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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended May 1, 2021

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: 0-23246

 

 

Daktronics, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

South Dakota		46-0306862
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
201 Daktronics Drive Brookings, SD		57006
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(605) 692-0200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, No Par Value	DAKT	Nasdaq Global Select Market
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights	DAKT	Nasdaq Global Select Market

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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 ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).     Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates at October 31, 2020 (which is the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), computed by reference to the closing sales price of the Registrant’s common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date, was approximately $ 179,767,088. For purposes of determining this number, individual shareholders holding more than 10 percent of the Registrant’s outstanding Common Stock are considered affiliates. This number is provided only for the purpose of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and does not represent an admission by either the Registrant or any such person as to the status of such person.

 

 

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The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of June 3, 2021 was 45,146,408.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held September 1, 2021 are incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K, as indicated in Items 10 through 14 of Part III.

 

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) (the "Form 10-K" or the "Report") contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this Report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future. These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: (i.) our competition; (ii.) our financing plans and ability to maintain adequate liquidity; (iii.) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iv.) our growth and operating strategies; (v.) the declaration and payment of dividends; (vi.) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vii.) raw material shortages and lead times; (viii.) fluctuations in margins; (ix.) the seasonality of our business; (x.) the introduction of new products and technology; (xi.) the amount and frequency of warranty claims; (xii.) our ability to manage the impact that new or adjusted tariffs may have on the cost of raw materials and components and our ability to sell product internationally; (xiii.) the resolution of litigation contingencies; (xiv.) the timing and magnitude of any acquisitions or dispositions; (xv.) the impact of governmental laws, regulations, and orders, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus; and (xvi) disruptions to our business caused by geopolitical events, military actions, work stoppages, natural disasters, or international health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including those discussed in the section of this Form 10-K entitled “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and those factors discussed in detail in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PART I.

Item 1. BUSINESS

Business Overview

Daktronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “Daktronics”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) are the world's industry leader in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays for sporting, commercial and transportation applications. We serve our customers by providing the highest quality standard display products as well as custom-designed and integrated systems. We offer a complete line of products, from small scoreboards and electronic displays to large multimillion-dollar video display systems as well as related control, timing, and sound systems. We are recognized as a technical leader with the capabilities to design, market, manufacture, install and service complete integrated systems displaying real-time data, graphics, animation and video. We engage in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support.

We were founded in 1968 by Drs. Aelred Kurtenbach and Duane Sander, professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. The Company began with the design and manufacture of electronic voting systems for state legislatures. In 1971, Daktronics developed the patented Matside® wrestling scoreboard, the first product in the Company's growing and evolving line. In 1994, Daktronics became a publicly traded company and invested in display technologies and new markets. We have continued these investments and have supported our long-term customer relationships to grow from a small company operating out of a garage to the world leader in the display industry. We currently employ 2,117 people globally. We are headquartered at 201 Daktronics Dr., Brookings, SD 57006 telephone 605-692-4200. Our Internet address is https://www.daktronics.com.

Our annual, quarterly and current reports and any amendments to those reports are freely available in the "Investor Relations" section of our website. We post each of these documents on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after it is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These reports and other reports, proxy, and electronic filings are also found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Report or filed with the SEC.

We focus our sales and marketing efforts on markets, geographical regions and products. Our five business segments consist of four domestic business units and the International business unit. The four domestic business units consist of Commercial, Live Events, High School Park and Recreation, and Transportation, all of which include the geographic territories of the United States and Canada. Financial information concerning these segments is set forth in this Form 10-K in "Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

Industry Background

Over the years, our products have evolved significantly from scoreboards and matrix displays with related software applications to complex, integrated visual display systems which include full color video with text and graphics displays located on a local or remote network that are tied together through sophisticated control systems. In the mid-1990's, as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) became available in red, blue and green colors with outdoor brightness, we pioneered the development of full color LED video displays capable of replicating trillions of colors, thereby producing large format video systems with excellent color, brightness, energy efficiency and lifetime. Due to our foundation of developing scoring and graphics display systems, we were able to add video capabilities so we could meet all our customers' large format display needs in a complete, integrated system. This has proven to be a key factor in Daktronics becoming a leader in large electronic displays. LED technologies continue to evolve and advance, creating new high-resolution and micro-LED display options of all shapes and sizes. Today, the industry continues development in both the construct of the micro-LED and production methods of micro-LED display panels using mass-transfer technology.

Integrated visual display systems are increasingly used across a variety of vertical markets including: media/advertising, stadiums/venues, hospitality/leisure, transportation, broadcast, control room, corporate and education, and retail. Generally, these vertical markets use systems to collaboratively communicate, inform, entertain, and advertise to various sized audiences. Advances in technologies and the decrease in costs of systems have opened up and increased the market's size.

Description of Business

We are engaged in a full range of activities: marketing and sales, engineering and product design and development, manufacturing, technical contracting, professional services and customer service and support. Each of those activities is described below:

Marketing and Sales. Our sales force is comprised of direct sales staff and resellers located throughout the world supporting all customer types in both sales and service. We primarily use a direct sales force for large integrated display system sales in professional sports, colleges and universities, and commercial spectacular projects. We also use our direct sales force to sell third-party advertising and transportation applications. We utilize resellers outside North America for large integrated system sales where we do not have a direct sales presence. The majority of our products sold by resellers in North America are standard catalog products. We support our resellers through direct mail/email advertising, social media campaigns, trade journal advertising, product and installation training, trade show exhibitions and accessibility to our regional sales or service teams and demonstration equipment.

Engineering and Product Design and Development. The large format electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product innovations and developments in technology and complementary services. To remain competitive, we have a tradition of applying engineering resources throughout our business to anticipate and respond rapidly to the system needs in the marketplace. We employ and contract with engineers and technicians in the areas of mechanical and electrical design; applications engineering; software design; quality design; and customer and product support. Product managers assigned to each product family assist our sales staff in training and implementing product improvements which ensures each product is designed for maximum reliability and serviceability. We employ and contract with process engineers to assist in quality and reliability processing in our product design testing and manufacturing areas. We also make selected investments in and contract with affiliated companies to support and advance technologies and capabilities for our product lines and solutions.

Manufacturing. The majority of our products are manufactured in the United States, specifically in South Dakota and Minnesota. We also have manufacturing facilities in China and Ireland. We perform component manufacturing, system manufacturing (metal fabrication, electronic assembly, sub-assembly and final assembly) and testing in-house for most of our products to control quality, improve response time and maximize cost-effectiveness. Given the cyclical nature of some parts of our business and dispersed sales geography, we balance and maintain our ability to manufacture the same products across our plants so we can efficiently utilize our capacity and reduce costs. A key strategy of ours is to increase standardization and commonality of parts and manufacturing processes across product lines through use of product platforms to increase efficiencies. Other strategies include supplier management programs and lean manufacturing techniques. For more details on our facilities, see "Part II, Item 2. Properties".

Technical Contracting. We serve as a technical contractor for larger display system installations requiring custom designs and innovative product solutions. The purchase of display systems typically involves competitive proposals. As part of our response to a proposal request, we may suggest additional products or features to assist the prospective customer in analyzing the optimal type of display system. We usually include site preparation and installation services related to the display system in our proposal. In these cases, we serve as a contractor and may retain subcontractors for electrical, steel and installation labor. We have developed relationships with many subcontractors throughout the United States and the world, which is an advantage for us in bidding and delivering on these projects. We are licensed as a general contractor in many jurisdictions.

Professional Services. To assist our clients' ability to engage, inform and entertain their audiences, we provide professional services including event support, content creation, product maintenance, marketing assistance, training on hardware and software, control room design, and continuing technical support training for operators.

Customer Service and Support. We offer limited warranties on our products, ranging from one to 10 years, against failure due to defective parts or workmanship. In addition, we offer service agreements of various scopes. To serve our customers, we provide help-desk access, parts repair and replacement, display monitoring and on-site support. Our technical help desk has experienced technicians who are on-call 24 hours a day to support events and sites. Our field service personnel and third-party service partners are trained to provide on-site support. We use third-party service partners to allow us to respond to changes in volume of service during our seasonal peaks.

Products and Technologies

The two principal components of our systems are the display and the controller, which manages the operation of the display. We produce displays varying in complexity, size and resolution. The physical dimensions of a display depend on the size of the viewing area, the distance from the viewer to the display, and the amount and type of information to be displayed. The controller is comprised of computer hardware and software products designed to compile information provided by the operator and other integrated sources to display information, graphics or animation on the displays. We customize our products according to the design specifications of the customer and the conditions of the environment in which our products function.

Our products are comprised of the following product families, all of which include software and controller options:

Each of these product families is described below:

Video Displays. These displays are comprised of a large number of full-color pixels capable of showing various levels of video, graphics and animation. These displays include red, green and blue LEDs arranged in various combinations to form pixels. The electronic circuitry, which controls the pixels, allows for variances in the relative brightness of each LED to provide a full color spectrum, thereby displaying video images in striking, vibrant colors. Variables in video displays include the spacing of the pixels (pixel pitch), the resolution of the displays (number of pixels), the brightness of the displays (nits), the number of discrete colors the display is able to produce (color depth), the viewing angles, and the LED technology.

We offer a broad range of indoor and outdoor LED video displays with these varying features. Examples of indoor offerings include centerhung displays, landmark displays, video walls, ribbon board displays, hanging banners, corporate office entrance displays, conference room displays, and video displays designed for retail stores, restaurants, malls, transportation hubs and other similar indoor facilities.

Video displays provide content to serve as a revenue generation source through advertising or as an information and communication medium (e.g. scoring, statistics, wayfinding, advertising, control center information), or to provide interior design elements to create luxurious space to feature digital art.

Our mobile and modular display systems are transportable and are comprised of lightweight individual LED video panels less than a square meter in size and are assembled together to form a display in a customizable size. These displays are used for both indoor and outdoor touring shows and for other live events.

Our display technology may be integrated with architectural mesh to deliver a dynamic communication medium that provides a semi-transparent viewing experience within a building. These displays can be mounted over a solid facade or in front of windows, resulting in a finished solution that is free from visible cabling and delivers a clean, semi-transparent view. These displays are less than one inch in depth and provide an elegant, refined structural appearance.

