form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from to


Commission File Number: 0-15930


SOUTHWALL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Delaware
 
94-2551470
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
         
 
3788 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California
 
94303
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (650) 798-1200
 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x     No o

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

Large accelerated filer
¨
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
x

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

As of November 1, 2010, there were 28,874,339 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding.
 


 
1

 
SOUTHWALL TECHNOLOGIES INC.

INDEX


 
Page
         
Item 1
     
     
3
     
4
     
5
     
6
Item 2
   
17
Item 3
   
27
Item 4
   
27
         

   
         
Item 1
   
28
Item 1A
   
28
Item 2
   
28
Item 3
   
28
Item 5
   
28
Item 6
   
29
       
   
30

 
2

 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1--Financial Statements:
SOUTHWALL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
15,573
   
$
12,454
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $208 at September 30, 2010 and $115 at December 31, 2009
   
7,367
     
5,907
 
Inventories
   
4,691
     
4,522
 
Other current assets
   
1,401
     
1,479
 
Total current assets
   
29,032
     
24,362
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
15,309
     
14,393
 
Goodwill
   
1,839
     
-
 
Intangibles assets
   
1,037
     
-
 
Deferred tax and other assets
   
1,132
     
156
 
Total assets
 
$
48,349
   
$
38,911
 
                 
LIABILITIES, PREFERRED STOCK AND EQUITY
 
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long term debt  and capital lease obligations
 
$
960
   
$
808
 
Accounts payable
   
2,295
     
1,258
 
Accrued compensation
   
1,399
     
1,395
 
Income taxes payable
   
2,229
     
130
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
5,446
     
4,751
 
Total current liabilities
   
12,329
     
8,342
 
                 
Term debt and capital lease obligations
   
3,708
     
3,358
 
Other long term liabilities
   
-
     
58
 
Total liabilities
   
16,037
     
11,758
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
               
                 
Series A 10% cumulative convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value; $1.00 stated value; 5,000 shares authorized, 4,893 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 respectively (Liquidation preference: $7,623 and $7,255 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively)
   
4,810
     
4,810
 
                 
Southwall stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 50,000 shares authorized, 28,874 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 28,791 shares outstanding at  December 31, 2009
   
29
     
29
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
78,403
     
78,291
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
3,773
     
4,382
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(54,915
)
   
(60,359
)
Total Southwall stockholders’ equity
   
27,290
     
22,343
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
212
     
-
 
Total equity
   
27,502
     
22,343
 
                 
Total liabilities, preferred stock and equity
 
$
48,349
   
$
38,911
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3


SOUTHWALL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
                         
Net revenues
 
$
12,198
   
$
8,600
   
$
34,469
   
$
23,430
 
Cost of revenues
   
6,890
     
4,867
     
18,549
     
13,554
 
                                 
Gross profit
   
5,308
     
3,733
     
15,920
     
9,876
 
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Research and development
   
1,024
     
771
     
2,608
     
2,118
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
2,772
     
1,960
     
7,038
     
5,810
 
                                 
Total operating expenses
   
3,796
     
2,731
     
9,646
     
7,928
 
                                 
Income from operations
   
1,512
     
1,002
     
6,274
     
1,948
 
                                 
Interest expense, net
   
(67
)
   
(321
)
   
(225
)
   
(492
)
Other income (expense), net
   
560
     
12
     
202
     
3,211
 
                                 
Income before provision for income taxes
   
2,005
     
693
     
6,251
     
4,667
 
                                 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
   
1,057
     
(17
)
   
959
     
174
 
                                 
Net income
   
948
     
710
     
5,292
     
4,493
 
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(122
)
   
-
     
(152
)
   
-
 
                                 
Net income attributable to Southwall
   
1,070
     
710
     
5,444
     
4,493
 
                                 
Deemed dividend on preferred stock
   
122
     
122
     
366
     
366
 
                                 
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
948
   
$
588
   
$
5,078
   
$
4,127
 
                                 
Net income per common share:
                               
                                 
Basic
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.02
   
$
0.18
   
$
0.14
 
Diluted
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.02
   
$
0.15
   
$
0.13
 
                                 
                                 
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per common share:
                               
Basic
   
28,840
     
28,728
     
28,820
     
28,715
 
Diluted
   
36,334
     
34,685
     
36,105
     
34,085
 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4



SOUTHWALL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
 
$
5,292
   
$
4,493
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in SIG
   
(706
)
   
-
 
Gain on settlement of liability
   
-
     
(2,359
)
Deferred income tax
   
(1,334
)
   
(77
)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
10
     
(24
)
Inventory reserves
   
(201
)
   
43
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,989
     
1,911
 
Stock-based compensation
   
433
     
294
 
Non-cash effect of acquisition of controlling interest in SIG
   
(232
)
   
-
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase acquisition:
               
Accounts receivable, net
   
(75
)
   
(1,072
)
Inventories
   
207
     
1,293
 
Other current and non-current assets
   
(240
)
   
(65
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
1,532
     
(258
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
6,675
     
4,179
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisition of assets of Crown Operations International
   
(3,302
)
   
-
 
Acquisition of controlling interest in SIG, net of cash acquired
   
(195
)
   
-
 
Restricted cash
   
-
     
261
 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
-
     
34
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
   
(1,160
)
   
(975
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,657
)
   
(680
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayments of term debt and capital lease obligations
   
(599
)
   
(1,719
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
   
63
     
42
 
Borrowings from term loan
   
1,250
     
-
 
Borrowings from equipment financing
   
-
     
26
 
Investment credit in Germany
   
376
     
221
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
1,090
     
(1,430
)
                 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
11
     
8
 
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
3,119
     
2,077
 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
12,454
     
10,768
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
15,573
   
$
12,845
 
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
               
Interest paid
 
$
  180
   
$
  310
 
Income taxes paid
 
$
  359
   
$
  700
 
                 
Supplemental schedules of non-cash flow investing and financing activities:
               
Dividends accrued
 
$
366
   
$
366
 
Acquisition of interest in SIG (Note 12)
 
$
  250
   
$
-
 
Abandonment of leased asset and cancellation of lease
 
$
411
   
$
-
 
Deposits applied to acquisition of property, plant and equipment
 
$
-
   
$
210
 
Property, plant and equipment acquired through capital leases
 
$
-
   
$
88
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5


SOUTHWALL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation:

Southwall Technologies Inc., including its wholly owned subsidiaries, Southwall Europe GmbH, Southwall IG Holdings, Inc., Southwall Insulating Glass, LLC (“SIG”) and Crown Operations International, LLC, are hereafter referred to as the “Company,” “Southwall,” “Registrant,” “We,” “Our” or “Us.”

