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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR
15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     
(mark one)
[X]
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001
OR
[  ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from _____________ to ____________.

Commission File Number: 0-21044

UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Delaware   33-0204817
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California
  90630
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (714) 820-1000

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(Title of class)


     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, 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 Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [   ]

     The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on February 28, 2002, determined using the per share closing sale price thereof on the National Market of The NASDAQ Stock Market of $15.85 on that date, was approximately $218,800,000.

     As of February 28, 2002, 13,804,427 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Registrant were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

     Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 19, 2002 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2002.

Except as otherwise stated, the information contained in this Form 10-K is as of December 31, 2001.
Exhibit Index appears on page 50.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT 10.48
EXHIBIT 21.1
EXHIBIT 23.1


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2001

Table of Contents

         
Item       Page
Number       Number

     
PART I
1
 
Business
 
3
2
 
Properties
 
7
3
 
Legal Proceedings
 
8
4
 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
8
 
PART II
5
 
Market for Registrant’s Common Stock and Related
Stockholder Matters
 
10
6
 
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
 
11
7
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations
 
12
7A
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
25
8
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
26
9
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
47
 
PART III
10
 
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
47
11
 
Executive Compensation
 
47
12
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
47
13
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
48
 
PART IV
14
 
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports
on Form 8-K
 
48
 
 
Signatures
 
49
 
 
Exhibit Index
 
50

 


Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Business of Universal Electronics Inc.

Universal Electronics Inc. was incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1986 and began operations in 1987. The principal executive offices are located at 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630. As used herein, the terms “Universal” and the “Company” refer to Universal Electronics Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates to the contrary.

Universal develops software and builds and markets pre-programmed, easy-to-use wireless control devices and chips principally for home entertainment equipment and the subscription broadcasting market. Universal’s product lines include wireless interface technologies, such as combination keyboard/remotes and touch-screen remotes. Universal licenses its patented technologies and database of infrared (“IR”) codes to companies selling into the cable and satellite industries and to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). Universal also sells its universal wireless control products to distributors and retailers in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia under the One For All® brand name. Call center support services are also offered to Universal’s customers. To learn more, visit Universal’s web site at www.uei.com.

General Business Information

Universal has developed a broad line of easy-to-use, preprogrammed universal wireless control products which are marketed principally for home video and audio entertainment equipment through various channels of distribution, including international retail, private label, OEMs, and cable and satellite service providers. Universal believes that its universal wireless controls can operate virtually all infrared remote controlled TV’s, VCR’s, DVD players, cable converters, CD players, audio components and satellite receivers, as well as most other infrared remote controlled devices worldwide.

Universal also believes its wireless control products incorporate certain significant technological advantages. First, Universal has compiled an extensive library of over 118,000 infrared codes that cover nearly 100,000 individual device functions and over 1,500 individual consumer electronic equipment brand names. Universal believes its database of infrared codes is larger than any other existing library of infrared codes for the operation of home video and audio devices sold worldwide. Universal’s library is regularly updated with new infrared codes used in newly introduced video and audio devices. All such infrared codes are captured from the original manufacturer’s remote control devices to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the database. Second, Universal’s proprietary software and know-how permit infrared codes to be compressed before being loaded into a Read Only Memory (“ROM”), Random Access Memory (“RAM”) or an electronically erasable programmable ROM (“E2”) chip. This provides significant cost and space efficiencies that enable Universal to include more codes and features in the limited memory space of the chip than are included in similarly priced products of competitors. Third, Universal has developed a patented technology that provides the capability to easily upgrade the memory of the remote control by adding codes from its library that were not originally included. This technology utilizes both RAM and E2 chip technologies.

The matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements provided under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed more fully herein. See, “Factors That May Affect Financial Condition and Future Results” in this Form 10-K.