Our line of freeform LED displays is architectural lighting and display products. The ProPixel® freeform products use mountable LED elements to transform ordinary structures into stunning visual landmarks. A flexible mounting platform allows designers to transform any structure into a full-motion video display.

The control components for video displays in live event applications include our Show Control Software Suite, proprietary digital media players and video processors. These control components provide advanced capabilities for the display of live video and real-time content on our displays. The Show Control Software Suite can operate an entire network of displays within a venue from a single, intuitive control interface. Its features allow users to instantly deliver media clips, camera feeds, and streaming information to any display in a network.

Scoreboards and Timing Systems. Our line of scoreboards and timing products include indoor and outdoor scoreboards for many different sports, digit displays, scoring and timing controllers, statistics software and other related products. Indoor and outdoor systems range in complexity from small scoreboards to larger systems incorporating scoring, timing, video, message centers, advertising panels and control software.

We offer a variety of controllers complementing our scoreboards and displays. These controllers vary in complexity from the All Sport® 100, a handheld controller for portable scoreboards, to the All Sport® Pro, designed for more sophisticated scoring systems and allowing for more user-defined options.

We also offer timing systems for sports events, primarily aquatics and track competitions. A component of these systems is our OmniSport® timing console. The system has the capability to time and rank the competitors and to interface with event management software to facilitate the sporting event. Other timing system components include swimming touchpads, race start systems, and relay take-off platforms.

As a key component of an integrated system, we market sports statistics and results software under the DakStats® trademark. The software allows the entry and display of sports statistics and other information. It is one of the leading applications of its type in collegiate and high school sports.

Message Displays. The Galaxy® product line is a family of full-matrix displays, available in both indoor and outdoor models and controlled with the Venus® Control Suite. Galaxy® displays are full color or monochrome with varying pixel spacing depending on color, size and viewing distance. Galaxy® displays can display text, graphics and animation, as well as prerecorded video clips. They are used primarily to convey information and On-Premises advertising to consumers.

The Venus® Control Suite software is used to control the creation of messages and graphic sequences for uploading to the Galaxy® displays. This software is designed to be user friendly and applicable to all general advertising or message applications. It can be used to control a single message display or can scale up to provide a secure, cloud-based control center for large networks of message displays.

ITS Dynamic Message Signs ("DMS"). DMS products include a wide range of LED displays for road management applications. The Vanguard® family of dynamic message displays is typically used to direct traffic and inform motorists. These displays are used over freeways, on arterial roads, near bridges, at toll booths and in other locations. We have also developed a Vanguard® control system for these displays to help transportation agencies manage large networks of displays.

Mass Transit Displays. Our Mass Transit products include a wide range of LCD and LED display solutions for public transportation applications. Installations often involve a network of displays located on railway platforms, at bus stations, or concourses within a transportation hub to guide travelers to their intended destination.

Sound Systems. Our sound systems include both standard and custom options. Standard systems are designed to meet the needs of a variety of indoor and outdoor sports venues based on the size and configuration of the facility. Custom indoor and outdoor systems are tailored for larger venues and venues with unique seating configurations and are often integrated into an overall venue solution for scoring, timing, message display and/or video capability. Our audio systems also complement our video display systems used in mall applications.

Out-of-Home Advertising Displays. Our line of out-of-home advertising displays includes billboards and street furniture displays. Our line of digital billboards offers a unique display solution for the Out-of-Home (“OOH”) advertising industry. The products are used to display images which change at regular intervals. These systems include many features unique to the outdoor advertising market, such as our patented mounting system, self-adjusting brightness, improved energy consumption, and enhanced network security.

Our line of digital street furniture engages people with advertising content at eye level as they walk through campuses, cityscapes, and outlet malls. This design enhances the message and complements surrounding architecture. These street furniture displays are our most flexible solution for digital OOH campaigns.

Digit and Price Displays. This product line includes our DataTime® and Fuelight™ displays. The DataTime® product line consists of outdoor time and temperature displays which use a remote sensor for temperature data. Fuelight™ digit displays are specifically designed for the petroleum industry, offering high visibility and quick fuel price updates using the Fuelink™ control software.

Indoor Dynamic Messaging Systems. Our ADFLOW DMS™ systems include indoor networked solutions for retailers, convenience stores and other businesses. These solutions allow customers to broadcast advertising campaigns and other information through the software, media players and visual hardware.
 

Venus® Control Suite. The Venus® Control Suite is our platform for scheduled control capability. It can be used in any application where the intended message is created in advance and scheduled to play at a predetermined time. It is available in a on-premises or hosted cloud-based configuration and is capable of supporting a single display or scaling to support many displays. For applications that require both scheduled content and live video or real time content, a control solution can combine the capabilities of Venus@ Control Suite with the capabilities of the Show Control Software Suite to create a powerful solution that enables customers to easily manage content on their displays. Content includes media, scoring, timing, statistics, advertising, way-finding information, playback loops and entertainment type visualizations. 

Raw Materials

Materials used in the production of our video display systems are sourced from around the world. Examples of the materials we use in production include light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, power supplies, plastics, aluminum, and steel. We source some of our materials from a single-source or a limited number of suppliers due to the proprietary nature of the materials. The loss of a key supplier, part unavailability, tariff changes, price changes or defects in the supplied material or component could have an adverse impact on our business and operations. Our sourcing group works to implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year.

During late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"), shipping container shortages, winter weather, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight availability. We are unable to predict the supply chain recovery or the impact to our business.

Intellectual Property

We own or hold licenses to use numerous patents, copyrights, and trademarks on a global basis. Our policy is to protect our competitive position by filing U.S. and international patent applications to protect technology and improvements that we consider important to the development of our business. This will allow us to pursue infringement claims against competitors for protection due to patent violations. Although we own a number of patents and possess rights under others to which we attach importance, we do not believe that our business as a whole is materially dependent upon any such patents or rights. We also own a number of trademarks that we believe are important in connection with the identification of our products and associated goodwill with customers, but no part of our business materially depends on such trademarks. We also rely on nondisclosure agreements with our employees and agents to protect our intellectual property. Despite these intellectual property protections, there can be no assurance a competitor will not copy the functions or features of our products.

Seasonality

Our net sales and profitability historically have fluctuated due to the impact of uniquely configured orders, such as display systems for professional sports facilities, colleges and universities, and spectacular projects in the commercial area, as well as the seasonality of the sports market. Uniquely configured orders can include several displays, controllers, and subcontracted structure builds, each of which can occur on varied schedules per the customer's needs. Our third fiscal quarter sales and profit levels are lighter than other quarters due to the seasonality of our sports business, construction cycles, and the reduced number of production days due to holidays in the quarter.

Our gross margins tend to fluctuate more on uniquely configured orders than on limited configured orders. Uniquely configured orders involving competitive bidding and substantial subcontracting work for product installation generally have lower gross margins. Although we follow the over time method of recognizing revenues for uniquely configured orders, we nevertheless have experienced fluctuations in operating results and expect our future results of operations will be subject to similar fluctuations.

Because of the seasonality and volatility in business demand and variety of product types, we may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results.

Working Capital

For information regarding working capital items, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Form 10-K.

Customers

We have a large and diverse worldwide customer base, ranging from local main street business owners and out-of-home companies to the owners and operators of premier professional sports arenas. Our customers are important to us, and we strive to serve them over the long-term to earn their future business. The loss of one or more customers could have an adverse effect on us. See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for our primary markets and customers of each business unit.

Backlog

Backlog represents the dollar value of orders for integrated electronic display systems and related products and services which are expected to be recognized in net sales in the future. Orders are contractually binding purchase commitments from customers. Orders are included in backlog when we are in receipt of an executed contract and any required deposits or security and have not yet been recognized into net sales. Certain orders for which we have received binding letters of intent or contracts will not be included in backlog until all required contractual documents and deposits are received. Orders and backlog are not measures defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and our methodology for determining orders and backlog may vary from the methodology used by other companies in determining their orders and backlog amounts.

Order and backlog levels provide management and investors additional details surrounding the results of our business activities in the marketplace and highlight fluctuations caused by seasonality and our large project business. Management uses orders to evaluate market share and performance in the competitive environment. Management uses backlog information for capacity and resource planning. We believe order information is useful to investors because it provides an indication of our market share. We believe backlog information is useful to investors to provide an indication of future revenues. 

Our backlog as of May 1, 2021 was $304 million as compared to $268 million as of May 2, 2020. We expect to fulfill the backlog as of May 1, 2021 within the next 24 months. The timing of backlog may be impacted by project delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government and Other Regulation

In the United States and other countries, various laws, regulations and ordinances related to our products and controllers restrict the installation of outdoor signs and displays, particularly in the commercial and transportation markets. These laws and regulations impose greater restrictions on electronic displays versus non-electronic displays due to alleged concerns over aesthetics or driver safety. Globally, our products are also subject to various regulations and standards including electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic compatibility, electrical safety, and flammability standards. We design and have our products tested for these regulations; however, these factors may prevent or inhibit us from selling products to some prospective customers in certain geographies.

Our manufacturing facilities and products comply with industry specific requirements, including environmental rules and regulations and safety standards. These requirements include quality, manufacturing process controls, manufacturing documentation, supplier certification of raw materials, and various safety tests. Our products and production processes require the storage, use and disposal of a variety of hazardous chemicals under applicable laws.

Our global supply chain and sales distribution channels subject us to various trade compliance regulations. These requirements can include certification of country of origin, classification within the various tariff codes and trade agreements, compliance with other specific product or country import/export regulations, and payment of certain import or export tariffs, duties, or taxes.

Our global operations subject us to various laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to tax compliance, anti-corruption, and data privacy. These requirements vary and can involve matters and processes such as records management, policy creation and maintenance, data protection programs, compliance filings, and continued training of employees.

We are subject to regulations restricting the movement and interaction of people and business operations. During unprecedented times, such as during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and the U.S. states and/or its localities can issue lock down orders impacting availability of employees, third parties, suppliers, customers, and other services we need to operate our business.

