supplies.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 30.5% to $2,036,000 compared to $2,930,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Gross profit as a percentage of total net sales decreased to 41.2% for 2011 compared to 49.8% for 2010. 

 

Gross profit from our POPSign program revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 32.2% to $1,831,000 compared to $2,701,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease was primarily due to decreased sales in 2011 combined with the effect of fixed costs. Gross profit as a percentage of POPSign program revenues decreased to 41.9% for 2011 compared to 52.6% for 2010, primarily due to the effect of fixed costs against decreased revenues.

 

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Gross profit from our product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 10.5% to $205,000 compared to $229,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to decreased sales. Gross profit as a percentage of product sales increased to 35.8% for 2011 compared to 30.7% for 2010. The decreased laser printer supplies in 2011 were lower margin products which resulted in the higher gross profit percentage in 2011.

 
Operating Expenses

 

Selling.   Selling expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 5.0% to $1,555,000 compared to $1,636,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to decreased sales commissions in 2011 due to decreased sales. Selling expenses as a percentage of total net sales increased to 31.4% in 2011 compared to 27.8% in 2010, primarily due to the effect of decreased sales.

 

Marketing.   Marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased 4.8% to $414,000 compared to $395,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Marketing expenses as a percentage of total net sales increased to 8.4% in 2011 compared to 6.7% in 2010, due to the effect of decreased sales. 

 

General and administrative.   General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased 50.4% to $2,026,000 compared to $1,347,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net sales increased to 41.0% in 2011 compared to 22.9% in 2010, due to increased legal expense in 2011. Legal fees were $989,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $523,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The legal fees in each quarter were incurred primarily in connection with the News America lawsuit described in Note 2 to the financial statements. Management does not expect significant legal fees and expenses in future periods in connection with post-settlement activities.

 

Gain from litigation settlement.   On February 9, 2011, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement in its lawsuit against News America. As part of the Settlement Agreement, News America paid the Company $125,000,000.  Netted against this payment was a contingent fee payment of $31,250,000 to the Company’s lead trial counsel as well as performance bonus payments of $3,988,000 to certain employees in connection with the settlement, resulting in a net pre-tax gain of $89,762,000.

 

Other Income.   Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $21,000 compared to $13,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  The difference was due to increased interest income in the 2011 period due to higher cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment balances, partially offset by lower interest rates, and a decrease in interest expense in 2011.

 

Income Taxes.   For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the provision for income taxes was $33,951,000, or 38.7% of income before income taxes. The loss for the three months ended March 31, 2010, resulted in no provision for income taxes or tax benefit for that period. The provision for income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2011, is comprised of federal and state taxes. The primary difference between the Company’s March 31, 2011, effective tax rate and the statutory federal rate is state income taxes. The lack of profitability in the first quarter of 2010 and the use of a full valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets resulted in no provision for taxes or tax benefit for the period.

 

Net Income (Loss).   Our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $53,873,000 compared to a net loss of $(435,000) for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

To supplement the Company’s financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company has provided certain non-GAAP financial measures of financial performance in prior public announcements. These non-GAAP measures include:

•    net income (loss) before gain from litigation settlement (net of tax), and

•    net income before News America related legal fee expense.

 

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The Company’s reference to these non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to results prepared under current accounting standards, but are not a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results.

 

These non-GAAP measures are provided to enhance investors’ overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance and ability to generate cash flows. In many cases non-GAAP financial measures are used by analysts and investors to evaluate the Company’s performance. Reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure can be found in the financial table included below. 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

2011

2010

Net income (loss)

$

53,873,000

$

(435,000

)

Adjustment:

Gain from litigation settlement (net of tax) ( see below )

 

(55,062,000

)

Non-GAAP net loss before gain from litigation settlement (net of tax)

 

(1,189,000

)

(435,000

)

Adjustment:

News America related legal expense

 

826,000

404,000

Non-GAAP net loss before gain from litigation settlement (net of tax) and News America related legal expense

 

$

(363,000

)

$

(31,000

)

     

Gain from litigation settlement (net of tax)

Settlement proceeds

$

125,000,000

Less contingent attorney’s fees

(31,250,000

)

Less bonuses paid to employees

(3,988,000

)

89,762,000

Less settlement related income taxes

(34,700,000

)

Gain from litigation settlement (net of tax)

$

55,062,000

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company has financed its operations with proceeds from public and private stock sales and sales of its services and products. At March 31, 2011, working capital was $32,734,000 compared to $12,505,000 at December 31, 2010.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments increased $76,544,000 from $13,696,000 at December 31, 2010 to $90,240,000 at March 31, 2011.

