UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
| (Mark One) | ||||||||
| [X] | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
| For the period ended: December 31, 2002 |
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| OR |
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| [ ] | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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Commission File Number: 33-90532
SPATIALIZER AUDIO LABORATORIES,
INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
95-4484725 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
920 Hampshire Road, Suite A-34
Westlake Village, California 91361
(Address of principal executive offices)
900 Lafayette Street, Suite 710
Santa Clara, California 95050
(Address of principal corporate offices)
Telephone Number:
(408) 296-0600
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to
Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to
Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
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 [ ]
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 the registrants 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. [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business of the registrants most recently completed second quarter (June 29, 2002) was approximately $3,880,000 and at March 5, 2003 was approximately $1,944,000. In addition, affiliates held non-voting preferred stock valued at $879,670, plus accrued dividends, at both June 29, 2002 and March 5, 2003.
As of March 5, 2003, there were 47,406,939 shares of the Registrants Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview
Spatializer Audio Laboratories, Inc. (Company or we) is a developer, licensor and marketer of next generation technologies for the consumer electronics, personal computing, enterprise computing and entertainment industries. Our position as a developer of next generation technologies is based on our business relationships with brand leaders, such as Apple, Toshiba and Matsushita. We conduct our audio business through our parent company and our wholly owned subsidiary, Desper Products, Inc. (DPI). DPI has developed a full complement of patented and proprietary 3-D or virtual audio signal processing technologies directed to the consumer electronics and multimedia PC markets. We continue to expand our product offerings to take advantage of the emerging digital audio marketplace specifically for consumer products like Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) players, portable mp3 players, digital televisions and digital home, portable and auto entertainment devices. As of December 31, 2002, more than 40 million licensed units had been shipped covering all of these applications. DPIs virtual audio signal processing technologies are currently incorporated in products offered by global brand leaders including in consumer electronics, Toshiba, Panasonic, JVC, Samsung, Sanyo, and Sharp, in the PC multimedia marketplace by Apple Computer, among others, and on the Internet through our VSP-11 universal sound processor and in software plug-ins for the WinAmp and Linux-based XMMS MP3 players. We are focused on broadening recognition of the Spatializer brand name through association with these and other globally recognized consumer electronics and multimedia computer brand leaders, and on broadening our audio technology and software base to position ourselves for continued growth. We believe that with the accelerating growth in the digital audio/video marketplace, the market for virtual audio technologies, and therefore for our products, is entering a new phase of opportunity.
Our other wholly owned subsidiary, MultiDisc Technologies, Inc., (MDT) formed in June 1996 when we acquired development stage optical disc storage and robotics assets and technologies from Home Theater Products International, Inc., a debtor in possession, is now inactive. In September 1998, we announced our plan to refocus our business on the exploitation of our core audio technologies, suspend research and development at MDT and to properly position the MDT assets for sale. Therefore, MDT has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. Since 1998, we have been unsuccessful in identifying a purchaser for the MDT assets or technology. Our repositioning in 1998 recognized that the capital investment required to properly commercialize the MDT technology was beyond our capacity. We believe this strategy provides a better opportunity to further solidify our position as a provider of virtual audio solutions, based on our available capital resources.
We were incorporated in the State of Delaware in February, 1994. Our corporate office and research center is located at 900 Lafayette Street, Suite 710, Santa Clara, California 95050, Telephone (408) 296-0600. We also maintain offices at 920 Hampshire Road, Suite A-34, Westlake Village, California 91361. We have a Website at www.spatializer.com. Copies of this Annual Report, including our financial statements, and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as well as other corporate information of interest to our stockholders are available on our website promptly after filing or distribution.
Desper Products, Inc. Virtual Audio Signal Processing Technologies
DPI has developed a suite of proprietary advanced audio signal processing technologies for the entire spectrum of applications falling under the general category of virtual audio. The objective in each product category is to create or simulate the effect of a multi-speaker sonic environment using two ordinary speakers (or headphones) for playback. The market for virtual audio is segmented into six broad categories of technology as identified in the listing below. Each of these technologies utilizes different underlying scientific principles in accomplishing its design objectives and is targeted to a specific class of consumer electronics or multimedia computer depending on the intended product use and functional capability of the product. DPI currently has other audio signal processing technologies under development which will serve to expand its market scope and partner product capabilities.
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| Virtual Audio | ||||
| Category of Technology | Product Categories | Enhancement | ||
| 3-D Stereo (Spatializer® 3-D Stereo) SpatializerVirtualSurround VBX |
Consumer electronics products providing stereo playback DVD Players, Stereo TVs, VCRs, Stereo Components and Systems, Car Audio, Laptop and Desktop Multimedia Computers, Set-top Boxes | Surround Sound enhancement from an ordinary stereo(two-channel) signal |
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| Two-SpeakerVirtualization (Spatializer N-2-2, Spatializer N-2-2Ultra) |
Products incorporating multi-channel audio sources like Dolby Digital® (AC-3), DolbyProLogic® or MPEG-2. Home Theater, DVD-Video, Multimedia | Creation of spatially accurate multi-speaker cinematic audio experience from two speakers, and headphones utilizing discrete multi-channel audio information. | ||
| Digital Virtual Surround Sound | Computers utilizing DVD/MPEG and decoding. | |||
| Bass Enhancement (Vi.B.E.) | Consumer electronics products providing stereo playback DVD Players, Stereo TVs, VCRs, Stereo Components and Systems, Car Audio, Laptop and Desktop Multimedia Computers and Speakers | Simulation of lower frequency response from speakers with relatively high low frequency capability | ||
| Internet Audio Enhancement (Spatializer®VSP-11, StreamFX) |
Laptop and Desktop Multimedia Computers and portable music devices running digital media player Software | Surround Sound and bass enhancement to playback of ordinary internet audio files | ||
| Headphone Virtualization (Spatializer Natural Headphone) Digital Virtual Surround |
Products incorporating multi-channel audio sources like Dolby Digital® (AC-3), Dolby ProLogic®, MPEG-2 or stereo. Home Theater, DVD-Video, Multimedia Computers utilizing DVD/MPEG Decoding or stereo. | Creation of spatially accurate multi- speaker cinematic audio experience from headphones utilizing discrete multi-channel audio information. | ||
| Phase Corrected Equalization (Spatializer PCE) |
All audio products with one or more speakers | Creation of more recognizable and cleaner music or dialog from broadcast media sources | ||
| Matrixed Surround Sound (Spatializer enCompass AV) |
All audio products with five or more speakers | Creation of actual surround sound (5.1 or more channels) from mono or stereo sources |
Licensed Products
Our current technology product applications are directed to (1) two-speaker and headphone virtualization of multi-channel audio for DVD players and home theater applications, (2) stereo and bass enhancement in consumer electronics products and multimedia PCs, and (3) downloadable software, purchased directly by consumers, delivering audio enhancement applications for PCs.