Products

Universal introduced its first product, the One For All, in 1987. Universal’s family of products includes universal standard and touch screen remote controls, wireless keyboards, antennas, joysticks and other gaming devices, custom and customizable chips that include Universal’s library of codes and proprietary software, and licensing of Universal’s library of codes and proprietary software. These products cover a broad spectrum of suggested prices and performance capabilities. Universal sells its customized products to international retailers and distributors, consumer electronic accessory suppliers, private label customers, OEMs, cable operators and satellite service providers for resale under the One For All®

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brand name and/or their respective brand names. Universal’s products are capable of controlling from one to fifteen video and audio devices, including, but not limited to, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cable converters, CD players, satellite receivers, laser disc players, amplifiers, tuners, turntables, cassette players, digital audio tape players, and surround sound systems.

Each of Universal’s wireless control devices is designed to simplify the use of video and audio devices. To appeal to the mass market, the number of buttons is minimized to include only what Universal believes to be the most popular functions. Universal’s remotes are also designed for ease of initial set-up. For most of Universal’s products, the consumer simply inputs a three or four-digit code for each video or audio device to be controlled. Each remote contains a RAM, a ROM, or a combination of ROM and E2 chips. The RAM and the ROM and E2 combination products allow the remote to be upgraded with additional codes, one of Universal’s patented features. Another proprietary ease of use feature Universal offers in several of its universal remote controls is its patented user programmable macro key. This feature allows the user to program a sequence of commands onto a single key, to be played back each time that key is subsequently pressed.

Many of Universal’s products include its patented and highly proprietary and patented upgradeability feature. This feature provides the user with the capability to easily upgrade the memory of the remote control by adding codes from its library that were not originally included. Each of these products utilizes the E2 chip technology and, as a result of other improvements, also retains memory while changing batteries which eliminates the inconvenience experienced by consumers of having to set up the remote control each time the batteries are changed.

By providing its wireless control technology in many forms, including finished products, integrated circuits on which Universal’s software is embedded, or custom software packages, Universal can meet the needs of its customers, enabling those who manufacture or subcontract their manufacturing requirements to use existing sources of supply and more easily incorporate Universal’s technology. In addition, Universal’s products are easily customized to include the features that are important to customers. These may include keys to control electronic program guides, one-button VCR record keys, customized macro set-up keys, and/or other features.

Distribution and Customers

Universal’s products are sold to a wide variety of customers in numerous distribution channels. In the United States, Universal principally sells its products and/or licenses its proprietary technology to cable operators, satellite service providers, private label customers and consumer electronics accessory manufacturers for resale under their respective brand names. In addition, Universal sells its wireless control products and licenses its proprietary technologies to OEMs for packaging with their products. Universal has also licensed certain of its proprietary technology and its One For All brand name to a third party who in turn sells the products directly to certain domestic retailers. Outside of the United States, Universal sells remotes, other wireless control devices, and certain accessories under the One For All and certain other brand names to retailers and to other customers under private labels through its international subsidiaries and distributors. Universal also sells its products and/or licenses its proprietary technology to OEMs, cable operators and satellite service providers internationally.

For the year ended December 31, 2001, there were no customers with sales representing more than 10% of Universal’s net sales for the year.

Universal provides subscription broadcasters, namely cable operators and satellite service providers both domestically and internationally, with universal wireless control devices, integrated circuits on which Universal’s software is embedded, and/or customized software packages to support the increased demand associated with the launch of digital set-top boxes and services.

Universal also sells its universal wireless control devices, integrated circuits on which the Company’s software is embedded, and/or customized software packages to OEMs which manufacture cable converters and satellite receivers for resale with their products.

Universal continues to pursue further penetration of the more traditional consumer electronics/OEM markets. Customers in these markets generally package Universal’s wireless control devices for resale with their audio and video home entertainment products (i.e. TVs, DVD and CD players, VCRs, personal digital recorders, etc.). Universal also sells customized chips, which include the Company’s software and/or customized software packages to these customers. Growth in this line of business has been driven by the proliferation and increasing complexity of home entertainment equipment,

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emerging digital technology, the increase in multimedia and interactive internet applications, and the increase in the number of OEMs.