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Southwall are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Southwall for all periods presented. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The Company suggests that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2010. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for any future periods.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions, based on all known facts and circumstances that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods.  Management makes these estimates using the best information available at the time of the estimates.  The estimates included in preparing our financial statements include:  the accrual for product returns and warranties, allowance for doubtful accounts, quarterly income taxes, inventory valuations (including reserves for excess and obsolete and impaired inventories), reserves for decommissioning costs associated with leasehold asset retirement obligations and the valuation of stock-based compensation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 2 – Fair Value Measurements:

The Company has estimated the fair value amounts of its financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities using available market information and valuation methodologies considered to be appropriate and has determined that the book value of those instruments at September 30, 2010 approximates fair value.
 
Based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt and capital lease obligations with similar terms, the carrying value of our term debt and capital lease obligations approximates fair value.

 
6


Southwall invests its cash primarily in money market funds.  We utilize the market approach to measure fair value of our financial assets.

Cash and cash equivalents are summarized as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Fair Value
   
Book Value
 
Money Market Funds, Level I
 
$
10,347
   
$
10,347
 
Certificates of Deposit, Level I
   
1,500
     
1,500
 
Total cash equivalents
   
11,847
     
11,847
 
Cash
   
3,726
     
3,726
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
 
$
15,573
   
$
15,573
 
 
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Fair Value
   
Book Value
 
Money Market Funds, Level I
 
$
8,027
   
$
8,027
 
Certificates of Deposit, Level I
   
1,750
     
1,750
 
Total cash equivalents
   
9,777
     
9,777
 
Cash
   
2,677
     
2,677
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
 
$
12,454
   
$
12,454
 
 
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are valued using market prices on active markets (Level 1).  Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company did not have any Level 2 instrument valuations which were obtained from readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments or any Level 3 instruments without observable market values that would require a high level of judgment to determine fair value.
 
Note 3 – Inventories:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the average cost method) or market. Cost includes materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. The Company establishes provisions for excess and obsolete inventories to reduce such inventories to their estimated net realizable value. Such provisions are charged to cost of revenues.

At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, inventories consisted of the following:

   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Raw materials
 
$
2,723
   
$
2,010
 
Work-in-process
   
391
     
1,176
 
Finished goods
   
1,577
     
1,336
 
   
$
4,691
   
$
4,522
 

 
7


Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment, net:

At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements
 
$
9,329
   
$
8,015
 
Machinery and equipment
   
35,026
     
31,539
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
908
     
3,986
 
     
45,263
     
43,540
 
Less – accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(29,954
)
   
(29,147
)
   
$
15,309
   
$
14,393
 
 
Note 5 – Net Income Per Common Share:

 Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) for the period. Diluted net income per common share gives effect to all dilutive common shares potentially outstanding during the period, including stock options and convertible preferred stock. The Company excludes options from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding if the exercise price of the options is greater than the average market price of the shares because the inclusion of these options would be anti-dilutive to net income per share. The Company also excludes preferred shares convertible into common stock from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding when the effect would be anti-dilutive.
 
At September 30, 2010 and 2009, 938 and 2,411 outstanding options, respectively, were excluded from the dilutive net income per common share calculation, as they were anti-dilutive because the option prices were higher than the average market price during each of the nine month periods.

The Company has accrued a deemed dividend on preferred stock of $122 for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.  The dilutive effect of convertible securities shall be reflected in diluted net income per share by application of the if-converted method. Under this method, if an entity has convertible preferred stock outstanding, the preferred dividends applicable to convertible preferred stock shall be added back to the numerator unless their effect is anti-dilutive.

Tables summarizing net income attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted net income per common share, and weighted shares outstanding are shown below:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders-basic
 
$
948
   
$
588
   
$
5,078
   
$
4,127
 
Add:  Deemed dividend on preferred stock
   
122
     
122
     
366
     
366
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders-diluted
 
$
1,070
   
$
710
   
$
5,444
   
$
4,493
 
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
   
28,840
     
28,728
     
28,820
     
28,715
 
Dilutive effect of Series A preferred shares
   
4,893
     
4,893
     
4,893
     
4,893
 
Dilutive effect of stock options
   
2,601
     
1,064
     
2,392
     
477
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
   
36,334
     
34,685
     
36,105
     
34,085
 
                                 
Basic net income per common share
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.02
   
$
0.18
   
$
0.14
 
Diluted net income per common share
 
$
0.03
   
$
0.02
   
$
0.15
   
$
0.13
 

 
8

 
Note 6 – Product Reporting:

Southwall operates in one segment.  The total net revenues for the automotive glass, window film, architectural and electronic display / other product lines for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Automotive glass
 
$
4,849
   
$
4,096
   
$
14,736
   
$
10,872
 
Window film
   
4,981
     
2,175
     
14,291
     
7,265
 
Architectural
   
2,246
     
2,243
     
5,249
     
5,043
 
Electronic display and other
   
122
     
86
     
193
     
250
 
Total net revenues
 
$
12,198
   
$
8,600
   
$
34,469
   
$
23,430
 

The following is a summary of net revenues by geographic area (based on the location of the Company's customers) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Europe
 
$
4,596
   
$
3,521
   
$
14,206
   
$
10,015
 
Asia Pacific
   
4,423
     
3,210
     
13,313
     
6,670
 
United States
   
2,327
     
1,040
     
5,050
     
4,632
 
Rest of the world
   
852
     
829
     
1,900
     
2,113
 
Total net revenues
 
$
12,198
   
$
8,600
   
$
34,469
   
$
23,430
 

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies:

Commitments

The Company leases certain property and equipment as well as its facilities under noncancellable operating leases.  These leases expire at various dates through 2013.

In January 2006, the Company renewed a lease agreement for its research and development facility in Palo Alto, California. The lease was renewed in January 2010 for an additional twelve months.  Under this lease agreement, the Company had accrued $480 for leasehold retirement obligations, which is included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The method and timing of payments are not yet finalized, and therefore, this estimate of our liability could differ from the actual future settlement amount.

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations to procure equipment of $173.

Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank

In June 2010, we renewed our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank (“Bank”).  The Credit Agreement provides for a $3,000 revolving line of credit.  Advances under the line exceeding $1,500 will be limited to 80% of eligible accounts receivable.  The Company will not be eligible for additional borrowings if the Company’s consolidated cash balance falls below $3,500.  Amounts borrowed under the line of credit bear interest at either prime plus 0.75% or LIBOR plus 3.5%, determined at the discretion of the Company, and is annualized on the average daily financed amount outstanding.  All borrowings under the line of credit facility are collateralized by our assets in the United States and are subject to certain covenants including minimum quarterly net income and minimum liquid asset requirements.
 