| 1. | Spatializer® 3D Stereo. Based upon proprietary and patented methods of stereo signal processing, the Companys Spatializer® 3-D Stereo technology is designed to create a vivid and expansive three- dimensional surround sound listening experience from any stereo source input using only two ordinary speakers. Along with professional audio quality and coherent stable sonic imaging, the technology includes the Companys unique DDP (Double Detect and Protect) algorithm. DDP continuously monitors the underlying stereo signal and dynamically optimizes spatial processing, avoiding deleterious sonic artifacts common in other systems and provides set and forget ease of use for consumers. First introduced in July 1994 by DPI, in the |
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| form of a 20 pin analog integrated circuit (IC) from Matsushita Electronics Corporation (MEC), the technology is now incorporated into low-cost, standard process ICs by four chip foundries (Matsushita, ESS Technologies, Inc., OnChip Systems and Luxsonor) for easy and inexpensive implementation in any consumer electronics or computer products utilizing stereo audio. The technology is currently available in both analog and digital formats. Matsushita introduced a new Spatializer IC design in 1999, offering the Spatializer 3-D Stereo effect in a simplified, lower cost package. In early 2002, we introduced a new algorithm-based technology which provides a virtual surround sound effect from a two channel input for DSP-based environments. | |||
| 2. | Spatializer® N-2-2Digital Virtual Surround. In September 1996, DPI introduced Spatializer N-2-2, which the Company considers a core, and enabling technology for DVD based home theater products and personal computers. In mid-2001, DPI introduced Spatializer N-2-2 Ultra as the latest generation of this core audio technology. Through outstanding performance and continuous enhancement, Spatializer N-2-2 has emerged as the de facto standard for branded virtual surround sound as measured by most brand adoptions, cumulative shipments and market share of such brands in the DVD player market. DVD is considered by many to be the single most important and fastest adopted consumer audio/computer technology ever introduced. The audio standards for DVD (based upon geographic region) are multi-channel audio formats (Dolby Digital® (AC-3) and MPEG-2) which carry six (or more) discrete (independent) channels of audio the front left and right channels, a center channel (for vocal tracks), two rear surround channels and a Low Frequency Effects (LFE or sub-woofer) channel for sound effects. The Spatializer N-2-2 software- based algorithms permit spatially accurate reproduction of this multi-channel audio over any ordinary stereo system using two rather than the five or six speakers normally required in traditional home theater setups. Spatializer N-2-2 runs in real-time on general purpose Digital Signal Processing (DSP) hardware platforms like those offered by LSI, Acer Labs, Inc., Motorola, VM Labs and Zoran; may be integrated with host based software-only MPEG-2 or DVD decoders (like WinDVD and PowerDVD, offered by InterVideo and Cyberlink, respectively, for the Intel® Pentium® series of microprocessors); and can be ported to any of the principal audio codecs or media processor/accelerator platforms performing Dolby Digital (AC-3) or MPEG-2 audio decoding. Spatializer N-2-2 has been approved by Dolby Laboratories and qualifies Spatializer licensees to use the newly created Dolby Digital VIRTUAL trademark on products incorporating the technology. We believe our Spatializer N-2-2 process has helped to widen and accelerate the market for DVD acceptance, because it delivers the full cinematic audio experience to ordinary consumers without the additional expense and complication of multi-speaker home theater playback systems. | ||
| 3. | Spatializer® Vi.B.E. In early 1999, DPI introduced Spatializer Vi.B.E., a virtual bass enhancement technology. Spatializer Vi.B.E. produces a dynamic bass response from even the lowest-end speakers or headphones. This is particularly important in enhancing the audio of all forms of portable digital audio devices. Spatializer Vi.B.E. uses proprietary technology to generate the perception of realistic bass frequencies that are unaffected by actual speaker system frequency response capability. | ||
| 4. | Spatializer® VSP-11. First introduced by DPI in early 2002, Spatializer® VSP-11 (Virtual Sound Processor 11) is a stand-alone application program for Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 and XP platforms that utilizes Spatializers proprietary psychoacoustic techniques to allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of the renowned Spatializer audio enhancement technologies on all leading media players, soft DVD players and file sharing programs. This means that Spatializer VSP-11 is truly a universal audio enhancement software package that will enhance output from the Microsoft® Media Player, Real Player®, Real Jukebox®, WinAmp®, WinDVD®, PowerDVD®, among others, without any special modification. It will run in conjunction with any sound card, as well as with USB audio. | ||
| 5. | Spatializer® Natural Headphone Spatializer Natural Headphone, introduced by DPI in March 2001, renders spatially accurate multiple speaker positions simulating the typical home theater or stereo arrangement through a headphone. The headphone algorithm delivers a high performance simulated surround sound experience, using a reasonable amount of processing power at a reasonable cost. Thus, this solution is equally practical and effective for both low-power portable devices and home theater applications. Unlike typical virtual surround sound headphone solutions, which rely heavily on reverberation which can sound unnatural, Spatializer Natural Headphone utilizes a combination of techniques to provide an expanded, yet natural sound field. | ||