Universal continues to place significant emphasis on expanding its sales and marketing efforts to subscription broadcasters and OEMs in Asia, Latin America and Europe. Universal added a cable sales representative for Latin America and an OEM sales representative for Asia in 2001 and will continue to add new sales people, as required, to support anticipated sales growth in both of these markets over the next few years. In addition, Universal continues to improve on its development processes to increase cost savings and to provide more timely delivery of its products to its customers.

In the international markets, One For All brand name products accounted for 21.2%, 18.8%, and 23.7% of Universal’s sales for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively. Throughout 2001, Universal continued its retail sales and marketing efforts in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico and selected countries in Asia and Latin America. Universal has seven international subsidiaries, Universal Electronics B.V., established in The Netherlands, One For All GmbH and Ultra Control Consumer Electronics GmbH, both established in Germany, One for All Iberia S.L., established in Spain, One For All (UK) Ltd., established in the United Kingdom, One For All Argentina S.R.L., established in Argentina, and One For All France S.A.S., established in France.

In the first quarter of 1998, Universal acquired substantially all of the remote control business of one of its distributors in the United Kingdom (One For All (UK) Ltd.). In the third quarter of 1999, Universal acquired a remote control distributor in Spain (One For All Iberia S.L.). During the third quarter of 2000, Universal established an office in Argentina (One For All Argentina S.R.L.) and also completed its acquisition of a remote control distributor in France (One For All France S.A.S.). Universal utilizes third party distributors in certain other countries where it does not have subsidiaries.

Consumer Service and Support

Universal provides consumer support programs to its various universal remote control marketers, including manufacturers, cable and satellite providers, retail distributors, and audio and video original equipment manufacturers. Throughout 2001, Universal continued its strategy to review its consumer support program and modify its “help line” service such that the majority of calls received are directed through its automated “InterVoice” system. Live agent help is also available through certain programs. Universal continues to review its programs to determine their value in enhancing and improving the sales of Universal’s products. As a result of this continued review, some or all of these programs may be modified or discontinued in the future and new programs may be added. Revenues from this service in 2001 and 2000 were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

Raw Materials and Dependence on Suppliers

Universal utilizes third-party manufacturers and suppliers in the Far East, Mexico and the United States to produce its wireless control products. The number of third party manufacturers or suppliers that provided Universal in excess of 10% of its manufacturing services and/or components were three, three and two for 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively. In 2001 and 2000, Philips, Jetta and Samsung collectively represented 43% and 45%, respectively, of Universal’s manufacturing services and components. In 1999, Philips and Motorola collectively represented 30% of Universal’s manufacturing services and components. As in the past, Universal continues to evaluate alternative and additional third-party manufacturers and sources of supply.

During 2001, Universal continued to diversify its suppliers and maintain duplicate tooling for certain of its products. The purpose of this program is to allow Universal to stabilize its source for products and negotiate more favorable terms with its suppliers. In addition, where it can, Universal uses standard parts and components, which are available from multiple sources. To continue to reduce its dependence on suppliers, Universal continues to seek other sources for integrated circuit chips to help reduce the potential for manufacturing and shipping delays and to help maintain additional inventory of these component parts as safety stock by purchasing some of its chips from a variety of sources.

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Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights

Universal owns a number of United States and international patents relating to its products and technology, has filed applications for other patents that are pending, and has obtained copyright registration for certain of its proprietary software and libraries of infrared codes. Universal had a total of 66 issued and pending patents at the end of 2001, an increase from 48 at the end of 2000. The life of Universal’s patents ranges from 6 to 18 years. While Universal follows the practice of obtaining patents or copyright registration on new developments whenever advisable, in certain cases, Universal has elected common law trade secret protection in lieu of obtaining such protection. In Universal’s opinion, engineering and production skills and experience are of equal importance to its market positions as patents and copyrights. Universal further believes that none of its business is dependent to any material extent upon any single patent or trade secret. The names of most of Universal’s products are registered or are being registered as trademarks in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in most of the other countries in which such products are sold. These registrations are valid for a variety of terms ranging from 10 to 20 years, which terms are renewable as long as the trademarks continue to be used and are deemed by management to be important to Universal’s operations.