 

On February 9, 2011, the Company entered into a settlement agreement in its lawsuit against News America. As part of the settlement agreement, News America paid the Company $125,000,000 less $4,000,000 related to a 10-year business arrangement. Litigation counsel for the Company received a contingent fee payment of $31,250,000 which resulted in net cash to the Company of $89,750,000 after the contingent fee.

 

On February 22, 2011, the Board of Directors approved a series of actions. First, the Board of Directors authorized a special $2.00 per common share dividend which resulted in a payment to shareholders of $31,335,000 on May 2, 2011. Second, the Board approved a Performance Bonus Plan, providing for the payment of $3,988,000 to certain employees of the Company. Third, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $15,000,000 of the Company’s common stock on or before January 31, 2012. The plan does not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular number of shares, and may be suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion.

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2011, was $83,053,000. Net income of $53,873,000, plus non-cash adjustments of $7,783,000 and changes in operating assets and liabilities of $21,397,000 resulted in the $83,053,000 of cash provided by operating activities. The net non-cash adjustments of $7,783,000 consisted of deferred income tax expense, stock-based compensation expense, and depreciation expense. The most significant component of the $21,397,000 change in operating assets and liabilities was income taxes. Income taxes increased by $25,245,000, which excludes the windfall tax benefit of $1,135,000, primarily due to taxable income related to the litigation settlement. This was partially offset by a change in other assets which primarily related to the payment of $4,000,000 in exchange for a 10-year business arrangement. Accrued retailer payments decreased $1,082,000 primarily related to the payment to one of our retailers, and accrued compensation increased $1,398,000 primarily due to the terms of the performance bonus plan related to the News America settlement. The Company expects accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenue to fluctuate during future periods depending on the level of POPSign revenues and related business activity as well as billing arrangements with customers and payment terms with retailers.

 

Net cash of $459,000 was provided by investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2011. Proceeds from the sale of investments were partially offset by the purchase of property and equipment. Proceeds of $500,000 during the first quarter consisted entirely of redemptions of twenty-six week certificates of deposit. Capital expenditures of $41,000 during the quarter consisted primarily of information technology equipment and software. The Company expects to make capital expenditures of up to $2,000,000 for the remainder of 2011.

 

Net cash of $6,468,000, which includes the windfall tax benefit of $1,135,000, was used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2011. The repurchase of common stock of $10,672,000, pursuant to a plan adopted on February 22, 2011, was partially offset by $3,069,000 of proceeds from the issuance of common stock from the exercise of employee stock options and the employee stock purchase plan. The stock repurchase plan allows for the repurchase of up to $15,000,000 of the Company’s common stock on or before January 31, 2012.

 

The Company believes that based upon current business conditions, its existing cash balance and future cash from operations will be sufficient for its cash requirements for the remainder of 2011. However, there can be no assurances that this will occur or that the Company will be able to secure additional financing from public or private stock sales or from other financing agreements if needed.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the annual financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2011. We believe our most critical accounting policies and estimates include the following: 

 

•    revenue recognition;

•    allowance for doubtful accounts;

•    accounting for deferred income taxes; and

•    stock-based compensation.

 

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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

 

Statements made in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, in the Company’s other SEC filings, in press releases and in oral statements to shareholders and securities analysts, which are not statements of historical or current facts, are “forward looking statements.” Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from the results or performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “seeks” and similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. These statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from the forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and updated in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in these reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosures.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

On September 23, 2004, the Company brought suit against News America and Albertson’s Inc. (Albertson’s) in Federal District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for violations of federal and state antitrust and false advertising laws, alleging that News America has acquired and maintained monopoly power through various wrongful acts designed to harm the Company in the in-store advertising and promotion products and services market.  The suit sought injunctive relief sufficient to prevent further antitrust injury and an award of treble damages for the harm caused to the Company. On September 20, 2006, the State of Minnesota through its Attorney General intervened as a co-plaintiff in the business disparagement portion of the case. In December 2006, News America filed counterclaims in the case that included claims of alleged interference with contracts and alleged libel and slander against Insignia and one of its officers. On February 4, 2008, the Court approved a consent decree entered into by News America and the State of Minnesota under which News America agreed to not violate Minnesota’s statutes prohibiting commercial disparagement. On July 29, 2008, the Company and Albertson’s entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release, in which they each agreed to release all claims against the other, and the Company agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against Albertson’s.