In August 2010, our Credit Agreement with the Bank was amended to provide for a $1,250 term loan, which was funded on September 2, 2010.  Amounts borrowed under the term loan are payable over 36 months in equal installments and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.05%.  The Credit Agreement was further amended to provide covenants for tangible net worth and fixed charge coverage ratio.

As of September 30, 2010 the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.

 
9

 
Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

As of September 30, 2010, the Company's term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:

Description
 
Rate
   
Term Debt Balance at September 30, 2010
   
Capital Lease Balance at September 30, 2010
   
Total Debt Balance at September 30, 2010
   
Due Over Next 12 Months
   
Balance at December 31, 2009
 
German bank loan dated May 12, 1999 (10 year)
   
6.13
%
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
6
 
German bank loan dated May 28, 1999 (20 year)
   
5.73
%(1)
   
3,062
     
-
     
3,062
     
340
     
3,403
 
German bank loan dated May 28, 2000 (10 year)
   
7.15
%
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
254
 
Wells Fargo Bank dated September 2, 2010 (3 year)
   
4.05
%(2)
   
1,250
     
-
     
1,250
     
417
     
-
 
Total term debt
           
4,312
     
-
     
4,312
     
757
     
3,663
 
                                                 
German bank financed lease dated June 1, 2008
   
7.518
%(3)
   
-
     
141
     
141
     
86
     
220
 
US financing agreement dated May 20, 2008
   
19.80
%(4)
   
-
     
265
     
265
     
157
     
382
 
Total capital leases
           
-
     
406
     
406
     
243
     
602
 
                                                 
Less interest on capital leases
           
-
     
50
     
50
     
40
     
99
 
                                                 
Total term debt and capital lease obligations
           
4,312
     
356
     
4,668
   
$
960
     
4,166
 
                                                 
Less current portion
           
757
     
203
     
960
             
808
 
                                                 
Total term debt and capital lease obligations, non-current
         
$
3,555
   
$
153
   
$
3,708
           
$
3,358
 

(1) Interest rate was reset on September 16, 2009 to 5.73%.

(2) Interest rate is fixed at 4.05%.

(3) Interest rate is fixed at 7.518% until payoff.

(4) Implied interest rate based on a lease rate factor.

Contingencies

We are involved in certain other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe, however, that none of these actions, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 
10


Note 8 – Stock-Based Compensation:

The Company has a stock-based compensation program that provides its Board of Directors broad discretion in creating employee equity incentives. The Company has granted stock options under various option plans and agreements in the past and currently grants stock options under the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”) which authorizes the granting of up to 10,000 shares of common stock. Under the terms of the 2007 Plan, the Company can grant both Incentive Stock Options and Nonstatutory Stock Options.  Grants issued under the 2007 Plan vest and become exercisable at a rate of 25% on each anniversary of the date of grant and become fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant provided that the participant remains an employee or service provider of the Company or a related company.  Each option granted under the 2007 Plan is non-transferable and expires over terms not exceeding ten years from the date of grant or 30 days after an option holder’s voluntary termination from the Company.  If an option holder’s employment is terminated involuntarily for misconduct, the option will terminate immediately and may no longer be exercised.  Involuntary termination not for misconduct allows for the option holder to exercise options within a period of three months after such termination of service occurs.  The 2007 Plan provides for longer expiration periods for employees who terminate, but who were employed with the Company in excess of five years.  Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the 2007 Plan, the option expiration will be extended anywhere from three months to one year, dependent upon the employee’s years of service.  These provisions apply to options that expire as the result of involuntary termination not for misconduct. As of September 30, 2010, there were 6,520 shares of common stock available for grant under the 2007 Plan.

The following table sets forth the total stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock options included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
                         
Cost of sales
 
$
4
   
$
2
   
$
10
   
$
7
 
Research and development
   
29
     
17
     
74
     
49
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
135
     
85
     
349
     
238
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
   
168
     
104
     
433
     
294
 
Provision for income taxes
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net stock-based compensation expense
 
$
168
   
$
104
   
$
433
   
$
294
 

There were $25 and $42 of cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The Company presents excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options, if any, as financing cash flows.

 
11


The fair value of stock-based awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions for stock options granted during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Expected life (in years)
   
5.0
     
5.0
     
5.0
     
5.17
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
1.39
%
   
2.39
%
   
2.39
%
   
2.00
%
Volatility
   
103
%
   
107
%
   
103
%
   
108
%
Dividend
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Per share weighted-average fair value at grant date
 
$
1.34
   
$
0.78
   
$
1.24
   
$
0.51
 

The Company’s computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility. The Company’s computation of expected life was based on historical exercise patterns. The interest rate for periods within the expected life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant.

The Company has not in the past and does not plan to issue dividends in the future.

Stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was as follows:

   
Weighted-Average Shares
   
Contractual Term Exercise Price
   
Weighted-Average Remaining Aggregate (in years)
   
Intrinsic Value
 
                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
   
5,654
   
$
0.78
             
Grants
   
1,119
   
$
1.62
             
Exercises
   
(83
)
 
$
0.77
             
Forfeitures or expirations
   
(167
)
 
$
1.40
             
Outstanding at September 30, 2010
   
6,523
   
$
0.91
     
6.79
   
$
6,483
 
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2010
   
5,792
   
$
0.88
     
6.54
   
$
5,907
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2010
   
3,728
   
$
0.79
     
5.50
   
$
4,158
 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e.: the difference between Southwall’s closing stock price on the last trading day of its third quarter of fiscal 2010 and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2010.  This amount changes based on the fair market value of Southwall’s stock.  Total intrinsic value of options exercised was $52 and $77 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Total fair value of options granted was $1,388 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.
 
As of September 30, 2010, $1,175 of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of forfeitures, related to stock options was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.01 years.