| 6. | Spatializer® PCE Spatializer PCE, introduced in October 2001, makes high frequencies clearer, crisper and more brilliant while low frequencies are more dramatic, tighter and have more impact. Spatializer® PCE gives the manufacturer an inexpensive way to dramatically improve the sound of low-end loudspeakers, such as the kind found in televisions, boom boxes and computers. Spatializer PCE is also ideal for improving the quality of Internet audio, which can sound rather lackluster and dull due to compression or low bit rates. It can be applied prior to encoding audio streams, and can just as easily enhance the playback of the decompressed audio. It can improve the clarity, intelligibility and impact of both dialog and music. Spatializer |
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| PCE works by both modifying and smoothing non-linear phase response and by creating psycho-acoustic cues. Typical equalization techniques cause phase distortion (non-zero group delay) due to non-linear phase response. Spatializer PCE has a nearly-linear phase response, which results in a near-zero group delay. This improves the naturalness, or transparency of the dialog or music by not adding to phase distortion already present in many playback systems.. Spatializer PCE can be custom tailored for two or an array of speaker configurations. Indeed, the technology, without a surround sound effect, can enhance single speaker applications as well. | |||
| 7. | Spatializer® enCompass AV Spatializer enCompass AV, launched in late 2002, is designed to offer high quality, multi-channel audio, even from mono or stereo sources. This technology allows owners of home theater systems with five or more speakers to hear a surround sound effect, utilizing all of their speakers to deliver full system utility from CDs, cassettes or VHS tape or records. |
In addition to these technologies, we offer a series of products introduced by DPI under the Spatializer DigitalFX brand, first introduced in early 2000. The Spatializer DigitalFX series is a comprehensive audio enhancement software solution based on the Companys Spatializer N-2-2 virtual surround sound technology, Spatializer Vi.B.E and Spatializer PCE, combined with additional audio effects tailored and optimized for specific product applications. This powerful combination of technologies in a single product targeted for specific product applications provides a highly efficient and cost effective solution for the television, portable digital music, PDA, AV Receiver, PC and car audio markets.
Spatializer Digital TVFX is a customized application of Spatializer technology optimized for digital and analog televisions with an on board digital signal processor. Spatializer integrates its original, patented 3D Stereo and N-2-2 technologies with speaker-compensation and Vi.B.E. bass enhancement algorithms. The digital processing of the stereo signal provides a striking and immersive audio experience while the virtual bass enhancement creates apparently deeper bass response from the small speakers utilized by most televisions. Optional reverb and equalizer features further enhance the audio experience. The result is a dramatic improvement to the overall audio sound field provided by the television. Spatializer Digital TVFX is 100% digital, and applicable to any TV system with an embedded DSP.
Spatializer Digital OntheGoFX is targeted specifically for portable digital music players and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs). According to industry analysts, the portable digital player market is expected to grow significantly once the music industry establishes economically feasible, secure and convenient modes of electronic music distribution. Spatializer Digital OntheGoFX shares the same core 3D stereo technology as other members of the Spatializer DigitalFX series, but includes a highly effective headphone algorithm which produces an expanded headphone audio experience. In addition, the included Vi.B.E technology is particularly effective in improving the limited bass response of inexpensive lightweight stereo headphones often incorporated into these devices. The algorithms are highly efficient, utilizing a minimal amount of MIPS any standard embedded DSP.
Spatializer Digital PCFX combines the entire suite of respected Spatializer audio technologies into a single, comprehensive and cost effective software audio solution for the Wintel platform. Since the product runs on the host CPU, with minimal CPU utilization, no discrete chip is required. Spatializer Digital PCFX provides Spatializer 3-D stereo, Spatializer N-2-2 virtual surround sound for DVD playback, Vi.B.E virtual bass enhancement and enCompass , Spatializers positional audio technology for computer games utilizing the Microsoft DirectX API. Apple Computer began utilizing Spatializer technology across their product platforms in October 1999.
Spatializer Digital AVFX is tailored for AV Receivers equipped with a Dolby Digital decoder. Spatializer Digital AVFX provides Spatializer 3-D stereo, Spatializer N-2-2 virtual surround sound for DVD audio or video playback, Vi.B.E virtual bass enhancement and in the future, extensive room modeling and customized effects.
Spatializer Digital AutoFX enhances the audio performance of DSP-based car stereo systems by delivering Spatializers 3-D stereo, bass enhancement, equalizer and reverb technology in a single solution. Optional positional audio voice cues for on board GPS and navigation systems, virtual surround sound for on board DVD player systems and space modeling will be offered on an optional and customized basis based on specific customer need.
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Licensing Activities
Until 2000, we licensed our technologies primarily through semiconductor manufacturing and distribution licenses (Foundry Licenses) with semiconductor foundries. In turn, the foundries manufacture and distribute integrated circuits ICs (integrated circuits) or DSPs (digital signal processors) incorporating Spatializer technology to consumer electronics and multimedia computer OEMs.