Seasonality

Historically, Universal’s business has been influenced by the retail sales cycle, with increased sales in the last half of the year and the largest proportion of sales occurring in the last quarter. However, the growth in Universal’s subscription broadcasting and OEM products has outpaced the growth in its retail products and, consequently, the retail seasonality has and will continue to have much less of an effect on the Company’s revenue.

See “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA- Supplementary Data” for further details regarding the quarterly results of the Company.

Competition

Universal’s principal competitors in the international retail and private label markets for universal wireless controls are currently Philips and Thomson, as well as various manufacturers of wireless controls in Asia. Universal’s primary competitors in the OEM market are the original equipment manufacturers themselves and remote control manufacturers in Asia. In the subscription broadcasting business line, Universal competes with various distributors in the United States and several of the larger set-top manufacturers, including Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta. Universal competes in its markets on the basis of product quality, product features, price, and customer and consumer support. Universal believes that it will need to continue to introduce new and innovative products to remain competitive and to obtain and retain competent personnel to successfully accomplish its future objectives. Certain of Universal’s competitors have significantly larger financial, technical, marketing and manufacturing resources than the Company, and there can be no assurance that Universal will remain competitive in the future.

Engineering, Research and Development

During 2001, Universal’s engineering efforts focused on modifying existing products and technology to improve their features and lower their costs, and to develop measures to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and general know-how. In addition, Universal continues to regularly update its library of infrared codes to include codes for features and devices newly introduced both in the United States and internationally. Universal’s library contains 118,000 infrared data codes, an increase from just over 100,000 data codes in 2000. Universal also continues to explore ways to improve its software to preprogram more codes into its memory chips and to simplify the upgrading of its wireless control products.

Also during 2001, Universal’s research and development efforts continued to focus on the development of new and innovative wireless control devices with enhanced capabilities, as well as new applications of wireless control technology.

Universal is also exploring various opportunities to supply wireless control devices for the operation of additional electronic and other devices in the home using infrared signals, as well as combinations of infrared signals, radio frequencies, household electrical circuits and telephone lines. Company personnel are actively involved with various industry organizations and bodies, which are in the process of setting standards for infrared, radio frequency, power line, telephone and cable communications and networking in the home. There can be no assurance that any of the Company’s research and development projects will be successfully completed.

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Universal’s engineering, research and development departments, located in Cypress, California, had approximately 71 full-time employees at December 31, 2001. Universal’s expenditures on engineering, research and development in 2001, 2000, and 1999 were $5.6, $4.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively, of which approximately $4.2 million, $3.3 million, and $2.9 million, respectively, was for research and development.

Environmental Matters

Universal believes 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 years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, 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 Universal’s earnings or financial condition. However, future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations or enforcement policies, may give rise to additional compliance costs that could have a material adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or financial condition of the Company.

Employees

At December 31, 2001, Universal employed approximately 314 employees, of whom 71 were in engineering, research and development, 69 in sales and marketing, 106 in consumer service and support, 20 in operations and warehousing and 48 in executive and administrative staff. None of Universal’s employees is subject to a collective bargaining agreement or is represented by a union. Universal considers its employee relations to be good.