 
12


Note 9 – Reserve for Sales Returns and Warranties:

The Company establishes a reserve for sales returns and warranties for specifically identified, as well as anticipated sales returns and warranties based on experience. The activity in the reserve for sales returns and warranties account during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

   
Balance at December 31, 2008
   
Provision
   
Utilized
   
Balance at September 30, 2009
 
Reserve for sales returns and warranty
 
$
1,321
   
$
(215
)
 
$
(372
)
 
$
734
 

   
Balance at December 31, 2009
   
Provision
   
Utilized
   
Balance at September 30, 2010
 
Reserve for sales returns and warranty
 
$
607
   
$
866
   
$
(393
)
 
$
1,080
 
 
These amounts are included in other accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
Note 10 – Comprehensive Income:

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220, Comprehensive Income, establishes standards for reporting and display in the financial statements of total net income and the components of all other non-owner changes in equity, referred to as comprehensive income. Accordingly, the Company has reported the translation gain (loss) from the consolidation of its foreign subsidiary in comprehensive income.

The components of comprehensive income for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were as follows:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
                         
Net income
 
$
948
   
$
710
   
$
5,292
   
$
4,493
 
Interest Rate Swap Instrument
   
(9
)
   
-
     
(9
)
   
-
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
1,116
     
501
     
(601
)
   
295
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
2,055
   
$
1,211
   
$
4,682
   
$
4,788
 
 
Note 11 - Income Tax:

The Company recorded an income tax provision of $959 and $174 in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The effective tax rate was 15.0% and 3.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The company’s effective tax rate depends on various factors, such as tax legislation, the mix of domestic and international pre-tax income, research and development credits, foreign tax credits, share-based compensations and change in valuation allowance.

Based on management’s evaluation of all available evidence, both positive and negative, management believes that the Company is more likely than not be able to realize approximately $1,326 of its deferred tax assets.   Management has made this determination based on the ability to carryback future reversals of deductible temporary differences.  Accordingly, the Company included the effect of a change in the beginning-of-the-year balance of a valuation allowance in its estimated annual effective tax rate for the fiscal year 2010. As of September 30, 2010, approximately $1,271 of tax benefit related to the change in valuation allowance was recorded in the income from continuing operations.  Due to uncertainties related to future taxable income, the Company did not believe it was prudent, or more likely than not, to reverse an additional amount of valuation allowance at this time.  Management will continue to monitor the situation in future periods .

The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority.  An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company identified and recorded unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of approximately $229, but no interest and penalties have been recorded due to the immaterial impact to financial statement.  Management does not expect material changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits will occur within the next twelve months 

 
13


Note 12 – Joint Venture:

On April 8, 2008, Southwall IG Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwall Technologies Inc., entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Sound Solutions Window & Doors, LLC (“Sound Solutions”), creating SIG, which manufactures insulated glass units for the domestic market to further expand the market for the Company’s Heat Mirror product.  As of December 31, 2009, Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. had a 50% investment in SIG.  In 2009, Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. advanced a total of $300, in the form of a promissory note, to Sound Solutions.  Pursuant to the terms of the promissory note dated May 11, 2009, the principal and accrued interest was due and payable to Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. by January 1, 2010.  Under terms of the note, in the event of default, the outstanding principal was to be paid in the form of a credit to the Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. capital account.

Effective January 1, 2010, Sound Solutions had not paid the principal balance of $300 and was in default of the promissory note.  The $300, for which Sound Solutions had received equity consideration in SIG, was credited to Southwall IG Holdings, Inc.’s capital account in SIG; thereby increasing the Company’s equity ownership to 66.3%.  For the quarters ended June 30, 2010 (through May 20, 2010) and 2009, our share of SIG’s net losses of approximately $108 and $200, respectively, is included in “other income (expense), net” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The Company incurred non-reimbursable expenses in the amount of approximately $70 and $66 in the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to the set up and operations of the joint venture, in accordance with the contractual terms of the joint venture agreement which is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

On May 20, 2010 the joint venture agreement was amended allowing Southwall IG Holding, Inc. to make additional cash contributions to the joint venture.  In order to acquire an additional 8.7% to obtain 75% equity ownership, the Company relinquished $256 of value allowing Sound Solutions to maintain a 25% equity interest in SIG.  This transaction triggered a business combination event which resulted in the consolidation of total assets and liabilities of SIG resulting in a gain of $706, which was recorded in other income (expense) net, to adjust the equity interest in SIG to a fair value of $919 before the acquisition date.

The Company provisionally determined the assets and liabilities of SIG based on fair values at May 20, 2010 using a weighted average valuation approach.  In accounting for the business combination, noncontrolling interest was assigned a fair value of $346.  The Company believes the goodwill realized was the result of a number of factors, including the following:  losses recognized during SIG’s development stage, expected growth opportunities, and the anticipated level of investment required to achieve those opportunities.  The allocation of the fair value related to valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows:

Goodwill
  $ 1,488  
Trade name
    300  
Customer relationships
    250  
Other intangibles
    180  
Net liabilities assumed
    (693 )
Total
  $ 1,525  

We do not expect the goodwill recognized to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 
14


In September 2010, Southwall IG Holding, Inc. made contributions and acquired an additional 3% equity ownership in SIG.  On October 6, 2010, Southwall IG Holding, Inc. made contributions and acquired an additional 2% equity ownership in SIG

For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, SIG revenues and loss included in the condensed income statement are $760 and ($523), respectively.  For the period from May 21, 2010 through September 30, 2010, SIG revenues and loss included in the condensed income statement are $1,193 and ($644).

The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of the Company and SIG as though the companies were combined as of the beginning of 2009.  The pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of 2009.

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Net revenues
 
$
12,198
   
$
9,442
   
$
35,486
   
$
25,797
 
Net income attributable to Southwall
 
$
589
   
$
491
     
4,044
   
$
3,996
 
 
Note 13 – Acquisition of Crown Operations International

On August 30, 2010, Crown International Acquisition Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwall Technologies, Inc., acquired the operating assets of Crown Operations International, Ltd. (“Crown Operations”), for $3,302 in cash.  Subsequent to the acquisition of Crown Operations, Crown International Acquisition Company, LLC changed its name to Crown Operations International, LLC (“COI”).  Crown Operations is an interlayer converting and laminating facility.  The assets purchased include a 22,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, situated on approximately four acres of land, and converting equipment located in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.  The Company provisionally determined the assets and liabilities of Crown Operations based on fair values at August 30, 2010 using a weighted average valuation approach.  The Company believes the goodwill realized was the result of a number of factors, including the expected growth opportunities and the vertical integration of a key vendor.  The allocation of the fair value related to valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows:

Land and building
  $ 1,650  
Equipment and other tangible personal property
    726  
Customer relationships
    170  
Unpatented technology / trade secrets
    190  
Other intangible assets
    30  
Goodwill
    350  
Net Working Capital
    186  
Total
  $ 3,302  

We expect the goodwill recognized to be deductible for income tax purposes.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, COI revenues and profit included in the condensed income statement are $83 and $38, respectively.

