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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011

 

OR

 

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

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-3295

 

KOSS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

39-1168275

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

4129 North Port Washington Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

53212

(Address of principal executive offices

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (414) 964-5000

 

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

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock $0.005 par value

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

NONE

(Title of class)

 

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  x

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  o

 

Accelerated filer  o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer  o

 

Smaller reporting company  x

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the common voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of December 31, 2010 was approximately $11,576,750 (based on the $5.00 per share closing price of the Company’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on December 31, 2010).

 

On August 22, 2011, 7,382,706 shares of voting common stock were outstanding.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates by reference information from Koss Corporation’s Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.

 

 

 



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KOSS CORPORATION

FORM 10-K

JUNE 30, 2011

 

INDEX

 

 

 

Page

PART I

 

 

Item 1.

Business

5

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

8

Item 2.

Properties

13

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

13

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

Item 5.

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

15

Item 7.

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

16

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

21

Item 9.

Changes and Disagreements with Auditors on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

21

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

22

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

24

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

In December 2009, Koss Corporation (the “Company”) learned of certain unauthorized transactions made by Sujata Sachdeva, its former Vice President of Finance and Principal Accounting Officer.  The Company first learned of the unauthorized transactions on December 18, 2009, when Michael Koss received a call from American Express security informing him that certain wire transfers were being made from the Company’s corporate bank accounts to pay personal American Express expenses of Ms. Sachdeva.  These wire transfers were part of the unauthorized transactions made by Ms. Sachdeva resulting in the misappropriation of approximately $31,500,000 from fiscal year 2005 through December 2009.  The Company subsequently learned that Ms. Sachdeva colluded with two other employees in the accounting department in the misappropriation and circumvention of the Company’s then existing internal controls and established operating procedures.

 

As a result of the unauthorized transactions, the Company restated its previously issued consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, and for the three month period ended September 30, 2009.  These restatements were disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30, 2009 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the three months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  The Company also amended its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q/A for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 to include condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, which were delayed as a result of the restatements.  All of these amended reports were filed on June 30, 2010, and should be read in conjunction with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The financial effect of the unauthorized transactions as well as the related costs and recoveries during fiscal years 2011 and 2010 is described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

On November 17, 2010, Sujata Sachdeva was sentenced to 11 years in prison.  As part of a restitution order that was entered relating to her sentence, the Company expects to receive additional recoveries from the sale of approximately 25,000 items that law enforcement seized from Ms. Sachdeva.  In March and April 2011, the U.S. Marshals Service conducted auctions of jewelry and certain other items that were seized, and the Company believes that the gross proceeds from these auctions amounted to approximately $1.1 million.  The Company expects to receive the net proceeds from these auctions after deducting commissions and other related costs involved with the sale of the items, but the U.S. Marshals Service has not provided the Company with an estimate of the net proceeds that the Company will receive.  The U.S. Marshals Service is planning to hold additional auctions in the future for the remaining items seized, with the net proceeds also being remitted to the Company.  The consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report do not include any estimates of the proceeds that the Company expects to receive from the auctions of any of the items seized.

 

Additional legal proceedings related to the unauthorized transactions are described in “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of that term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) (Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in filings with the Securities Exchange Commission, press releases, or otherwise.  Statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Act.  Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of revenue, income or loss and capital expenditures, statements regarding future operations, anticipated financing needs, compliance with financial covenants in loan agreements, plans for acquisitions or sales of assets or businesses, plans relating to products or services of the Company, assessments of materiality, predictions of future events, the effects of pending and possible litigation and assumptions relating to the foregoing.  In addition, when used in this Form 10-K, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans” and variations thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified based on current expectations.  Consequently, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K, or in other Company filings, press releases, or otherwise.  In addition to the factors discussed in this Form 10-K, other factors that could contribute to or cause such differences include, but are not limited to, developments in any one or more of the following areas: future fluctuations in economic conditions, the receptivity of consumers to new consumer electronics technologies, the rate and consumer acceptance of new product introductions, competition, pricing, the number and nature of customers and their product orders, production by third party vendors, foreign manufacturing, sourcing, and sales (including foreign government regulation, trade and importation concerns), borrowing costs, changes in tax rates, pending or threatened litigation and investigations, and other risk factors which may be detailed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unexpected events.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1.                                                      BUSINESS.

 

GENERAL

 

As used herein, the term “Company” means Koss Corporation and its consolidated wholly-owned subsidiary, Koss Classics Ltd. (“Koss Classics”), unless the context otherwise requires.  The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1971.

 

The Company operates in the audio/video industry segment of the home entertainment industry through its design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related accessory products.  The Company reports its results as a single reporting segment, as the Company’s principal business line is the design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related accessories.

 

The Company’s products are sold through national retailers, international distributors, audio specialty stores, the internet, direct mail catalogs, regional department store chains, discount department stores, military exchanges and prisons under the “Koss” name.  The Company also sells products to distributors for resale to school systems, and directly to other manufacturers for inclusion with their own products.  The Company has more than 300 domestic dealers and its products are carried in approximately 17,000 domestic retail outlets and numerous retailers worldwide.  International markets are served by domestic sales representatives and a sales office in Switzerland which utilizes independent distributors in several foreign countries.  The Company has one subsidiary, Koss Classics.

 

Ninety-nine percent of the Company’s products are stereo headphones for listening to music.  The products are not significantly differentiated by their retail sales channel or application with the exception of products sold to school systems and prisons.  There are no other product line differentiations other than the quality of the sound produced by the stereo headphone itself, which is highly subjective.  The business could also be classified by distribution channel.

 

The Company sources complete stereo headphones manufactured to its specifications from various manufacturers in Asia as well as raw materials used to produce stereo headphones at its plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Management believes that it has sources of complete stereo headphones and raw materials that are adequate for its needs.

 

There are no employment or compensation commitments between the Company and its dealers.  The Company has several independent manufacturers’ representatives as part of its distribution efforts.  The Company typically signs one year contracts with these manufacturers’ representatives.  The arrangements with foreign distributors do not contemplate that the Company pays any compensation other than any profit the distributors make upon their sale of the Company’s products.

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

John C. Koss is recognized for creating the stereo headphone industry with the first SP3 stereo headphone in 1958.  The Company regularly applies for registration of its trademarks in many countries around the world, and over the years the Company has had numerous trademarks registered and patents issued in North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia.  The Company currently has approximately 441 trademarks registered in 90 countries around the world and patents in 29 countries.  The Company has trademarks to protect the brand name, Koss, and its logo on its products.  These trademarks are maintained throughout the countries in which the Company sells its products.  The Company also holds many design patents that protect the unique visual appearance of some of its products.  These trademarks and patents are important to differentiate the Company from its competitors.  Certain of the Company’s trademarks are of material value and importance to the conduct of its business.  The Company considers protection of its proprietary developments important; however, the Company’s business is not, in the opinion of management, materially dependent upon any single trademark or

 

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patent.  During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company took steps to update and monitor its patents and trademarks to protect its intellectual property around the world.

 

SEASONALITY

 

Although retail sales of consumer electronics have typically been higher during the holiday season, stereo headphones have also seen increased interest as gift items over the years.  Management of the Company believes that its business and industry segment are no longer seasonal as evidenced by the fact that 55% of net sales occurred in the first six months of the year ended June 30, 2011, and 45% of net sales occurred in the latter six months of the year.  Management believes that the reason for this level performance of sales to retailers and distributors is related to the fact that stereo headphones have become replacement items for portable electronic products.  Therefore, upgrades and replacements appear to have as much interest over the course of the year as gifts of stereo headphones during the holiday season.

 

WORKING CAPITAL AND BACKLOG

 

The Company’s working capital needs do not differ substantially from those of its competitors in the industry and generally reflect the need to carry significant amounts of inventory to meet delivery requirements of its customers.  From time to time, although rarely, the Company may extend payment terms to its dealers for a special promotion.  For instance, the Company has in the past offered a 90-120 day payment period for certain customers, such as computer retailers and office supply stores.  Based on historical trends, management does not expect these practices to have any material effect on net sales or net income.  The Company’s backlog of orders as of June 30, 2011 is not significant in relation to net sales during fiscal 2011 or anticipated fiscal 2012 net sales.

 

CUSTOMERS

 

The Company markets a line of products used by consumers to listen to music, DVD’s in vehicles, sound bytes on computer systems, and other audio related media.  The Company distributes these products through retail channels in the U.S. and independent distributors throughout the rest of the world.  The Company markets its products to approximately 17,000 domestic retailers and numerous retailers worldwide.  During fiscal 2011, the Company’s sales to its largest single customer, Tura Scandinavia AB, were approximately 25% of net sales and sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. accounted for 17% of fiscal 2011 net sales.  In fiscal 2010, net sales to Tura Scandinavia AB and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, accounted for 25% and 17% of net sales, respectively.  The Company is dependent upon its ability to retain a base of retailers and distributors to sell the Company’s line of products.  Loss of retailers and distributors means loss of product placement.  The Company has broad distribution across many channels including specialty stores, mass merchants, and electronics stores.  Management believes that any loss of revenues would be partially offset by a corresponding decrease, on a percentage basis, in expenses; thereby partially reducing the impact on the Company’s income from operations.  The five largest customers of the Company (including Tura Scandinavia AB and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) accounted for approximately 53% and 52% of total net sales in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively.

 

COMPETITION

 

The Company focuses on the stereo headphone industry.  In the stereo headphone market, the Company competes directly with approximately five major competitors, several of which are large and diversified and have greater total assets and resources than the Company.  The extent to which retailers and consumers view the Company as an innovative vendor of high quality stereo headphone products, and a provider of excellent after sales customer service, is the extent to which the Company maintains a competitive advantage.  The Company relies upon its unique sound, quality workmanship, brand identification, engineering skills, and customer service to maintain its competitive position.

 

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The amount expensed on engineering and research activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement of existing products was approximately $900,000 during fiscal 2011 as compared with $766,000 during fiscal 2010. These activities were conducted by both Company personnel and outside consultants.  The Company expects that research and development costs will continue and it is planning to introduce a new product offering during the first half of fiscal 2012.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 

The Company believes that it has materially complied with all currently existing federal, state and local statutes and regulations regarding environmental standards and occupational safety and health matters to which it is subject.  During the fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the amounts incurred in complying with federal, state and local statutes and regulations pertaining to environmental standards and occupational safety and health laws and regulations did not materially affect the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of June 30, 2011, the Company employed 65 people, who are all non-union.  The Company also engages temporary personnel.

 

FOREIGN SALES

 

The Company’s competitive position and risks relating to its business in foreign markets are comparable to those in the domestic market.  In addition, the governments of foreign nations may elect to erect trade barriers on imports.  The creation of additional barriers would reduce the Company’s net sales and net income.  In addition, any fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the pricing of the Company’s products and divert customers who might choose to purchase lower-priced, less profitable products, and could affect overall demand for the Company’s products.  For further information, see Part II, Item 7 and Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company has a small sales office in Switzerland to service the international export marketplace.  The Company is not aware of any material risks in maintaining this operation.  Loss of this office would result in a transfer of sales and marketing responsibility.  The Company sells its products to independent distributors in countries and regions outside the United States including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, South America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico.  The Company sells products in the Canadian market through a distributor who services smaller specialty accounts.  During the last two fiscal years, net sales of all Koss products, were distributed as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

United States

 

$

20,396,483

 

$

20,182,347

 

Europe

 

19,040,340

 

17,710,672

 

All other countries

 

2,081,312

 

2,705,703

 

Net sales

 

$

41,518,135

 

$

40,598,722

 

 

In addition to a manufacturing facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Company uses contract manufacturing facilities in the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and South Korea.  These independent suppliers are distant from the Company, which means that we are at risk of business interruptions due to natural disasters, war, disease and government intervention through tariffs or trade restrictions that are of less concern domestically.  The Company maintains finished goods inventory in its U.S. facility to mitigate this risk.  The Company’s goal is to stock finished goods inventory at an average of approximately 90 days demand per item.  Recovery of a single facility through replacement of a supplier in the event of a disaster or suspension of supply could take 120 days.  The Company believes that it could restore production of its top ten selling models (which represent approximately 61% of the Company’s net sales) within one year.  The Company is also at risk if the trade

 

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restrictions are introduced on its products based upon country of origin.  In addition, the Company may not be able to pass along most increases in tariffs and freight charges to the Company’s customers, which would directly affect profits.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

The Company’s internet website is http://www.koss.com.  The Company makes available free of charge through its internet website the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with (or furnished to) the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These reports and other information regarding the Company are also available on the SEC’s internet website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

ITEM 1A.                                             RISK FACTORS.