International Operations

Financial information relating to Universal’s international operations for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 is included in “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA-Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 16”.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Universal’s headquarters are located in Cypress, California. Universal utilizes the following office and warehouse facilities:

                 
        Square    
Location   Purpose or Use   Feet   Status

 
 
 
Twinsburg, Ohio   Consumer and customer call center     8,509     Leased, expires July 31, 2005
Cypress, California   Corporate headquarters, warehouse, engineering, research and development     33,268     Leased, expires December 31, 2003
Enschede, Netherlands   International headquarters     9,149     Leased, expires August 2002
Enschede, Netherlands   International consumer call center     5,400     Leased, expires September 30, 2002

In addition to the facilities listed above, Universal leases space in various international locations, primarily for use as sales offices. See “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA — Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 12” for additional information regarding Universal’s obligations under leases.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On November 15, 2000, Universal filed suit against U.S. Electronics alleging that U.S. Electronics infringed certain of the Company’s patents (Universal Electronics Inc. v. U.S. Electronics, Civil Action No. SACV 00-1127 DOC (EEx)). Universal was seeking damages and injunctive relief. On December 17, 2001, the parties entered into a Settlement and Patent License Agreement to settle all claims and counterclaims and as part of the settlement, the parties have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement involving certain Universal Electronics’ patents.

On November 15, 2000, Universal filed suit against Universal Remote Control Inc. alleging that Universal Remote has infringed certain of the Company’s patents (Universal Electronics Inc. v. Universal Remote Control, Inc., Civil Action No. SACV 00- 1125 AHS (EEx)). Universal is seeking damages and injunctive relief. Universal Remote has answered the Complaint and has denied infringement.

On November 15, 2000, Universal filed suit against Contec LLC alleging that Contec has infringed certain of the Company’s patents (Universal Electronics Inc. v. Contec LLC, Civil Action No. SACV 00-1126 GLT (EEx)). Universal is seeking damages and injunctive relief. Contec has answered the Complaint and has denied infringement.

There are no other material pending legal proceedings, other than litigation that is incidental to the ordinary course of business, to which Universal or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is subject. In addition, as is typical in Universal’s industry and the nature and kind of business in which the Company is engaged, from time to time, various claims, charges and litigation are asserted or commenced by third parties against the Company arising from or related to product liability, infringement of patent or other intellectual property rights, breach of warranty, contractual relations, or employee relations. The amounts claimed may be substantial but may not bear any reasonable relationship to the merits of the claims or the extent of any real risk of court awards. In the opinion of management, final judgments, if any, which might be rendered against Universal in potential or pending litigation would not have a material adverse effect on Universal’s financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, management believes that Universal’s products do not infringe any third parties’ patent or other intellectual property rights.

Universal maintains directors’ and officers’ liability insurance which insures individual directors and officers of the Company against certain claims such as those alleged in the above lawsuits, as well as attorney’s fees and related expenses incurred in connection with the defense of such claims.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of Universal’s fiscal year through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

Executive Officers of the Registrant*

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the executive officers of Universal as of February 28, 2002:

             
Name   Age   Position

 
 
Paul D. Arling
    39    
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Robert P. Lilleness
    35    
President and Chief Operating Officer
J. Stewart Ames
    43    
Senior Vice President
Jerry L. Bardin
    63    
Senior Vice President
Mark Z. Belzowski
    43    
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Paul J.M. Bennett
    46    
Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Europe
Richard A. Firehammer, Jr.
    44    
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary


*   Included pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K.

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Paul D. Arling is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Electronics Inc. He joined Universal in May 1996 as Chief Financial Officer and was named to the Company’s Board of Directors in August of 1996. He was appointed President and COO in September 1998, was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in October of 2000 and appointed as Chairman in July 2001. From 1993 through May 1996, he served in various capacities at LESCO, Inc. (a manufacturer and distributor of professional turf care products) with the most recent being Acting Chief Financial Officer. Prior to LESCO, he worked for Imperial Wallcoverings (a manufacturer and distributor of wallcovering products) as Director of Planning and The Michael Allen Company (a strategic management consulting company) where he was employed as a management consultant. He obtained a BS degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Robert P. Lilleness joined Universal Electronics Inc., as President and Chief Operating Officer in May 2001. Prior to joining Universal, he served as Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at Trilogy Software Inc. from June 1998 to May 2001, a privately held company based in Austin, Texas that develops and markets e-business software for Global 2000 corporations. Before Trilogy, Lilleness worked for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) from February 1993 to May 1998, in a number of marketing, management and operational roles. Prior to working for Microsoft, Lilleness served as an auditor for Ernst and Young in Zurich, Switzerland. Lilleness received his undergraduate degree from the University of Puget Sound and holds an MBA from Harvard University.