In 2000, we began offering foundries the option of entering into a non-royalty bearing distribution agreement with us. Under this business model, the foundry offers Spatializer technology as an optional feature, promotes our technology in their sales materials and cooperates with the Spatializer sales force in closing license agreements for Spatializer technology with the OEM customer. This business model provides the foundry with an additional selling feature at no additional cost to the foundry. The OEM can obtain use of the technology directly from Spatializer without any additional mark-up from the foundry.
The terms of all of our licenses are negotiated on an individual basis requiring the payment of a per unit running royalty according to sliding scales based upon cumulative volume. Some of our licenses call for the payment of an up-front license issuance fee either in lieu of, or in addition to the running royalty. Other agreements require the OEM customer, rather than the foundry, to pay the royalty. Per unit royalties are generally reportable and payable 45 days after the end of the quarter following shipment from the Foundry to the OEM or, in the case of a distribution agreement, by the OEM to its accounts.
OEMs who desire to incorporate these DSPs or ICs into their products are required to enter into a license (OEM Licenses) with us before they may purchase the ICs in quantity. Foundry Licenses generally have limited the sale of DSPs or ICs with Spatializer technology to OEMs who have entered into an OEM License with us. OEM licenses generally provide for the payment of a further per unit royalty by the OEM for OEM products incorporating a Spatializer IC (Licensed Products) payable in the quarter following shipment by the OEM of its Licensed Products.
In early 2001, we reached an agreement with C-Cube Semiconductor II (now LSI Logic Corporation) to unbundle the royalty on their DSPs in order to facilitate the licensing of multiple technologies to OEM manufacturers and to help ensure that their products remained highly competitive in the market. As such, effective April 1, 2001, C-Cubes customers using Spatializer technology have entered into direct licenses with us.
We are currently negotiating new IC/DSP Foundry and OEM licenses with potential customers for Spatializer N-2-2 Ultra, Spatializer Vi.B.E., Spatializer Natural Headphone , Spatializer PCE and combinations and optimizations of these technologies under the Spatializer DigitalFX series.
IC/DSP Foundry Licenses
In 2000 and early 2001, VM Labs, Inc., MIPS Technologies, New Japan Radio Corporation (NJRC), Tvia, Inc. and Link Up Systems entered into Foundry License or Distribution Agreements for Spatializer N-2-2 and or DigitalFX. All but the NJRC agreements were non-royalty bearing distribution agreements, with per unit royalties to be paid by the OEM customer.
In 2001, we entered into license or distribution agreements with Texas Instruments, Cirrus Logic, Sanyo, Sharp and Kenwood, among others.
In 2002, we entered into Distribution agreements with Mediatech, Amlogic, LSI Logic and Samsung Semiconductor for the porting and distribution of our technologies to OEM manufacturers. These Distribution agreements grant the right to port and or distribute our technology only to licensed customers of Spatializer, who then pay a royalty for the use of such technologies.
As of December 31, 2002, we have entered into thirteen non-exclusive Foundry Licenses for our Virtual Audio Signal Processing technologies with Matsushita Electronics Corporation (MEC), ESS Technology, Inc. (ESS), OnChip Systems, Inc. (OnChip), C-Cube Technologies, Inc. (C-Cube), Acer Labs, Inc. (Ali), Luxsonor, VM Labs, Inc., MIPS Technologies, NJRC, Tvia, Inc., Texas Instruments, Cirrus Logic and Link Up Systems. Foundry Licenses generally require the payment of per unit running royalties based upon a sliding scale computed on the number of Spatializer ICs or DSPs sold.
As of December 31, 2002, more than 40 million ICs and DSPs incorporating Spatializer audio signal processing technology had been manufactured and sold.
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OEM Licensees and Customers
As of December 31, 2002, our technology has been incorporated in products offered by more than 100 separate OEM Licensees and customers on various economic and business terms. Some of these OEM Licenses required a license issuance fee and/or a separate per unit royalty, while others were licensed under the LUA or were authorized customers under bundled royalty licenses with the IC foundries. The OEM licensees and customers offer a wide range of products, which include DVD players, car stereo systems, direct view TVs, wide screen and projection TVs, VCRs, powered speakers, portable audio systems (Boomboxes), HiFi stereo systems and components, computer sound cards and graphics accelerator cards, multimedia desktop personal computers, notebook computers, LCD projectors, multimedia computer monitors, and arcade pinball and video games.
In 2002, four major customers, not presented in order of importance, each accounted for 10% or more of our total revenues: Apple Computer, Inc., JVC, Samsung and Toshiba Corporation, each of whom accounted for greater than 10% of our total 2002 revenues. One OEM accounted for 33%, another accounted for 25%, another accounted for 17% and one accounted for 10% of our royalty revenues during 2002. One other account comprised 9% of total 2002 revenues. All other OEMs accounted for less than 5% of royalty revenues individually. During 2003 we anticipate a significant reduction in the revenues from Apple as it completes its migration to its newest operating system.