We believe we are in material compliance with these requirements.

Competition

We encounter a wide variety of competitors that vary by product, geographic area, and business unit. Our competitors include both United States and foreign companies and range in size and product offerings. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or include different service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital, governmental funding, supply change access, and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media and fixed display signs.

We believe that our ability to compete depends upon customer centric product and service quality and features, technical expertise, service breadth, and cost-effective solutions.

Research and Development

Our experience in engineering, process design, and product and service design and development capabilities, and investments made in affiliates are very important factors in continuing to develop, produce, and offer the most up-to-date digital displays and control system solutions desired by the market.

Over the past years, we have invested in our development and our affiliates to increase our differentiated product platforms, advance our software architecture and offerings, support customer requirements, and advance new competitive narrow pixel and micro-electronic technologies.

Product design and development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points.

Employees and Human Capital Resource Management

Our core values of Honest, Helpful and Humble support our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which leads to our vision of every person at Daktronics being able to contribute their best every day. We seek to recruit, retain, and develop our existing and future workforce for decades-long engagements to build long-term mutual prosperity. We facilitate company-wide groups and teamwork to inspire a more inclusive culture. We encourage each employee to proactively and continuously build self-awareness, understanding of aspects of diversity, and openness to others’ experiences and perspectives. 

The safety and well-being of our team members is a top priority, and we believe each and every team member plays an essential role in creating a safe and healthy workplace. We provide training for safety measures on the job site and in our facilities. We provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of health programs, including benefits that support their physical and mental health. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented changes that we consider to be in the best interest of our employees. We implemented additional safety measures for employees continuing critical on-site work and allowed employees to work from home when able. We believe we have been able to preserve our business continuity without sacrificing our commitment to keeping our employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of May 1, 2021, we employed approximately 1,981 full-time employees and 136 part-time and temporary employees. Of these employees, approximately 695 were in manufacturing, 426 were in sales and marketing, 473 were in customer service, 331 were in engineering and 192 were in general and administrative. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe employee relations are good.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The factors that are discussed below, as well as the matters that are generally set forth in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, financial condition, and financial results.

A serious global pandemic, including the current COVID-19 pandemic and variants of COVID-19, can adversely impact, shock and weaken the global economy. These impacts can amplify other risk factors and could have a material impact on our operations, liquidity, financial conditions, and financial results.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic-related risks impacting our business may include increased exposure to: global regulatory, geopolitical, and societal changes; rapid degradation of global economic conditions, creating an increase in the volatility and the timing and level of orders; supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and increases in the costs of components; changes in labor force availability, which could reduce our ability to operate across our business in development, sales and marketing, production, installation, and ongoing service and support; an increased risk of being subject to contract performance claims if we are unable to deliver according to the terms of our contracts or commitments and cannot claim force majeure to mitigate or eliminate our exposure to such claims; increased geographic work restrictions that could impact our ability to market, sell, manufacture and/or install our products; an increase in our exposure to claims or litigation relating to the pandemic; limitations on our ability to meet the terms of our bank credit agreements that cause restrictions on our ability to access the liquidity under such agreements; reduced access to and an increase in the cost of capital; reduced access to surety bonds or bank guarantees to secure customer orders; volatility and changes in foreign currency rates; delayed timing of collections and/or decreased collectability of receivables and contract assets; and a material reduction to the values of our assets including, but not limited to, inventory, investments in affiliates, deferred tax assets, goodwill, intangibles, and property and equipment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, an unfavorable impact on certain areas of our business. The broader implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations remain uncertain and will depend on certain developments, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; the availability, distribution, and effectiveness of vaccines to address the COVID-19 virus; and any change in trends on how people gather. The impact on our customers and suppliers and the range of governmental and community reactions to the pandemic are uncertain. To the extent that our customers and suppliers are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, this could reduce the availability, or result in delays in the delivery, of materials or supplies, or delays in customer payments and orders, which in turn could materially interrupt our business operations and/or impact our liquidity. Site closures or project delays have occurred and have required increased social distancing and health-related precautions in our factories and many work sites, which may cause additional project delays and additional costs to be incurred. COVID-19 could disrupt our operations due to absenteeism by infected or ill employees or other employees who elect not to come to work due to the illness or due to quarantines.

Risks Related to Our Business

We operate in highly competitive markets and face significant competition and pricing pressure. If we are unable to keep up with of the rapidly changing product developments and new technologies or cannot compete effectively, we could lose market share and orders, which would negatively impact our results of operations.

The electronic display industry is characterized by ongoing product improvement, innovations and development. We compete against products produced in foreign countries and the United States. Our competitors may develop lower-cost or lower-featured products, may be willing to charge lower prices to increase their market share, or market new and unique product, service and controller offerings. Some competitors have more capital and other resources, which may allow them to take advantage of acquisition opportunities or adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements. Other competitors use sponsorships as a way to win business at a particular location or market. In addition, our products compete with other forms of advertising, such as television, print media and fixed display signs. To remain competitive, we must anticipate and respond quickly to provide products and services our customers’ needs, enhance our existing products, introduce new products and features, and continue to price our products competitively.

Our results of operations on a quarterly and annual basis have and are likely to continue to fluctuate and be substantially affected by the size and timing of large contract order awards.

Customer demand and the timing and size of large contracts create volatility in supply chain planning and capacity requirements to fulfill orders. Awards of large contracts and their timing and amounts are difficult to predict, may not be repeatable, and are outside of our control. Market demand has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. Adjusting supply chain material planning and production and services capacity to meet this varied demand can increase costs. Large contracts or customer awards include projects for college and professional sports facilities markets, the OOH niche, the transportation market, and the large spectacular niche. These projects can have short delivery time frames. Some factors that may cause our operating results to vary due to timing and size of the awards include:

Operating results in one or more quarters or a fiscal year may not be indicative of future operating results.

If we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of raw materials and components from our suppliers or to send shipments of our manufactured product to our customers, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

We cannot control all the various factors that might affect our suppliers' timely and effective delivery of raw materials and components to our manufacturing facilities or the availability of freight capacity for us to deliver products to our customers.

Our utilization of a complex supply chain for raw material and component imports and the global distribution of our products makes us vulnerable to many risks, including, among other things, risks of damage, destruction or confiscation of products while in transit to and from our manufacturing facilities; organized labor strikes and work stoppages, such as labor disputes or related employee worker unavailability, that could disrupt operations at ports-of-entry; transportation and other delays in shipments as a result of heightened security screening and inspection processes or other port-of-entry limitations or restrictions; unexpected or significant port congestion; lack of freight availability; and freight cost increases. In addition, we may be required to arrange for products to be delivered through airfreight, which is significantly more expensive than standard shipping by sea. We may not be able to obtain sufficient freight capacity on a timely basis or at favorable shipping rates and, therefore, may not be able to timely receive shipments of raw materials and components or deliver products to customers.

Price fluctuations in, and shortages of, raw materials, components, and related transportation costs and tariffs can have a significant impact on our price competitiveness and/or ability to produce our products, which could cause harm to our sales, financial condition and results of operations.

Price fluctuations and shortages of any raw materials and components used to manufacture our products can occur due to various factors (such as worldwide demand, natural disasters, logistic disruptions, and trade regulations). Electronic components used in our products are sometimes in short supply, which may impact our ability to meet customer demand. Transportation costs and availability can fluctuate due to fluctuations in oil prices and other social and economic factors. If we experience shortages or increases in the price of raw materials and components and are unable to pass on those increases to our customers or are unable to manufacture our products at all or on a timely basis, it could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages that could negatively impact our profits.

During late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of COVID-19, shipping container shortages, winter weather, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight availability. We are unable to predict the supply chain recovery or the impact to our business.

As a result of U.S. Administrative trade actions in 2019, we experienced volatility in supply and increases in the prices of aluminum, electrical, and other components we use in our production. Further trade disputes could make us subject to additional regulatory costs and challenges, affect global economic and market conditions, and contribute to volatility in foreign exchange markets, which we may be unable to effectively manage through our foreign exchange risk management program. We continue to monitor the situation and evaluate ways to minimize these impacts through vendor negotiations, alternative sources, and potential price adjustments. We estimate our financial results were adversely impacted by approximately $2.9 million, $4.9 million, and $2.5 million of additional costs for tariffs in fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally in 2019, we incurred $3.8 million in costs due to extended lead-times and price volatility.

Our actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions we make to prepare our financial statements, which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, including the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, our management is required under GAAP to make estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors. Our most critical accounting estimates are described in "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Form 10-K.

These estimates and assumptions affect the timing of net sales, costs, and profits or losses in applying the principles to contracts with customers under the cost incurred input method; credit losses for accounts receivables and contract assets, the valuation of inventory, estimated amounts for warranty costs; the calculation and valuation of our investments and deferred tax assets; fair value estimates used in goodwill and long-term assets testing; and estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the circumstances, they are subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If management's estimates and assumptions change or are not correct, our financial condition or results of operation could be adversely affected.

Unanticipated warranty and other costs for defective products could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.

We provide warranties on our products with terms varying from one to 10 years. In addition, we offer extended warranties. These warranties require us to repair or replace faulty products and meet certain performance standards, among other customary warranty provisions. Although we continually monitor our warranty claims and accrue a liability for estimated warranty costs, unanticipated claims could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. In some cases, we may be able to subrogate a claim back to a subcontractor or supplier if the subcontractor or supplier supplied the defective product or performed the service, but this may not always be possible. In addition, the need to repair or replace products with design and manufacturing defects could adversely affect our reputation. Remediation of a claim may take time and could result in lost or deferred revenue, lead to costly warranty expenses, and have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.

We enter into fixed-price contracts, which could reduce our profits if actual costs exceed estimated costs.

Because of the complexity of many of our client contracts, accurately estimating the cost, scope and duration of a particular contract can be a difficult task. Unanticipated costs that exceed our original estimates may not be recoverable under fixed price contracts. Unanticipated cost increases may occur as a result of several factors including, but not limited to: increases in the cost, shortages or non-availability of materials or labor; unanticipated technical problems; required project modifications not initiated by the customer; suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform or delay in performing their obligations; logistics disruptions or delays; and capacity constraints. In addition to increased costs, these factors could delay delivery of products, which may result in the assessment of liquidated damages or other contractual damages which would negatively impact our profits.