 

Investing in the Company’s common stock involves a high degree of risk. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity and results of operations or prospects, financial or otherwise.

 

REDUCTION IN PRESENT LEVELS OF CASH FLOW COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity over the past 12 months has been operating cash flows.  The Company’s future cash flows from operations (on both a short term and long term basis) are dependent upon, but not limited to:

 

·                                 the Company’s ability to attract new customers that will sell the Company’s products and pay for them;

·                                 the Company’s ability to retain the Company’s existing customers at the level of sales previously produced;

·                                 the volume of sales for these customers;

·                                 the loss of business of one or more primary customers;

·                                 changes in types of products that the customers purchase in their sales mix;

·                                 poor or deteriorating economic conditions which would directly impact the ability of the Company’s customers to remain in business and pay for their products on a timely basis;

·                                 Management’s ability to minimize the impact of requests for increases in material or labor cost; and

·                                 the ability to collect in full and in a timely manner amounts due to the Company.

 

In addition, the Company’s cash flow is also dependent, to some extent, upon the ability to maintain operating margins. The continuing general downturn in economic conditions or other events that management believes may have caused the Company’s customers to turn to lower-priced, lower-margin products, could cause the Company’s cash flow and profitability to be materially and adversely affected.

 

FAILURE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN CUSTOMERS TO SELL THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT SALES VOLUME AND FUTURE PROFITABILITY

 

The Company markets a line of products used by consumers to listen to music.  The Company distributes these products through retail channels in the U.S. and independent distributors throughout the rest of the world.  The Company is dependent upon its ability to attract and retain a base of customers to sell the Company’s line of products.  The Company has broad distribution across many channels including specialty stores, mass merchants, electronics stores and computer retailers.  The Company may not be able to maintain customers or model selections and therefore may experience a reduction in its sales revenue until a model is restored to the mix or a lost customer is replaced by a new customer.  The loss of business of one or more principal customers or a change in the sales volume from a particular customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s sales volume and profitability.

 

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SHIFT IN CUSTOMER SPECIFICATIONS TO LOWER PRICED ITEMS CAN REDUCE PROFIT MARGINS NEGATIVELY IMPACTING PROFITABILITY

 

The Company sells a line of products with a suggested retail price ranging from less than $10 up to $1,000.  The gross margin for each of these models is unique in terms of percentages.  The Company finds the low priced portion of the market most competitive and therefore most subject to pressure on gross margin percentages, which tends to lower profit contributions.  The risk is that a shift in retail customer specifications toward lower priced items can lead to lower gross margins and lower profit contributions per unit of sale.  Due to the range of products that the Company sells, the product sales mix can produce a variation in profit margins.  Some customers sell a limited range of products that yield lower profit margins than others.  Most notably, the budget priced stereo headphone segment of the market below $10 retail, which is distributed through computer stores, office supply stores and mass market retailers, tends to yield the lowest gross margins.  An increase in business with these types of accounts, if coupled with a simultaneous reduction in sales to customers with higher gross margins, would reduce profit margins and profitability.

 

POOR ECONOMIC CONDITIONS CAN RESTRICT OR LIMIT PRODUCT PLACEMENT, SALES AND REPLENISHMENT WHICH COULD DECREASE PROFITS

 

Deteriorating or weak economic conditions, or a forecast for the same, can trigger changes in inventory stocking at retail customers.  This may in turn lead to a reduction in model offerings and/or out of stock situations.  If a retail customer of the Company does not have adequate supply of the Company’s products to offer for sale in a retail store, consumers may choose another competitive model instead.  Customers operating retail stores anticipate future sales demands and stock inventory accordingly.  Decreases in customer stocking levels or reorder quantities directly impact the Company’s sales and profitability.  The Company is not in a position to determine how it will be affected by these circumstances, how extensive the effects may be, or for how long the Company may be negatively impacted by these circumstances.  Any adverse changes in economic conditions can therefore restrict product placement, availability, sales, replenishment and ultimately profitability.  These conditions exist domestically and internationally.

 

MANAGEMENT IS SUBJECT TO DECISIONS MADE OUTSIDE ITS CONTROL WHICH COULD DIRECTLY AFFECT FUTURE PROFITABILITY

 

Retail customers determine which products they will stock for resale.  The Company competes with other manufacturers to secure shelf space in retail stores for the Company’s products.  During the course of a year, changes in the customers’ management personnel can ultimately lead to changes in the stock assortment offered to consumers.  These changes are often arbitrary.  In addition to changes in personnel within the Company’s customers, it is also possible that a strategic decision can be made by a retail customer to consolidate vendors, or to discontinue certain product categories altogether.  In these instances, the Company’s management team may not be able to convince customers to reverse such decisions.  The Company’s management team is also engaged in the effective procurement, assembly and manufacture of products.  The ability to negotiate with suppliers, maintain productivity and hold the line on cost increases can be subjected to pressures outside the control of management.  For example, increases in fuel costs can increase freight rates.  Increases of this nature can seldom be avoided and the Company may not be able to pass such increases along to its customers.  Management’s effective control of the manufacturing processes will have a direct impact on the Company’s future profitability.  The Company regularly makes decisions that affect production schedules, shipping schedules, employee headcount and inventory levels.  The Company’s ability to make effective decisions in managing these areas has a direct effect on future profitability.

 

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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AMOUNTS DUE FROM OUR CUSTOMERS CAN BE LOST AS A RESULT OF CUSTOMER BANKRUPTCY, OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTY, OR FAILURE TO PAY, NEGATIVELY IMPACTING FUTURE PROFITABILITY

 

The Company has significant accounts receivable from the Company’s customers.  Terms of payment for customers generally range from cash in advance of delivery to net 120 day credit terms.  These credit arrangements are negotiated at unspecified and irregular intervals.  The largest customers generate the largest receivable balances.  If a customer develops operational difficulty it is not uncommon to temporarily suspend payment to vendors.  The Company is subject to this risk in the retail marketplace.  From time to time a customer may develop severe operating losses which can lead to a bankruptcy.  In these cases, the Company may lose most or even all of the outstanding balance due.  Moreover, when this occurs, another material risk may be the loss of future revenue from the bankrupt customer if it is not replaced.  In addition, many companies that insure accounts receivables may not provide adequate coverage at acceptable rates for the Company’s largest mass market customers.  The risk is that the Company derives most of the Company’s sales revenue and profits from selling products to retailers for resale to consumers.  The failure of the Company’s customers to pay in full amounts due to the Company could negatively affect future profitability.

 

COMPANY PROFITS CAN SUFFER FROM INTERRUPTIONS IN SUPPLY CHAIN

 

The Company uses contract manufacturing facilities in the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and South Korea.  The Company is at risk of business interruptions due to natural disaster, war, disease and government intervention through tariffs or trade restrictions that are of less concern domestically.  Therefore, if there are any interruptions in the supply chain for any of these reasons, this could directly impact the Company’s profits in a negative way.  The Company is also at risk if trade restrictions are imposed on the Company’s products based upon country of origin.  In addition, the Company may not be able to pass along most increases in tariffs and freight charges to the Company’s customers, which would directly affect profits.

 

FLUCTUATIONS IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES COULD AFFECT PRICING OF PRODUCTS AND CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO PURCHASE LOWER-PRICED, LESS PROFITABLE PRODUCTS AND COULD AFFECT OVERALL DEMAND FOR THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS

 

The Company receives a material portion of its sales and profits from business in Europe.  To the extent that the value of the U.S. dollar increases relative to currencies in those jurisdictions, it increases the cost of the Company’s products in those jurisdictions, which could create negative pressure on the overall demand for the Company’s products.  The Company gets paid by its international customers in U.S. dollars.  To the extent that increased prices arising from currency fluctuations decrease the overall demand for the Company’s products or motivate customers to purchase lower-priced, lower profit products, the Company’s sales, profits and cash flows could be adversely affected.

 

COMPANY PROFITS CAN SUFFER FROM INCREASING MANUFACTURING COSTS IN CHINA AS A RESULT OF INCREASED WAGES AND WAGE TAXES

 

The Company uses contract manufacturing facilities in the People’s Republic of China.  An increase in the cost of labor or taxes on wages in China may lead to an increase in the cost of goods manufactured in China.  The costs of labor and wage taxes have increased in China which means that the Company is at risk of higher manufacturing costs associated with goods manufactured in China.  Significant increases in wages or wage taxes paid by contract manufacturing facilities may increase the cost of goods manufactured in China which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profit margins and profitability.

 

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THE COMPANY USES THIRD PARTY CARRIERS TO SHIP ITS PRODUCTS WHICH MAY PASS ON INCREASES IN TRANSPORTATION-RELATED FUEL COSTS TO THE COMPANY WHICH CAN REDUCE PROFIT MARGINS NEGATIVELY IMPACTING PROFITABILITY

 

The Company uses numerous third party carriers to ship product, both domestically and internationally.  If the price of fuel increases and the carriers choose to pass on the increase to the Company, freight costs may increase.  As a result, the Company’s freight cost is impacted by changes in fuel prices.  Fuel prices affect freight costs to both customer’s location and the Company’s distribution center.  Increases in fuel prices and surcharges and other factors have increased and may continue to increase freight costs in the future.  The inflationary pressure of higher fuel costs and continued increase in transportation-related costs could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profit margins and profitability.

 

CONSISTENCY OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS WITH SEVERAL LARGE CUSTOMERS

 

The Company is particularly concerned about the consistency of business with several U.S. retailers and foreign distributors.  The tightening of credit availability worldwide caused all retailers and distributors to sharply curtail inventory levels.  In addition, many retailers have been negatively impacted by the economic recession.  The Company has experienced some consolidation in product lines and item elimination at several big box retailers.

 

THE COMPANY’S STOCK PRICE MAY FLUCTUATE AS A RESULT OF UNCERTAINTIES ABOUT CERTAIN BUSINESS FACTORS.

 

The Company’s common stock may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to certain business factors such as the following:

 

·                                           the sale or availability for sale of substantial amounts of the Company’s common stock;

 

·                                           actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Company’s operating results or its competitors’ operating results;

 

·                                           announcements by the Company or its competitors of new products;

 

·                                           capacity changes, significant contracts, acquisitions or strategic investments;

 

·                                           the Company’s growth rate and its competitors’ growth rates;

 

·                                           changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding the Company, its competitors or the industry in general, or lack of analyst coverage of the Company’s common stock;

 

·                                           sales of the Company’s common stock by its executive officers, directors and significant stockholders or sales of substantial amounts of common stock; and

 

·                                           changes in accounting principles.

 

THE COMPANY IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO ASSESS THE AMOUNTS THAT MAY BE RECOVERED THROUGH THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF ITEMS SEIZED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT, INSURANCE, POTENTIAL CLAIMS AGAINST THIRD PARTIES OR TAX REFUNDS .

 

The Company has estimated that the amount of the unauthorized transactions is approximately $31,500,000 since fiscal year 2005 through December 31, 2009 as described in the Company’s Form 10-K/A for June 30, 2009 that was filed on June 30, 2010.  Over 25,000 items were seized by law enforcement authorities. Although the Company expects to receive some proceeds from the sale of these items seized by law enforcement authorities, and is currently pursuing potential claims against third parties and tax refunds, the Company cannot reasonably assess the amounts or timing of such recoveries.  Through the date of issuance of this 10-K, the Company has received $4,144,671 from its insurance company related to the unauthorized transactions.  The Company’s inability to recover a significant amount of its losses may have an adverse effect on its future financial condition.