The following table is a partial list of the OEM Licensees and authorized customers as of December 31, 2002:
| Partial List of OEM Licensees or Customers | ||
| Amlogic | NEC | |
| Apple Computer Inc. | Panasonic TV & VCR (Matsushita Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd.) | |
| Cirrus Logic | Panasonic Car Audio (Matsushita Communications Industrial Co., Ltd.) | |
| Emerson | Proton Electronic Industrial Co., Ltd. | |
| Fujitsu Computer Corp. | Samsung | |
| Hewlett Packard | Seiko Epson Corp. | |
| Hitachi, Ltd. | Sanyo Corp. | |
| Iiyama Electric Co., Ltd. | Sharp Corp. | |
| Gateway Computer Corp. | Toshiba DVD | |
| Golden Regent | Toshiba TV | |
| LG Electronics | Taisei Electric, Inc. | |
| JVC | Taiyo Electric Company, Ltd. | |
| Labtec Enterprises, Inc. | Texas Instruments | |
| Mag Monitors | Theta Digital | |
| Marantz | VM Labs, Inc. | |
| Mediatech | Zenith | |
| Mitsubishi Image and Information Works |
As is evident from the above list we have extensive relationships with OEM licensees and customers outside the United States and, in fact, Japanese and Korean based entities accounted for 50% and 17%, respectively in 2002. The products incorporating our technology are, in turn, sold throughout the world, in market segments and amounts that are consistent with the overall general world markets for consumer electronics and software.
Hardware Products
| MultiDisc Technologies, Inc. Network Based Modular, Scaleable Compact Disc/DVD Servers |
As its first effort to broaden our technology portfolio and capitalize on our strong relationships with manufacturers of consumer electronics and personal computer peripheral products, we acquired certain developmental stage technologies and assets from Home Theatre Products (HTP), for approximately $1,062,000 in June 1996 and formed a subsidiary, MDT. The MDT transaction, which was implemented through a court-approved sale in the HTP bankruptcy proceeding, included an array of compact disc server robotics and software technologies in various stages of completion. The MDT transaction was intended to position us for long term growth in a significant new market. Our intention was to license this technology or enter into third party manufacturing arrangements for sale of MDT CD/DVD changer products to OEMs.
The MDT transaction brought a combination of proprietary electromechanical designs, robotics, operating software, firmware, intellectual property, and engineering know-how and five patent applications acquired in the asset acquisition. MDT added
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an additional forty-seven patent applications filed with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) to bring the total to fifty-two patent applications filed.
On September 25, 1998, we announced our plan to refocus our business on the exploitation of our core audio technologies and to properly position the MDT assets for sale. The repositioning strategy recognized that the capital investment required to properly commercialize the MDT technology was beyond the Companys capacity. As a result, all operations, including research and development activities, were suspended and the Company has accounted for MDT as a discontinued operation. The Company has explored the sale of the business or the patent portfolio with interested parties, but to date, no transaction has been consummated.
Revenues and Expenses
We generate revenues in our audio business from royalties pursuant to our Foundry, OEM, and other licenses, and from non-recurring engineering fees to port our technologies to specific licensees applications. The Companys revenues, which totaled $1,856,000 in 2002, were derived almost entirely from Foundry and OEM license fees and royalties.
We seek to maximize return on our intellectual property base by concentrating our efforts in higher margin licensing and software products and have eliminated our hardware product operations. Licensing operations have been managed internally by our personnel and through use of an international sales rep force.
As noted above, in 2002, four major customers, not presented in order of importance, each accounted for 10% or more of our total revenues: Apple Computer, Inc., JVC, Samsung and Toshiba Corporation, each of whom accounted for greater than 10% of our total 2002 revenues. One OEM accounted for 33%, another accounted for 25%, another accounted for 17% and one accounted for 10% of our royalty revenues during 2002. One other account comprised 9% of total 2002 revenues. All other OEMs accounted for less than 5% of royalty revenues individually.
The Company achieved profitable operating results in 2000 and 2002 as a result of overhead reductions combined with the strong growth of DVD-related revenues. In 2001, we began expanding our headcount, primarily in the engineering area in anticipation of continued growth. At midyear, in light of a weakening in market conditions and lower than anticipated royalties from a key Asian account, expenditures were once again curtailed in order to bring overhead levels more in line with current revenues. Declining revenues were experienced from three major customers resulting from sluggish sales of their products and the cessation of use of our products by the smaller of these customers. In addition, while overhead reductions were implemented at mid-year, profitability was further impacted by either the delay or cancellation of anticipated products using our technology in light of weak market conditions. As a result, we were not profitable in 2001. With the acquisition of new accounts and to a lesser degree, growth of existing accounts, we were able to increase revenues and reduce expenses, which returned the company to profitability.
Competition
Virtual Audio Signal Processing Marketplace
We compete with a number of entities that produce various audio enhancement processes, technologies and products, some utilizing traditional two-speaker playback, others utilizing multiple speakers, and others restricted to headphone listening. These include the consumer versions of multiple speakers, matrix and discrete digital technologies developed for theatrical motion picture exhibition (like Dolby Digital®, Dolby ProLogic®, and DTS®), as well as other technologies designed to create an enhanced stereo image from two or more speakers.
Our principal competitors in the field of virtual audio are SRS Labs, Inc. and Qsound Labs, Inc. In addition, some DSP foundries and OEMs have proprietary virtual audio technologies that they regularly offer to OEMs at no cost. Pressure on OEMs to reduce their costs, particularly in the DVD market is intense. The marketplace is also susceptible to undisciplined competitors who, from time to time, may offer below market prices to generate short term revenue and larger market penetrations even if it does not provide for viable margins. In the future, our products and technologies also may compete with audio technologies and product applications developed by other companies including entities that have business relationships with the Company.
We believe that we will favorably compete in this market because we offer a single source, complete suite of patented and proprietary 3D Stereo, interactive positional, virtual surround sound, headphone and speaker virtualization technologies. By virtue of our specialized engineering and OEM support, we can offer a turn-key audio solution to OEMs who do not possess this expertise
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internally. We also have developed new products that address our customers need for a low cost solution. In addition, the strength of our IC Foundry and OEM relationships and the Spatializer brand name recognition in the industry are other key differentiators between both our branded and unbranded competition. Lastly, we continue to explore new and alternative business models that we believe serve the interests of both our customers and our stockholders.