 

On February 7, 2011, trial in the Company’s lawsuit against News America commenced in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.  On February 9, 2011, the Company and News America entered into a Settlement Agreement to settle the lawsuit.  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, News America paid the Company $125,000,000, and the Company paid News America $4,000,000 in exchange for a 10-year arrangement to sell signs with price into News America’s network of retailers as News America’s exclusive agent.  As of the date of this filing, the definitive agreement for the 10-year arrangement was still being negotiated, and had not yet been signed.  If the parties cannot reach agreement, the Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, will resolve any remaining issues.  The Settlement Agreement included the dismissal with prejudice of the Company’s lawsuit against News America.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company incurred legal fees of $32,076,000 in connection with the News America lawsuit. A contingent fee payment of $31,250,000 was made to the Company’s lead trial counsel out of the settlement proceeds. Additional legal fees of $826,000 were incurred in connection with the lawsuit as the Company prepared for trial, worked through settlement discussions, and post settlement activities. Management does not expect significant legal fees and expenses in future periods after post-settlement activities are concluded. Legal fees and expenses are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations, except for the contingent fee which was included as a reduction of the gain from the litigation settlement.

 

The Company is subject to various other legal proceedings in the normal course of business. Management believes the outcome of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. 

 

 

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

 

N ot applicable.

 

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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

On February 23, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2,000,000 of the Company’s common stock on or before January 31, 2011. The plan has now expired.

 

Our share repurchase program activity for the three months ended March 31, 2011, under the expired plan was:

 

 

 

Total Number
Of Shares
Repurchased

 

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 

Total Number Of
Shares Purchased As
Part Of Publicly
Announced Plans
Or Programs

 

Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares That
May Yet Be Purchased
Under The Plans
Or Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1-31, 2011

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

On February 22, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $15,000,000 of the Company’s common stock on or before January 31, 2012, under a new plan. The plan does not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular number of shares, and may be suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion.

 

Our share repurchase program activity for the three months ended March 31, 2011, under the new plan was:

 

 

 

Total Number
Of Shares
Repurchased

 

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 

Total Number Of
Shares Purchased As
Part Of Publicly
Announced Plans
Or Programs

 

Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares That
May Yet Be Purchased
Under The Plans
Or Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 22-28, 2011

 

 

$

 

 

$

15,000,000

 

March 1-31, 2011

 

1,583,700

 

$

6.6883

 

1,583,700

 

$

4,407,700

 

 

 

Item 3.  Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.  Removed and Reserved

 

Item 5.  Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are included herewith :

 

10.1   

Settlement Agreement and Release with News America Marketing In-Store, LLC, dated February 9, 2011, including exhibits (confidential treatment requested)

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer

32

Section 1350 Certification

 

17


 

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SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

Dated:   May 10, 2011

Insignia Systems, Inc.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Scott F. Drill

 

Scott F. Drill
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

/s/ Justin W. Shireman

 

Justin W. Shireman
Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

10.1   

Settlement Agreement and Release with News America Marketing In-Store, LLC, dated February 9, 2011, including exhibits (confidential treatment requested)

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer

32

Section 1350 Certification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19


 

Exhibit 10.1

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release (“Agreement”) is dated as of February 9, 2011 between Plaintiff Insignia Systems, Inc. (“Plaintiff”), Scott Drill (“Drill”) and Defendant News America Marketing In-Store L.L.C. (sued in the Action (as defined below) as News America Marketing In-Store, Inc.) (“Defendant”).  Plaintiff, Drill and Defendant are collectively referred to herein as “the Parties.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS , Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against Defendant captioned Insignia Systems, Inc. v. News America Marketing In-Store, Inc. , United States District Court for Minnesota, Civil No. 04-4213 , to collect damages and seek injunctive relief for, inter alia , alleged violations of federal and state antitrust laws, unfair competition, and federal and state disparagement laws.  Defendant filed a counter-claim against Plaintiff and Drill.  Collectively, the complaint, included as amended, and the counterclaim are referred to herein as the “Action”;