 

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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO THE UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTIONS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE COMPANY’S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CASH FLOWS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

 

As further described in Item 3 Legal Proceedings, the Company is currently addressing several legal matters related to the unauthorized transactions. T he Company is unable at this time to quantify its exposure, if any.  The costs of dealing with these matters and any penalties and awards that may be assessed against the Company could be substantial and may adversely affect the Company’s future results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

THE COMPANY’S INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING FAILED TO TIMELY DETECT AND PREVENT THE UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTIONS AND IT IS POSSIBLE THAT WE HAVE NOT IMPLEMENTED EFFECTIVE REMEDIAL MEASURES.

 

The Company’s internal controls as of June 30, 2009 were not effective in that they failed to timely detect and prevent the circumvention of the internal controls and procedures relating to the unauthorized transactions. The Company has implemented remedial measures and is in the process of implementing a new computer system with an expected completion during the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Management believes it has implemented adequate remedial measures to address the control issues identified, but a sufficient amount of time has not elapsed to fully implement the new computer system and permit testing of the overall controls to confirm their effectiveness.  Thus, there is no assurance that these deficiencies have been adequately addressed or that the Company has discovered all of the deficiencies that may exist in the internal controls over financial reporting.

 

THE RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAS SUBJECTED THE COMPANY TO INCREASED COSTS FOR ACCOUNTING AND LEGAL FEES.

 

The Company issued restated consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for June 30, 2009 that was filed on June 30, 2010. This restatement was due to errors in previously issued financial statements caused by the unauthorized transactions.  This restatement has subjected the Company to significant costs in the form of accounting, legal and similar professional fees, in addition to the substantial diversion of time and attention of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and members of its accounting department in preparing the restatement.  Although the restatement is complete, no assurance can be given that the Company will not incur additional costs associated with the restatement.

 

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ITEM 2.                                                      PROPERTIES.

 

The Company leases its facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from its Board Chairman.  On August 15, 2007, the lease was renewed for a period of five years, ending June 30, 2013 and is being accounted for as an operating lease.  The lease extension maintained the rent at a fixed rate of $380,000 per year.  The Company is responsible for all property maintenance, insurance, taxes, and other normal expenses related to ownership.  All facilities are in good repair and, in the opinion of management, are suitable and adequate for the Company’s business purposes.

 

ITEM 3.                                                      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

As of June 30, 2011, the Company is party to the matters related to the unauthorized transactions described below:

 

·                   On January 15, 2010, a class action complaint was filed in federal court in Wisconsin against the Company, Michael Koss and Sujata Sachdeva. The suit alleges violations of Section 10(b), Rule 10b-5 and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act relating to the unauthorized transactions and requests an award of compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at trial.  An amended complaint was filed on September 10, 2010 adding Grant Thornton LLP as a defendant.  The Company and Grant Thornton filed separate Motions to Dismiss the claims.  On July 28, 2011, the Court issued an order that dismissed the Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 claims against Michael Koss and the claim against Grant Thornton, and ruled that the Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 claim against Koss Corporation and the Section 20(a) claim against Michael Koss survive the motion to dismiss.  See David A. Puskala v. Koss Corporation, et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Case No. 2:2010cv00041.

 

·                   On January 26, 2010, the SEC’s Division of Enforcement advised the Company that it obtained a formal order of investigation in connection with the unauthorized transactions. The Company voluntarily brought the unauthorized transactions to the SEC staff’s attention when they were discovered in December 2009, and is cooperating with the ongoing SEC investigation.

 

·                       On February 16 and 18, 2010, separate shareholder derivative suits were filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court in connection with the previously disclosed unauthorized transactions. The first suit names as defendants Michael Koss, John Koss Sr., the other Koss directors, Sujata Sachdeva, Grant Thornton LLP, and Koss Corporation (as a nominal defendant); the second suit names the same parties except Grant Thornton LLP. Among other things, both suits allege various breaches of fiduciary and other duties, and seek recovery of unspecified damages and other relief. See Ruiz v. Koss, et al ., Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, No. 10CV002422 (February 16, 2010) and Mentkowski v. Koss, et al ., Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, No. 10CV002290 (February 18, 2010).  These two shareholder derivative suits have been consolidated under Master File No. 10CV002422.  On or around June 7, 2011, counsel for the plaintiffs Mentkowski and Ruiz, Koss Corporation (as nominal defendant) and the Koss director defendants executed a Stipulation of Settlement, which was filed with the Circuit Court.  On or around June 24, 2011, the Circuit Court preliminarily approved the proposed settlement of the claims alleged against the Koss director defendants.  At a hearing held on August 26, 2011, the Circuit Court granted the motion for final approval of the settlement of the claims alleged by plaintiffs against the Koss director defendants.

 

·                       On February 18, 2010, the Company filed an action against American Express Company, American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., AMEX Card Services Company, Decision Science, and Pamela S. Hopkins in Superior Court of Maricopa County, Arizona, case no. CV2010-006631, alleging various claims of aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting fraud, conversion, and negligence relating to the unauthorized transactions.  American Express filed a Motion to Dismiss the claims that the Company filed, and the Court granted the Motion to Dismiss.

 

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The Company filed a Motion for New Trial requesting that the Court reconsider its prior ruling that granted the Motion to Dismiss, and the Court denied the Motion for New Trial.  The Company plans to file an appeal.

 

·                       On June 24, 2010, the Company filed an action against its former independent auditor, Grant Thornton, LLP, and Ms. Sachdeva, in Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, alleging various claims of accounting malpractice, negligent misrepresentation, and fraud relating to the unauthorized transactions.  Ms. Sachdeva subsequently filed a response to the complaint and Grant Thornton filed a Motion to Dismiss the action.  This Motion to Dismiss has now been denied.  Grant Thornton also filed a Motion to Dismiss based on Forum Non Conveniens.  The hearing date for this second motion has been set by the Court for October 18, 2011.

 

·                       On December 17, 2010, the Company filed an action against Park Bank in Circuit Court of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin alleging a claim of negligence relating to the unauthorized transactions.  Although Park Bank filed a Motion to Dismiss the action, the Circuit Court declined to consider the Motion and ordered that discovery proceed in the case.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5.                                                      MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

 

MARKET INFORMATION ON COMMON STOCK

 

The Company’s common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the trading symbol KOSS.  There were approximately 1,500 record holders of the Company’s common stock as of August 1, 2011.  This number does not include individual participants in security position listings.  The quarterly high and low sale prices of the Company’s common stock for the last two fiscal years as well as dividends declared are shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per Share

 

Quarter Ended

 

High

 

Low

 

Dividend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2009

 

$

7.73

 

$

5.52

 

$

0.065

 

December 31, 2009

 

$

8.12

 

$

5.50

 

$

0.06

 

March 31, 2010

 

$

6.00

 

$

3.76

 

$

0.06

 

June 30, 2010

 

$

5.83

 

$

5.04

 

$

0.06

 

September 30, 2010

 

$

5.90

 

$

5.15

 

$

0.06

 

December 31, 2010

 

$

5.75

 

$

4.60

 

$

0.06

 

March 31, 2011

 

$

7.81

 

$

4.90

 

$

0.06

 

June 30, 2011

 

$

7.54

 

$

5.25

 

$

0.06

 

 

The Company’s stockholders are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors and paid out of funds legally available therefore.  The Company began paying dividends for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and has paid a dividend for each quarter since, including the last fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2011.  On April 20, 2011 the Company announced its quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share for stockholders of record on June 30, 2011.  The dividend was distributed on or around July 15, 2011.  Although the Company anticipates it will continue to pay a quarterly dividend, the decision to pay dividends and the amount of such dividends are within the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, who regularly meet quarterly.  The decision to pay dividends will depend on the Company’s operating results, financial condition, tax considerations, alternative uses for such funds, and other factors the Board of Directors deem relevant, and there can be no assurance that dividends will be paid in the future.

 

COMPANY REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period (2011)

 

Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan (1)

 

Approximate Dollar Value of
Shares Available under
Repurchase Plan

 

April 1-April 30

 

0

 

$

0.00

 

0

 

$

2,139,753

 

May 1-May 31

 

0

 

$

0.00

 

0

 

$

2,139,753

 

June 1-June 30

 

0

 

$

0.00

 

0

 

$

2,139,753

 

 


(1)  In April of 1995, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase from time to time up to $2,000,000 of its common stock for its own account.  Subsequently, the Board of Directors periodically has approved increases in the stock repurchase program.  As of June 30, 2011, the most recently approved increase was for additional purchases of $2,000,000, which occurred in October of 2006, for an aggregate maximum of $45,500,000, of which $43,360,247 had been expended through June 30, 2011.

 

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ITEM 7 .

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

 

The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to enhance the understanding and evaluation of the results of operations, financial position, cash flows, indebtedness and other key financial information of the Company for fiscal years 2011 and 2010.  For a more complete understanding of this discussion, please read the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

 

Overview

 

The Company developed stereo headphones in 1958 and has been a leader in the industry.  We market a complete line of high-fidelity stereo headphones, speaker-phones, computer headsets, telecommunications headsets, active noise canceling stereo headphones, wireless stereo headphones and compact disc recordings of American Symphony Orchestras on the Koss Classics label. We operate as one business segment.

 

Unauthorized Transactions — In December 2009, the Company learned of significant unauthorized transactions which totaled approximately $31,500,000 from fiscal 2005 through December 2009.  The volume of these unauthorized transactions was $10,286,988 from July 1, 2009 until the unauthorized transactions were discovered in December 2009 .

 

Operations — Net sales increased to $41,518,135 in 2011 compared with $40,598,722 in 2010.  This $919,413 increase in net sales was primarily driven by strong sales in the existing European customer base, significant increases in the sales through internet retailers, and new customers in various market segments. These increases were partially offset by the loss of a U.S. based retailer in early fiscal 2010 as well as decreased sales at several U.S. retailers.  Including the unauthorized transaction related costs and recoveries net, the Company had income from operations of $6,251,318 in 2011.  This is compared to a loss from operations of $4,955,767 in 2010, including the unauthorized transactions as an expense and including the unauthorized transaction costs and recoveries.  The increased income from operations was primarily driven by elimination of unauthorized transactions, unauthorized transaction related recoveries exceeding costs in 2011, and the increase in sales.  These impacts were partially offset by a decrease in gross profit from 41.% to 40.6% and increased administrative expenses driven by increases in profit-based compensation, outside professional services, new product development, and insurance.  Operating income, excluding the unauthorized transactions and related costs and recoveries, was $5,425,135 in 2011 or 13.1% of net sales compared to $6,998,207 or 17.2% of net sales in 2010.

 

2011 Results of Operations Compared with 2010

 

Sales and Gross Profit

 

Net sales for 2011 totaled $41,518,135, compared with $40,598,722 in 2010.  This $919,413 or 2.3% increase in net sales was driven by increased sales in the existing European customer base, significant increases in the sales through internet retailers, and new customers in various market segments. These increases were partially offset by the loss of a U.S. based retailer in early 2010 as well as decreased sales at several U.S. retailers.

 

Gross profit in 2011 was $16,856,632 or 40.6% of net sales compared to $16,868,411 or 41.6% of net sales in 2010.  This decreased gross margin percentage was driven by increased cost of freight and increased overhead spending.  The increased cost of freight was caused by higher rates as well as lower product value per shipping container.  Cost of goods sold increased by approximately $283,000 as a result of increased warranty related costs.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2011 were $11,431,497, as compared to $9,870,204 for 2010.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was the result of increases in profit-based compensation, outside professional services, new product development, and insurance.  The Company has bonus and profit-sharing plans which are based on pretax profit.  These plans resulted in expenses in 2011 that were approximately $724,000 higher in 2011 than in 2010.  The outside professional services were higher in 2011 as a result of implementing an outsourced internal audit function and increased costs for information technology support.  New product development increased from approximately $766,000 in 2010 to approximately $808,000 in 2011 due to timing of project phases as we focus on expanding the product line in high-end stereo headphones and expand consumers’ listening options with new products.  General insurance premiums were higher in 2011 because of the impact of the unauthorized transactions.