J. Stewart Ames has been Senior Vice President of Sales, Product Development and Marketing of Universal Electronics Inc., managing the marketing and sales efforts for North America and Japan since January 1999. Prior to this position at UEI, Ames served as Company’s Vice President of Cable Sales from June 1987 to January 1999, directing the United States based sales force in selling universal wireless control products to multiple system operators. Before joining UEI in January 1991, Mr. Ames worked for three years as Sales Manager for Calmold, a plastic injection molder in Southern California, managing its sales force and selling injection molding capacity for three factories to a variety of OEM businesses. Prior to Calmold, Mr. Ames held sales and sales management positions at Spirol International, a manufacturer of specialty metal fasteners, assembly equipment and metal stampings, over a period of seven years. Mr. Ames received a BS Degree in Biology from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

Jerry L. Bardin has been Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations since joining Universal in August 1998. Prior to joining UEI, Mr. Bardin was with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), a high technology research and engineering company for 15 years serving in several executive management and consulting positions. Mr. Bardin earned his BS and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.

Mark Z. Belzowski has been the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Universal since January 2000. He has been a Vice President and the Corporate Controller of Universal since May 1998 when he joined the Company. From February 1997 through April 1998, he was a financial management consultant for various companies including a cellular reseller and a local area network switch manufacturer. From September 1994 through January 1997, he was Vice President Controller in the Turner Entertainment Group, a division of Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. From September 1988 through August 1994, he served in various capacities at Orion Pictures Corporation with the most recent being Vice President Corporate Controller. Prior to that, Mr. Belzowski was a Senior Auditor with Ernst and Young. He is a certified public accountant in the state of California. Mr. Belzowski obtained a BS degree from California State University at Fullerton.

Paul J.M. Bennett has been Managing Director and Senior Vice President responsible for international retail and European OEM, Cable and Satellite business lines since July 1996. Prior to joining Universal, Mr. Bennett held various positions at Philips Consumer Electronics over a seven year period, first as Product Marketing Manager for the Accessories Product Group, initially set up to support Philip’s Audio division, and then as head of that division. Mr. Bennett was educated at Terenure College and the College of Commerce in Dublin and completed his studies at University College, where he gained a Bachelor of Commerce Degree.

Richard A. Firehammer, Jr., Esq. has been Senior Vice President of Universal since being rehired by the Company in February 1999. He has been Universal’s General Counsel since October 1993 and Secretary since February 1994. He was Universal’s Vice President from May 1997 until August 1998. From November 1992 to September 1993, he was associated with the Chicago, Illinois law firm, Shefsky & Froelich, Ltd. From 1987 to 1992, he was with the law firm, Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz in Chicago, Illinois. He is admitted to the Bars in the State of Illinois and the State of Ohio. Mr. Firehammer is also a certified public accountant. He received a BS degree from Indiana University and a JD degree from Whittier College School of Law.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Universal’s common stock trades on the National Market of The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “UEIC”.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low reported sale prices for Universal’s common stock, as reported on the National Market of The NASDAQ Stock Market:

                                 
    2001   2000
   
 
    High   Low   High   Low
   
 
 
 
First Quarter
  $ 21.1250     $ 13.5312     $ 32.3125     $ 14.7500  
Second Quarter
    23.7500       15.2600       27.0000       14.5000  
Third Quarter
    18.1000       12.7500       25.6250       16.6250  
Fourth Quarter
    18.0000       14.0000       24.1875       12.8750  

Stockholders of record on February 28, 2002 numbered approximately 127.