WHEREAS , all claims by Plaintiff against Defendant, and by Defendant against Plaintiff and Drill, have been vigorously contested, with all Parties denying any and all liability to each other;

WHEREAS, the Parties hereto desire to forever put to rest all disputes and claims through the date of this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1.                    Defendant shall pay Plaintiff the sum of One Hundred Twenty Five Million Dollars ($125,000,000) (“Settlement Amount”), less the Four Million Dollar ($4,000,000) payment owed by Plaintiff to Defendant under the Exclusive Selling Agreement (as defined below) for a net payment to Plaintiff of One Hundred Twenty Million Dollars ($121,000,000) (the “Net Amount”).  The Net Amount is payable by the Defendants as follows:  the Net Amount shall be paid on February 10, 2011, by wire transfer to [ * ] .

2.                    Insignia and News America shall enter into an exclusive selling arrangement consistent with the terms attached hereto as Joint Exhibit A (the “Exclusive Selling Agreement”).  The Settlement Amount is not part of the consideration for the Exclusive Selling Agreement.  This Agreement, and any and all releases and covenants not to sue, shall survive and remain in full force and effect and be considered final and binding even if a dispute arises regarding the Exclusive Selling Agreement, including but not limited to a dispute in which there are claims that the Exclusive Selling Agreement has been breached, claims that the Exclusive Selling Agreement should be declared void or claims that the Exclusive Selling Agreement lacks consideration.

3.                    Defendant shall not seek to enforce any right of first refusal and/or right of last refusal provision contained in any of its current agreements with retailers and shall not include right of first refusal and/or right of last refusal provisions in any agreement it reaches with any retailer in the future.  Similarly, Plaintiff shall not include right of first refusal and/or right of last refusal provisions in any agreement it reaches with retailers in the future.

4.                    The Parties mutually agree that they shall not do or say anything at any time which is falsely disparaging to the other Parties.

 
*Indicates confidential information which has been omitted and filed separately with the Commission under Rule 24b-2.

 


 

5.                    On or before February 9, 2011, Plaintiff shall provide Defendant with a stipulated order in the form of Exhibit B, dismissing the action with prejudice and without costs.   The Parties shall take all reasonable steps to have the order on the stipulation entered.

6.                    Each Party shall bear its own expenses and attorneys’ fees in connection with the Action. 

7.                    The Parties agree that the United States District Court for Minnesota shall retain jurisdiction over the Action to enforce this Agreement.  Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636, Fed.R.Civ.P. 53 and Local Rule 72.1, the Parties further agree and consent to the appointment of the Honorable Arthur Boylan as the master to resolve all disputes in accordance with procedures established by him.  Accordingly, concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, the Parties will exchange executed copies of the stipulation substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C and Defendant will promptly file it with the Court.  The Parties shall take all reasonable steps to have the order on the stipulation entered.

8.                    The terms of the Protective Order as originally entered in the Action on or about December 28, 2006 (“the Protective Order”) shall survive dismissal of the Action and are hereby reaffirmed, including the provision that all Confidential Material (as that term is defined in the Protective Order) shall be destroyed.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree that all Confidential Material (including but not limited to discovery responses, documents and things produced, depositions, summaries of the foregoing, and motion papers filed with the Court consisting of, incorporating or attaching Confidential Material) that are in the possession, custody or control of the Parties, their attorneys and/or their experts and consultants shall be destroyed on or before March 30, 2011, except that outside counsel for the respective parties shall retain for a period of six (6) years a copy of documents which formed a part of the court record in the Action.