 
15


The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of the Company and Crown Operations as though the companies were combined as of the beginning of 2009.  The pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of 2009.

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Net revenues
 
$
12,322
   
$
8,787
   
$
35,005
   
$
24,034
 
Net Income
 
$
1,095
   
$
1,052
     
5,930
   
$
5,184
 
 
Note 14 – Total Equity

A summary of the changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Southwall Stockholders’ Equity
   
Noncontrolling Interest
   
Total Equity
   
Southwall Stockholders’ Equity
   
Noncontrolling Interest
   
Total Equity
 
Equity, beginning of period
 
$
22,343
   
$
-
   
$
22,343
   
$
16,598
   
$
-
   
$
16,598
 
Fair market value of NCI of acquired entity
   
-
     
346
     
346
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Acquire NCI
   
(18
)
   
18
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Stock-based compensation
   
433
     
-
     
433
     
294
     
-
     
294
 
Stock option exercise
   
64
     
-
     
64
     
42
     
-
     
42
 
Dividend accrual on Series A Preferred Stock
   
(366
)
   
-
     
(366
)
   
(366
)
   
-
     
(366
)
Total comprehensive income
   
4,834
     
(152
)
   
4,682
     
4,788
     
-
     
4,788
 
Equity, end of period
 
$
27,290
   
$
212
   
$
27,502
   
$
21,356
   
$
-
   
$
21,356
 

Note 15 – Gain on Settlement of Contingency:

As of December 31, 2002, we were in default under a master sale-leaseback agreement with respect to two of our production machines. We had withheld lease payments in connection with a dispute with the leasing company, Matrix Funding Corporation.  In February 2004, we reached a settlement agreement for approximately $2,000 to be repaid over six years at a stepped rate of interest, and we returned the equipment in question.  The agreement included a confession of judgment, whereby the Company acknowledged that it would owe damages of $5,900 in the event of payment defaults under the settlement agreement. At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of the liability was $4,354.  In its assessment of the restructured debt, management factored in the $5,900 confession of judgment as a contingent payment, thereby eliminating any potential gain on restructuring at the time. The carrying value of the debt remained on the consolidated balance sheet and the liability was to be reduced as payments were made, with a potential gain to be recorded at the date of the final payment and the expiry of the confession of judgment.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of the liability was $3,354.  On January 21, 2009, we paid $995, which was full and final payment of principal and interest.  Upon final payment of principal and interest, a formal release of the obligation under the 2004 settlement agreement was obtained from Portfolio Financial Servicing Company, the successor to Matrix Funding Corporation on January 21, 2009, and a gain of $2,359 was recognized in the first quarter of 2009 in other income (expense), net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 
16


Note 16 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

Since December 31, 2009, there are no recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Note 17 – Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events and has concluded that no subsequent events have occurred since the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that would require recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Item 2 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (in thousands):

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below under "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors”, set forth in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our judgment as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q.

Forward Looking Statements

Cautionary Statement For the Purpose of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

As used in this report, the terms "we," "us," "our," "Southwall" and the "Company" mean Southwall Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates another meaning. This report contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "expects," "plans," "intends," "seeks," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology, or similar terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and include, without limitation, statements relating to:

 
our strategy, expected future operations and financial plans;

 
17

 
 
our revenue expectations and potential financial results;

 
the revenue expectations and potential financial results of Southwall Insulating Glass, LLC;

 
impact of current economic conditions on our business;

 
the continued trading of our common stock on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board Market;

 
future applications of thin film coating technologies;

 
our development of new technologies and products and integration;

 
the properties and functionality of our products;

 
our projected need for additional borrowings and future liquidity;

 
our ability to implement and maintain effective internal controls and procedures;

 
the size of and the markets into which we sell or intend to sell our products;

 
our intentions to pursue strategic alliances, acquisitions and business transactions;

 
the possibility of patent and other intellectual property infringement;

 
our opinions regarding energy consumption and the loss of energy through inefficient glass;

 
pending and threatened litigation and its outcome;

 
our competition and our ability to compete in the markets we serve; and

 
our projected capital expenditures.
 
You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially.  In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks outlined under "Risk Factors" below. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.  Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date they are being made, we cannot guarantee our future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, we do not assume any responsibility for the future accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements.

XIR®, XUV®, Triangle Design®, Superglass®, Heat Mirror®, California Series®, Solis®, ETCH-A-FLEX®, and Southwall® are registered trademarks of Southwall. V-KOOL® is a registered trademark of Solutia, Inc.  All other trade names and trademarks referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the property of their respective owners.

Overview

Southwall is a developer and manufacturer of high performance films and, beginning in 2008, glass products that improve energy efficiency in architectural and automotive glass applications.  Founded in response to the oil embargo of 1973, Southwall has approximately 30 years of experience and commercial adoption of its products worldwide.  Our products are designed to assist our green building construction and transportation customers in their efforts to decrease carbon emissions which may reduce the use of oil and electricity in the heating and cooling of buildings and vehicles.

 
18


Our customers were not immune to the global economic downturn of 2009.  We believe both the architectural and automotive industries experienced material sales declines, which negatively impacted our financial results in 2009 and into 2010.

On April 8, 2008, Southwall IG Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwall Technologies Inc., entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Sound Solutions Window & Doors, LLC (“Sound Solutions”), creating SIG, which manufactures insulated glass units for the domestic market to further expand the market for the Company’s Heat Mirror product.  As of December 31, 2009, Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. had a 50% investment in SIG.  In 2009, Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. advanced a total of $300, in the form of a promissory note, to Sound Solutions.  Pursuant to the terms of the promissory note dated May 11, 2009, the principal and accrued interest was due and payable to Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. by January 1, 2010.  Under terms of the note, in the event of default, the outstanding principal was to be paid in the form of a credit to the Southwall IG Holdings, Inc. capital account.