Backlog may not be indicative of future revenue or profitability.

Many of our products have long sales, delivery and acceptance cycles. In addition, our backlog is subject to order cancellations and delays. Orders normally contain cancellation provisions to permit our recovery of costs expended as well as a pro-rata portion of the profit. If projects are delayed, revenue recognition can occur over longer periods of time, and projects may remain in backlog for extended periods of time. If we receive relatively large orders in any given quarter, fluctuations in the levels of the quarterly backlog can result because the backlog may reach levels which may not be sustained in subsequent quarters.

We depend on a single-source or a limited number of suppliers for our raw materials and components from countries around the world. The loss, an interruption, or a material change in our business relationships with our suppliers could cause a disruption in supply and a substantial increase in the costs of such materials. Such changes could cause harm to our sales, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our suppliers are subject to the fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may impact their ability to operate their businesses. The performance and financial condition of a supplier may cause us to alter our business terms, cease doing business with a particular supplier, or change our sourcing practices.

An interruption from our suppliers of raw materials or components could affect our ability to manufacture our products until a new source of supply is located and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Although we believe our supply of raw materials and components generally is adequate for the needs of our business, we cannot assure that new sources of supply will be available if needed.

We may depend on third parties to complete our contracts.

Depending on a contract's scope of work, we may hire third-party subcontractors to perform on-site installation and service-related activities, hire manufacturers of structures or elements of structures related to on-site installation, hire contract manufacturers for certain product lines, or purchase specialty non-display related system elements from other companies. If we are unable to hire qualified subcontractors, find qualified manufacturers for on-site elements, find qualified contract manufacturers, or purchase specialty non-display system elements, our ability to successfully complete a project could be impaired. If we are not able to locate qualified third-party subcontractors or manufacturers, the amount we are required to pay may exceed what we have estimated, and we may suffer losses on these contracts. If the subcontractor or manufacturer fails to perform, we may be required to source these services to other third parties on a delayed basis or on less favorable terms, which could impact contract profitability. There is a risk that we may have disputes with our subcontractors relating to, among other things, the quality and timeliness of work performed, customer concerns about the subcontractor, or faulty workmanship resulting in claims against us for failure to meet required project specifications and negatively impacting our financial condition and results of operations.

These third parties are subject to fluctuations in global economic cycles and conditions and other business risk factors which may adversely impact their ability to operate their businesses. The performance and financial condition of the third parties may cause us to alter our business terms or to cease doing business with a particular third party or change our sourcing practices.

Unanticipated events resulting in credit losses to us could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

Significant portions of our sales are to customers who place large orders for custom products. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of our customers and have not, to date, experienced significant credit losses. We mitigate our exposure to credit risk, to some extent, by requiring deposits, payments prior to shipment, progress payments and letters of credit. However, because some of our exposure to credit losses is outside of our control, unanticipated events resulting in credit losses could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

We may not be able to utilize our capacity efficiently or accurately plan our capacity requirements, which may negatively affect our business and operating results.

We increase our production and services capacity and the overhead supporting order fulfillment based on anticipated market demand. Market demand, however, has not always developed as expected or remained at a consistent level. This underutilization risk can potentially decrease our profitability and result in the impairment of certain assets.

The following factors are among those that could complicate capacity planning for market demand:

The terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions on our operations, and if we default on our credit facilities, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and make us vulnerable to adverse economic or industry conditions and cause liquidity issues.

The terms and conditions of our credit facilities impose restrictions limiting our ability to incur debt, contingent liabilities, lease obligations or liens; make a substantial change of ownership; or acquire or purchase a business or its assets. Our credit facilities also impose certain financial covenants on us which restrict the level of cash dividends and capital expenditures. A breach of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under our credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lender could elect to declare any and all amounts outstanding under such facility to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. For additional information on financing agreements, see "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

For the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that our cash on hand, marketable securities, cash provided by operating activities, and borrowings under our existing credit facilities should provide sufficient funds to finance our capital expenditures and working capital needs and otherwise meet operating expenses and debt service requirements. However, if additional capital is required or we are unable to renew our existing credit facilities at all or on a timely basis, there can be no assurance we will be able to obtain such capital when needed or on satisfactory terms. Also, market conditions can negatively impact our customers' ability to fund their projects and can impact our vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors and may not allow them to meet their obligations to us.

If we became unable to obtain adequate surety bonding or letters of credit, it could adversely affect our ability to bid on new work, which could have a material adverse effect on our future revenue and business prospects.

In line with industry practice, we are often required to provide performance and surety bonds to customers and may be required to provide letters of credit. These bonds and letters of credit provide credit support for the client if we fail to perform our obligations under the contract. If security is required for a project and we are unable to obtain a bond or letter of credit on terms acceptable to us and our client, we may not be able to pursue that project. In addition, bonding may be more difficult to obtain in the future or may be available only at significant additional cost as a result of general conditions that affect the insurance and bonding markets.

We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights effectively, or we may infringe upon the intellectual property of others, either of which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

We rely on a variety of intellectual property rights we use in our products and services. We may not be able to successfully preserve our intellectual property rights in the future, and these rights could be invalidated, circumvented or challenged. In particular, the laws of certain countries in which our products are sold do not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If litigation is necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources even if we ultimately prevail.

In addition, intellectual property of others also has an impact on our ability to offer some of our products and services for specific uses or at competitive prices. Competitors' patents or other intellectual property may limit our ability to offer products or services to our customers. Any infringement or claimed infringement by us of the intellectual property rights of others could result in litigation and adversely affect our ability to continue to provide, or could increase the cost of providing, products and services.

Weakened global economic conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.

Our overall performance depends in part on worldwide economic conditions. The United States and other key international economies have experienced downturns, including the COVID-19 related downturn, from time to time during which economic activity was impacted by falling demand for a variety of goods and services; restricted credit; poor liquidity; reduced corporate profitability; volatility in credit, equity and foreign exchange markets; increased unemployment; bankruptcies; and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. These conditions affect consumer spending and could adversely affect our customers’ ability or willingness to purchase our products, delay prospective customers’ purchasing decisions, reduce the value of their contracts, or affect attrition rates, all of which could adversely affect our operating results.

Unexpected events, including natural disasters and pandemics, may increase our cost of doing business or disrupt our operations.

The occurrence of one or more unexpected events, including war, terrorist acts, pandemics, fires, tornadoes, floods, severe weather and natural disasters in the United States or in other countries in which we operate may disrupt our operations as well as the operations of our customers. Such events could create additional uncertainties, forcing customers to reduce, delay, or cancel already planned projects. These events could result in damage to, and a complete or partial closure of, one or more of our manufacturing facilities, which could make it difficult to supply our customers with product and provide our employees with work, thereby adversely affecting our business, operating results or financial condition.

Our global operations expose us to global regulatory, geopolitical, economic and social changes and add additional risks and uncertainties which can harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Our United States and foreign operations, sales, earnings, and strategies for profitable growth can be adversely affected by global conditions and compliance with global regulations and governmental orders. Global conditions include political developments; economic changes; unfavorable trading policies; difficulties in staffing and managing global operations; changes in foreign and domestic governmental regulations or requirements, treaty and trade relationships; the imposition of government orders that differ among jurisdictions, including mandatory closures, work-from-home and lock-down orders and social distancing protocols, or other restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in monetary and fiscal policies; changes in laws and regulations; or other activities of the United States and other foreign governments, agencies, and similar organizations. These conditions include, but are not limited to, changes in a country's or region's economic or political conditions; pricing and marketing of products; local labor conditions and regulations; reduced protection of intellectual property rights; changes in the regulatory or legal environment; lack of well-developed legal systems; restrictions and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; and burdensome taxes and tariffs and other trade regulations or barriers. Other exposures and uncertainties exist include changing social conditions and attitudes, terrorism, or political hostilities and war. Other difficulties of global operations include staffing and managing our various locations, including logistical and communication challenges. The likelihood of such occurrences and their overall effect on us vary greatly from country to country and are not predictable.

Our future results may be affected by compliance risks related to United States and other countries' anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, trade controls, economic sanctions, and similar laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to civil, criminal and administrative proceedings or penalties and harm our reputation.

Doing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of the United States government and various foreign jurisdictions. These laws and regulations place restrictions on our operations, trade practices, partners, and investments.

In particular, we and our operations are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption and trade control laws and regulations, such as the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”); the United Kingdom Bribery Act (the “Bribery Act”); and export controls and economic sanctions programs, including those administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (the “DDTC”), and the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

As part of our business, we deal with state-owned business enterprises, the employees of which are considered to be foreign officials for purposes of the FCPA's prohibition on United States companies from engaging in bribery, providing anything of value, or making other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and other similar regulations in other areas of the world. In addition, the provisions of the Bribery Act apply to the bribery of foreign officials and to transactions with individuals that a government does not employ. The FCPA also requires us to maintain specific record-keeping standards and adequate internal accounting controls. In addition, we are subject to similar requirements in other countries. Some of the international locations in which we do business lack a developed legal system and have higher than normal levels of corruption. Our expansion outside of the United States, and our development of new partnerships and joint venture relations worldwide, could increase the risk of violation of the FCPA, OFAC, the Bribery Act or similar laws and regulations.

As an exporter, we must comply with various laws and regulations relating to the export of products and technology from the U.S. and other countries having jurisdiction over our operations and trade sanctions against embargoed countries and destinations administered by OFAC. Before shipping certain items, we must obtain an export license or verify that license exemptions are available. Any failures to comply with these laws and regulations could result in fines, adverse publicity, and restrictions on our ability to export our products. Repeat failures could carry more significant penalties.