9.                    Except for the Parties’ obligations under this Agreement and the Exclusive Selling Agreement, each of Plaintiff and the Plaintiff Released Parties (as defined below) hereby releases, remises, acquits, and forever discharges Defendant or any of its past or present members, related or affiliated companies and any or all of its respective officers, directors, shareholders, partners, servants, employees, members, attorneys, accountants, agents, representatives, affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, successors and assigns, whether in their individual capacity or as principal or agent (collectively, the “Defendant Released Parties”), from any and all manner of actions and causes of action, suits, debts, obligations, contracts, torts, covenants, claims, rights of contribution and/or indemnification, rights of subrogation, sums of money, judgments, executions, liabilities, damages, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees and legal costs, demands and rights whatsoever, contingent or noncontingent, in law or in equity, known or unknown, of any kind or character, from the beginning of time up to the date of this Agreement (collectively, the “Released Matters”).  Each of Plaintiff and the Plaintiff Released Parties further promises, covenants and agrees not to sue, attempt to introduce as evidence, or otherwise assert any of the Released Matters and/or the underlying facts or conduct supporting the Released Matters against the Defendant or the Defendant Released Parties in any court, governmental or regulatory body or other proceedings.

 

2

 


 

 

10.                 Except for the Parties’ obligations under this Agreement and the Exclusive Selling Agreement, each of Defendant and the Defendant Released Parties hereby releases, remises, acquits and forever discharges Plaintiff or any of its past or present members, related or affiliated companies and any or all of its respective officers, directors, shareholders, partners, servants, employees, members, attorneys, accountants, agents, representatives, affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, successors and assigns, whether in their individual capacity or as principal or agent (collectively, the “Plaintiff Released Parties”), from any and all manner of actions and causes of action, suits, debts, obligations, contracts, torts, covenants, claims, rights of contribution and/or indemnification, rights of subrogation, sums of money, judgments, executions, liabilities, damages, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees and legal costs, demands and rights whatsoever, contingent or noncontingent, in law or in equity, known or unknown, of any kind or character, from the beginning of time up to the date of this Agreement (collectively, “Released Matters”).  Each of Defendant and the Defendant Released Parties further promises, covenants and agrees not to sue, attempt to introduce as evidence, or otherwise assert any of the Released Matters and/or the underlying facts or conduct supporting the Released Matters against Plaintiff or Plaintiff Released Parties in any court, governmental or regulatory body or other proceedings.

11.                 Except for the Parties’ obligations under this Agreement, Drill hereby releases, remises, acquits, and forever discharges Defendant and the Defendant Released Parties from any and all manner of actions and causes of action, suits, debts, obligations, contracts, torts, covenants, claims, rights of contribution and/or indemnification, rights of subrogation, sums of money, judgments, executions, liabilities, damages, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees and legal costs, demands and rights whatsoever, contingent or noncontingent, in law or in equity, known or unknown, of any kind or character, from the beginning of time up to the date of this Agreement (collectively, “Released Matters”).  Drill further promises, covenants and agrees not to sue, attempt to introduce as evidence, or otherwise assert any of the Released Matters and/or the underlying facts or conduct supporting the Released Matters against Defendant or any Defendant Released Parties in any court, governmental or regulatory body or other proceedings. 

12.                 Except for the Parties’ obligations under this Agreement, each of Defendant and Defendant Released Parties hereby releases, remises, acquits and forever discharges Drill from any and all manner of actions and causes of action, suits, debts, obligations, contracts, torts, covenants, claims, rights of contribution and/or indemnification, rights of subrogation, sums of money, judgments, executions, liabilities, damages, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees and legal costs, demands and rights whatsoever, contingent or noncontingent, in law or in equity, known or unknown, of any kind or character, from the beginning of time up to the date of this Agreement (collectively, “Released Matters”).  Each of Defendant and Defendant Released Parties further promises, covenants and agrees not to sue, attempt to introduce as evidence, or otherwise assert any of the Released Matters and/or the underlying facts or conduct supporting the Released Matters against Drill in any court, governmental or regulatory body or other proceedings.

13.                 Plaintiff and Defendant hereby warrant and represent to the other that they have not assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer, to any person or entity, any rights, claims, counterclaims, obligations, demands, damages, actions or causes of action that they may have against the other, including but not limited to rights, claims or damages arising out of or related in any way to the Action.  Plaintiff and Defendant hereby represent and warrant that there are no other pending actions or claims by Plaintiff against Defendant, or by Defendant against Plaintiff.