Effective January 1, 2010, Sound Solutions had not paid the principal balance of $300 and was in default of the promissory note.  The $300, for which Sound Solutions had received equity consideration in SIG, was credited to Southwall IG Holdings, Inc.’s capital account in SIG; thereby increasing the Company’s equity ownership to 66.3%.  For the quarters ended June 30, 2010 (through May 20, 2010) and 2009, our share of SIG’s net losses of approximately $108 and $200, respectively, is included in “other income (expense), net” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The Company incurred non-reimbursable expenses in the amount of approximately $70 and $66 in the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, related to the set up and operations of the joint venture, in accordance with the contractual terms of the joint venture agreement which is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

On May 20, 2010, the joint venture agreement was amended allowing Southwall IG Holding, Inc. to make additional cash contributions to the joint venture.  In order to acquire an additional 8.7% to obtain 75% equity ownership, the Company relinquished $256 of value allowing Sound Solutions to maintain a 25% equity interest in SIG.  This transaction triggered a business combination event which resulted in the consolidation of total assets and liabilities of SIG resulting in a gain of $706, which was recorded in other income (expense) net, to adjust the equity interest in SIG to a fair value of $919 before the acquisition date.  In September 2010, Southwall IG Holding, Inc. made contributions and acquired an additional 3% equity ownership in SIG.  On October 6, 2010, Southwall IG Holding, Inc. made contributions and acquired an additional 2% equity ownership in SIG.

On August 30, 2010, Crown International Acquisition Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwall Technologies, Inc., acquired the operating assets of Crown Operations International, Ltd. (“Crown Operations”), for $3,302 in cash.  Subsequent to the acquisition of Crown Operations, Crown International Acquisition Company, LLC changed its name to Crown Operations International, LLC.  Crown Operations is an interlayer converting and laminating facility.  The assets purchased include a 22,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, situated on approximately four acres of land, and converting equipment located in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Demand for our customers' products. We derive significant benefits from our relationships with a few large customers and suppliers.  Our revenues and gross profit can increase or decrease rapidly, reflecting underlying demand for the products of one or a small number of our customers.  We may also be unable to replace a customer when a relationship ends or demand for our product declines as a result of evolution of our customers' products.

Our three largest customers in the automotive glass and window film market, and architectural glass markets include: Saint Gobain Sekurit, Pilkington PLC and Solutia Inc., formerly GlobaMatrix Holdings Pte. Ltd., which collectively accounted for approximately 69% and 60% of our total revenues during the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Under our agreement with Solutia Inc., as amended, Solutia Inc. agreed to a 2004 minimum purchase commitment of $9,000 of product. For each year after 2004 through the term of the contract, Solutia Inc. contracted to purchase an amount of product equal to 110% of the amount of product it was required to purchase in the prior year.

 
19


Sales returns and allowances. Our gross margins and profitability have been adversely affected from time to time by product quality claims. As of September 30, 2010, our sales returns provision was approximately 2.5% of our gross revenues over a rolling twelve month period. From 2005 to 2009, our sales returns provision has averaged approximately 2.7% of gross revenues.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. However, future events cannot be forecasted with certainty, and the best estimates and judgments routinely require adjustment. We are required to make estimates and judgments in many areas, including those related to:  revenue recognition, accrual for product returns and warranties, allowance for doubtful accounts, quarterly income taxes, inventory valuations (including reserves for excess and obsolete and impaired inventories), impairment of intangibles and goodwill, reserves for decommissioning costs associated with leasehold asset retirement obligations and valuation of stock-based compensation. We believe these policies are the most critical to our financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment. Senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

We believe there have been no significant changes during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in our 2009 Form 10-K.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

Results of Operations

Net revenues. Our net revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 were $12,198, an increase of $3,598 or 42% compared to $8,600 for the same period ended September 30, 2009 primarily due to the recovery from the global economic downturn in 2008 and 2009.

Net revenues in the automotive market increased by $753, or 18%, to $4,849 compared to $4,096 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase was primarily due to increased demand by several of our large customers.

Window film net revenues increased by $2,806, or 129%, to $4,981 from $2,175 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This was primarily due to increased overall demand for the window film business.

Architectural net revenues remained flat at $2,246 compared to $2,243 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This was primarily due to decreased worldwide demand offset by sales generated through SIG.

Cost of revenues.  Cost of revenues increased $2,023, or 42%, to $6,890 compared with $4,867 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This was primarily due to higher variable costs in the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the third quarter of 2009 to support the increased sales demand and consolidation of SIG.

 
20


Gross profit. Our gross profit increased $1,575, or 42%, to $5,308 compared with $3,733 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to 44% compared to 43% for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This was primarily due to more effective absorption of fixed costs resulting from a 20% increase in production volume offset slightly by consolidation of SIG.

Operating expenses

Research and development. Research and development expenses increased $253, or 33%, to $1,024 compared with $771 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.  This was primarily due to increased research and development activities in new technologies.

Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of corporate and administrative overhead, selling commissions and occupancy costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $812, or 41%, to $2,772 compared to $1,960 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. This increase was primarily due to the consolidation of SIG and COI and higher legal and consulting expenses in the third quarter of 2010.

Income from operations.  Income from operations increased $510 to an operating income of $1,512 compared to operating income of $1,002 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This increase was primarily due to higher sales and production volumes.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net decreased $254, or 79%, to $67 compared to $321 for the third quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease in net interest expense was primarily due to the recognition of interest expense on the Pilkington settlement in the third quarter 2009 and reduction in total debt outstanding from the third quarter 2009 to the third quarter 2010.

Other income (expense), net.   For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, the other income (expense), net of $12 expense is primarily comprised of foreign exchange gains relating to transactions with foreign customers that were denominated in foreign currencies, principally the Euro offset by $148, representing our 50% share of net losses incurred SIG.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the other income (expense), net of $560 income is from foreign exchange gains relating to transactions with foreign customers that were denominated in foreign currencies, principally the Euro, of $556.

Income before provision for income taxes.  Pre-tax income increased $1,312 to $2,005 in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $693 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to increase in income from the higher sales and production volumes and the benefit of foreign exchange gains relating to transactions with foreign customers that were denominated in foreign currencies, principally the Euro.

Provision for income taxes. The Company recorded an income tax provision of $959 and $174 in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The effective tax rate was 15.0% and 3.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The company’s effective tax rate depends on various factors, such as tax legislation, the mix of domestic and international pre-tax income, research and development credits, foreign tax credits, share-based compensations and change in valuation allowance.

Based on management’s evaluation of all available evidence, both positive and negative, management believes that the Company is more likely than not be able to realize approximately $1,326 of its deferred tax assets.   Management has made this determination based on the ability to carryback future reversals of deductible temporary differences.  Accordingly, the Company included the effect of a change in the beginning-of-the-year balance of a valuation allowance in its estimated annual effective tax rate for the fiscal year 2010. As of September 30, 2010, approximately $1,271 of tax benefit related to the change in valuation allowance was recorded in the income from continuing operations.  Due to uncertainties related to future taxable income, the Company did not believe it was prudent, or more likely than not, to reverse an additional amount of valuation allowance at this time.  Management will continue to monitor the situation in future periods.