Bribery, corruption, and trade laws and regulations, and the enforcement thereof, are increasing in frequency, complexity and severity on a global basis. Violations of anti-corruption, anti-bribery and trade control laws and sanctions regulations are punishable by civil penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, asset seizures, debarment from government contracts and revocations or restrictions of licenses, as well as criminal fines and imprisonment, and could harm our reputation, create negative shareholder sentiment and affect our share value. We have established policies and procedures with the intention of providing reasonable assurance of compliance with these laws and regulations and trained our employees to comply with these laws and regulations. However, our employees, contractors, agents and licensees involved in our international operations may take actions in violations of such policies. If our employees, agents, distributors, suppliers and other third parties with whom we do business violate anti-bribery, anti-corruption or similar laws and regulations, we may incur severe fines, penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our policies and procedures will effectively prevent us from violating these regulations in every transaction in which we may engage or provide a defense to any alleged violation. In particular, we may be held liable for the actions that our joint venture partners take inside or outside of the United States even though our partners may not be subject to these laws. Such a violation, even if our policies prohibit it, could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors maintain prohibitions or restrictions on investments in companies that do business with sanctioned countries, persons and entities, which could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Global tax law changes may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States and its various state and local governments as well as several foreign tax jurisdictions. Our future income taxes could be materially adversely affected by changes in the amount or mix of earnings amongst countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax rates or the interpretation of tax rules and regulations in jurisdictions in which we do business, changes in tax laws, or the outcome of income tax audits and any related litigation. The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is one such example of legislation that impacts our effective tax rate.

Further changes in the tax laws of the United States and foreign jurisdictions could arise, including additional tax reform in the United States and the base erosion and profit shifting project undertaken by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”). Both the United States tax reform and the OECD proposed recommendations, that, in some cases, would make substantial changes to numerous long-standing tax positions and principles. These contemplated changes could increase tax uncertainty and may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisitions, partial investments, and divestitures pose financial, management and other risks and challenges.

We routinely explore investing in or acquiring other businesses and related assets to complement or enhance our business strategies. These investments are often made to increase customer relations and market base, expand geographically, or obtain technological advances to support our solution portfolio. Periodically, we may also consider disposing of these businesses, partial investments, assets, or other lines of business.

The financial, management and other risks and challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:

There can be no assurance that we will engage in any acquisitions or divestitures or that we will be able to do so on terms that will result in any expected benefits.

Any reduction or impairment of the value of an investment and related acquired assets, goodwill, or investments in affiliates would result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.

If goodwill or other intangible assets in connection with our acquisitions become impaired, we could take significant non-cash charges against earnings.

We have pursued and will continue to seek potential acquisitions to complement and expand our existing businesses, increase our revenues and profitability, and expand our markets. As a result of prior acquisitions, we have goodwill and intangible assets recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as described in "Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

Goodwill represents the purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized and remains in our consolidated balance sheets indefinitely unless there is an impairment or a sale of a portion of the business. Under current accounting guidelines, we must assess, at least annually, whether the value of goodwill and other intangible assets has been impaired. Any reduction or impairment of the value of goodwill or other intangible assets will result in charges against earnings, which would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.

We had no impairments in fiscal 2019, 2020, or 2021.

Our data systems could fail, or their security could be compromised, causing a material adverse effect on our business.

We rely heavily on digital technologies for the successful operation of our business, for the support of our controller offerings, and for the collection and retention of business data. Any failure of our digital systems, or any breach of our systems’ security measures, could adversely affect our operations, at least until our data can be restored and/or the breaches remediated. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming issues, and/or human errors or other similar events. Any misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information, whether by us or by our third-party service providers, could adversely affect our business and operations. We could face significant fines and penalties under various global laws revolving around data loss, lack of adequate date protection or lack of required reporting. Any disruption in our digital technologies could affect our business and operations, causing potentially significant expenses to recover and modify the data systems, to reimburse customers' losses, and to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities, which could severely damage our reputation with customers, suppliers, employees and investors and expose us to risk of litigation and liability.

Regulation in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security could increase our costs and affect or limit our business opportunities and how we collect or use personal information.

As privacy, data protection and information security laws, including data localization laws, are interpreted and applied, compliance costs may increase, particularly in the context of ensuring that adequate data protection and data transfer mechanisms are in place. In recent years, there have been increasing regulatory enforcement and litigation activities in the areas of privacy, data protection and information security in the U.S. and in various countries in which we operate.

In addition, state and federal legislators and/or regulators in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, data protection and information security laws that potentially could have significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices; our collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer and/or employee information; and some of our current or planned business activities. New legislation or regulation could increase our costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce revenues from certain business initiatives. Moreover, the application of existing or new laws to existing technology and practices can be uncertain and may lead to additional compliance risk and cost.

Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws relating to consumer and/or employee data could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Our failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in potentially significant regulatory and/or governmental investigations and/or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions, ongoing regulatory monitoring, customer attrition, customer indemnity claims, decreases in the use or acceptance of our products and services, and damage to our reputation and our brand.

We may fail to continue to attract, develop and retain key management personnel, which could negatively impact our operating results.

We depend on the performance of our senior executives and key employees, including experienced and skilled technical personnel. The loss of any of our senior executives could negatively impact our operating results and ability to execute our business strategy. Our future success will also depend upon our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain qualified personnel.

Although we intend to continue to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain key personnel, some of our competitors for these employees have greater resources and more experience, making it difficult for us to compete successfully for key personnel. If we cannot attract and retain sufficiently qualified technical employees for our research and development and manufacturing operations, we may be unable to achieve the synergies expected from mergers and acquisitions or to develop and commercialize new products or new applications for existing products. Furthermore, possible shortages of key personnel, including engineers, could require us to pay more to hire and retain key personnel, thereby increasing our costs.

The outcome of pending and future claims, investigations or litigation can have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We are involved from time to time in a variety of litigation, investigations, inquires or similar matters arising in our business. Litigation, investigations and regulatory proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings and outcomes can and do occur. Pending or future claims against us could result in professional liability, product liability, criminal liability, warranty obligations, indemnity claims, or other liabilities to the extent we are not insured against a loss or our insurance fails to provide adequate coverage. Also, a well-publicized actual or perceived threat of litigation could adversely affect our reputation and reduce the demand for our products. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on litigation obligations.

Our business involves the use of hazardous materials, and we must comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, which can be expensive and restrict how we do business.

Our business involves the blending, controlled storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials. We and our suppliers are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. Although we believe the safety procedures we utilize for handling and disposing of these materials comply with the standards prescribed by these laws and regulations, we cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of an accident, local, state, federal or foreign authorities may curtail the use of these materials and interrupt our business operations. If we are subject to any liability as a result of activities involving hazardous materials, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected, and our reputation may be harmed.

If our internal control over financial reporting is found to be ineffective, our financial statements may not be fairly stated, raising concerns for investors and potentially adversely affecting our stock price.

Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a public company. We may encounter problems or delays in completing the review and evaluation, implementing improvements, or receiving a positive attestation from our independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, our assessment of internal controls may identify deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting or other matters which may raise concerns for investors, which may adversely affect our stock price.

Insurance coverage can be difficult or expensive to obtain, and our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

We maintain insurance both as a corporate risk management strategy and to satisfy the requirements of many of our contracts with customers. As the costs and availability of insurance change, we may decide not to be covered against certain losses where, in the judgment of management, the insurance is not warranted due to the cost or availability of coverage or the remoteness of the perceived risk. We cannot provide assurance that all necessary or appropriate insurances will be available, cover every type of loss incurred, or be able to be economically secured. For example, some insurers limit coverages, increase premium costs or increase deductibles when global catastrophic events occur. As part of our corporate risk management strategy, we monitor and place our coverages with financially strong insurers, layer our risk with multiple insurers, and seek advice on the amount, breadth and type of insurance coverages to protect our interests. We also contractually require subcontractors and others working on our behalf to carry common insurance coverages for the types of work they perform to mitigate any risk of our loss. Our failure to obtain adequate insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

We have been required to conduct a good faith reasonable country of origin analysis on our use of “conflict minerals”, which has imposed and may impose additional costs on us and could raise reputational challenges and other risks.

The SEC has promulgated rules in connection with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act regarding disclosure of the use of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries. As required, we have filed annual Forms SD since 2014 reporting our work performed to gain information on the source of conflict minerals we use. We incur costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements. As we continue our due diligence, we may face reputational challenges if we continue to be unable to verify the origins of all conflict minerals used in our products. We may also encounter challenges in our efforts to satisfy customers that may require all of the components of products purchased to be certified as conflict free. If we are not able to meet customer requirements, customers may choose to disqualify us as a supplier.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock

The protections we have adopted and to which we are subject may discourage takeover offers favored by our shareholders.

Our articles of incorporation, by-laws and other corporate governance documents and the South Dakota Business Corporation Act ("SD Act") contain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and discourage, delay or prevent a change in control or an acquisition that many shareholders may find attractive. These provisions make it more difficult for our shareholders to take some corporate actions and include provisions relating to:

These provisions may deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their common stock, which in turn may have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock.

Our common stock has at times been thinly traded, which may result in low liquidity and price volatility.

The daily trading volume of our common stock has at times been relatively low. If this were to occur in the future, the liquidity and appreciation of our common stock may not meet our shareholders’ expectations, and the price at which our stock trades may be volatile. The market price of our common stock could be adversely impacted as a result of sales by existing shareholders of a large number of shares of common stock in the market or by the perception such sales could cause.

Significant changes in the market price of our common stock could result in securities litigation claims against us.

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated and will likely continue to fluctuate. In the past, companies that have experienced significant changes in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities litigation claims. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could harm our business.

Additionally, if we fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, or if one or more of the securities analysts who cover us adversely change their recommendation regarding our stock, the market price of our common stock could decline. Moreover, our stock price may be based on expectations, estimates and forecasts of our future performance that may be unrealistic or that may not be met. Further, our stock price may fluctuate based on reporting by the financial media, including television, radio, press reports and blogs.

There can be no assurance that we will pay dividends on our common stock.

Our Board of Directors approved regular dividends from fiscal 2006 until March 2020. The declaration, amount and timing of such dividends are determined by our Board of Directors at their discretion. Such determinations are subject to capital availability, compliance with all respective laws and our agreements applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends, strategic investment cash needs, business outlook and other factors balancing our long-term needs of our business and the interests of our shareholders.