 

3

 


 

 

14.                 Drill and Defendant hereby warrant and represent to the other that they have not assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer, to any person or entity, any rights, claims, counterclaims, obligations, demands, damages, actions or causes of action that they may have against the other, including but not limited to rights, claims or damages arising out of or related in any way to the Action.  Drill and Defendant hereby represent and warrant that there are no other pending actions or claims by Drill against Defendant, or by Defendant against Drill.

15.                 The Parties understand and agree that this Agreement, and the Parties’ obligations and payments made hereunder, are entered into and done solely to compromise disputed claims, and shall not constitute an admission of liability on the part of any Party.  Further, this Agreement, the Parties’ obligations hereunder, and payments made hereunder, shall not be offered into evidence in any proceedings by any Party hereto, except as necessary in an action to enforce the terms hereof.

16.                 This Agreement, including the exhibits hereto, is the entire, integrated agreement between the Parties, and any and all discussions, understandings, and agreements heretofore had by the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof are merged into this Agreement, which alone fully and completely expresses the Parties’ agreement, except as set forth in the other documents executed by the Parties.  No amendments, waivers, or termination can be made except in a writing signed by each of the Parties.

17.                 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.

18.                 Other than to announce that the parties have amicably settled the Action, neither party hereto nor its attorneys shall disclose to any third party any information with respect to the terms and provisions of this Agreement except: (i) to the extent necessary to comply with the law or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, in which event(s) the party making such disclosure shall so notify the other as promptly as practicable (if possible, prior to making such disclosure), and shall seek confidential treatment of such information and/or in camera review, (ii) to the extent necessary to comply with the S.E.C. or other regulatory authorities or similar disclosure requirements under any applicable laws, (iii) as part of its normal business activities or reporting or review procedures to its parent and affiliated companies (other than Valassis), banks, auditors, attorneys, accountants, insurers and similar professionals, provided, however, that such companies, banks, auditors, attorneys, accountants, insurers and similar professionals agree to be bound by the provisions of this paragraph, (iv) as required by the Internal Revenue Service or by any state tax authority, and (v) in any proceeding to enforce this Agreement. 

19.                 All confidential information that the parties disclose to each other pursuant to the Settlement Agreement or Exclusive Selling Agreement, including but not limited to the terms of their respective agreements with retailers, shall be kept confidential by the receiving party and not shared with any competitors, including Valassis.  The receiving party shall treat the other party’s confidential information with the same care and take the same precautions that the receiving party uses to maintain the confidentiality of their own confidential and competitively sensitive documents and information.

20.                 No provision of this Agreement may be waived, amended, supplemented, terminated or repealed in whole or in part, except only by the written consent of all Parties.  Any waiver, amendment or supplement agreed to by the Parties will apply only to the instance or circumstance expressly provided therein, and not to any other instance or circumstance, whether similar or dissimilar.

 

 

4

 


 

21.                 The Parties each represent and warrant to the other that the persons executing this Agreement on their respective behalves are authorized to do so.  All terms and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective members, transferees, successors and assigns.  Plaintiff acknowledges that it sought and obtained approval to enter into this settlement from its board of directors.  Defendants acknowledge that they sought and obtained approval to enter into this settlement from the board of directors of News Corp.  No provision of this Agreement gives any third persons any right of subrogation or action against any party hereto.  All representations, warranties, indemnities, covenants and agreements in this Agreement shall survive execution and delivery of this Agreement and continue to be binding.

22.                 It is agreed that this Agreement was prepared by counsel for each of the Parties hereto.  Each of the Parties acknowledges that each signed this document voluntarily, without duress, undue influence or oppression and each represents to the other that it acts voluntarily and with full advice of counsel.  Each Party recognizes and acknowledges that its knowledge may not be full and complete.  Each Party elects to assume the risk of partial knowledge and elects to settle on the terms stated herein.  Each Party further acknowledges to the other that it does not rely upon any representations of any kind or character made by or on behalf of the other, including by way of illustration and not of limitation, any representation about the nature or extent of any claims, demands, damages, rights or defenses which one Party may have against the other Parties, and that no Party relies upon any representations of the other Parties, its officers, agents, directors, employees or attorneys in entering into this Agreement, except as set forth in this Agreement.  Each Party acknowledges that the consideration received has been actual and adequate.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and facsimile copies of signatures shall be treated as originals for all purposes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement was executed the 9th day of February, 2011.