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
Our core signal processing technology is covered by U.S. patents 5,412,731, 5,896,456 and 6,307,941. On March 20, 1998, we filed a patent on our enCompass V 2.0 technology with the USPTO covering the Companys enCompass 2.0 positional audio gaming technology. In June 2000, we filed an additional patent application for our reduced cost/higher performance 3-D Stereo circuit design. In late 2002, we filed a patent application covering our Spatializer PCE technology. Much of our intellectual property consists of trade secrets. We possess copyright protection for its principal software applications and has U.S. and foreign trademark protection for its key product names and logo marks.
The MDT transaction brought a combination of proprietary electromechanical designs, robotics, operating software, firmware, intellectual property, and engineering know-how and five patent applications acquired in the asset acquisition. MDT added an additional forty-seven patent applications filed with the USPTO to bring the total to fifty-two patent applications filed. However, due to the absence of working capital and suspension of all operating activities of MDT, MDT cannot pursue these applications and some applications have lapsed. The core MDT data storage technology is covered by U.S. patents 5,774,431, 5,822,283, 5,886,960 and 5,886,974. MDT has either obtained or applied for U.S. trademark protection for its principal product names and logo marks.
On September 25, 1998, we announced our plan to refocus our business on the exploitation of our core audio technologies and to properly position the MultiDisc assets for sale. The repositioning strategy recognized that the capital investment required to properly commercialize the MDT technology was beyond our capacity. As a result, operations, including all research and development activities were suspended and we have accounted for MDT as a discontinued operation.
Employees
We began 2002 with five full-time and nine part-time employees and sales representatives and decreased our staff to four full time and eight part-time employees, consultants and sales representatives by December 31, 2002. At year-end, there were three full-time employees and three consultants engaged in research and development. We employ the services of outside professional consultants, particularly in the engineering area, due to the tight labor market for such professionals in Silicon Valley as well as the need for specialized expertise in the course of our business. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our employees and consultants to be satisfactory.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate office and research center in Santa Clara, CA, is the primary location for our audio technology division, (DPI). We occupy approximately 2,700 square feet with an annual rent on a full service basis of approximately $79,000. The lease expired on November 30, 2002 and is renewed on a month to month basis.
In Westlake Village, California we occupy approximately 300 square feet with an annual rent of approximately $9,600. The lease term on this space expired in April 2002 and is renewed on a month to month basis. This space in the Los Angeles area is used to facilitate business and contacts with the entertainment community as well as with our accountants, lawyers and directors.
We lease an apartment in Santa Clara, CA for use by the chief executive officer when away from the executive office. The annual rent on this apartment is $18,840. The lease expires on March 30, 2003 and will be renewed for another six months on the same terms.
We lease our space at rental rates and on terms which management believes are consistent with those available for similar space in the applicable local area. Our properties are well maintained, considered adequate and are being utilized for their intended purposes.
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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In connection with the downsizing of the Company in 1998, a number of employees were terminated and have filed, on various dates, employment and compensation related claims with the California State labor authorities. All but two of these claims have been settled. Two former officers and employees of MDT filed labor and employment termination related claims before the Labor Commissioner in 2000 seeking approximately $400,000 each which was allegedly due under each of their respective employment agreements, which claims, if resolved in favor of the claimants, could be material to the financial statements of the Company. The Labor Commissioner postponed those proceedings while other litigation proceeded in the Superior Court, Orange County seeking declaratory relief to bar the labor claims, as well as return of intellectual property and unspecified damages for breaches of the former officers and employees employment agreements. These employees, however, filed for personal bankruptcy and, as a result, the state court proceeding was postponed and then dismissed primarily because of the bankruptcies. The claims became inactive. While bankruptcy for one employee has been dismissed, the claims have not been reactivated. We also anticipate that, from time to time, we may be named as a party to other legal proceedings that may arise in the ordinary course of our business.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
There were no matters submitted to a vote of the security holders of the Company either through solicitation of proxies or otherwise in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
Item 5. Market for Registrants Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Our Common Stock was listed and commenced trading on the NASDAQ SmallCap market on August 21, 1995 under the symbol SPAZ. In January 1999, the Common Stock was delisted by the NASDAQ SmallCap Market due to our inability to maintain listing requirements. Our Common Stock immediately commenced trading on the OTC Bulletin Board under the same symbol. The following table sets forth the high and low sales price of our Common Stock on its principal market for fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002:
| Period: | High (U.S. $) | Low (U.S. $) | |||||||
2000 |
|||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 2.56 | $ | 0.94 | |||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 1.56 | $ | 0.44 | |||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 1.06 | $ | 0.50 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 0.69 | $ | 0.19 | |||||
2001 |
|||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 0.56 | $ | 0.25 | |||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 0.38 | $ | 0.23 | |||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 0.31 | $ | 0.15 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 0.21 | $ | 0.11 | |||||
2002 |
|||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 0.22 | $ | 0.12 | |||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 0.14 | $ | 0.09 | |||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 0.13 | $ | 0.06 | |||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 0.09 | $ | 0.06 | |||||
On March 5, 2003, the closing price reported by the OTC was U.S. $0.05. Stockholders are urged to obtain current market prices for our Common Stock. Beginning April 1, 1997, Computershare Investor Services, through its purchase of the transfer agent business in 2000 of Harris Trust Company of California has been our transfer agent.
Record Holders
To our knowledge there were approximately 192 holders of record of the stock of the Company as of March 5, 2003. However, our transfer agent has indicated that beneficial ownership is in excess of 6,000 stockholders.