 

Unauthorized Transactions

 

In the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company incurred a net benefit of $826,183 for the defense of legal actions related to the unauthorized transactions and related to certain claims initiated against third parties.  Included in the net benefit for the year ended June 30, 2011 was $2,398,202 of insurance proceeds and $1,463,250 of other recoveries.  Included in the other recoveries is a payment of $208,895 that the Company received from Michael Koss, who voluntarily reimbursed the Company for the excess portion of the bonus that he received during the restatement periods; $850,000 of anticipated proceeds from settlement of the shareholder derivative suit; and $401,456 of anticipated proceeds from garnishment of the 401(k) and Koss Employee Stock Ownership Trust (KESOT) balances held by Ms. Sachdeva, the former Vice President of Finance.  In the year ended June 30, 2010, the Company incurred a net cost of $1,666,986 for legal and professional fees to investigate the unauthorized transactions.  Included in the net cost for 2010 was $1,746,469 of insurance proceeds and $166,263 of other recoveries.  As described further in Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the consolidated financial statements contained in this report do not include any estimates of the proceeds that the Company expects to receive from the auctions of any of the items seized by law enforcement.

 

In 2010, the unauthorized transactions totaled $10,286,988.

 

Operating Income

 

In 2011 the Company had operating income including the unauthorized transaction related costs and recoveries of $6,251,318 compared to operating loss of $4,955,767 in 2010.  The increased operating income was primarily driven by the elimination of unauthorized transactions, a reduction in unauthorized transaction related costs, higher recoveries, and higher sales volume.  These favorable impacts were partially offset by a decrease in gross profit from 41.6% to 40.6% and increased administrative expenses driven by increases in profit-based compensation, outside professional services, new product development, and insurance.  Operating income, excluding the unauthorized transactions and related costs and recoveries, was $5,425,135 in 2011 or 13.1% of net sales compared to $6,998,207 or 17.2% of net sales in 2010.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Income tax provision for 2011 was $1,943,620 as compared to $1,812,417 of income tax benefit in 2010.  The effective income tax rate was 30.8% in 2011 and 33.7% in 2010.  For 2011, the effective tax rate is driven by a decrease in the valuation allowance related to future tax benefits of stock option exercises.  In 2010, the effective tax rate was primarily driven by changes to the valuation allowance.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

In 2011, the Company decreased the interest it had accrued related to its tax reporting of the unauthorized transactions by $487,735. The Company reversed the accrued interest related to the tax return that was filed for the year ending June 30, 2007 because of the statute of limitations for this return. During fiscal 2011, the Company accrued additional interest of $306,345 which relates to the tax reporting of the unauthorized transactions for years ending after June 30, 2007. These impacts are described further in Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Operating Activities

 

We currently use cash generated from operations and underlying working capital as financial measurements to evaluate the performance of our operations and our ability to meet our financial obligations.  We require working capital investment to maintain our position as a leading developer and manufacturer of high quality stereo headphones.  The primary drivers of these requirements are new product development costs, distribution costs, production costs and finished goods inventories to support our customers’ requirements for short lead time.  As part of our continuous improvement of purchasing and manufacturing processes, we continue to strive for alignment of inventory levels with customer demand and current production schedules.

 

During 2011 and 2010, cash provided by operations was $4,340,851 and $982,631, respectively.  Working capital was $7,942,576 at June 30, 2011 and $5,371,158 at June 30, 2010.  The net increase in working capital of $2,571,418 from June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2011 represents primarily the increase in accounts receivable and the decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.  These impacts were partially offset by a decrease in income tax receivable at June 30, 2011 compared to June 30, 2010 and an increase in income taxes payable at June 30, 2011.  The unauthorized transactions in 2010 were funded through cash, delays in payments of trade payables and borrowing on the line of credit.  Significant progress was made in 2011 to reduce certain outstanding balances in accounts payable.

 

Investing Activities

 

Cash used in investing activities for 2011 was $2,628,968 as compared to $1,760,333 for 2010.  Cash used in investing activities for 2011 was driven by $1,417,230 of capital expenditures, including leasehold improvements and tooling to support production, and $862,542 of product software development expenditures.  In 2010, capital expenditures for tooling and other equipment was $797,042 and $639,788 was spent on product software development expenditures.  Budgeted capital expenditures for equipment and product software for year 2012 are approximately $2,100,000.  The Company expects to generate sufficient funds through operations to fund these expenditures.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities increased from $595,678 in 2010 to $1,676,837 in 2011.  Dividends paid to stockholders declined from $1,845,678 in 2010 to $1,771,848 in 2011.  The Company intends to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends for the foreseeable future.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company had net borrowing of $1,400,000 on its line of credit.  On July 31, 2011, the Company had net borrowing of $3,300,000 and availability of $4,678,000.

 

There were no purchases of common stock in 2011 or 2010 under the stock repurchase program.  No stock options were exercised in 2011 or 2010.

 

Liquidity

 

In addition to capital expenditures for tooling and completion of the software development, the Company has interest payments on its line of credit, commitments with vendors to reduce the outstanding balance and planned normal quarterly dividend payments. The Company believes that cash generated from operations, together with borrowings available under its credit facility, provide it with adequate liquidity to meet operating requirements, debt service requirements, accounts payable reduction, planned capital expenditures, and dividend payments.  The long-term outlook for the business remains positive, however, the Company continually reevaluates new product offerings, inventory levels and capital expenditures to ensure that it is effectively allocating resources in line with current market conditions.

 

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Credit Facilities

 

On May 12, 2010, the Company entered into a new secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Lender”).  The Credit Agreement dated May 12, 2010 between the Company and the Lender (“Credit Agreement”) provides for an $8,000,000 revolving secured credit facility and for letters of credit for the benefit of the Company of up to a sublimit of $2,000,000.  The Credit Agreement expires on July 31, 2013.  The Company and the Lender also entered into the Pledge and Security Agreement dated May 12, 2010 under which the Company granted the Lender a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets in connection with the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement.  The balance on this facility was $1,400,000 and $1,250,000 as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

In April 1995, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase from time to time up to $2,000,000 of its common stock for its own account.  Subsequently, the Board of Directors periodically has approved increases of between $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 in the stock repurchase program.  As of June 30, 2011, the most recently approved increase was for additional purchases of $2,000,000, which occurred in October 2006, for an aggregate maximum of $45,500,000, of which $43,360,247 had been expended through June 30, 2011.  The Company intends to effect all stock purchases either on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions and intends to finance all stock purchases through its own cash flow or by borrowing for such purchases.

 

There were no stock repurchases under the program in fiscal 2011 and 2010.  As of June 30, 2011, the Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase by the Company of up to $2,139,753 in Company common stock at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Future stock purchases under this program are dependent on management’s assessment of value versus market price.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements other than the lease for the facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which it leases from its Chairman.  On August 15, 2007, the lease was renewed for a period of five years, ending June 30, 2013, and is being accounted for as an operating lease.  The lease extension maintained the rent at a fixed rate of $380,000 per year.  The Company is responsible for all property maintenance, insurance, taxes and other normal expenses related to ownership.  The facility is in good repair and, in the opinion of management, is suitable and adequate for the Company’s business purposes.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  We continually evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to doubtful accounts, product returns, excess inventories, warranties, impairment of long-lived assets, deferred compensation, income taxes and other contingencies.  We base our estimates on historical experience and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

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Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured.  When these criteria are generally satisfied, the Company recognizes revenue.  The Company also offers certain customers the right to return products that do not meet the standards agreed with the customer.  The Company continuously monitors such product returns and cannot guarantee that they will continue to experience the same return rates that they have experienced in the past.  Any significant increase in product quality failure rates and the resulting credit returns could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results for the period or periods in which such returns materialize.

 

The Company provides for certain sales incentives.  The Company records a provision for estimated incentives based upon the incentives offered to customers on product related sales in the same period as the related revenues are recorded.  The provision is recorded as a reduction of sales.  The Company also records a provision for estimated sales returns and allowances on product related sales in the same period as the related revenues are recorded.  These estimates are based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo data and other known factors.  If the historical data the Company uses to calculate these estimates does not properly reflect future returns, adjustments may be required in future periods.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current credit worthiness, as determined by the review of the customer’s current credit information.  The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon the Company’s historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that have been identified.  Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  The allowance is calculated based upon the Company’s evaluation of specific customer accounts where the Company has information that the customer may have an inability to meet its financial obligations.  In these cases, the Company uses its judgment, based on the best available facts and circumstances and records a specific reserve for that customer against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount that is expected to be collected.  These specific reserves are re-evaluated and adjusted as additional information is received that impacts the amount reserved.  However, the ultimate collectability of the unsecured receivable is dependent upon the financial condition of an individual customer, which could change rapidly and without warning.

 

Inventories

 

The Company values its inventories at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method.  As of June 30, 2011, 100% of the Company’s inventory was valued using LIFO.  Valuing inventories at the lower of cost or market requires the use of estimates and judgment.  The Company continues to use the same techniques to value inventory as have been used in the past.  Our customers may cancel their orders or change purchase volumes.  This, or certain additional actions, could create excess inventory levels, which would impact the valuation of our inventories.  Any actions taken by our customers that could impact the value of our inventory are considered when determining the lower of cost or market valuations.  The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on historical usage and production requirements.  If the Company is not able to achieve its expectations of the net realizable value of the inventory at its current value, the Company would have to adjust its reserves accordingly.

 

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Product Software Development Costs

 

Product software development costs consist of costs incurred by outside parties for the development of software used to support new products.  These assets have been evaluated to ensure that the capitalized costs do not exceed the estimated net realizable value of the related products.  As part of the impairment analysis, we use an undiscounted cash flow model based on estimated sales to be derived in the future use of the asset and other estimated costs directly related to the product.  No amortization was recorded in fiscal 2011 or 2010 as the new products have not been introduced.  The Company expects the new offering to be introduced during fiscal year 2012.

 

Inherent in the operating results forecasts are certain assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, projected future costs, costs to complete and projected long-term growth rates.  The Company performed impairment testing as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 and no impairment was identified.

 

Product Warranty Obligations

 

Products sold are generally covered by a lifetime warranty.  We record accruals for potential warranty claims based on prior product returns experience.  Warranty costs are accrued at the time revenue is recognized.  These warranty costs are based upon management’s assessment of past claims and current experience.  However, actual claims could be higher or lower than amounts estimated, as the amount and value of warranty claims are subject to variation as a result of many factors that cannot be predicted with certainty.

 

Income Taxes

 

We estimate a provision for income taxes based on the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year.  If the actual results are different from these estimates, adjustments to the effective tax rate may be required in the period such determination is made.  Additionally, discrete items are treated separately from the effective rate analysis and are recorded separately as an income tax provision or benefit at the time they are recognized.

 

Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method whereby deferred income 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.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using statutory tax rates.  Deferred income tax provisions are based on changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities from period to period.  Additionally, we analyze our ability to recognize the net deferred income tax assets created in each jurisdiction in which we operate to determine if valuation allowances are necessary based on the “more likely than not” criteria.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Applicable new accounting pronouncements are set forth under Item 15 of this annual report and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 8.                                                      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

 

See the Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto.

 

ITEM 9.                                                      CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH AUDITORS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

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ITEM 9A.                                             CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures .

 

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) are designed to ensure that (1) information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms; and (2) that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.  There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures and collusion to circumvent and conceal the overriding of controls and procedures.  Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

 

The Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2011.  As discussed in “Changes in Internal Controls” section of the Company’s Form 10-K/A for the period ended June 30, 2010, and the Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, the Company has implemented remedial measures in response to the previously disclosed unauthorized transactions.  In addition, the Company is in the process of implementing a new computer system with an expected completion during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 that will further enhance controls within information technology.  Although the Company’s management believes that the remedial measures have addressed the weaknesses in the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Company must allow a sufficient amount of time to elapse to fully implement the new computer system and permit testing of the overall controls to confirm their effectiveness.  Subject to this testing and confirmation process, management believes that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures will be deemed effective.  However, as a result of the fact that the new computer system has not yet been implemented and the Company’s inability to complete the testing and confirmation process, management has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2011 were not effective.