 

 

INSIGNIA SYSTEMS, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Scott Drill

 

Its: CEO

 

 

SCOTT DRILL

 

 

/s/ Scott Drill

 

 

NEWS AMERICA MARKETING IN-STORE SERVICES L.L.C.

 

 

By: /s/ Eugenie Gavencek

 

Its: Senior Vice President

 

 

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FOR SETTLEMENT PURPOSES ONLY

EXHIBIT A

 

CONFIDENTIAL – TO BE DISTRIBUTED ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS ONLY

 

INSIGNIA –NEWS AMERICA MARKETING

 

TERM SHEET

 

February 9, 2011

 

 

 

[ * ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Indicates confidential information which has been omitted and filed separately with the Commission under Rule 24b-2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT B

 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA

 


INSIGNIA SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

Plaintiff,

v.

NEWS AMERICA MARKETING
IN-STORE, INC.,

 

Defendant.

:
:
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:
:
:
:
:
:
:


Civil No. 04 4213 (JRT/AJB)

 

STIPULATED ORDER DISMISSING CASE WITH PREJUDICE

Judge: Hon. John R. Tunheim

Complaint Filed: Sept. 23, 2004
Trial Date: February
7, 2011

 

 

STIPULATION TO DISMISS CASE WITH PREJUDICE

Plaintiff Insignia Systems, Inc., on the one hand, and Defendant News America Marketing In-Store L.L.C. (sued in the Action as News America Marketing In-Store, Inc.), on the other hand, by and through their attorneys of record (collectively, “the Parties”), hereby AGREE AND STIPULATE that the above-captioned case, together with all of Plaintiff’s claims against Defendant which are contained therein or which could have been contained therein as of the date of this Stipulation, is hereby DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE, with each party to bear its own costs.

The Parties further AGREE AND STIPULATE that the Protective Order filed in the above-captioned case shall remain in effect and govern the conduct of the Parties, including the provision that all Confidential Material (as that term is defined in the Protective Order) shall be destroyed.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties STIPULATE AND AGREE that all Confidential Material (including but not limited to discovery responses, documents and things produced, depositions, summaries of the foregoing, and motion papers filed with the Court incorporating or attaching Confidential Material) that are in the possession, custody or control of the Parties, their attorneys and/or their experts and consultants shall be destroyed on or before March 30, 2011.

 

I STIPULATE TO ENTRY OF THE ABOVE ORDER:

 

Dated: February 9, 2011

 

By:  /s/ Stephen A. Wood

 

Stephen A. Wood
KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP
333 West Wacker Drive
Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 857-2311
Fax: (312) 857-7095
swood@kelleydrye.com

 

Attorneys for Plaintiff
Insignia Systems, Inc.

Dated: February 9, 2011

 

By:  /s/ Richard L. Stone

 

Richard L. Stone (pro hac vice)
HOGAN LOVELLS US LLP
1999 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA  90067
(310) 785-4600 (phone)
(310) 785-4601 (facsimile)
richard.stone@hoganlovells.com

 

Attorneys for Defendant
News America Marketing In-Store, Inc.

 

 


 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA

 


INSIGNIA SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

Plaintiff,

v.

NEWS AMERICA MARKETING
IN-STORE, INC.,

 

Defendant.

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:
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:


Civil No. 04 4213 (JRT/AJB)

 

STIPULATED ORDER DISMISSING CASE WITH PREJUDICE

 

Judge: Hon. John R. Tunheim

 

Complaint Filed: Sept. 23, 2004
Trial Date: February
7, 2011

 

ORDER DISMISSING CASE WITH PREJUDICE

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that that the above-captioned case, together with all of Plaintiff’s claims against Defendant which are contained therein or which could have been contained therein as of the date of this Stipulation, is hereby DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE, with each party to bear its own costs.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Protective Order filed in the above-captioned case shall remain in effect and govern the conduct of the Parties.  Confidential Material (including but not limited to discovery responses, documents and things produced, depositions, summaries of the foregoing, and motion papers filed with the Court incorporating or attaching Confidential Material) that are in the possession, custody or control of the Parties, their attorneys and/or their experts and consultants shall be destroyed on or before March 30, 2011.