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Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock and have no present intention of paying any dividends. Our current policy is to retain earnings, if any, for use in operations and in the development of its business. Our future dividend policy will be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
However, holders of our Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to a cumulative dividend, payable only out of assets legally available for such payments. Holders of our Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to dividends prior to any holders of our Common Stock or any subsequent series of preferred stock which we may issue.
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes and with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in Item 7. The selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998 are derived from the Companys consolidated financial statements that have been audited by Farber & Hass LLP, independent certified public accountants. The consolidated statements of operation and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002 and the report thereon are included elsewhere in this Report.
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of
Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 1,680 | $ | 1,660 | $ | 2,202 | $ | 1,604 | $ | 1,856 | ||||||||||
Cost Of Revenues |
(134 | ) | (49 | ) | (248 | ) | (97 | ) | (131 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross Profit |
1,546 | 1,611 | 1,954 | 1,507 | 1,725 | |||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses |
(3,490 | ) | (1,156 | ) | (1,596 | ) | (1,823 | ) | (1,711 | ) | ||||||||||
Other Income (Expense), Net |
(108 | ) | (94 | ) | 34 | 73 | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||
Loss from Discontinued Operations |
(3,702 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes |
(38 | ) | (6 | ) | (10 | ) | 3 | (6 | ) | |||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
$ | (5,792 | ) | $ | 355 | $ | 382 | $ | (240 | ) | $ | 18 | ||||||||
Basic Income (Loss) Per Share(5) |
$ | (0.29 | ) | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.00 | ||||||||
Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share(5) |
$ | (0.29 | ) | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.00 | ||||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares |
22,180,180 | 33,805,512 | 46,736,224 | 47,388,235 | 47,406,939 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$ | 264 | $ | 1,022 | $ | 1,468 | $ | 869 | $ | 859 | ||||||||||
Working Capital (Deficit) |
(1,975 | ) | 395 | 1,195 | 1,124 | 1,125 | ||||||||||||||
Total Assets |
893 | 2,118 | 2,457 | 1,753 | 1,746 | |||||||||||||||
Advances From Related Parties |
857 | 337 | 337 | 113 | 113 | |||||||||||||||
Total Shareholders Equity (Deficit) |
$ | (1,553 | ) | $ | 768 | $ | 1,651 | $ | 1,411 | $ | 1,429 | |||||||||
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. In consultation with our Board of Directors and Audit Committee, we have identified three accounting policies that we believe are key to an understanding of our financial statements. These are important accounting policies that require managements most difficult, subjective judgments.
The first critical accounting policy relates to revenue recognition. We recognize revenue from product sales upon shipment to the customer. License revenues are recognized when earned, in accordance with the contractual provisions. Royalty revenues are recognized upon shipment of products incorporating the related technology by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and foundries.
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The second critical accounting policy relates to research and development expenses. We expense all research and development expenses as incurred. Costs incurred to establish the technological feasibility of our algorithms (which is the primary component of our licensing) is expensed as incurred and included in Research and Development expenses. Such algorithms are refined based on customer requirements and licensed for inclusion in the customers specific product. There are no production costs to capitalize as defined in Statement on Financial Accounting Standards No. 86.
The third critical accounting policy relates to intangible assets. Our intangible assets consist primarily of patents. We capitalize all costs directly attributable to patents, consisting primarily of legal and filing fees, and amortize such costs over the remaining life of the patent (which range from 3 to 20 years) using the straight-line method. In accordance with SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, only intangible assets with definite lives are amortized. Non-amortized intangible assets are instead subject to annual impairment testing.
The fourth critical accounting policy relates to the existence of an Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Audit Committee
This committee is directed to review the scope, cost and results of the independent audit of the Companys books and records, the results of the annual audit with Management and the internal auditors and the adequacy of the Companys accounting, financial, and operating controls; to recommend annually to the Board of Directors the selection of the independent auditors; to consider proposals made by the Companys independent auditors for consulting work; and to report to the Board of Directors, when so requested, on any accounting of financial matters.
Compensation and Stock Committee
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Company (the Compensation Committee) currently consists of Messrs. Pace and Segel, each of whom is a non-employee director of the Company and a disinterested person with respect to the plans administered by such committee, as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3 adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the Exchange Act). The Compensation Committee reviews and approves annual salaries, bonuses and other forms and items of compensation for senior officers and employees of the Company. Except for plans that are, in accordance with their terms or as required by law, administered by the Board of Directors or another particularly designated group, the Compensation Committee also administers and implements all of the Companys stock option and other stock-based and equity-based benefit plans (including performance-based plans), recommends changes or additions to those plans or awards under the plans.
The following discussion and analysis relates to the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and our subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to the year ended December 31, 2001, and the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to the year ended December 31, 2000.
Results of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2002, Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2001
Revenues
Revenues increased to $1,856,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $1,604,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of 16%. Revenues are almost entirely comprised royalties pertaining to the licensing of Spatializer® audio signal processing algorithms.