 

The Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures to identify any additional enhancements that may provide greater comfort that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting .

 

The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control of financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) and designing such internal controls to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Because of inherent limitations, a system of 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 due to change in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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Management conducted its evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Based on this assessment, the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that the Company’s internal controls and operating procedures were circumvented during fiscal year 2010 and the circumvention was concealed from management as previously described in the Form 10-K/A for June 30, 2009.  As discussed in “Changes in Internal Controls” section of the Company’s Form 10-K/A for the period ended June 30, 2010, and the Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, the Company has implemented remedial measures in response to the previously disclosed unauthorized transactions. In addition, the Company is in the process of implementing a new computer system with an expected completion during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 that will further enhance controls within information technology.  Although the Company’s management believes that these remedial measures have addressed the weaknesses in the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Company must allow a sufficient amount of time to elapse to fully implement the new computer system and permit testing of the overall controls to confirm their effectiveness.  Based on the criteria set forth by COSO in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework,” subject to this testing and confirmation process, management believes that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures will be deemed effective.  However, as a result of the fact that the new computer system has not yet been implemented and the Company’s inability to complete the testing and confirmation process, management has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2011 were not effective.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

1.                                        Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

25

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

26

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2011 and 2010

27

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

28

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

29

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

30

 

2.                                        Financial Statement Schedules

 

All schedules have been omitted because the information is not applicable, is not material or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

3.                                        Exhibits Filed

 

See Exhibit Index attached hereto.

 

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Table of Contents

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors

Koss Corporation

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Koss Corporation and Subsidiary (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of its internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall consolidated 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 Koss Corporation and Subsidiary as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

As discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has been named in several legal matters.  In addition, the Company has also initiated certain legal actions against third parties.

 

/s/ Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

September 2, 2011

 

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KOSS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Years Ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

41,518,135

 

$

40,598,722

 

Cost of goods sold

 

24,661,503

 

23,730,311

 

Gross profit

 

16,856,632

 

16,868,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

11,431,497

 

9,870,204

 

Unauthorized transactions

 

 

10,286,988

 

Unauthorized transaction related costs and (recoveries), net

 

(826,183

)

1,666,986

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

10,605,314

 

21,824,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

6,251,318

 

(4,955,767

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

13,214

 

263

 

Interest (expense) income, net

 

52,419

 

(429,138

)

Total Other Income (Expense), net

 

65,633

 

(428,875

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit)

 

6,316,951

 

(5,384,642

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

1,943,620

 

(1,812,417

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

4,373,331

 

$

(3,572,225

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.59

 

$

(0.48

)

Diluted

 

$

0.59

 

$

(0.48

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.245

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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KOSS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

As of June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

160,542

 

$

125,496

 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $278,828 and $757,535, respectively

 

6,015,212

 

4,213,327

 

Inventories

 

7,867,002

 

8,457,325

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

292,778

 

254,658

 

Income taxes receivable

 

258,292

 

928,550

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,028,796

 

1,144,086

 

Total Current Assets

 

15,622,622

 

15,123,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

3,083,990

 

2,392,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Product software development costs

 

3,229,370

 

2,366,828

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,633,191

 

2,527,764

 

Cash surrender value of life insurance

 

3,836,314

 

3,339,485

 

Total Other Assets

 

8,698,875

 

8,234,077

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

27,405,487

 

$

25,750,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

3,642,490

 

$

4,794,598

 

Accrued liabilities

 

2,994,656

 

4,514,724

 

Dividends payable

 

442,962

 

442,962

 

Income taxes payable

 

599,938

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

7,680,046

 

9,752,284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit

 

1,400,000

 

1,250,000

 

Deferred compensation

 

1,978,318

 

1,752,459

 

Derivative liability

 

125,000

 

125,000

 

Other liabilities

 

776,072

 

678,300

 

Total Long-Term Liabilities

 

4,279,390

 

3,805,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

11,959,436

 

13,558,043

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.005 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 7,382,706 shares

 

36,914

 

36,914

 

Paid in capital

 

2,144,416

 

1,492,096

 

Retained earnings

 

13,264,721

 

10,663,238

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

15,446,051

 

12,192,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

27,405,487

 

$

25,750,291

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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KOSS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Years Ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

4,373,331

 

$

(3,572,225

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

121,610

 

374,961

 

Loss on disposals of equipment and leasehold improvements

 

161,398

 

9,670

 

Depreciation of equipment and leasehold improvements

 

564,614

 

635,172

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

442,998

 

435,121

 

Provision for deferred income taxes

 

1,219,185

 

4,024,929

 

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance

 

(92,644

)

(73,759

)

Deferred compensation

 

225,859

 

211,219

 

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities (see note 10)

 

(2,675,500

)

(1,062,457

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

4,340,851

 

982,631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment activity

 

 

25,000

 

Life insurance premiums paid

 

(349,196

)

(348,503

)

Purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements

 

(1,417,230

)

(797,042

)

Product software development expenditures

 

(862,542

)

(639,788

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(2,628,968

)

(1,760,333

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from line of credit

 

150,000

 

1,250,000

 

Dividends paid to stockholders

 

(1,771,848

)

(1,845,678

)

Payment on insurance policy loan

 

(54,989

)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,676,837

)

(595,678

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

35,046

 

(1,373,380

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

125,496

 

1,498,876

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

160,542

 

$

125,496

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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KOSS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid in

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Total

 

Balance, July 1, 2009

 

7,382,706

 

$

36,914

 

$

1,056,975

 

$

16,044,227

 

$

17,138,116

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(3,572,225

)

(3,572,225

)

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

(1,808,764

)

(1,808,764

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

435,121

 

 

435,121

 

Balance, June 30, 2010

 

7,382,706

 

$

36,914

 

$

1,492,096

 

$

10,663,238

 

$

12,192,248

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

4,373,331

 

4,373,331

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

(1,771,848

)

(1,771,848

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

442,998

 

 

442,998

 

Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

 

 

209,322

 

 

209,322

 

Balance, June 30, 2011

 

7,382,706

 

$

36,914

 

$

2,144,416

 

$

13,264,721

 

$

15,446,051

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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KOSS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.                                        ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

NATURE OF BUSINESS — Koss Corporation (“Koss”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary (collectively the “Company”), a Delaware Corporation, reports its finances as a single reporting segment, as the Company’s principal business line is the design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related accessories.  The Company leases its plant and office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  In addition, the Company has more than 300 domestic dealers and its products are carried by approximately 17,000 domestic retailers and numerous retailers worldwide.  International markets are served by domestic sales representatives and a sales office in Switzerland which utilizes independent distributors in several foreign countries.  The Company has one subsidiary, Koss Classics Ltd. (“Koss Classics”).

 

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Koss and its subsidiary, Koss Classics, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

STOCK SPLIT —  On September 10, 2009, NASDAQ notified the Company that it no longer met the minimum 750,000 publicly held shares requirement under Listing Rule 5450(b)(1)(B). The Company remedied its noncompliance with Listing Rule 5450(b)(1)(B) by implementing a two-for-one forward stock split on December 1, 2009.  All share and per-share data have been adjusted retroactively to give effect to the stock split.

 

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK — The Company operates in the audio/video industry segment of the home entertainment industry through its design, manufacture and sale of stereo headphones and related accessory products.  The Company’s products are sold through national retailers, international distributors, audio specialty stores, the internet, direct mail catalogs, regional department store chains and military exchanges under the “Koss” name.  The Company grants unsecured credit to its domestic and international customers based on the extension of credit from 30 to 120 days, depending on the customer.  Collection is dependent on the retailing industry economy.  The vast majority of international customers, outside of Canada, are sold on a cash against documents or cash in advance basis.  Approximately 17% and 20% of the Company’s accounts receivable at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were foreign receivables denominated in U.S. dollars.

 

REVENUE RECOGNITION — Revenue is recognized by the Company when all of the following criteria are met:  persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured.  These criteria are generally satisfied upon shipment of the Company’s products.  The Company may periodically offer slotting fees, cooperative advertising programs, rebates and sales discounts and the estimated costs for these items are accrued for at the time revenue is recognized.  These amounts are recorded as a reduction to sales.

 

SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS — Shipping and handling fees are included in cost of goods sold within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT — Research and development activities charged to operations amounted to approximately $900,000 in fiscal 2011 and $766,000 in fiscal 2010.

 

ADVERTISING COSTS — Advertising costs included within selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were approximately $60,000 in 2011 and $57,000 in 2010.  Such costs are expensed as incurred.

 

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INCOME TAXES — The Company operates as a C Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  Amounts provided for income tax expense are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily represent amounts currently payable under tax laws.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. The differences relate principally to different methods used for depreciation for income tax purposes, net operating losses, capitalization requirements of the Code, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation methods, unauthorized transactions, warranty reserves, and other income tax related carryforwards. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE — Income (loss) per common share is calculated under the provisions of Topic 260 in the Accounting Standards Codification which provides for calculation of “basic” and “diluted” income per share.  Basic income (loss) per common share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted income (loss) per common share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — The Company considers depository accounts and investments with a maturity at the date of acquisition and expected usage of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.  The Company maintains its cash on deposit at commercial banks located in the United States of America.  The Company periodically has cash balances in excess of insured amounts.  The Company has not experienced and does not expect to incur any losses on these deposits.

 

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE — Accounts receivable consists of unsecured trade receivables due from customers.  The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers and does not require collateral to establish an account receivable.  The Company evaluates collectibility of accounts receivable based on a number of factors.  Accounts receivable are considered to be past due if unpaid one day after their due date.  An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for significant past due receivable balances based on a review of the past due item, general economic conditions and the industry as a whole.  The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible.  There were no recoveries of previously written-off accounts receivable during fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010.  Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

Fiscal Year Ended
June 30,

 

Balance,
Beginning
of Year

 

Provision
Charged to
Expense

 

Amounts
Written-off

 

Balance at
End Year

 

2011

 

$

757,535

 

121,610

 

(600,317

)

$

278,828

 

2010

 

$

1,588,923

 

374,961

 

(1,206,349

)

$

757,535

 

 

INVENTORIES — As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, 100% of the Company’s inventory was valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost or market.  If the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method of inventory accounting had been used by the Company for inventories valued at LIFO, inventories would have been $942,861 and $793,972 higher than reported at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Company did not maintain any work-in-process inventories at June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 

The components of inventories at June 30 are as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Raw materials

 

$

2,632,654

 

$

2,407,715

 

Finished goods

 

5,234,348

 

6,049,610

 

Total inventories

 

$

7,867,002

 

$

8,457,325

 

 

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EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS — Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost.  Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.  Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.  Major expenditures for property and equipment and significant renewals are capitalized.  Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, their costs and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gains or losses are included in operations.

 

PRODUCT SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS — The Company follows the guidance of ASC 985-20 “Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed” when capitalizing development costs associated with software to be incorporated into its products.  The cost of purchased software technology is capitalized and stated at the lower of unamortized cost or expected net realizable value.  Software is subject to rapid technological obsolescence and future revenue estimates supporting the capitalized software cost can be negatively affected based upon competitive products, services and pricing.  Such adverse developments could reduce the estimated net realizable value of our product software development costs and could result in impairment or a shorter estimated life.  Such events would require us to take a charge in the period in which the event occurs or to increase the amortization expense in future periods and would have a negative effect on our results of operations. At a minimum, we review for impairments each balance sheet date.  The Company expects to launch a new product offering in 2012 and begin amortization at that time.

 

LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES — Life insurance policies are stated at cash surrender value reduced by the value of outstanding policy loans made to the Company, or at the amount the Company would receive in the case of split-dollar arrangements.  Increases in cash surrender value are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, which is where the annual premiums are recorded.  The carrying value of the life insurance policies was reduced by $5,395 and $61,157 of policy loans at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

PRODUCT WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS — Estimated future warranty costs related to products are charged to cost of goods sold during the period the related revenue is recognized. The product warranty liability reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable obligations under those warranties. As of June 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company has recorded a warranty reserve of $1,164,108 and $1,017,450, respectively.  (See Note 11)

 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION — The Company’s deferred compensation liabilities are for a current and former officer and are calculated based on compensation, years of service and mortality tables.  The related expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS — Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, line of credit and accounts payable approximate fair value based on the short maturity of these instruments.