The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority.  An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company identified and recorded unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of approximately $229, but no interest and penalties have been recorded due to the immaterial impact to financial statement.  Management does not expect material changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits will occur within the next twelve months

 
21


Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.  Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in 2010 is related to the consolidation of SIG upon acquisition of a controlling interest during the second quarter of 2010.

Deemed dividend on preferred stock. We accrued $122 of deemed dividend on preferred stock in each of the third quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The holders of our secured convertible promissory notes converted those notes to shares of Series A preferred stock in December 2004. The Series A Preferred Stock accrues cumulative dividends at the rate of 10% per annum.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

Results of Operations

Net revenues. Our net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were $34,469, an increase of $11,039 or 47% compared to $23,430 for the same period ended September 30, 2009 primarily due to recovery from the global economic downturn in 2008 and 2009.

Net revenues in the automotive market increased by $3,864, or 36%, to $14,736 compared to $10,872 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase was primarily due to increased demand by several of our large customers.

Window film net revenues increased by $7,026, or 97%, to $14,291 from $7,265 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This was primarily due to increased overall demand for the window film business.

Architectural net revenues increased by $206, or 4%, to $5,249 from $5,043 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This was primarily due to decreased worldwide demand offset by sales generated through SIG.

Cost of revenues.  Cost of revenues increased $4,995, or 37%, to $18,549 compared with $13,554 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This was primarily due to higher variable costs in 2010 as compared to 2009 as manufacturing volume increased to support the increased sales demand, the consolidation of SIG and smaller inventory reserve charge in 2010 compared to 2009.

Gross profit. Gross profit increased $6,044, or 61%, to $15,920 compared with $9,876 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased to 46% compared to 42% in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This was primarily due to more effective absorption of fixed costs as production volume grew by 47%.

 
22


Operating expenses

Research and development. Research and development expenses increased $490 or 23% to $2,608 compared with $2,118 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively due to increased research and development activities in new technologies.

Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of corporate and administrative overhead, selling commissions and occupancy costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1,228 or 21%, to $7,038 compared to $5,810 for the nine months period ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. This increase was primarily due to higher sales and marketing costs, increased bad debts expense, higher consulting and legal expenses and general and administrative expenses due to the consolidation of SIG and COI.  Additionally, 2009 expenses included a reserve for the Pilkington settlement.

Income from operations.  Income from operations increased $4,326 to an operating income of $6,274 compared to operating income of $1,948 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This increase was primarily due to higher sales and production volumes.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense decreased $267 to $225 compared to $492 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This reduction in net interest was primarily due to the reduction in total debt outstanding in 2010 compared to 2009.

Other income (expense), net.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the other income (expense), net of $3,211 income is primarily comprised of a gain associated with the reversal of a $2,359 liability related to settlement of the 2004 Matrix debt agreement and a final royalty payment of $500 on the Sunfilm settlement.  Additionally, we recognized a net gain of $346 from the sale of precious metal targets remaining after our Palo Alto, California manufacturing facility was closed and moved to Germany.  These targets had been previously expensed in 2006.  These non-recurring gains were offset by our 50% share of net losses incurred by SIG of $405.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the other income (expense), net of $202 income is comprised of recognizing a gain of $706 resulting from the acquisition of controlling interest in SIG offset by our 66.3% share of net losses incurred by SIG of $333 and a foreign exchange gain, relating to transactions with foreign customers that were denominated in foreign currencies, principally the Euro, of $210.

Income before provision for income taxes.  Pre-tax income increased $1,584 to $6,251 in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 compared to $4,667 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009. This increase was primarily due to the non-recurring gains recorded in other income (expense) in the first nine months of 2009 from the reversal of the long term reserve associated with Matrix lease settlement, final payment on the Sunfilm settlement and sale of precious metal targets offset by the increase in income from the higher sales and production volume.

Provision for income taxes. The Company recorded an income tax provision of $959 and $174 in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The effective tax rate was 15.0% and 3.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The company’s effective tax rate depends on various factors, such as tax legislation, the mix of domestic and international pre-tax income, research and development credits, foreign tax credits, share-based compensations and change in valuation allowance.

Based on management’s evaluation of all available evidence, both positive and negative, management believes that the Company is more likely than not be able to realize approximately $1,326 of its deferred tax assets.   Management has made this determination based on the ability to carryback future reversals of deductible temporary differences.  Accordingly, the Company included the effect of a change in the beginning-of-the-year balance of a valuation allowance in its estimated annual effective tax rate for the fiscal year 2010. As of September 30, 2010, approximately $1,271 of tax benefit related to the change in valuation allowance was recorded in the income from continuing operations.  Due to uncertainties related to future taxable income, the Company did not believe it was prudent, or more likely than not, to reverse an additional amount of valuation allowance at this time.  Management will continue to monitor the situation in future periods.

The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority.  An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company identified and recorded unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of approximately $229, but no interest and penalties have been recorded due to the immaterial impact to financial statement.  Management does not expect material changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits will occur within the next twelve months

 
23


Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.  Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in 2010 is related to the consolidation of SIG upon acquisition during the second quarter of 2010.

Deemed dividend on preferred stock. We accrued $366 of deemed dividend on preferred stock in each of the nine month periods of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The holders of our secured convertible promissory notes converted those notes to shares of Series A preferred stock in December 2004. The Series A Preferred Stock accrues cumulative dividends at the rate of 10% per annum.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, consisting primarily of accounts receivable and inventories, for debt repayments and capital expenditures. We believe that because of the production cycle of certain of our products, our inventories will continue to represent a significant portion of our working capital.

Our cash and cash equivalents increased $3,119 from $12,454 at December 31, 2009 to $15,573 at September 30, 2010.  The increase in cash is primarily due to net income and obtaining a term loan offset by payments for capital expenditures, acquisition of assets of Crown Operations International and debt and capital lease obligations.

Specifically, cash provided by operating activities of $6,675 for the first nine months of 2010 was primarily the result of net income of $5,292, non-cash depreciation of $1,989, non-cash stock compensation expense of $433, a decrease in inventory of $207 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of 1,532 partially offset by non-cash gain acquisition of controlling interest in SIG of $706, an increase in other current and non-current assets of $240 and an increase in deferred taxes of $1,334.

Cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2010 of $4,657 was the result of acquiring the assets of Crown Operations of $3,302 and a controlling interest in SIG of $195 and capital expenditures of $1,160.