The increase in revenues is attributed primarily to the addition of two new accounts which generated in excess of 10% of total revenue each, partially offset by declining royalties on declining analog chip sales from another account.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased to $1,725,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $1,507,000 in the comparable period last year, an increase of 14%. Gross margin decreased to 93% of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared with 94% of revenue for the comparable period last year. The increase in gross profit results from higher revenues in the current year, partially offset by slightly lower gross margin. This decrease in the gross margin percentage reflects a slight change in mix to commissionable foreign royalty revenue compared to non-commissionable U.S. sourced revenue. The Company maintains a high margin since revenues are from licensing and royalty activities, which have little or no associated direct manufacturing or selling costs other than commissions paid to the Companys independent representatives that solicit and oversee the particular accounts.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2002 decreased to $1,711,000 (92% of sales) from $1,823,000 (114% of sales) for the year ended December 31, 2001, a decrease of 6%. The decrease in operating expenses results primarily from completion of various outside engineering consulting projects in 2001 for which we paid outside engineering fees. In 2002, a much greater level of applications engineering projects were either done in house or by our licensed distributors and the fees incurred for such work was significantly reduced over the prior year. However, levels of pure R&D were unchanged between the two years, as reflected by the level of new product introductions.
General and Administrative
General and administrative costs increased to $766,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $707,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of 9%. The increase is primarily due to increased legal expenses related to public filings and increased travel by the CEO. General operating costs include rent, telephone, legal, public filing, office supplies and stationery, postage, depreciation and similar costs.
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Research and Development
Research and Development costs decreased to $433,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to $639,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, a decrease of 32%. The decrease in research and development expense was due completion of various outside engineering consulting projects in 2001 for which we paid outside engineering fees. In 2002, a much greater level of applications engineering projects were either done in house or by our licensed distributors and as such, the fees incurred for such work were significantly reduced over the prior year. However, levels of pure R&D were unchanged between the two years, as reflected by the level of new product introductions.
The Company continued efforts to identify, validate, and develop new product ideas at DPI. Specific engineering efforts were directed toward the launch of encompass AV , development of Spatializer Audio Alchemy, refinement of Spatializer Natural Headphone and applications engineering to port the Companys technology to leading processor platforms.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and Marketing costs increased to $513,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to $476,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of 8%. Spending was increase in the area of foreign travel, where the Asian customer visitation frequency was doubled in the second half of 2002.
Net Income (Loss)
Net Income was $18,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to net loss of $240,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001. Net Income for the current period is primarily the result of higher revenues and improved overhead management.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2001, Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2000
Revenues
Revenues decreased to $1,604,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $2,202,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, a decrease of 27%. Revenues include license issuance fees and royalties pertaining to the licensing of Spatializer® audio signal processing designs and non-recurring engineering fees.
The decrease in revenues is attributed primarily to (i) decreased royalties from one account resulting from lower unit sales compared to the prior year, (ii) lower royalties from another account due to a timing difference between 2000 and 2001 created when royalty reporting shifted from the DSP foundry (on shipment of DSP) to OEM customer (shipment of DVD player), (iii) loss of an account in mid 2001 which had comprised less than 10% of sales in the prior year and (iv) decreases in per unit Spatializer N-2-2 royalties due to a volume-based sliding scale pricing structure with DSP foundries which did not stabilize until the beginning of the third quarter of 2000.
Gross profit decreased to $1,507,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $1,954,000 in the comparable period last year. Gross margin increased to 95% of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2001 compared with 89% of revenue for the comparable period last year. The decrease in gross profit results from lower revenues in the current year, partially offset by higher gross margin. This increase in the gross margin percentage reflects the realignment of our Asian sales rep network which included the implementation of lower commission rates. The Company maintains a high margin since revenues are from licensing and royalty activities, which have little or no associated direct manufacturing or selling costs.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased to $1,823,000 (114% of sales) from $1,595,000 (72% of sales) for the year ended December 31, 2000, a increase of 11%. The increase in operating expenses results from expansion of the Companys research and development efforts and higher general and administrative expenses relating to legal and public company expenses. The Company undertook an expansion of headcount in early 2001. When it became clear in mid 2001 that anticipated revenue growth was not occurring, the Company began to curtail the scope of its initiatives in order to bring spending levels back in line with reported revenue streams.
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General and Administrative
General and administrative costs increased to $707,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $599,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, an increase of 18%. The increase is primarily due to increased legal expenses related to public filings and increased travel by the CEO. General operating costs include rent, telephone, legal, public filing, office supplies and stationery, postage, depreciation and similar costs.
Research and Development
Research and Development costs increased to $640,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $540,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, an increase of 19%. The increase in research and development expense was due to the additions to headcount early in the year, search fees paid for certain engineers hired by the Company and expanded use of engineering consultants for specialized projects.
In addition, the Company continued efforts to identify, validate, and develop new product ideas at DPI. Specific engineering efforts were directed toward the launch of Spatializer N-2-2 Ultra , development of Spatializer PCE, refinement of Spatializer Natural Headphone and applications engineering to port the Companys technology to leading processor platforms.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and Marketing costs increased to $476,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $456,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, an increase of less than one percent. Spending was maintained at the prior years level in order to continue the development of markets for existing products.
Interest Income
Interest income on short-term investments decreased $23,499 from 2000 to 2001 due to lower cash investments combined with lower interest rates.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $22,862 due to repayment of $225,242 of Notes Payable to Related Parties in 2001.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense) includes approximately $35,000 in gains on settlements of claims relating to its discontinued operation, MDT.
Net Income (Loss)
Net loss was $240,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to net income of $382,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. The net loss for the current period is primarily the result of lower revenues and higher overhead, partially offset by improved gross margin.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2002, we had $859,000 in cash and cash equivalents as compared to $869,000 at December 31, 2001. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents is attributed to modest increases in fixed assets and patent filing expenditures. We had working capital of $1,125,000 at December 31, 2002 as compared with working capital of $1,124,000 at December 31, 2001. Our future cash flow will come primarily from the audio signal processing licensing, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) royalties and from possible common stock issuances including warrants and options. We are actively engaged in negotiations for additional audio signal processing licensing arrangements which should generate additional cash flow without imposin