Our ability to pay dividends will depend upon, among other factors, our cash balances and potential future capital requirements for strategic transactions, including acquisitions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. A reduction in or elimination of our dividend payments and/or our dividend program could have a material negative effect on our stock price.

On April 1, 2020, our Board of Directors announced the suspension of dividends for the foreseeable future. We believe these measures are necessary to help preserve our ability to borrow for liquidity needs and help us to be well positioned when the COVID-19 pandemic passes and economies recover.

Our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders have the ability to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval.

Co-founder Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach served as our Chairman of the Board until September 3, 2014. Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach's family members serve as executive officers of the Company. His son, Mr. Reece Kurtenbach, serves as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and two other children serve as our Vice President of Human Resources and as our Vice President of Manufacturing. Together, these individuals, in the aggregate, beneficially owned 9.4 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June 3, 2021, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options that were currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 3, 2021. Our other executive officers and directors, in the aggregate, beneficially owned an additional 4.3 percent of our outstanding common stock as of June 3, 2021, assuming the exercise by them of all of their options currently exercisable or that vest within 60 days of June 3, 2021. Although this does not represent a majority of our outstanding common stock, if these shareholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, could significantly influence the election of directors and the approval of any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination or reorganization requiring shareholder approval. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other shareholders may desire. The interests of this group of shareholders may not always coincide with the interests of other shareholders, and they may act in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of other shareholders, including seeking a premium value for their common stock, that might affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

Our principal properties include space for manufacturing products, designing and testing new developments or processes, and employee collaboration space. Our properties are somewhat aligned with our business segments; however, we manufacture the same products across our manufacturing facilities to efficiently utilize capacity and reduce costs. We consider all our properties to be both suitable and adequate to meet our requirements for the foreseeable future.

Our principal properties consist of the following:

We also utilize sales and service offices located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific regions. These spaces are generally small leased offices used for sales related activities. See "Note 9. Leases" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on lease obligations.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in a variety of legal actions relating to various matters during the normal course of business. Although we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is the opinion of management that the disposition of these matters, taken as a whole, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on any legal proceedings and claims.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

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

Stock Performance

Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol DAKT. Daily market activity, along with quoted prices and other trading information, are readily available for our common stock on numerous websites including www.nasdaq.com. As of June 3, 2021, we had 968 shareholders of record.

The following graph shows changes during the period from April 30, 2016 to May 1, 2021 in the value of $100 invested in: (1) our common stock; (2) The Nasdaq Composite; and (3) the Standard and Poor's 600 Index for Electronic Equipment Manufacturers. The values of each investment as of the dates indicated are based on share prices plus any cash dividends, with the dividends reinvested on the date they were paid. The calculations exclude trading commissions and taxes.

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

The following discussion provides our highlights and commentary related to factors impacting our financial conditions and further describes the results of operations. The most significant risks and uncertainties are discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors."

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

Management's Discussion and Analysis - Fiscal 2020 compared to Fiscal 2019

The comparison of fiscal 2020 with fiscal 2019, including the results of operations and liquidity, can be found in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section of our 2020 Form 10-K, which comparison is incorporated by reference herein. 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Our mission is to be the world leader at informing and entertaining audiences through dynamic audio-visual communication systems. We organize into business units to focus on customer loyalty over time and earn new and replacement business as our products have a finite lifetime. See "Note 3. Segment Reporting" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information. Our strategies include the creation of a comprehensive line of innovative solutions and systems and our ability to create and leverage platform designs and technologies. These strategies align us to effectively deliver value to our varied customers and their market needs, while serving our stakeholders over the long-term. We focus on creating local capabilities for sales, service, and manufacturing in geographies with expected digital market opportunities. We believe consistently generating profitable growth will provide value to our stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers, and communities).

We measure our success using a variety of measures including:

Certain factors impact our ability to succeed in these strategies and impact our business units to varying degrees. For example, the overall manufacturing cost and the selling prices of our products have decreased over the years and are expected to continue to decrease in the future. Our competitors outside the U.S. are impacted differently by the global trade environment allowing them to avoid tariff costs or reduce prices. As a result, additional competitors have entered the market, and each year we must sell more product to generate the same or greater level of net sales as in previous fiscal years. However, the decline of digital solution pricing over the years and increased user adoption and applications have increased the size of the global market.

Competitor offerings, actions and reactions also can vary and change over time or in certain customer situations. Projects with multimillion-dollar revenue potential attracts competition, and competitors can use marketing or other tactics to win business.

Each business unit's long-term performance can be impacted by economic conditions in different ways and to different degrees. The effects of an adverse economy are generally less severe on our sports related business as compared to our other businesses, although in severe economic downturns with social changes causing decreases in sporting event revenues, the sports business can also be seriously impacted.

Outlook: The COVID-19 pandemic has created global disruptions since its initial outbreak and our reaction to it continue to evolve. The future extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business will depend on future developments that are uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. Developments include the ultimate severity, spread, and containment of the disease, the duration of the pandemic or any strain reemergence, the global availability and effectiveness of vaccines, global travel restrictions and social distancing requirements, the pace and extent of the economic recovery, and any change in trends and practices in how people gather. Our customer reduced their spend on audiovisual systems and related services in fiscal 2021 as they worked through the economic and business implications of COVID-19. As economies and restrictions ease, we believe our markets will recover and we will be poised to grow over the long-term. 

During fiscal 2021, we lowered overall staffing and benefit levels and temporarily furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. These reductions vary in permanency and some will not be sustainable through fiscal 2022 as our order and sales volumes begin to recover towards pre-pandemic levels.

Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Commercial business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

Live Events Business Unit: Our customers have been adversely impacted by governmental limitations on the number of people allowed to gather in certain spaces as part of COVID-19 safety measures since March 2020 with varied or no published expiration. In the near-term, our customers who rely on advertising and event revenues are expected to delay spending on projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to the ways and willingness of how people gather may change the demand for our systems. As the restrictions of gathering start to decrease, we believe more customers may choose to begin to invest in their locations.

Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Live Events business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

High School Park and Recreation Business Unit: In the near-term, our customers who rely on advertising revenue for sports installations or who may be impacted by governmental tax revenue availability may choose to delay spending on projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the long-term, we believe growth in the High School Park and Recreation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

Transportation Business Unit: In the near term, customers in the mass-transit and airport part of the market are expected to delay spending as a result of the limited use of this infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the long-term, roadway projects may be impacted due to reduced tax revenues. That impact will increase as the duration of the reduction in infrastructure usage continues.

Over the long-term, we believe growth in the Transportation business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

International Business Unit: In the near-term, our customers who rely on advertising, retail, event revenues and governmental tax revenue availability are expected to delay spending on projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to the ways and willingness of how people gather may change the demand for our systems. As the restrictions of gathering start to decrease, we believe more customers may choose to begin to invest in their locations. Customers who rely on advertising revenues for OOH advertising or who are reliant on customer foot-traffic to drive sales are beginning to increase their capital spending.

Over the long-term, we believe growth in the International business unit will result from a number of factors, including:

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Although our significant accounting policies are described in "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", the following discussion is intended to highlight and describe those accounting policies that are especially critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

A critical accounting policy is defined as a policy that is both very important to the portrayal of a company's financial condition and results and requires management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. We regularly review our critical accounting policies and evaluate them based on these factors. We believe the estimation process for uniquely configured contracts and warranties are most material and critical. These areas contain estimates with a reasonable likelihood to change, and those changes could have a material impact on our financial condition and reported results of operations. The estimation processes for these areas are also difficult, subjective and use complex judgments. Our critical accounting estimates are based on historical experience; on our interpretation of GAAP, current laws and regulations; and on various other assumptions 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 not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Revenue recognition on uniquely configured contracts. Revenue for uniquely configured (custom) or integrated systems is recognized over time using the cost incurred input method. Over time revenue recognition is appropriate because we have no alternative use for the uniquely configured system and have an enforceable right to payment for work performed. The cost incurred input method measures cost incurred to date compared to estimated total costs for each contract. This method is the most faithful depiction of our performance because it measures the value of the contract transferred to the customer. Costs to perform the contract include direct and indirect costs for contract design, production, integration, installation, and assurance-type warranty reserve. Direct costs include material and components; manufacturing, project management and engineering labor; and subcontracting expenses. Indirect costs include allocated charges for such items as facilities and equipment depreciation and general overhead. Provisions of estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period when such losses are capable of being estimated.

We may have multiple performance obligations in these types of contracts; however, a majority are treated as a combined single performance obligation. In our judgment, this accounting treatment is most appropriate because the substantial part of our promise to our customer is to provide significant integration services and incorporate individual goods and services into a combined output or system. Often times the system is customized or significantly modified to the customer's desired configurations and location, and the interrelated goods and services provide utility to the customer as a package. See "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on our revenue recognition policies.

Warranties. We have recognized an accrued liability for warranty obligations equal to our estimate of the actual costs to be incurred in connection with our performance under contractual warranties. Warranty estimates include the cost of direct material and labor estimates to repair products over their warranty coverage period. Generally, estimates are based on historical experience considering known or expected changes. If we would become aware of an increase in our estimated warranty costs, additional accruals may become necessary, resulting in an increase in cost of sales. Although prior estimates have been materially correct, estimates for warranty liabilities can change based on actual versus estimated defect rates over the lifetime of the warranty coverage, a difference in actual to estimated costs to conduct repairs for the components and related labor needed, and other site related actual to estimated cost changes.

As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, we had approximately $26.0 million and $25.6 million accrued for these warranty obligations, respectively. Due to the difficulty in estimating probable costs related to certain warranty obligations, there is a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate remaining costs to remediate the warranty claims could differ materially from the recorded accrued liabilities. See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information on warranties.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements and the effects those pronouncements have on our financial results, refer to "Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Daktronics, Inc. operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, with our fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30 of each year. When April 30 falls on a Wednesday, the fiscal year ends on the preceding Saturday. Within each fiscal year, each quarter is comprised of 13-week periods following the beginning of each fiscal year. In each 53-week year, an additional week is added to the first quarter, and each of the last three quarters is comprised of a 13-week period. The fiscal year ended May 1, 2021 contained operating results for 52 weeks, while the fiscal year ended May 2, 2020 contained operating results for 53 weeks.