Cash provided by financing activities for the first nine months of 2010 of $1,090 was primarily related to proceeds from term loan with Wells Fargo Bank of $1,250, receipt of investment credit from the German government of $376 and proceeds from stock option exercises of $63 partially offset by scheduled payments of $599 of other term debt and capital lease obligations.

 
24


Borrowing arrangements

Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank

In June 2010, we renewed our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank (“Bank”).  The Credit Agreement provides for a $3,000 revolving line of credit.  Advances under the line exceeding $1,500 will be limited to 80% of eligible accounts receivable.  The Company will not be eligible for additional borrowings if the Company’s consolidated cash balance falls below $3,500.  Amounts borrowed under the facility bear interest at either prime plus 0.75% or LIBOR plus 3.5%, determined at the discretion of the Company, and is annualized on the average daily financed amount outstanding.  All borrowings under the facilities are collateralized by our assets in the United States and are subject to certain covenants including minimum quarterly net income and minimum liquid asset requirements.

Generally, if any event of default occurs, the Bank may declare all outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement to be due and payable.  The maturity date of the facility is June 2011.  Although we expect to renew the credit line, we can provide no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining a new or replacement credit facility due to restrictive credit markets.  As of September 30, 2010, we had no balance outstanding on our line of credit, and we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.  The foregoing does not purport to be a complete statement of the parties’ rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the transactions contemplated thereby or a complete explanation of material terms thereof.

In August 2010, our Credit Agreement with the Bank was amended to provide for a $1,250 term loan, which was funded on September 2, 2010.  Amounts borrowed under the term loan are payable over 36 months in equal installments and bear interest at a fixed rate 4.05%.  The Credit Agreement was further amended to provide covenants for tangible net worth and fixed charge coverage ratio.

Borrowing Arrangements with German Banks

Our borrowing arrangements with various German banks as of September 30, 2010 are described in Note 6 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 1. “Financial Statements”) set forth herein. We are in compliance with all of the covenants of the German bank loans and capital leases, and we have classified $419 and $2,776 outstanding under the German bank loans and capital leases as a short-term liability and long-term liability, respectively, at September 30, 2010.

As of September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under all financial instruments.

Capital expenditures

We expect to spend approximately $1,900 in 2010 on upgrades and refurbishment of our production machines and research and development tools, including investment in assets for SIG. We spent approximately $1,160 in capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2010.

 
25


Future payment obligations

Our future payment obligations on our borrowings pursuant to our term debt, non-cancelable operating and capital leases and other non-cancelable contractual commitments were as follows at September 30, 2010:

   
Total
   
Less Than 1 Year
   
1-3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
Greater Than 5 Years
 
Contractual Obligations:
                             
Term debt (1)
 
$
4,312
   
$
757
   
$
1,514
   
$
680
   
$
1,361
 
Capital lease obligations (1)
   
356
     
203
     
153
     
-
     
-
 
Term debt and capital lease obligation interest ( 1)
   
902
     
241
     
310
     
195
     
156
 
Other obligations (2)
   
2,813
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,813
 
Operating leases (3)
   
1,295
     
656
     
639
     
-
     
-
 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
 
$
9,678
   
$
1,857
   
$
2,616
   
$
875
   
$
4,330
 
 
(1)
Represents the principal and interest allocations of loan and capital lease agreements with Varilease Finance Inc. and several German Banks and Wells Fargo Bank.

(2)
Represents accumulated dividends on Series A Preferred Stock (greater than five years).

(3)
Represents the remaining rents owed on buildings we rent in Palo Alto, California, and Chicago, Illinois.

As of September 30, 2010, we maintained 30,174 square feet of office and warehouse space at 3780-3788 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California 94303.   In 2010, the monthly rent payments are $39 and will increase annually at a rate of 3% through the expiration of the lease.

As of September 30, 2010, we had a lease obligation for 9,200 square feet at 3961 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, California 94303.  The monthly rent payments for this facility are $4.

As of September 30, 2010, we had a lease obligation for 75,640 square feet at 4404 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632.  The monthly rent payments for this facility are $20, which increases to $25 in April 2011, $26 in October 2011, and increases thereafter annually at a rate of 3.6% through the expiration of the lease.

 
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Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, and changes in the market values of our investments.

Financing risk: The interest rate on one of our German loans was reset to the prevailing market rate of 5.73% in September 2009. Fluctuations or changes in interest rates may adversely affect our expected interest expense. The effect of a 10% fluctuation in the interest rate on our line of credit and term debt would have had an immaterial effect on our interest expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.

Investment risk: We invest our excess cash in money market accounts and, by practice, make every effort to limit the amount of exposure by investing with strong, well-known institutions. Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely affected due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates fall. The effect of a 10% fluctuation in the interest rate on our excess cash investments would not have had a material effect on our interest income in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.

Foreign currency risk: International revenues (defined as sales to customers located outside of the United States) accounted for approximately 81% of our total sales in the third quarter of 2010. Approximately 38% of our international revenues were denominated in Euros in the third quarter of 2010. The remaining 62% of our international sales were denominated in US dollars.  In addition, certain transactions with foreign suppliers are denominated in foreign currencies. The effect of a 10% fluctuation in the Euro exchange rate would have had an effect of approximately $466 on net revenues and $493 on expenses for the third quarter of 2010.

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

 
(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, such that the information relating to our company, including our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 
(b)
Changes in Internal Controls.  There were no changes during the three month period ended September 30, 2010 in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal controls over financial reporting.
 
Internal control systems, no matter how well designed and operated, have inherent limitations.  Consequently, even a system which is determined to be effective cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues have been detected or prevented.  Our systems of internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 
27

 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1--Legal Proceedings
 
We may be a party to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  While the outcome of the pending proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, based on our review, we believe that any unrecorded liability that may result is not likely to have a material effect on our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

The following information updates should be read in conjunction with the information disclosed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on March 25, 2010.

Financial Risks

There have been no significant changes in financial risk factors for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.  See the information set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Operational Risks

There have been no significant changes in operational risk factors for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.  See the information set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Market Risks

There have been no significant changes in market risk factors for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.  See the information set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

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

None.
 
Item 3 – Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.
 
Item 5 – Other Information

None.

 
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Item 6 – Exhibits
 
(a) Exhibits

Exhibit Number
 
Item
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
     
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
     
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350
     
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350

 
29


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Dated:   
November 12, 2010
   
     
Southwall Technologies Inc.
       
   
By: 
/s/ Dennis F. Capovilla
 
     
Dennis F. Capovilla
     
Chief Executive Officer
       
   
By:  
/s/ Mallorie Burak
 
     
Mallorie Burak
     
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
30