Universal has never paid cash dividends on its common stock and does not intend to pay cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. Universal intends to retain its earnings, if any, for the future operation and expansion of its business. In addition, the terms of Universal’s revolving credit facility limit the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends on its common stock. See “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA-Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 7.”

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On November 9, 1998, Universal issued a warrant to purchase Company common stock to General Instrument Corporation as consideration for entering into an exclusive supply agreement with the Company. The warrant was contingent upon General Instrument Corporation (subsequently merged with Motorola in 2000) purchasing a specified minimum number of units of products from Universal for each of the calendar years 1999, 2000 and 2001. In 2001, 2000 and 1999, General Instrument Corporation failed to purchase the minimum requirements for each year. As such, the warrant expired and General Instrument Corporation forfeited its right to acquire up to 600,000 shares of Company common stock, at an exercise price of $6.3125 per share, and may not recoup such right through the purchase of products in any subsequent years. Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 was not affected with respect to the warrant in reliance upon the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

                                           
      Year Ended December 31,
     
      2001   2000   1999   1998   1997
     
 
 
 
 
      (in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales
  $ 119,030     $ 124,740     $ 105,091     $ 96,123     $ 114,338  
Operating income (loss)
  $ 16,009     $ 18,242     $ 12,968     $ 9,505     $ (9,289 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 11,286     $ 11,601     $ 7,740     $ 5,638     $ (6,518 )
Net income (loss) per share:
                                       
 
Basic
  $ 0.82     $ 0.84     $ 0.58     $ 0.44     $ (0.52 )
 
Diluted
  $ 0.78     $ 0.78     $ 0.55     $ 0.43     $ (0.52 )
Weighted average common stock outstanding:
                                       
 
Basic
    13,844       13,743       13,312       12,772       12,564  
 
Diluted
    14,523       14,941       14,126       13,200       12,564  
Gross margin
    41.2 %     41.3 %     41.3 %     37.7 %     27.7 %
Operating margin (loss)
    13.4 %     14.6 %     12.4 %     9.9 %     (8.1 %)
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a % of sales
    27.8 %     26.7 %     28.9 %     27.8 %     26.3 %
Net income (loss) as a % of sales
    9.5 %     9.3 %     7.4 %     5.9 %     (5.7 %)
Return on average assets
    12.0 %     13.9 %     11.5 %     9.3 %     (10.8 %)
Working capital
  $ 67,422     $ 58,323     $ 45,506     $ 26,921     $ 29,350  
Ratio of current assets to current liabilities
    5.5       3.5       4.0       2.7       2.3  
Total assets
  $ 94,705     $ 93,766     $ 73,751     $ 60,677     $ 61,138  
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 34,270     $ 20,809     $ 13,286     $ 1,489     $ 1,097  
Short-term debt
                    $ 4,786     $ 7,237  
Long-term debt
  $ 104     $ 163     $ 240              
Stockholders’ equity
  $ 79,702     $ 70,353     $ 58,511     $ 44,532     $ 38,887  
Book value per share
  $ 5.78     $ 5.10     $ 4.28     $ 3.48     $ 3.08  
Ratio of liabilities to liabilities and stockholders’ equity
    15.8 %     25.0 %     20.7 %     26.6 %     36.4 %

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We develop software and build and market pre-programmed, easy-to-use wireless control devices and chips principally for home entertainment equipment and the subscription broadcasting market. Our product lines include such wireless interface technologies as combination keyboard/remotes and touch-screen remotes. We license our patented technologies and database of infrared codes to companies selling into the cable and satellite industries and to original equipment manufacturers. We also sell our universal wireless control products to distributors and retailers in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia under the One For All® brand name. We also offer call center support services to our customers.

The matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements provided under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed more fully herein.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed herein are the following: the failure of our markets to continue growing and expanding in the manner we anticipated; the failure of our customers to grow and expand as we anticipated; the effects of natural or other events beyond our control; the economic environment’s effect on us and our customers; the growth of, acceptance of and the demand for our products and technologies in various markets and geographical regions, including cable, satellite, consumer electronics, retail and interactive TV and home automation, not materializing as we believed; our inability to add profitable complementary products which are accepted by the marketplace; our inability to continue to maintain our operating costs at acceptable levels through our cost containment efforts; our realization of tax benefits from various tax projects initiated from time to time, the continued strength of our balance sheet, our inability to continue selling our products or licensing our technologies at higher or profitable margins throughout 2002 and beyond; the failure of the various markets and industries to grow or emerge as rapidly or as successfully as we believed; the continued growth of the digital market; our inability to obtain orders or maintain our order volume with new and existing customers; the possible dilutive effect our stock option program may have on our earnings per share and stock price; our inability to continue to obtain adequate quantities of component parts or secure adequate factory production capacity on a timely basis; and other factors listed from time to time in our press releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition, more information about risk factors that could affect our business and financial results is included in the section entitled “Factors That May Affect Financial Condition and Future Results” in this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts, inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

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Revenue recognition. We recognize revenue on the sale of products when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is pervasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and customer acceptance criteria have been successfully demonstrated. Product revenue is recognized upon shipment when the customer acceptance can be demonstrated prior to shipment. For sales of new products or when the customer acceptance criteria cannot be demonstrated prior to shipment, revenue and the related cost of goods sold are deferred until customer acceptance. For the majority of our sales, recognition occurs when products are shipped. We record a provision for estimated sales returns and allowances on product 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 data we use to calculate these estimates do not properly estimate returns and sales allowances, revenue could be overstated.

Accounts receivable. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We specifically analyze accounts receivables and historical bad debts, customer credit, current economic trends and changes in customer payment trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Inventories. Inventories consist of wireless control devices, including universal remote controls, wireless keyboards, antennas, and related component parts and are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. We write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors considered important which could trigger an impairment review include the following (1) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or strategy for our overall business; (3) significant negative industry or economic trends; (4) significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and (5) our market capitalization relative to net book value. When we determine that the carrying value may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, and based on the carrying value of the asset being less than the undiscounted cash flows, we measure an impairment based on the projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. In assessing recoverability, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets not previously recorded.

In 2002, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” became effective and as a result, we will cease to amortize approximately $3.0 million of net unamortized goodwill. We recorded approximately $565,000 of amortization during 2001 and would have recorded approximately $565,000 of amortization during 2002. In lieu of amortization, we are required to perform an initial impairment review of our goodwill in 2002 and an annual impairment review thereafter. We expect to complete our initial review during the second quarter of 2002. Currently, we do not expect to record an impairment charge upon completion of the initial impairment review. However, there can be no assurance that at the time the review is completed, a material impairment charge will not be recorded.

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Income Taxes. Income tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes. The carrying value of our net deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions, based on estimates and assumptions. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company’s consolidated income statements. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax assets quarterly and assess the need for valuation allowances quarterly. In the event that we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the net deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the statement of operations data of Universal expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.

                         
    Year Ended December 31,
   
    2001   2000   1999
   
 
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    58.8       58.7       58.7  
 
   
     
     
 
Gross profit
    41.2       41.3       41.3  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    27.8       26.7       28.9  
 
   
     
     
 
Operating income
    13.4       14.6       12.4  
Interest income, net
    (0.8 )     (0.8 )     (0.1 )
Other income, net
    (0.2 )     (0.4 )     0.0  
 
   
     
     
 
Income before income taxes
    14.4       15.8       12.5  
Provision for income taxes
    4.9