 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

 

 

Date: February 10, 2011

 

s/ John R. Tunheim

at Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

JOHN R. TUNHEIM
    United States District Judge    

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT C

 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA

 


INSIGNIA SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

Plaintiff,

v.

NEWS AMERICA MARKETING
IN-STORE, INC.,

 

Defendant.

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Civil No. 04 4213 (JRT/AJB)

 

STIPULATION TO APPOINT MASTER


Judge: Hon. John R. Tunheim

Complaint Filed: Sept. 23, 2004
Trial Date: February
7, 2011

 

STIPULATION TO APPOINT MASTER

Plaintiff Insignia Systems, Inc. and former counter-defendant Scott Drill, on the one hand, and Defendant News America Marketing In-Store, Inc., on the other hand, by and through their attorneys of record (collectively, “the Parties”), hereby AGREE AND STIPULATE, subject to the approval of the Court, that the United States District Court of Minnesota shall retain jurisdiction to enforce the Parties’ settlement agreement and Exclusive Selling Agreement entered on February 9, 2011, and the Honorable Arthur J. Boylan shall serve as a special master pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636, Fed.R.Civ.P. 53 and Local Rule 72.1 to enforce and interpret the settlement agreement entered on February 9, 2011, Joint Exhibit A thereto, the long-form exclusive selling agreement and related matters.

 

I STIPULATE TO ENTRY OF THE ABOVE ORDER:

 

Dated: February 9, 2011

 

By:  /s/ Stephen A. Wood

 

Stephen A. Wood
KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP
333 West Wacker Drive
Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 857-2311
Fax: (312) 857-7095
swood@kelleydrye.com

 

Attorneys for Plaintiff
Insignia Systems, Inc.
and Scott Drill

Dated: February 9, 2011

By:  /s/ Richard L. Stone

 

Richard L. Stone (pro hac vice)
HOGAN LOVELLS US LLP
1999 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA  90067
(310) 785-4600 (phone)
(310) 785-4601 (facsimile)
richard.stone@hoganlovells.com

 

Attorneys for Defendant
News America Marketing In-Store, Inc.

 

 

 


 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA

 


INSIGNIA SYSTEMS, INC.,

 

Plaintiff,

v.

NEWS AMERICA MARKETING
IN-STORE, INC.,

 

Defendant.

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:
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:
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:


Civil No. 04 4213 (JRT/AJB)

 

STIPULATED ORDER TO APPOINT SPECIAL MASTER

Judge: Hon. John R. Tunheim

Complaint Filed: Sept. 23, 2004
Trial Date: February
7, 2011

 

ORDER APPOINTING MASTER

IT IS ORDERED that the United States District Court for Minnesota shall retain jurisdiction to enforce the Parties’ settlement agreement and Exclusive Selling Agreement entered on February 9, 2011, and pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636, Fed.R.Civ.P. 53 and Local Rule 72.1, the Honorable Arthur J. Boylan is hereby designated to serve as a special master for any disputes that arises between the parties regarding enforcement or interpretation of the Parties’ settlement agreement entered on February 9, 2011, Joint Exhibit A thereto, the long-form exclusive selling agreement and related matters.

 

 

IT IS SO ORDERED.

 

 

Date: February 10, 2011

 

s/ John R. Tunheim

at Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

JOHN R. TUNHEIM
    United States District Judge    

 

 

 


 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

I, Scott F. Drill, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Insignia Systems, Inc.;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 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)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others within the Registrant, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; and

 

 

 

 

b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; and

 

 

 

 

c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

 

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:  May 10, 2011

/s/ Scott F. Drill

 

Scott F. Drill
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)

 

 


 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, Justin W. Shireman, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Insignia Systems, Inc.;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 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)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others within the Registrant, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; and

 

 

 

 

b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; and

 

 

 

 

c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

 

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:  May 10, 2011

/s/ Justin W. Shireman

 

Justin W. Shireman
Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)

 

 

 


 

 

Exhibit 32

 

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION

 

 

The undersigned certify that:

 

(1)   The accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)   The information contained in the accompanying Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date:  May 10, 2011

 

 

/s/ Scott F. Drill

 

Scott F. Drill
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

Date:  May 10, 2011

 

 

/s/ Justin W. Shireman

 

Justin W. Shireman
Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)