Net Sales

The following table shows information regarding net sales for the fiscal years ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020:

Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020

Sales and orders in all business units were impacted as a result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as fiscal 2020 including 53 weeks compared to the more common 52 weeks. Fiscal 2021 contained 52 weeks.

For net sales, during fiscal 2021, we achieved a $9.3 million per week average run rate as compared to a $11.5 million per week run rate during fiscal 2020, or an approximate 19.1% decrease. The change in sales was also related to fluctuations in the timing of order bookings and related conversion to sales and caused by delays in project sites caused by COVID-19 restrictions. 

For orders, during fiscal 2021, we achieved a $9.9 million per week average run rate as compared to a $11.7 million per week run rate during fiscal 2020, or an approximate 15.4% decrease. The change in orders was caused by the economic impacts of COVID-19 on our customers and the fluctuations caused by the timing of large contract orders, which causes lumpiness.

Commercial: The decrease in net sales for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to overall low market activity in the spectacular and OOH niches, which was partly offset by an increase in net sales in the on-premise niche.

The decrease in orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to overall low market activity in the spectacular niche, which was partly offset by an increase in orders in the on-premise niche.

We continue to see increased adoption of video solutions in our Commercial business unit marketplace. Depending on the duration of the current economic conditions, we see opportunities for orders and sales over the coming years in our OOH, on-premise, and spectacular focused niches due to replacement cycles, expansion of dynamic messaging systems usage, our releases of new solutions, additional distribution methods, and increased market size due to the decline of digital pricing over the years as well as the desire for higher resolution technology. Due to a number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers committing to a system, economic dependencies, regulatory environments, competitive factors, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to predict orders and net sales for fiscal 2022. We expect growth in the Commercial business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and our success in counteracting competitive pressures.

Live Events: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to low demand for upgraded or new solutions for arenas, university venues, and sports stadiums. This decline was due to economic concerns and various other factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic causing customers to delay large expenditures.

Overall, we believe that these orders are not lost but only delayed.

We continue to see ongoing interest from venues at all levels in increasing the size and capabilities of their display systems and in the usage of dynamic messaging systems throughout their facilities in our Live Events business unit marketplace. A number of factors, such as the discretionary nature of customers committing to upgrade systems, long replacement cycles, the limited number of large custom projects, competitive factors, and the uncertainty of when venues will be allowed to seat at full capacity and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, make forecasting fiscal 2022 orders and net sales difficult. We expect continued growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and success in counteracting competitive pressures.

High School Park and Recreation: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to slightly lower market activity as schools held back spend during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We expect larger video systems and our classic scoring and message centers to remain in demand in fiscal 2022, primarily in high school facilities, which benefit from our sports marketing services that generate advertising revenue to fund the display systems and because of schools' desires to communicate with students and parents using these systems. Several factors, such as the potential reduction in the availability of advertising revenues, the discretionary nature of customers committing to upgrade systems, replacement cycles, competitive factors, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, make forecasting fiscal 2022 orders and net sales difficult. We expect growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions.

Transportation: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to low demand for mass-transit and airport information displays projects due to the low level of use of these facilities during COVID-19 and the general slow-down of business activity for agencies working remotely. 

Several factors, such as transportation funding, the competitive environment, customer delivery changes, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, make forecasting orders and net sales difficult for fiscal 2022. However, the stability of long-term federal transportation funding and the number of capital projects for highways and public transit that include dynamic message signs and for advertising and wayfinding use in public transport and airport terminals continue to rise. We expect continued growth in this business unit over the long-term, assuming favorable economic conditions and continued transportation funding.

International: The decrease in net sales and orders for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was primarily the result of low demand of large spectacular, OOH, and sport stadium projects because of reduced advertising spending and limited events held during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We expect demand for larger video systems for commercial and sports applications, indoor and outdoor OOH applications, and transportation applications to remain strong over the long-term. Macroeconomic factors, the discretionary nature of customers committing to new systems or replacements, the pace of market growth, and the uncertainty of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact order bookings and timing, making it difficult to predict order and sales levels for fiscal 2022. For the long-term, we believe the International business unit has the potential for sales growth as we penetrate markets with our established sales networks to increase our International market share, continue to enhance our tailored portfolio of product and control solution offerings, and increase the use and adoption of our technology globally.

Gross Profit and Contribution Margin

Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020

Gross profit is net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of inventory, logistics related costs including tariffs and duties, consumables, personnel related costs, facilities-related costs for manufacturing locations, machinery and equipment maintenance and depreciation, site sub-contractors, warranty costs, and other service delivery expenses.

The increase in our gross profit percentage for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was the result of a $2.1 million litigation claim reversal in High School Park and Recreation and in all business units, a change of mix between service agreements and product sales and a reduction in capacity through temporary furloughs and reductions in force. In all business units, we lowered overall staffing and benefit levels and temporarily furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition we received $1.8 million of COVID-19 relief governmental subsidies partially offsetting the $2.8 million of severance costs incurred to reduce our workforce. Even with the cost cutting measures, we maintained more capacity aligned to Live Events at levels that exceeded the revenue changes causing gross profit to decline in this business unit. During fiscal 2020, we experienced additional expenses of approximately $3.3 million for project delivery costs and $2.0 million in tariff related expenses, decreasing the gross profit rate for that year.

We earned a higher rate of gross profit on our service agreements due to reduced stand ready services conducted during the fiscal year ended May 1, 2021. This was due to lower on-site demand as events were not being held. We believe this higher gross profit level will not be sustained in future fiscal years. Total warranty as a percent of sales decreased to 1.4 percent for fiscal 2021 as compared to 1.9 percent during fiscal 2020.

It is difficult to project gross profit levels for fiscal 2022 because of the uncertainty regarding the level of sales, the sales mix, price strategy and timing of sales generation, the COVID-19 impact, potential inflation and availability of materials, labor, and freight, and the competitive factors in our business. We are focused on improving our gross profit margins as we execute our strategies for improved profitability, which include releasing new product designs to lower overall costs of the product; improving reliability to reduce warranty expenses; expanding our global capacity and planning; meeting customer solution expectations; and continued improvements in operational effectiveness in manufacturing, installation, and service delivery areas. Cost reductions made during the pandemic vary in permanency and may not be sustainable in future periods as orders and sales volumes recover.

Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020

Contribution margin is a non-GAAP measure and consists of gross profit less selling expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of personnel related costs, travel and entertainment expenses, facility-related costs for sales and service offices, bad debt expenses, third-party commissions and expenditures for marketing efforts, including the costs of collateral materials, conventions and trade shows, product demonstrations, customer relationship management systems, and supplies.

Contribution margin is impacted by the previously discussed sales and gross margin for each business unit. Each business unit's contribution margin was impacted as a result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as fiscal 2020 including 53 weeks compared to the more common 52 weeks. Fiscal 2021 contained 52 weeks. In addition, each business unit's contribution margin had a decrease in personnel related expenses offset by severance costs for reductions in force, as well as reductions in travel and entertainment, marketing, and convention related expenses. This was partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in bad debt expenses. We have reduced overall staffing and furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. These reductions made during the pandemic vary in permanency and may change in future periods in future periods as orders and sales volumes recover.

Reconciliation from non-GAAP contribution margin to operating income (loss) GAAP measure is as follows: 

* Percentage is not meaningful due to prior year operating loss.

Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional fees, shareholder relations costs, facilities and equipment-related costs for administrative departments, training costs, and the cost of supplies.

General and administrative expenses in fiscal 2021 decreased as compared to the same period one year ago primarily due to decreases in personnel related expenses and professional fees. We have reduced overall staffing and furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We expect general and administrative expenses to increase for fiscal 2022 as compared to fiscal 2021 as the cost reductions made during the pandemic vary in permanency and may change in future periods in future periods as orders and sales volumes recover.

Product design and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, other employee-related costs, professional services, facilities costs and equipment-related costs and supplies. Product design and development investments in the near term are focused on developing or improving our video technology over a wide range of pixel pitches for both indoor and outdoor applications. These new or improved technologies are focused on varied pixel density for image quality and use, expanded product line offerings for our various markets and geographies, improved quality and reliability, and improved cost points. 

Our costs for product design and development represent an allocated amount of costs based on time charges, professional services, material costs and the overhead of our engineering departments. Generally, a significant portion of our engineering time is spent on product design and development, while the rest is allocated to large contract work and included in cost of sales.

Product design and development expenses in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 decreased primarily due to decreased labor costs and professional services assigned to product design and development projects offset by severance costs for the reduction in force. We have reduced overall staffing and furloughed employees to achieve lower operating costs to align with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect an increase in expenditures for product design and development for fiscal 2022 as compared to fiscal 2021 due to an anticipated gradual return to pre-pandemic levels. During fiscal 2022, we plan to make continued investments in our software and controller options and narrow pixel pitch LED displays throughout our various product offerings.

Other Income and Expenses

Fiscal Year 2021 as compared to Fiscal Year 2020

Interest (expense) income, net: We generate interest income through short-term cash investments, marketable securities, and product sales on an installment basis or in exchange for the rights to sell and retain advertising revenues from displays, which result in long-term receivables. Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest costs on long-term obligations.

The change in interest (expense) income, net for fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020, was primarily due to the change in investment levels caused by the volatility of working capital needs and interest expense for our drawings on the line of credit.

Other (expense) income, net: The change in other income and expense, net for fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020, was primarily due to foreign currency volatility and the increases in the losses recorded for equity method affiliates. During fiscal 2021, we recorded equity method affiliate losses of $2.4 million as compared to $0.7 million during fiscal 2020.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was approximately 22.3 percent for fiscal year 2021. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2021 was impacted due to tax benefits from permanent tax credits and prior year provision to return adjustments offset by and valuation allowances as well as other various permanent tax adjustments and state taxes.

Our fiscal 2020 income tax benefit was the result of permanent tax credits reduced by valuation allowances and minor pre-tax book loss creating a meaningless effective tax rate.