 

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS — The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable.  The Company evaluates the recoverability of equipment and leasehold improvements and product software development costs annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired.  If an asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.  Management determines fair value using discounted future cash flow analysis or other accepted valuation techniques.  Management believes that there has not been any impairment of the Company’s long-lived assets as of June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 

LEGAL COSTS — All legal costs related to litigation are charged to operations as incurred except settlements, which are expensed when a claim is probable and can be estimated.  Recoveries of legal costs are recorded when the amount and items to be paid are confirmed by the insurance company.  Proceeds from the settlement of legal disputes are recorded in income when the amounts are determinable and the collection is probable.

 

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION — The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 6.  The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718.  Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period.  Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating future volatility of the Company’s stock, the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited and the expected term of awards granted.  The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The fair value of all awards is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods.  The expected term of awards granted represent the period of time they are expected to be outstanding.  The Company determines the expected term based on historical experience with similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms and vesting schedules.  The Company estimates the expected volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its common stock.  The volatility factor used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model is based on the Company’s historical stock prices over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected term of the awards.  The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.  Pre-vesting option forfeitures are estimated using historical actual forfeitures.  Stock-based compensation is recorded only for those options expected to vest.  If actual results differ significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and the Company’s results of operations could be materially impacted.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 could differ from those estimates.

 

RECLASSIFICATIONS — Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

2.             UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTIONS, RELATED COSTS AND RECOVERIES

 

In December 2009, the Company learned of significant unauthorized transactions, which totaled approximately $31,500,000 from fiscal 2005 through December 2009.  The volume of these unauthorized transactions was $10,286,988 from July 1, 2009 until the unauthorized transactions were discovered in December 2009 .

 

The unauthorized transaction related costs and recoveries, net line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is comprised of the legal and professional fees for legal defense costs as well as legal fees related to certain claims initiated against third parties (see Note 16).  The insurance proceeds and other recoveries represent amounts received under the Company’s insurance and other settlements related to the unauthorized transactions.  Included in the other recoveries for the year ended June 30, 2011, is a payment of $208,895 that the Company received from Michael Koss, who voluntarily reimbursed the Company for the excess portion of the bonus that he received during the restatement periods.  In addition, other recoveries for the year ended June 30, 2011 included $850,000 to be paid by the insurance company under the terms of the settlement of a legal action and $401,456 from garnishment of the 401(k) and Koss Employee Stock Ownership Trust (KESOT) balances of Ms. Sachdeva, the former VP-Finance.  For the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, these costs and recoveries were as follows:

 

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2011

 

2010

 

Legal fees

 

$

3,035,269

 

$

2,335,985

 

Professional fees

 

 

1,243,733

 

Total costs

 

3,035,269

 

3,579,718

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance proceeds

 

(2,398,202

)

(1,746,469

)

Other recoveries

 

(1,463,250

)

(166,263

)

Total recoveries

 

(3,861,452

)

(1,912,732

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unauthorized transaction related costs and (recoveries), net

 

$

(826,183

)

$

1,666,986

 

 

3.             EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

 

The major categories of equipment and leasehold improvements at June 30, 2011 and 2010 are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Useful Lives

 

2011

 

2010

 

Machinery and equipment

 

5-10 years

 

$

527,450

 

$

629,757

 

Furniture and office equipment

 

5-10 years

 

228,935

 

383,554

 

Tooling

 

5-10 years

 

2,958,268

 

4,160,970

 

Display booths

 

5-7 years

 

253,680

 

287,180

 

Computer equipment

 

3-10 years

 

742,797

 

724,448

 

Leasehold improvements

 

5-15 years

 

1,804,755

 

1,746,763

 

Assets in progress

 

N/A

 

1,546,019

 

814,335

 

 

 

 

 

8,061,904

 

8,747,007

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

4,977,914

 

6,354,235

 

Equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

 

 

$

3,083,990

 

$

2,392,772

 

 

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4.             INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE

 

Basic income (loss) per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding was 7,382,706 for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  When dilutive, stock options are included in income per share as share equivalents using the treasury stock method.  For the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 there were no common stock equivalents related to stock option grants that were included in the computation of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for diluted income (loss) per share.  Shares under option of 1,334,308 and 1,159,308 were excluded from the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, as they would be anti-dilutive.

 

5.                                        CREDIT FACILITIES

 

On February 16, 2009, the Company entered into a credit facility with Harris N.A. for an unsecured line of credit facility for up to a maximum of $10,000,000 up to and including January 29, 2010.  On October 9, 2009, the credit facility was extended to December 31, 2010.  The credit facility replaced the Company’s previous credit facility, which was terminated and contained substantially the same terms as the Company’s new credit facility.    The Company could use the credit facility for working capital, to refinance existing indebtedness, for stock repurchase and for general corporate purposes.  Borrowings under the credit facility bore interest at either the bank’s most recently publicly announced prime rate or at a London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based rate plus 1.25% as determined in accordance with the loan agreement. The weighted-average interest rate was 3.25% on the outstanding borrowings of $5,863,349 as of May 12, 2010.  The Company’s credit facility with Harris N.A. was terminated on May 12, 2010 and the outstanding balance of $5,863,349 as of that date was fully repaid.

 

On May 12, 2010, the Company entered into a new secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Lender”).  The Credit Agreement dated May 12, 2010 between the Company and the Lender (“Credit Agreement”) provides for an $8,000,000 revolving secured credit facility with interest rates either ranging from 0.0% to 0.75% over the Lender’s most recently publicly announced prime rate or 2.0% to 3.0% over LIBOR, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio.  The Company pays a fee of 0.3% to 0.45% for unused amounts committed in the credit facility.  The Credit Agreement expires on July 31, 2013. In addition to the revolving loans, the Credit Agreement also provides that the Company may, from time to time, request the Lender to issue letters of credit for the benefit of the Company of up to a sublimit of $2,000,000 and subject to certain other limitations.  The loans may be used only for general corporate purposes of the Company.

 

The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary for financings of this type.  The negative covenants include restrictions on other indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, certain investments, asset sales, sale and leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates, among other restrictions.  The financial covenants include a minimum current ratio, minimum tangible net worth and maximum leverage ratio requirements.  The Company and the Lender also entered into the Pledge and Security Agreement dated May 12, 2010 under which the Company granted the Lender a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets in connection with the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement.  At June 30, 2011 and 2010, the outstanding balance on this credit facility was $1,400,000 and $1,250,000, respectively.  The applicable interest rates at June 30, 2011 were 2.19% on $1,000,000 of outstanding balance and 3.25% on $400,000 of outstanding balance.  The applicable interest rates at June 30, 2010 were 2.84% on $1,000,000 of outstanding balance and 3.75% on $250,000 of outstanding balance.  The weighted average interest rates in effect on the borrowings outstanding as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 were 2.49% and 3.02%, respectively.

 

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6.                                        STOCK OPTIONS

 

In 1990, pursuant to the recommendation of the Board of Directors, the stockholders ratified the creation of the Company’s 1990 Flexible Incentive Plan (the “1990 Plan”).  The 1990 Plan is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors and provides for granting of various stock-based awards including stock options to eligible participants, primarily officers and certain key employees.  A total of 225,000 shares of common stock were available in the first year of the 1990 Plan’s existence.  Each year thereafter additional shares equal to 0.25% of the shares outstanding as of the first day of the applicable fiscal year were reserved for issuance pursuant to the 1990 Plan.  On July 22, 1992, the Board of Directors authorized the reservation of an additional 250,000 shares for the 1990 Plan, which was approved by the stockholders.  In 1993, the Board of Directors authorized the reservation of an additional 300,000 shares for the 1990 Plan, which was approved by the stockholders.  In 1997, the Board of Directors authorized the reservation of an additional 300,000 shares for the 1990 Plan, which was approved by the stockholders.  In 2001, the Board of Directors authorized the reservation of an additional 300,000 shares for the 1990 Plan, which was also approved by the stockholders.  As of June 30, 2011, there are 328,963 options available for future grants.  Options vest over a four or five year period from the date of grant, with a maximum term of five to ten years.

 

The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model.  The resulting compensation cost for fixed awards with graded vesting schedules is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award.  The expected term of awards granted is determined based on historical experience with similar awards, giving consideration to the expected term and vesting schedules.  The expected volatility is determined based on the Company’s historical stock prices over the most recent period commensurate with the expected term of the award.  The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term commensurate with the expected term of the award.  Expected pre-vesting option forfeitures are based on historical data.

 

As of June 30, 2011, there was approximately $845,893 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the 1990 Plan.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.91 years.  Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for any future changes in estimated and actual forfeitures.   The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $442,998 and $435,121 in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These expenses were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

There was no cash received from stock option exercises during 2011 or 2010.

 

The per share weighted average fair value of the stock options granted during the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were $1.51 and $1.49, respectively.  The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  For the options granted in 2011 and 2010, the Company used the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Expected stock price volatility

 

49

%

45

%

Risk free interest rate

 

2.40

%

2.40

%

Expected dividend yield

 

4.58

%

4.14

%

Expected forfeitures

 

1.50

%

1.50

%

Expected life of options

 

4.6 years

 

4.7 years

 

 

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The following table identifies options granted, exercised, cancelled, or available for exercise pursuant to the 1990 Plan:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Stock
Options

Price Range

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life - Years

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value of
In-The-
Money
Options

 

Shares under option at July 1, 2009

 

863,308

 

$7.76 - $14.40

 

$

10.35

 

3.99

 

$

 

Granted

 

390,000

 

$3.90 - $6.905

 

$

6.39

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(94,000

)

$6.275 - $13.09

 

$

9.16

 

 

 

 

 

Shares under option at June 30, 2010

 

1,159,308

 

$3.90 - $14.40

 

$

9.12

 

3.66

 

$

 

Granted

 

385,000

 

$5.24 - $5.76

 

$

5.59

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(210,000

)

$8.38 - $14.40

 

$

12.21

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares under option at June 30, 2011

 

1,334,308

 

$3.90 - $13.09

 

$

7.61

 

4.01

 

$

349,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable as of June 30, 2010

 

627,308

 

$7.76 - $14.40

 

$

10.72

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable as of June 30, 2011

 

603,308

 

$3.90 - $13.09

 

$

9.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

A summary of intrinsic value and cash received from stock option exercises and fair value of vested stock options for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

 

$

 

$

 

Cash received from stock option exercises

 

$

 

$

 

Total fair value of stock options vested

 

$

337,405

 

$

349,599

 

 

During the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 total options of 385,000 and 390,000, respectively, were granted during the year at a price equal to or greater than the market value of the common stock on the date of grant. These options had a weighted-average exercise price of $5.59 and $6.39 for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

7.             STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

 

The Company has an agreement with its Chairman, John C. Koss, in the event of his death, at the request of the executor of his estate, to repurchase his Company common stock from his estate.  The Company does not have the right to require the estate to sell stock to the Company.  As such, this arrangement is accounted for as a written put option with the fair value of the put option recorded as a derivative liability.

 

The fair value of the written put option at both June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $125,000.  The repurchase price is 95% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date that notice to repurchase is provided to the Company.  The total number of shares to be repurchased will be sufficient to provide proceeds which are the

 

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Table of Contents

 

lesser of $2,500,000 or the amount of estate taxes and administrative expenses incurred by the Chairman’s estate.  The Company may elect to pay the purchase price in cash or may elect to pay cash equal to 25% of the total amount due and to execute a promissory note for the balance, payable over four years, at the prime rate of interest.  The Company maintains a $1,150,000 life insurance policy to fund a substantial portion of this obligation.

 

In April 1995, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase from time to time up to $2,000,000 of its common stock for its own account.  Subsequently, the Board of Directors periodically has approved increases in the stock repurchase program.  As of June 30, 2011, the most recently approved increase was for additional purchases of $2,000,000, which occurred in October 2006, for an aggregate maximum of $45,500,000, of which $43,360,247 had been expended through June 30, 2011.    No shares were repurchased in 2011 or 2010.

 

8.             INCOME TAXES

 

The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  The liability method measures the expected income tax impact of future taxable income and deductions implicit in the consolidated balance sheets.  The income tax provision (benefit) in 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

 

Year Ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

867,051

 

$

(5,848,321

)

State

 

(193,058

)

10,975

 

Deferred

 

1,269,627

 

4,024,929

 

 

 

$

1,943,620

 

$

(1,812,417

)

 

The 2011 and 2010 tax results in an effective rate different than the federal statutory rate because of the following:

 

Year Ended June 30,

 

2011

 

2010

 

Federal income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate

 

$

2,147,763

 

$

(1,830,778

)

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

244,860

 

(56,783

)

(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance

 

(1,018,838

)

109,683

 

Research and development credits

 

(13,585

)

(14,550

)

Stock-based compensation

 

353,099

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits

 

50,000

 

 

Other

 

180,321

 

(19,989

)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

1,943,620

 

$

(1,812,417

)

 

Temporary differences which give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities at June 30 include:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Deferred Income Tax Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

$

731,978

 

$

648,409

 

Stock-based compensation

 

364,071

 

698,891

 

Accrued expenses and reserves

 

1,318,002

 

1,395,982

 

Package design and trademarks

 

62,790

 

81,000

 

Unauthorized transactions

 

1,480,000

 

2,220,000

 

Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards

 

 

528,622

 

Valuation allowance

 

(8,366

)

(1,027,204

)

 

 

3,948,475

 

4,545,700

 

 

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2011

 

2010

 

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment and leasehold improvements

 

(311,962

)

(219,600

)

Capitalized research and development costs

 

(972,465

)

(653,325

)

Other

 

(2,061

)

(925

)

Net deferred income tax asset

 

$

2,661,987

 

$

3,671,850

 

 

Deferred income tax assets as presented on the consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Current deferred income tax assets

 

$

1,028,796

 

$

1,144,086

 

Noncurrent deferred income tax assets

 

1,633,191

 

2,527,764

 

Net deferred income tax assets

 

$

2,661,987

 

$

3,671,850

 

 

Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts.  These differences are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered.  The recognition of these deferred tax balances will be realized through normal recurring operations and, as such, the Company has recorded the full value of such expected benefits.

 

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740 prescribes 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.  There were no significant matters determined to be unrecognized tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that have been recorded on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2011.  As part of the unauthorized transactions, the Company has accrued interest of $498,806 and $660,989 at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Accrued interest at beginning of year

 

$

660,989

 

$

354,644

 

Interest charges to expense

 

325,370

 

306,345

 

Interest charges reversed

 

(487,735

)

 

Accrued interest at the end of the year

 

$

498,806

 

$

660,989

 

 

Additionally, ASC Topic 740 provides guidance on the recognition of interest and penalties related to income taxes.  There were no penalties related to income taxes that have been accrued or recognized as of and for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense.  For the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company decreased the interest it had accrued related to its tax reporting of the unauthorized transactions. The Company reversed the accrued interest related to the tax return that was filed for the year ended June 30, 2007 because of the statute of limitations for this return. During the year ended June 30, 2011, the Company accrued interest related to the tax reporting of the unauthorized transactions for years ending after June 30, 2007.

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year

 

$

300,000

 

$

300,000

 

Gross increases — tax positions in prior years

 

299,938

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year

 

$

599,938

 

$

300,000

 

 

The Company files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and in a state jurisdiction.  The Company’s federal tax returns through tax year June 30, 2006 are settled and the income tax returns for tax years beginning July 1, 2006 are open.  Most state jurisdictions have tax returns open for tax years beginning July 1, 2005.  There is an open examination by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for the period July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following are the changes in the valuation allowance:

 

Year Ended  June 30,

 

Balance,
Beginning
of Year

 

Increase in
Valuation
Allowance

 

Release of
Valuation
Allowance

 

Balance at
End Year

 

2011

 

$

(1,027,204

)

 

1,018,838

 

$

(8,366

)

2010

 

$

(917,521

)

(109,683

)

 

$

(1,027,204

)

 

9.                                        ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Accrued liabilities at June 30 consist of the following:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cooperative advertising and promotion allowances

 

$

549,315

 

$

677,844

 

Accrued returns

 

327,263

 

407,576

 

Product warranty obligations

 

388,036

 

339,150

 

Interest

 

498,806

 

660,989

 

Payroll taxes and other employee benefits

 

178,848

 

167,171

 

Management bonuses and profit-sharing

 

306,181

 

35,000

 

Legal and professional fees

 

495,452

 

2,009,656

 

Other

 

250,755

 

217,338

 

 

 

$

2,994,656

 

$

4,514,724

 

 

10.           ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

The net changes in cash as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

(1,923,495

)

$

72,439

 

Inventories

 

590,323

 

251,510

 

Income taxes receivable

 

670,258

 

(928,550

)

Prepaid expenses

 

(38,120

)

(103,321

)

Income taxes payable

 

599,938

 

(4,404,382

)

Accounts payable

 

(1,152,108

)

1,671,877

 

Accrued liabilities

 

(1,520,068

)

2,424,670

 

Other liabilities

 

97,772

 

(46,700

)

Net change

 

$

(2,675,500

)

$

(1,062,457

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (refunded) paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

(558,906

)

$

(678,512

)

Interest

 

$

109,946

 

$

122,793

 

 

11.           PRODUCT WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS

 

The Company records a liability for product warranty obligations at the time of sale based upon historical warranty experience.  The Company’s products carry a lifetime warranty.  The Company also records a liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and are reasonably estimated.  The Company’s current and non-current product warranty obligations are included in accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.  Changes to the product warranty obligations for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

 

Year Ended  June 30,

 

Balance,
Beginning
of Year

 

Provision
Charged to
Expense

 

Warranty
Expenses
Incurred

 

Balance at
End Year

 

2011

 

$

1,017,450

 

622,320

 

(475,662

)

$

1,164,108

 

2010

 

$

1,087,000

 

325,226

 

(394,776

)

$

1,017,450

 

 

The warranty obligation is recorded as a current and long-term liability.

 

12.           EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Substantially all domestic employees are participants in the Koss Employee Stock Ownership Trust (KESOT) under which an annual contribution in either cash or common stock may be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  The expense recorded for such cash contributions approximated $5,000 during 2010.  No expense was recorded for 2011.

 

The Company maintains a retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  This plan covers all employees of the Company who have completed one full fiscal quarter of service.  Matching contributions can be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  For fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the matching contribution was 100% of employee contributions to the plan.  Vesting of Company contributions occurs immediately.  Company contributions were $388,448 and $323,540 during 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

13.                                  DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

The Company has deferred compensation agreements with a former and current officer.

 

The Board of Directors entered into an agreement to continue the Chairman’s 1991 base salary for the remainder of his life.  These payments begin upon the Chairman’s retirement, and since the Chairman has not retired, he is not currently receiving any payments under this arrangement.  The Company has a deferred compensation liability of $576,465 and $494,755 recorded as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Deferred compensation expense of $81,710 and $73,286 was recognized under this arrangement in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The Board of Directors has approved a supplemental retirement plan with an officer that calls for annual cash compensation following retirement from the Company in an amount equal to 2% of base salary, as defined in the agreement, multiplied by the number of years of service to the Company.  The retirement payments are to be paid monthly to the officer until his death and then to his surviving spouse monthly until her death.  The Company has a deferred compensation liability of $1,401,853 and $1,257,704 recorded as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Deferred compensation expense of $144,149 and $137,933 was recognized under this arrangement in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The Company uses life insurance policies to provide funds to meet its deferred compensation obligations.

 

14.           FOREIGN SALES AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

 

The Company’s net foreign sales amounted to $21,121,652 during 2011 and $20,416,375 during 2010.

 

The Company’s sales by region are as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

United States

 

$

20,396,483

 

$

20,182,347

 

Europe

 

19,040,340

 

17,710,672

 

All other countries

 

2,081,312

 

2,705,703

 

Net sales

 

$

41,518,135

 

$

40,598,722

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Sales during 2011 and 2010 to the Company’s five largest customers, which are generally large national retailers or foreign distributors, represented approximately 53% and 52% of the Company’s net sales, respectively.  Included in these percentages, sales to a single United States customer represented approximately 17% of the Company’s net sales during 2011 and 2010.  Net sales to a single Scandinavian distributor represented approximately 25% of the Company’s net sales during 2011 and 2010.

 

Included in accounts receivable as of June 30, 2011 and 2010 was 39% and 50%, respectively, due from the Company’s five largest customers.

 

15.           COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company leases its facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from its Chairman.  On August 15, 2007, the lease was renewed for a period of five years, ending June 30, 2013, and is being accounted for as an operating lease.  The lease extension maintained the rent at a fixed rate of $380,000 per year.  The Company is responsible for all property maintenance, insurance, taxes and other normal expenses related to ownership.  Total rent expense was $380,000 in both 2011 and 2010.

 

In July 2011, the Company entered into agreements totaling approximately $1,730,000 for additional software and new product development.  The term of these commitments is less than one year.

 

16.           LEGAL MATTERS

 

As of June 30, 2011, the Company is party to the matters related to the unauthorized transactions described below:

 

·                   On January 15, 2010, a class action complaint was filed in federal court in Wisconsin against the Company, Michael Koss and Sujata Sachdeva. The suit alleges violations of Section 10(b), Rule 10b-5 and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act relating to the unauthorized transactions and requests an award of compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at trial.  An amended complaint was filed on September 10, 2010 adding Grant Thornton LLP as a defendant.  The Company and Grant Thornton filed separate Motions to Dismiss the claims.  On July 28, 2011, the Court issued an order that dismissed the Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 claims against Michael Koss and the claim against Grant Thornton, and ruled that the Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 claim against Koss Corporation and the Section 20(a) claim against Michael Koss survive the motion to dismiss.  See David A. Puskala v. Koss Corporation, et al., United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Case No. 2:2010cv00041.

 

·                       On January 26, 2010, the SEC’s Division of Enforcement advised the Company that it obtained a formal order of investigation in connection with the unauthorized transactions. The Company voluntarily brought the unauthorized transactions to the SEC staff’s attention when they were discovered in December 2009, and is cooperating with the ongoing SEC investigation.

 

·                       On February 16 and 18, 2010, separate shareholder derivative suits were filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court in connection with the previously disclosed unauthorized transactions. The first suit names as defendants Michael Koss, John Koss Sr., the other Koss directors, Sujata Sachdeva, Grant Thornton LLP, and Koss Corporation (as a nominal defendant); the second suit names the same parties except Grant Thornton LLP. Among other things, both suits allege various breaches of fiduciary and other duties, and seek recovery of unspecified damages and other relief. See Ruiz v. Koss, et al ., Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, No. 10CV002422 (February 16, 2010) and Mentkowski v. Koss, et al ., Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, No. 10CV002290 (February 18, 2010).  These two shareholder derivative suits have been consolidated under Master File No. 10CV002422.  On or around June 7, 2011, counsel for the plaintiffs Mentkowski and Ruiz, Koss Corporation (as nominal defendant) and the Koss director defendants executed a Stipulation of Settlement, which was filed with the Circuit Court.  On or around June 24, 2011, the Circuit Court

 

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preliminarily approved the proposed settlement of the claims alleged against the Koss director defendants.  At a hearing held on August 26, 2011, the Circuit Court granted the motion for final approval of the settlement of the claims alleged by plaintiffs against the Koss director defendants.