Our consolidated effective tax rate is impacted by the statutory income tax rates applicable to each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Due to various factors, and because we operate in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions, our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation. See "Note 12. Income Taxes" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further information.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash increased by $40.0 million in fiscal 2021 as compared to an increase of $4.7 million in fiscal 2020, which is primarily due to cash generated by operations, a decrease in capital expenditures, and suspending our dividends and share repurchase program, offset by a $15 million outflow for financing activities which resulted from repayment of borrowings under our line of credit.

Net cash provided by operating activities: Cash generated by operating activities is primarily derived from cash received from customers, offset by cash payments for inventories, subcontractors, employee related costs, and operating expense outflows. Operating cash flows consist primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, and the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities. Overall, changes in net operating assets and liabilities can be impacted by the timing of cash flows on large orders, which can cause significant short-term and seasonal fluctuations in inventory, accounts receivables, accounts payable, contract assets and liabilities, and various other operating assets and liabilities. Variability in contract assets and liabilities relates to the timing of billings on construction-type contracts and revenue recognition, which can vary significantly depending on contractual payment terms and build and installation schedules. Balances are also impacted by the seasonality of the sports market. For specific quantitative changes in operating assets and liabilities, see "Note 13. Cash Flow Information" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $66.2 million for fiscal 2021 compared to $10.8 million in fiscal 2020. The $55.4 million increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of changes in net operating assets and liabilities and an of increase of $10.4 million in net income.

Net cash used in investing activities: Net cash used in investing activities totaled $10.2 million for fiscal 2021 compared to $4.3 million in fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2021, we had $1.2 million of proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities compared to $25.2 million in fiscal 2020. Net proceeds of marketable securities in fiscal 2020 were utilized to cover working capital needs for changes in operating assets and liabilities. Purchases of property and equipment totaled $7.9 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $18.1 million in fiscal 2020. Proceeds from the sales of property and equipment totaled $3.2 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $0.3 million in fiscal 2020. Purchases of and loans to equity investments totaled $6.7 million in fiscal 2021 as compared to $11.7 million in fiscal 2020. 

Net cash used in financing activities: Net cash used in financing activities was $15.6 million for fiscal 2021 compared to $2.0 million in fiscal 2020. Principal payments on long-term obligations for fiscal 2021 was $0.5 million compared to $2.1 million in fiscal 2020, which was mostly related to contingent liability payments. During fiscal 2021, we paid $15.0 million on notes payable compared to borrowing on notes payable of $15.0 million in fiscal 2020. Dividends of $9.0 million, or $0.20 per share, were paid to Daktronics shareholders during fiscal 2020, while there were no dividends paid during fiscal 2021. During fiscal 2021, there were no share repurchases compared to $5.6 million of share repurchases in fiscal 2020. As part of our COVID-19 response, as announced on April 1, 2020, our Board of Directors suspended dividends and stock repurchases for the foreseeable future.

Other Liquidity and Capital Resources Discussion: The timing and amounts of working capital changes, dividend payments, repurchases of stock in our stock repurchase program, and capital spending impact our liquidity.

Working capital was $118.4 million at May 1, 2021 and $106.0 million at May 2, 2020. The changes in working capital, particularly changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and contract assets and liabilities, and the sports market seasonality, can have a significant impact on the amount of net cash provided by operating activities largely due to the timing of payments and receipts. On multimillion-dollar orders, the time between order acceptance and project completion may extend up to or exceed 12 months or more depending on the amount of custom work and a customer’s delivery needs. We often receive down payments or progress payments on these orders. We expect fluctuations in working capital to continue during the pandemic recovery.

We had $5.6 million of retainage on long-term contracts included in receivables and contract assets as of May 1, 2021, which has an impact on our liquidity. We expect to collect these amounts within one year. When working capital is needed, we have historically financed our cash needs through a combination of cash flow from operations and borrowings under bank credit agreements. As of May 1, 2021, we were in compliance with all applicable bank loan covenants. For additional information on financing agreements, see "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

As part of our COVID-19 response, our Board of Directors suspended dividends and share repurchases for the foreseeable future. The future reinstatement of dividends and share repurchases cannot be predicted and is at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Future dividends are also impacted by the limitations imposed in our credit facility as further described in "Note 7. Financing Agreements" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

We are sometimes required to obtain performance bonds for display installations, and we have a bonding line available through a surety company for an aggregate of $150.0 million in bonded work outstanding. If we were unable to complete the work, and our customer would call upon the bond for payment, the surety company would subrogate its loss to Daktronics. At May 1, 2021, we had $59.2 million of bonded work outstanding against this line.

Our business growth and profitability improvement strategies depend on investments in capital expenditures and strategic investments. We are projecting capital expenditures to be approximately $25 million for fiscal 2022. Projected capital expenditures include manufacturing equipment for new or enhanced product production, expanded capacity, investments in quality and reliability equipment, and continued information infrastructure investments. During fiscal 2022, we may choose to invest additional capital in our investments in affiliates to support further development in microLED and other technologies. We also evaluate and may invest in new technologies or acquire companies aligned with our business strategy.

We believe the audiovisual industry fundamentals will drive long-term growth for our business; however, for the near-term outlook, we expect our customers may continue to have disruptions and may continue to reduce or increase their spend on audiovisual systems and related services as they work through the economic and business implications of COVID-19. While it is difficult to estimate the longevity and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic impact to the economy and to our financial position, operating results, and cash flows, we believe our working capital available from all sources will be adequate to meet the cash requirements of our operations and strategies in the foreseeable future. If the pandemic impact or long-term growth extends beyond current expectations, or if we make significant strategic investments, we may need to utilize and possibly increase our credit facilities or seek other means of financing. 

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Our results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. We derive net sales in U.S. dollars and other currencies including Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese renminbi, British pounds, Australian dollars, or other currencies. For fiscal 2021, 14.3 percent of net sales were derived in currencies other than U.S. dollars. We incur expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars relating to specific contracts with customers and for our operations outside the U.S.

If we believe currency risk in any foreign location or specific sales or purchase transaction is significant, we utilize foreign exchange hedging contracts to manage our exposure to the currency fluctuations. The notional amount of the foreign currency agreements as of May 1, 2021 was $2.8 million, and all contracts mature within eight months. These contracts are marked to market each balance sheet date and are not designated as hedges. See "Note 15. Derivative Financial Instruments" of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further details. We estimate that a 10 percent change in all foreign exchange rates would impact our reported income before taxes by approximately $1.0 million. This sensitivity analysis disregards the possibilities that rates can move in opposite directions and that losses from one geographic area may be offset by gains from another geographic area.

Over the long term, net sales to international markets are expected to increase as a percentage of total net sales and, consequently, a greater portion of our business could be denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, operating results may become more subject to fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of certain currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. To the extent we engage in international sales denominated in U.S. dollars, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in international markets. This effect is also impacted by sources of raw materials from international sources and costs of our sales, service, and manufacturing locations outside the U.S.

We will continue to monitor and minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations and, when appropriate, use financial hedging techniques to minimize the effect of these fluctuations. However, exchange rate fluctuations as well as differing economic conditions, changes in political climates, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other rules and regulations could adversely affect our ability to effectively hedge exchange rate fluctuations in the future.

We have foreign currency cash accounts to operate our global business. These accounts are impacted by changes in foreign currency rates. Of our $77.6 million in cash balances at May 1, 2021, $60.8 million were denominated in U.S. dollars, of which $1.9 million were held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of May 1, 2021, we had an additional $16.8 million in cash balances denominated in foreign currencies, of which $14.2 million were maintained in accounts of our foreign subsidiaries.

Interest Rate Risks

Our exposure to market risks relate primarily to changes in interest rates on cash and marketable securities. We do not expect our income or cash flows to be significantly impacted by interest rates.

Commodity Risk

We are dependent on basic raw materials, sub-assemblies, components, and other supplies used in our production operations. Our financial results could be affected by changes in the availability, prices, and global tariff regulation of these materials. Some of these materials are sourced from one or a limited number of suppliers in countries around the world. Some of these materials are also key source materials for our competitors and for other technology companies. Some of these materials are sourced outside of the countries in which we manufacture our products and are subject to transportation delays. Any of these factors may cause a sudden increase in costs and/or limited or unavailable supplies. As a result, we may not be able to acquire key production materials on a timely basis, which could adversely impact our ability to produce products and satisfy incoming sales orders on a timely basis. Our sourcing and material groups work to implement strategies to monitor and mitigate these risks. Periodically, we enter into pricing agreements or purchasing contracts under which we agree to purchase a minimum amount of product in exchange for guaranteed price terms over the length of the contract, which generally does not exceed one year. Over the years, we have been impacted by the factors noted; however, we believe that we have adequate sources of supply for most of our key materials in the near-term. During late fiscal 2021, supply chain disruptions began to emerge because of the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping container shortages, winter weather, and the changes in global demand. Specifically, we are impacted by the global shortage of semiconductors and related electronic components, other materials needed for production, and freight availability. We are unable to predict the supply chain recovery or the impact to our business.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Daktronics, Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Daktronics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended May 1, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 1, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

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

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Revenue Recognition – Uniquely Configured Contracts — Refer to Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company recognizes revenue as its contractual performance obligations are satisfied, which may be at a point in time or over time. Certain of the Company’s contracts are for the delivery, installation, and integration of uniquely configured audio-visual communication systems. Revenue for these uniquely configured systems is recognized over time using the cost incurred input method. This input method requires management to make estimates of the costs that will ultimately be incurred at the completion of each contract. Revenue is recognized based on the transaction price and the percentage of cost incurred as of the balance sheet date in relation to the total estimated inputs at completion.

We identified revenue associated with uniquely configured contracts as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments necessary for management to estimate total costs to be incurred to recognize revenue under these contracts. Changes in estimated costs could have a significant impact on the timing and amount of revenue recognized. This required an increased level of auditor judgment due to the complexity of uniquely configured contracts and extent of effort when performing audit procedures to audit management’s estimate of total costs and evaluating the reasonableness of the underlying estimates.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to estimates of total cost used to recognize revenue for uniquely configured contracts included the following, among others:

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 11, 2021

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.