 

·                       On February 18, 2010, the Company filed an action against American Express Company, American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., AMEX Card Services Company, Decision Science, and Pamela S. Hopkins in Superior Court of Maricopa County, Arizona, case no. CV2010-006631, alleging various claims of aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, aiding and abetting fraud, conversion, and negligence relating to the unauthorized transactions.  American Express filed a Motion to Dismiss the claims that the Company filed, and the Court granted the Motion to Dismiss.  The Company filed a Motion for New Trial requesting that the Court reconsider its prior ruling that granted the Motion to Dismiss, and the Court denied the Motion for New Trial.  The Company plans to file an appeal.

 

·                       On June 24, 2010, the Company filed an action against its former independent auditor, Grant Thornton, LLP, and Ms. Sachdeva, in Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, alleging various claims of accounting malpractice, negligent misrepresentation, and fraud relating to the unauthorized transactions.  Ms. Sachdeva subsequently filed a response to the complaint and Grant Thornton filed a Motion to Dismiss the action.  This Motion to Dismiss has now been denied.  Grant Thornton also filed a Motion to Dismiss based on Forum Non Conveniens.  The hearing date for this second motion has been set by the Court for October 18, 2011.

 

·                       On December 17, 2010, the Company filed an action against Park Bank in Circuit Court of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin alleging a claim of negligence relating to the unauthorized transactions.  Although Park Bank filed a Motion to Dismiss the action, the Circuit Court declined to consider the Motion and ordered that discovery proceed in the case.

 

The ultimate resolution of these matters is not determinable.

 

43



Table of Contents

 

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.

 

KOSS CORPORATION

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Koss

 

Dated: September 2, 2011

 

Michael J. Koss

 

 

 

Vice Chairman

 

 

 

President

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David D. Smith

 

Dated: September 2, 2011

 

David D. Smith

 

 

 

Executive Vice President

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Principal Accounting Officer

 

 

 

Secretary

 

 

 

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 indicated on September 2, 2011.

 

 

/s/ John C. Koss

 

/s/ Michael J. Koss

John C. Koss, Director

 

Michael J. Koss, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Lawrence S. Mattson

 

/s/ John J. Stollenwerk

Lawrence S. Mattson, Director

 

John J. Stollenwerk, Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Thomas L. Doerr

 

/s/ Theodore H. Nixon

Thomas L. Doerr, Director

 

Theodore H. Nixon, Director

 

44



Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

 

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Koss Corporation, as in effect on November 19, 2009. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

3.2

 

By-Laws of Koss Corporation, as in effect on September 25, 1996. Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Death Benefit Agreement with John C. Koss. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Stock Purchase Agreement with John C. Koss. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Salary Continuation Resolution for John C. Koss. Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.4

 

1983 Incentive Stock Option Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.5

 

Assignment of Lease to John C. Koss. Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1988 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.6

 

Addendum to Lease. Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1988 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.7

 

Amendment to Lease. Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.8

 

Partial Assignment, Termination and Modification of Lease. Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.9

 

Restated Lease. Filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.10

 

1990 Flexible Incentive Plan. Filed as Exhibit 25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.11

 

Consent of Directors (Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Michael J. Koss dated March 7, 1997). Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

10.12

 

Credit Agreement dated May 12, 2010, between Koss Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

10.13

 

Pledge and Security Agreement dated May 12, 2010, between Koss Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

14

 

Koss Corporation Code of Ethics.* The text of the Koss Corporation Code of Ethics has been posted on the Company’s website at www.koss.com.

 

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Table of Contents

 

23.1

 

Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP*

 

 

 

31.1

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer *

 

 

 

31.2

 

Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer *

 

 

 

32.1

 

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer **

 

 

 

32.2

 

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer **

 


*

 

Filed herewith

**

 

Furnished herewith

 

46


Exhibit 14

 

KOSS CORPORATION

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Koss Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), have adopted this Code of Ethics for the Company’s directors, officers and employees (the “Code”).

 

I.               PURPOSE

 

This Code is intended to focus the Board, management and our employees on areas of ethical risk, provide guidance to help them recognize and deal with ethical issues, provide mechanisms to report unethical or unlawful conduct, and to help enhance and formalize our culture of integrity, honesty and accountability.  This Code is also designed to establish the policies and appropriate standards concerning business conduct, responsibilities and conflicts of interest.  This Code applies to the directors and employees of the Company.

 

II.             WAIVERS

 

Any waiver of Parts III A and B of this Code with respect to a director, an executive officer, and each financial or accounting officer at the level of the principal accounting officer or controller or above, may be made only by the Board and shall be promptly disclosed as required in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and Nasdaq.  Waivers with respect to other employees may be made only by the Board.  The Board shall carefully evaluate any requested waiver and shall ensure that all waivers of this Code will not harm the Company or its reputation.  No waivers of the requirements of Parts III. C through G of this Code may be granted.

 

III.            POLICIES

 

A.             Conflicts of Interest

 

The Company requires disclosure of related-party transactions and conflicts of interest, and seeks to avoid such transactions as well as the appearance of conflicts, where practicable.  A conflict of interest occurs when the private investments, business affairs or financial interests of an individual employee or the employee’s immediate family interfere with the interests, assets, or business of the Company as a whole. Potential conflicts must be fully and promptly disclosed to the Company’s designated Compliance Officer, his/her designee or a member of the Board.

 

B.             Corporate Opportunities

 

This Code prohibits (i) taking personally, participating or investing in on a personal basis, or diverting to others any business or investment opportunities that the employee learns about through the use of corporate property, information or position or that are discovered or disclosed in the course of the Company’s business, (ii) using Company property, information or position for personal gain, and (iii) competing with the Company.  Directors and employees owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.

 

C.             Confidentiality

 

Directors and employees of the Company should maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Company or its customers, except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated.  Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the Company or its customers, if disclosed.

 

1



 

D.             Fair Dealing

 

Each director and employee of the Company should endeavor to deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors and employees.  None should attempt to take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair-dealing practice.

 

E.             Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets

 

Directors and employees should protect the Company’s assets and seek to ensure the proper use of the Company’s and its customers’ property, electronic communication systems, information resources, materials, facilities, and equipment.  All assets should be used and maintained with reasonable care and respect, guarding against waste and abuse, and Company assets or property should never be borrowed or removed without express permission from the department head responsible for that asset.  In the case of executive officers and directors, any loan or removal of Company property or assets requires approval by the Chairman of the Board of Directors and disclosure to the Board. Directors and employees should be cost-conscious and alert to opportunities to improve performance while reducing costs.  All Company assets should be used only for legitimate business purposes.

 

F.             Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations

 

Directors and employees of the Company will conduct the business of the Company in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and shall comply with applicable policies and procedures of the Company, including this Code.

 

G.             Reporting of Illegal or Unethical Behavior

 

Directors and employees of the Company must report any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of violations of any laws, rules or regulations or any violations of this Code.  Such report must comply with the reporting procedures described in Section IV(A) of this Code.

 

H.             Disclosure.

 

The information in the Company’s public communications, including SEC filings, must be full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable.  All directors and employees of the Company are responsible for acting in furtherance of this policy.  In particular, directors and executive officers are required to maintain familiarity with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company commensurate with their duties and are prohibited from knowingly misrepresenting, omitting or causing others to misrepresent or omit, material facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including the Company’s independent auditors.  In addition, any director or employee who has a supervisory role in the Company’s disclosure process has an obligation to discharge such supervisory responsibilities in good faith and in the Company’s best interests.

 

IV.            COMPLIANCE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES

 

This Code is designed to provide a method to report conduct that directors and employees suspect violates this Code.  The Company encourages participation by all employees in this effort.

 

If actions have taken place, may be taking place, or may be about to take place that violate any law, rule or regulation or any provision of this Code, it should be brought to the attention of appropriate authorities within the Company.

 

A.             Procedure to Report Violations or Suspected Violations

 

1.              Failure to report a known violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.  If an employee has knowledge of or reasonably suspects misconduct or a violation of this Code, the matter should first be brought to the attention

 

2



 

of his/her immediate supervisor or, in the case of a director with knowledge, to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer or the Board.

 

2.              If the conduct in question involves a reporting individual’s supervisor, the reporting individual believes that a supervisor has not dealt with the matter properly, or feels they cannot discuss the matter with a supervisor, the reporting individual may raise the matter with the next level of management or report it to the Board.  If a reporting individual is uncomfortable reporting to any of the above persons, or feels that the report has not been dealt with properly, the individual may report it directly to the Compliance Officer or a representative of the Board.

 

3.              In reviewing a report, a manager should consider whether the report alleges or implicates a violation of this Code and if so, he or she must report it immediately to the next level of management and the Company’s designated Compliance Officer, or where appropriate, to a representative of the Board.

 

4.              When reporting misconduct or suspected misconduct, the Company prefers that the reporting individual discloses his/her identity in order to facilitate the Company’s ability to take appropriate steps to address the report, including conducting an investigation.  If anyone wishes to remain anonymous, he/she may do so; however, they should be aware that if they do not identify themselves, the Company may not have sufficient information to properly investigate their allegations.  When a report relates to an accounting or auditing issue, the complaint procedures adopted by the Audit Committee of the Board supersede these provisions, but only to the extent these provisions are inconsistent.

 

5.              Any employee involved in any capacity in an investigation of a possible violation of any law, rule or regulation, or any provision of this Code, should maintain the confidentiality of the investigation and should not discuss the subject matter of the investigation with anyone other than those participating in the investigation, unless required by law or when seeking their own legal advice, if necessary.

 

B.             Consequences of Failure to Comply

 

1.              If a director or employee violates this Code, fails to properly report a violation of this Code or intentionally submits a false report, he/she will be subject to discipline. In the event of a violation of any law, rule or regulation, the violation may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. The discipline imposed will vary depending on the nature, severity, and frequency of the violation as well as the status of the person involved.  Discipline will be imposed for violations of this Code, failure to report violations and withholding relevant and material information concerning violations. Directors and employees will be informed of the charges against them and will be given the opportunity to explain their actions before any disciplinary action is imposed.

 

2.              Varying levels of disciplinary action may be imposed, including:

 

(a)            Verbal Warning

(b)            Written Warning

(c)            Written Reprimand

(d)            Probation

(e)            Suspension

(f)             Termination or Removal

 

3



 

3.              Offenders may also be subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability, including compensating the Company or other injured parties for their loss.

 

4.              No employee may be retaliated against for reporting in good faith to the Company, in accordance with this Code, any suspected misconduct or violation of this Code.  Any employee who believes he or she has been retaliated against, or threatened with retaliation, should inform the Director of Human Resources, the Compliance Officer or a representative of the Board immediately.  Employees or directors who violate this non-retaliation policy will be subject to discipline.  Individuals are expected to act responsibly and ethically in reporting under this Code.  Employees and directors must not use this Code or any of its procedures in bad faith or in a false or frivolous manner.

 

4


Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Nos. 333-89872, 333-37986 and 333-20405 on Form S-8 of our report dated September 2, 2011, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Koss Corporation and Subsidiary, which includes an explanatory paragraph related to legal matters described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, as of and for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Koss Corporation for the year ended June 30, 2011.

 

 

/s/ BAKER TILLY VIRCHOW KRAUSE, LLP

 

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

September 2, 2011

 


Exhibit 31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, Michael J. Koss, certify that:

 

1.             I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Koss Corporation;

 

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 consolidated 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.             I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-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 my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my 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 (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 



 

5.             I have disclosed, based on my 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 control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: September 2, 2011

 

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Koss

 

Michael J. Koss

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

 


Exhibit 31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

I, David D. Smith, certify that:

 

1.             I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Koss Corporation;

 

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 consolidated 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.             I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-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 my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my 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 (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 



 

5.             I have disclosed, based on my 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 control over financial reporting.

 

Date: September 2, 2011

 

 

 

/s/ David D. Smith

 

 

 

David D. Smith

 

Executive Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 


Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

I, Michael J. Koss, Chief Executive Officer of Koss Corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

(i) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2011 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

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

 

Date: September 2, 2011

 

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Koss

 

 

 

Michael J. Koss

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

 


Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

I, David D. Smith, Chief Financial Officer of Koss Corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

(i) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2011 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

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

 

Date: September 2, 2011

 

 

 

/s/ David D. Smith

 

 

 

David D. Smith

 

Executive Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer