-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, CvU+nVtWHKW1RWgtSXN4yYPrkU1DGV6o0cQUxMsjyVPJiLM/h6N+/lmp+zReVPYP D8RLTBBn8+y9XcnROjjNQQ== 0000950153-07-000660.txt : 20070328 0000950153-07-000660.hdr.sgml : 20070328 20070328141541 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950153-07-000660 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20061231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070328 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070328 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ROCKFORD CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000828064 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: HOUSEHOLD AUDIO & VIDEO EQUIPMENT [3651] IRS NUMBER: 860394353 STATE OF INCORPORATION: AZ FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-30138 FILM NUMBER: 07723737 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 546 SOUTH ROCKFORD DRIVE CITY: TEMPE STATE: AZ ZIP: 85281 BUSINESS PHONE: 4809673565 10-K 1 p73629e10vk.htm 10-K e10vk
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
Form 10-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
 
Commission File Number 000-30138
 
 
 
 
ROCKFORD CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
     
Arizona   86-0394353
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
600 South Rockford Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281
(480) 967-3565
(Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices)
 
 
 
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock ($.01 Par Value)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
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 þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if the disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Large accelerated filler o     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $20,265,216 computed by reference to the price at which registrant’s common stock last sold as of June 30, 2006. There were 9,390,720 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of March 26, 2007.
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 9, 2007, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
 


 

 
ROCKFORD CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
DECEMBER 31, 2006
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
             
Securities and Exchange Commission
   
Item Number and Description
  Page
 
  Business   3
  Risk Factors   10
  Properties   16
  Legal Proceedings   17
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   17
 
  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   18
  Selected Financial Data   21
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations   22
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   31
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   32
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   56
  Controls and Procedures   56
  Other Information   56
 
  Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance   56
  Executive Compensation   56
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   57
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence   57
  Principal Accounting Fees and Services   57
 
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules...   57
  61
 Ex-10.75
 Ex-10.76
 Ex-10.77
 Ex-10.78
 Ex-21
 Ex-23.1
 Ex-31.1
 Ex-31.2
 Ex-32
 
The market value of Rockford’s voting stock held by non-affiliates shown on the cover page is based on:
 
  •  Rockford’s estimate that the number of shares held by non-affiliates as of March 26, 2007 was approximately 4,836,567; and
 
  •  $4.19 per share, the price at which Rockford’s shares were last sold as of June 30, 2006, as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market. June 30, 2006, is the last business day of Rockford’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
 
Rockford’s calculation of the number of shares held by affiliates is a good faith estimate for this Annual Report. Shares held by affiliates include all shares beneficially owned by Rockford’s executive officers and directors. They also include shares held by any shareholder who beneficially owned more than 10% of Rockford’s shares, as disclosed in this report.


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Forward-Looking Statements And Risk Factors
 
We make forward-looking statements in this report including, without limitation, statements concerning the future of our industry, product development, business strategy, continued acceptance and growth of our products, dependence on significant customers and suppliers, and the adequacy of our available cash resources. Our statements may contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue” or other similar words.
 
Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as at the date on which they are made. Actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements to reflect changes in our expectations or changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which our expectations are based.
 
When considering our forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements identified in this report. The risk factors noted throughout this report, particularly in the discussion in Item 1A, and other risk factors that we have not anticipated or discussed, could cause our actual results to differ significantly from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements.


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PART I
 
Item 1.   Business
 
Rockford Business
 
Rockford designs, distributes, and assembles high performance mobile audio systems. Rockford’s mobile audio products are sold primarily in the worldwide mobile audio aftermarket to consumers who want to improve the audio systems in their cars, trucks, boats and airplanes. Rockford’s products appeal to its consumers’ desire for distinctive products that provide powerful, high quality sound. Rockford markets its aftermarket mobile audio products under the Rockford Fosgate and Lightning Audio brand names, selling products that include digital and analog amplifiers, speakers, speaker enclosures and accessories.
 
Rockford also sells OEM mobile audio products, primarily in certain Nissan and Mitsubishi automobiles. The OEM products are sold primarily under the Rockford Fosgate brand name. Early in 2006 Rockford introduced additional OEM mobile audio products under the new Rockford Acoustic Design premium brand.
 
During 2005 and 2006, Rockford completed the strategic realignment it announced in 2004, with the final divestitures consisting of the sales in October 2005 of the NHT home theater audio business and in March 2006 of the Q-Logic enclosures business. With the completion of the realignment, Rockford is focused on its only substantial business, the core mobile audio business.
 
Rockford’s Brands
 
Rockford markets its products under the following primary brands:
 
  •  Rockford Fosgate.  Under the Rockford Fosgate brand, Rockford offers distinctive product lines that produce powerful, high quality sound. Rockford Fosgate mobile audio products are marketed under two primary product lines:
 
  •  Punch Series — the line for the majority of Rockford’s amplifiers, subwoofers, speakers and enclosures; and
 
  •  Power Series — the line for Rockford’s higher performing amplifiers, subwoofers, and speakers.
 
Rockford sells Rockford Fosgate products, or licenses its brand and technology, to Nissan and Mitsubishi for installation as part of factory installed audio systems. Rockford also sells a full line of Rockford Fosgate mobile audio accessories under the Connecting Punch line of products;
 
  •  Rockford Acoustic Design.  Rockford recently introduced Rockford Acoustic Design as a new premium brand, primarily for OEM products. Mitsubishi introduced an automobile line in 2006 with a Rockford Acoustic Design branded audio system; and
 
  •  Lightning Audio.  Rockford sells amplifiers, subwoofers, speakers, and accessories under the Lightning Audio brand. Lightning Audio products are generally more moderately priced than Rockford Fosgate products.
 
In addition, Rockford markets complementary products under a secondary brand, InstallEdge.com. Rockford uses the InstallEdge.com business-to business brand to offer installation-shop supplies to installation shops and audio product installers.
 
Rockford Strategy
 
Rockford’s goal is to design and distribute some of the best engineered and most recognized and respected high performance mobile audio products in the world. Rockford’s strategy is intended to enhance and reinforce Rockford’s brand images among consumers and retailers. Key elements of Rockford’s strategy are to:
 
  •  Continue to introduce new and technologically innovative mobile audio products that embody distinctive Rockford sound qualities;


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  •  Expand Rockford’s mobile audio OEM business; and
 
  •  Broaden Rockford’s distribution by entering new distribution channels and increasing penetration of Rockford’s existing distribution channels, both in the U.S. and internationally.
 
As a result of Rockford’s brands and strategy, Rockford believes it can grow its business and become a more significant participant in the worldwide mobile audio market.
 
Rockford Products
 
Percent of Sales by Product Class
 
Rockford’s sales since 2004 were divided among Rockford’s principal product classes as shown in the following table:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006  
 
Product Class:
                       
Amplifiers
    39.3 %     43.8 %     45.8 %
Speakers
    39.4       35.4       34.9  
Accessories
    10.7       10.7       12.8  
Others(1)
    10.6       10.1       6.5  
                         
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                         
 
 
(1) Includes source units, enclosures, signal processors, digital media products, and other products. No single product class in this group accounted for more than 10% of Rockford’s sales in any of these years.
 
Financial information about geographic segments may be found in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.
 
Aftermarket Mobile Audio Products
 
Rockford offers high performance aftermarket mobile audio products consisting of the following primary types of products:
 
  •  Amplifiers.  Amplifiers increase the voltage and current coming from the source unit, providing more power than possible from a source unit alone. Amplifiers are essential for a high performance mobile audio system, particularly for consumers who desire strong bass (low frequency) performance;
 
  •  Subwoofers and Speakers.  Subwoofers and speakers accept a signal from a source unit or amplifier and translate it into sound. Subwoofers are speakers that are eight inches or greater in diameter and are designed to play bass frequencies. Speakers less than eight inches in diameter are not subwoofers and are designed to play higher frequencies. Aftermarket subwoofers and speakers provide dramatically improved sound quality compared to most factory installed mobile audio systems and are often the single most important improvement consumers can make to their mobile audio systems;
 
  •  Accessories.  Accessories are the additional items required to install and use mobile audio products. Accessories include amplifier wiring kits, fuses, circuit breakers, interconnect cables, speaker cables, stiffening capacitors, battery clamps, connectors, adaptors, and carpet/fabric/surface applications. Accessories make Rockford’s products compatible with factory-installed components and improve the performance of a mobile audio system; and
 
  •  Enclosures.  Enclosures are used to enhance the bass performance of subwoofers and to position speakers in locations that produce better sound.


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Under the Rockford Fosgate brand Rockford currently offers the following products:
 
       Amplifiers:
• Amplifiers under the Punch Series and Power Series lines, with rated power from 200 to 4,000 watts, and minimum advertised prices from $200 to $2,500. Rockford’s amplifiers include 1, 2 and 4 channel alternatives, giving consumers the ability to select an optimum configuration for their system.
 
• In the amplifier category Rockford has also introduced a Hybrid Technology 15,000-watt amplifier, the limited edition HT15kW, at a minimum advertised price of $25,000, and the new 3Sixty Interactive Signal Processors in two models at minimum advertised prices of $399 and $699;
 
       Subwoofers and Speakers:
• Subwoofers and speakers under Rockford’s Punch Series and Power Series lines, with minimum advertised prices from $60 to $1,800;
 
       Accessories:
• Accessories under Rockford’s Connecting Punch line, including amplifier installation kits, interconnect and speaker cables, carpet/fabric/surface applications and stiffening capacitors; and
 
       Enclosures:
• Subwoofer enclosures, including “loaded enclosures” that include a subwoofer and, in some cases, an amplifier, at minimum advertised prices from $149 to $399.
 
Under the Lightning Audio brand Rockford currently offers the following products:
 
       Amplifiers:
• Amplifier models with rated power from 60 to 2,000 watts and minimum advertised prices from $100 to $1,000;
 
       Subwoofers and Speakers:
• Subwoofers and speakers with minimum advertised prices from $30 to $600; and
 
       Accessories:
• Accessories, including interconnect and speaker cables, stiffening capacitors, battery clamps and installation kits.
 
Under Rockford’s InstallEdge.com brand Rockford sells various back shop supplies, including vehicle harnesses, power distribution adapters, batteries, RCA connectors, wire, wiring accessories and fuses.
 
OEM Products
 
Nissan North America offers Rockford Fosgate branded OEM systems in several Nissan vehicles for the 2006 and 2007 model years. Rockford provides amplifiers, enclosures or subwoofers in these vehicles as well as branding the source unit (radio/CD player) under the Rockford Fosgate brand.
 
Early in 2006, Rockford introduced the new Rockford Acoustic Design brand. Rockford plans to offer premium mobile audio systems under this brand, primarily for OEM applications. Mitsubishi Motors offers Rockford Fosgate and Rockford Acoustic Design branded OEM systems in several vehicles for the 2006 and 2007 model years.
 
New Products
 
Rockford introduces new products and enhances its existing products on a regular basis. During 2006, Rockford introduced two models of 3Sixty Integrated Signal Processors, interactive signal processors that dramatically simplify and improve the integration of aftermarket mobile audio amplifiers and speakers into virtually any OEM audio system. These products reduce the difficulty involved in improving the sound of OEM systems that are integrated with navigation, climate control, and other vehicle systems.
 
Rockford also introduced in 2006 the Rockford Fosgate T15kW amplifier, a limited edition 15,000 watt amplifier that uses Rockford’s patent pending Hybrid technology.


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In the first quarter of 2007, Rockford has introduced new lines of Rockford Fosgate amplifiers, updating both the Punch and Power series of product lines, and has also introduced new subwoofers and speakers under the Rockford Fosgate Punch series.
 
Engineering And Product Development
 
Engineering and product development is a primary focus of Rockford’s business because of the demand by Rockford’s core consumers for high quality and powerful sounding products. Rockford focuses its engineering and development efforts primarily on enhancing current products and developing new products.
 
As at December 31, 2006, Rockford’s engineering and development staff consisted of 27 engineers in research, development, and in sustaining groups, as well as other support staff, dedicated to the development of Rockford’s current products and of Rockford’s technology for future products.
 
Sales, Marketing And Distribution
 
Rockford endeavors to have its brands project an image that appeals to consumers who appreciate high quality and value. Rockford’s primary sales and marketing activities are listed below:
 
  •  Making regular calls to dealers and providing them with demonstration products, point-of-purchase displays and other marketing materials;
 
  •  Training dealer sales and installation personnel. For 2007 Rockford is re-emphasizing its “Rockford Technical Training Institute” training programs that are designed to provide improved skills to dealer personnel;
 
  •  Regular interaction with industry press editors who are often the opinion makers for salespeople at the retail level as well as end users;
 
  •  Support for competitors in regional and national car audio shows and competitions;
 
  •  Participation in professional and consumer trade shows. The annual Consumer Electronics Show, held each January in Las Vegas, has been one of Rockford’s largest show expenditures for many years. Rockford announced at the 2007 show that it would not attend the 2008 show. Rockford has concluded that the money spent at CES does not adequately focus on its after-market mobile audio customers and believes these funds will be better used on an event focused on Rockford’s after-market retailers. Rockford is planning such an event for late 2007. Rockford’s show budget for 2007 will increase as a result of this new event, since it will double-up with the 2007 CES show that took place in January 2007;
 
  •  Maintaining product and brand information for consumers and retailers on its web sites; and
 
  •  Initiating targeted advertising in periodicals read by potential consumers.
 
Rockford’s corporate web site, located at www.rockfordcorp.com, and its brand sites such as www.rockfordfosgate.com, www.lightningaudio.com, www.installedge.com, and www.rockfordacousticdesign.com offer consumers and retailers reliable and comprehensive information about its product offerings and consumer services.
 
Distribution
 
North American Distribution.  Rockford currently sells its mobile audio products in the U.S. and Canada directly to retailers who operate approximately 6,000 retail stores. These include stores operated by independent specialty dealers, audio/video retailers, consumer electronic chains, mass merchandisers, internet retailers and catalog merchants. Rockford may appoint a retailer to sell some or all of its brands.
 
Rockford sells directly to most of its authorized retailers using independent sales representative firms who identify, recruit, sell to, and provide support to retailers in their regions. Rockford has entered into agreements with each of these sales representative firms under which Rockford appoints them its sales representative for a specific territory and specific products under varying terms. Rockford pays its independent sales representatives commissions based on sales of Rockford’s products in their territory. Commission amounts range from 1% to 10% of sales depending upon (1) product category, (2) customer category and (3) achievement of sales targets.


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Rockford also permits some of its Rockford Fosgate brand sales representatives to stock a small quantity of Rockford Fosgate products for resale to smaller dealers. These smaller dealers are generally located in rural areas, or otherwise have very small volume potential, so that it is not economical for Rockford to appoint them as direct retailers. They nevertheless provide a useful extension of Rockford’s distribution system into more remote regions. Rockford’s stocking representative program allows it to serve these smaller dealers efficiently. In addition, in a few instances where stocking representatives are not available, Rockford has also appointed independent distributors to sell Rockford Fosgate products to smaller dealers in a particular territory.
 
Rockford has converted the majority of the specialty retailer sales of Lightning Audio products in North America to an independent distribution model, appointing distributors who purchase Lightning Audio products and re-sell them to independent dealers in their territory. Rockford also continues to sell Lightning Audio products directly to larger national and regional dealers.
 
Rockford supports its North American independent sales representative firms, retailers and distributors using an internal staff of regional managers and sales support staff members.
 
International Distribution.  Rockford currently sells its mobile audio products in approximately 69 countries outside the U.S. and Canada using independent distributors. At the end of 2005, distributors served approximately 67 of these countries, with independent sales representatives serving 2 higher volume countries in Europe. Because of the fixed costs involved in direct international sales, Rockford transitioned its international sales (except Canada) to independent distributors in 2006. As a result of this change, in all countries outside of the U.S. and Canada, Rockford uses independent distributors who purchase products from Rockford and resell them to retailers in their designated territories. The distributors assume inventory risk and take responsibility for warranty service in their territory. This transition contributed to the reduction in international sales in 2006.
 
Rockford supports its international distributors using an in-house staff of international sales managers.
 
Competition
 
Rockford’s primary markets are very competitive and fragmented. They are characterized by price competition and increasingly rapid product obsolescence. Rockford competes in the mobile audio market on the basis of sound quality, brand recognition, innovation and technology, reliability, breadth of product line, distribution capabilities and price. Some of Rockford’s competitors have greater financial, technical and other resources than Rockford does and many seek to offer lower prices on competing products.
 
To remain competitive, Rockford believes it must regularly introduce new products, add performance features to existing products and limit increases in prices or even reduce prices. Rockford’s principal competitors within Rockford’s product lines are listed below:
 
  •  Mobile Audio Amplifiers:  Alpine, JL Audio, Kenwood, Kicker, MTX, Dual, Pioneer and Sony;
 
  •  Mobile Audio Subwoofers and Speakers:  Alpine, Boston Acoustics, Infinity, JL Audio, Kenwood, Kicker, MTX, Pioneer and Sony;
 
  •  Mobile Audio Accessories:  Monster Cable, AAMP America and Stinger;
 
Rockford’s OEM products compete directly with each auto manufacturer’s in-house manufacturing capability as well as such outside suppliers as Delphi, Visteon, Matsushita, Bose and Harman International.
 
The OEM products offered by automobile manufacturers also impact Rockford’s aftermarket mobile audio products. In recent years, many automobile manufacturers have:
 
  •  integrated additional functions such as navigation into vehicle electronic systems;
 
  •  changed the designs of their cars in ways that make (or are perceived to make) installation of aftermarket audio products more difficult or expensive; and
 
  •  somewhat improved the quality of their mobile audio offerings.


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These efforts have resulted in an increased market share for OEM mobile audio systems. Rockford believes that this increased market share for OEM products has reduced the overall market for aftermarket mobile audio products and is one of the causes of reduced sales in the aftermarket, both industry wide and for Rockford.
 
Manufacturing
 
Rockford plans to phase out internal manufacturing of subwoofers during 2007 and to substantially reduce internal manufacturing of amplifiers. Rockford has concluded that manufacturing is no longer a core part of its operations, that third party manufacturers are a more efficient source of manufacturing capacity, and that Rockford should focus its resources more directly on design, technology, and marketing. Rockford currently manufactures amplifiers at Rockford’s facilities in Tempe, Arizona, and a limited quantity of subwoofers at Rockford’s facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
 
When it outsources manufacturing to a third party manufacturer, Rockford provides specifications and cosmetic renderings for outsourced products and works with the manufacturer to develop the product so that it meets Rockford’s requirements. Rockford generally owns all of the tooling and the manufacturer is obligated not to sell identical products to anyone other than Rockford.
 
Rockford believes that, as it moves production of its products to third party manufacturers, it will reduce overall product costs. The transition will take time and involves significant operational risks as Rockford ramps down internal production and ramps up external manufacturing. In 2006, Rockford purchased approximately $8.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of finished product from its two largest suppliers, Edge International and FST Speakers. These Asian-based companies manufactured some of Rockford’s speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, and accessories.
 
Most of Rockford’s products use standard parts and components that can be purchased from multiple sources. In many instances, however, Rockford sources components or finished products from one or a small number of suppliers to leverage dollars and volumes. Rockford relied on two component suppliers, Avnet and Shin Kao Group International, Inc., for approximately $5.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively, of Rockford’s component purchases during 2006.
 
Rockford believes alternative sources are available for substantially all of Rockford’s inventory requirements, although changes in suppliers would take time and would involve significant transitional costs. Rockford believes that its sources and supplies of finished goods, components and other raw materials are adequate for its needs.
 
Intellectual Property
 
Rockford relies upon a combination of trade secret and trademark laws, non-disclosure agreements and patents to protect its proprietary rights. Rockford has registered many trademarks and trade names both in the U.S. and internationally and is committed to maintaining and protecting them. Rockford believes its trademarks and trade names are material to its business and are well known among consumers in its principal markets. Rockford’s principal trademarks and trade names include, but are not limited to:
 
     
• Rockford Fosgate®
 
• Lightning Audio®
  • Rockford’s “Diamond R” logo®
 
  • Strike®
  • The Punch®
 
  • Storm®
  • Rockford Acoustic Design(TM)
 
  • Bolt®
  • 3Sixty(TM)
   
 
Significant Customers and Seasonality
 
Best Buy is a significant customer and accounted for 27.7%, 23.4% and 22.6% of Rockford’s sales for 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Rockford products are currently sold in each of its more than 900 Best Buy and Future Shop stores in North America. Best Buy is one of the largest volume specialty retailers of consumer electronics and entertainment software in the U.S. Rockford anticipates that Best Buy will continue to account for a significant portion of its sales for the foreseeable future.


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Nissan is also a significant customer, representing 13.7% and 14.9% of sales during 2005 and 2006, respectively. Rockford anticipates that Nissan will continue to be significant customer for the foreseeable future. Sales to Nissan are expected to decline in 2007 because 2005 and 2006 sales were higher due to Nissan’s inclusion of Rockford Fosgate systems in a higher than normal proportion of Sentra cars during the last year of the prior model generation’s life. Rockford anticipates that a more normal proportion of Rockford Fosgate systems will be included in the Sentra during the first year of the new generation, which was introduced late in 2006.
 
Neither Best Buy nor Nissan is obligated to long-term purchases of Rockford’s products and each has considerable discretion to reduce, change or terminate purchases of Rockford’s products. The loss of Best Buy or Nissan as a customer or significant reductions in their purchases of Rockford’s products would materially reduce Rockford’s sales.
 
Rockford’s significant customers generally help to smooth out Rockford’s sales seasonality. For Rockford’s specialty and audio-video dealers, the peak-selling season is in the spring and summer and the slowest season is typically in the fourth quarter. Rockford believes that it experiences this seasonality because its core 16-24 year old consumers tend to buy mobile audio products during the spring and summer when they are on semester breaks and when generally more favorable weather makes it easier to install mobile audio products. Best Buy sales, while strong in May and June, are not as dependent upon Rockford’s core consumers and are also strong in the fourth quarter due to seasonal retail sales.
 
Product Support
 
To maintain and enhance its relationships with retailers, Rockford provides numerous support services, including product and installation training, sales training and technical and customer service support. For 2007 Rockford is re-emphasizing its “Rockford Technical Training Institute” training programs that are designed to provide improved skills to dealer personnel. In addition, Rockford’s web site provides comprehensive information for dealers and distributors, including product schematics, ad layouts and logos.
 
Rockford products carry standard warranties to purchasers who buy Rockford products from authorized dealers. The warranties cover defects in material and workmanship under which Rockford will either repair or replace a product that fails during the warranty period. Rockford also offers repair services for products that are no longer covered under the original warranty. For U.S. and Canadian customers, Rockford has in-house customer service, repair and technical support personnel who provide general company information, installation support, troubleshooting and system design assistance. Rockford also provides a direct repair program that repairs and ships repaired product rapidly, reducing retailer and consumer inconvenience if products fail to perform properly.
 
For Rockford’s international customers, Rockford requires its distributors to provide warranty and customer service to consumers in the countries where the distributors are authorized to sell Rockford products.
 
Information Systems
 
Rockford’s information systems are designed to provide managers, employees, suppliers and customers with timely information about Rockford and its products. Rockford has implemented internet-based systems to allow Rockford’s representatives, dealers and distributors to check the status of their orders at a secure Internet site. Rockford has also implemented internet systems to provide accurate and timely information to its suppliers. These systems help Rockford reduce costs by reducing inventory requirements and providing better information to suppliers.
 
Employees
 
At December 31, 2006, Rockford had approximately 256 full-time employees in various functions. This was a reduction of 159 full-time employees compared to December 31, 2005. In addition, Rockford uses temporary personnel as needed. Rockford has never had a work stoppage and none of its employees are unionized. Rockford believes its employee relations are good.


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Environmental Compliance
 
Whenever possible, Rockford avoids using hazardous materials in its production processes. Two chemicals used in the basic electronic manufacturing processes, lacquer and flux, are listed as hazardous substances by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rockford uses them in limited quantities in its production facility, taking care to see that they are stored, used and disposed of in the proper manner. Rockford’s direct use of these materials will be significantly lower in 2007 and beyond because of the planned outsourcing of manufacturing to third parties.
 
Rockford believes that its compliance with federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, will not have a material effect upon its capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. Rockford does not anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities for the remainder of the current fiscal year or the succeeding fiscal year.
 
All of Rockford’s 2007 product offerings are compliant with the European Union’s directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (“RoHS”).
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
RISK FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT ROCKFORD’S OPERATING RESULTS, BUSINESS PROSPECTS AND STOCK PRICE
 
Before you buy or sell Rockford stock, you should be aware that there are risks, including those described below and others Rockford has not anticipated or discussed. You should consider carefully these and other risk factors, together with all of the other information included in Rockford’s filings with the SEC and Rockford’s periodic press releases, before you decide to buy or sell shares of Rockford’s common stock.
 
As you consider these risk factors, Rockford also calls your attention to Rockford’s statements about Forward Looking Statements and Risk Factors before Part I of this Annual Report.
 
Rockford’s products may not satisfy shifting consumer demand or compete successfully with competitors’ products.
 
Rockford’s business is based primarily on the demand for aftermarket mobile audio products. Rockford’s business is also based on its ability to introduce distinctive new products that provide powerful, high quality sound and anticipate changing consumer demand. If Rockford fails to introduce new products, misinterprets consumer preferences or fails to respond to changes in the marketplace, consumer demand for its products could decrease and its brands’ image could suffer. In addition, Rockford’s competitors may introduce superior designs or business strategies, undermining Rockford’s distinctive image and its products’ desirability. If any of these events occur, they could cause Rockford’s sales to decline.
 
Any decrease in demand for Rockford amplifiers or speakers could significantly decrease sales.
 
A significant portion of Rockford’s future revenue depends upon sales of Rockford’s amplifier and speaker products. These two product lines collectively accounted for approximately 80.7% of Rockford’s sales in 2006, 79.2% of Rockford’s sales in 2005 and 78.7% of Rockford’s sales in 2004. The concentration of sales in these product lines is increasing because of Rockford’s elimination of non-core businesses and product lines. If sales of either of these two product types decline, results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
The loss of Best Buy or Nissan as a customer or significant reductions in their purchases of Rockford’s products would reduce sales.
 
Best Buy and Nissan are significant customers, with Best Buy accounting for 27.7%, 23.4% and 22.6% of Rockford’s sales in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively and Nissan accounting for 13.7% and 14.9% of Rockford sales in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Rockford anticipates that Best Buy and Nissan will continue to account for a significant portion of Rockford’s sales for the foreseeable future, but neither is obligated to any long-term purchases. Both have considerable discretion to reduce, change or terminate purchases of Rockford’s products.


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Rockford cannot be certain that it will retain Best Buy and Nissan as customers or maintain relationships as favorable as currently exist.
 
Rockford may lose sales and market share if it is unable to compete successfully against current and future competition, including products offered by aftermarket suppliers and by auto manufacturers.
 
Competition could result in reduced margins on Rockford’s products and loss of market share. Rockford’s primary markets are very competitive, fragmented, rapidly changing and characterized by price competition and increasingly rapid product obsolescence. Rockford’s principal mobile audio competitors include Alpine, Boston Acoustics, Fujitsu Eclipse, Infinity, Jensen, JL Audio, Kenwood, Kicker, Monster Cable, MTX, Phoenix Gold, Pioneer, Sony and Stinger.
 
Rockford also competes with automobile manufacturers who continue to integrate original equipment audio systems with other electronic features in their vehicles and somewhat improve their sound quality. These changes increase the perceived difficulty of installing Rockford’s aftermarket products, reduce consumers’ perception of the need to improve their factory audio systems and have reduced demand for aftermarket mobile audio products. Auto manufacturers have also changed the designs of their cars in ways that make installation of Rockford’s products more difficult or expensive. Rockford believes that the changes auto manufacturers have made in recent years have significantly reduced overall sales of aftermarket mobile audio systems.
 
Some of Rockford’s competitors have greater financial, technical and other resources than Rockford does. Some may reduce prices on competing products. To remain competitive, Rockford believes that it must regularly introduce new products, improve the performance of existing products and limit increases in prices or even reduce prices. Rockford’s inability to do so in a timely manner could reduce sales and profitability.
 
If Rockford does not continue to develop, introduce and achieve market acceptance of new and enhanced products, sales may decrease.
 
In order to increase sales in current markets and gain footholds in new markets, Rockford must maintain and improve existing products, while developing and introducing new products. Rockford’s new and enhanced products must respond to technological developments and changing consumer preferences.
 
Rockford may experience difficulties that delay or prevent the development, introduction or market acceptance of new or enhanced products. Rockford’s move to outsourced manufacturing of more of its products may also delay the development of new products because of the added complexity of product development for outsourced products. Furthermore, Rockford may not detect and correct defects in products before it ships them to customers. This may result in loss of sales or delays in market acceptance.
 
Even after introduction, new or enhanced products may not satisfy consumer preferences and product failures may cause consumers to reject the new products. As a result, these products may not achieve market acceptance. In addition, competitors’ new products and product enhancements may cause consumers to defer or forego purchases of Rockford’s products.
 
Rockford may lose market share and its brand image may erode as Rockford changes distribution channels for its mobile audio products.
 
Rockford must successfully capitalize on new distribution strategies. Rockford has historically distributed Rockford’s products primarily through specialty dealers who sold only mobile audio products and through audio/video retailers. Rockford believes other distribution channels, including consumer electronics retailers, such as Best Buy, and mass merchandisers, such as Wal-Mart, have captured significant market share in recent years. Rockford is seeking to increase distribution of Rockford’s products through these growing distribution channels.
 
Rockford also sells its products or licenses its brand and technologies as standard or optional OEM systems in Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicle models and is working to expand its OEM sales. Other mobile audio manufacturers who have undertaken sales of “factory” mobile audio products have lost sales in the mobile audio aftermarket because specialty dealers reduced their sales of the brand when it was offered by new car dealers.


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Rockford’s changes in distribution channels and strategies create significant risks that:
 
  •  Rockford may alienate its specialty dealer base.  Some specialty dealers or audio/video retailers may react to Rockford’s new strategies by reducing their purchases or even replacing Rockford’s products with competing products. Reduced specialty dealer or audio/video retailer loyalty could reduce Rockford’s market share because specialty dealers and audio/video retailers continue to hold a large share of the market and contribute substantially to Rockford’s brand image among its core consumers; and
 
  •  Rockford’s brand image may erode.  Selling in less-specialized distribution channels or through car dealers may erode Rockford’s brand image, which could decrease Rockford’s product prices and profit margins.
 
Rockford’s inability to manage Rockford’s new distribution channels in a way that mitigates these risks may reduce its sales and profitability.
 
Seasonality of mobile audio sales causes Rockford’s quarterly sales to fluctuate and may affect the trading price of its stock.
 
Rockford’s sales are generally greater during the first and second quarters of each calendar year and lower during the third and fourth quarters, with its lowest sales typically occurring during the fourth quarter. As a result, after the announcement of Rockford’s results of operations for the third and fourth quarters, Rockford’s stock price may be lower than at other times of the year. Rockford believes it experiences this seasonality because consumers tend to buy mobile audio products during the spring and summer when students are on semester breaks and generally more favorable weather facilitates installation of Rockford’s products.
 
Rockford’s financial results may fluctuate significantly, making financial forecasting difficult and making Rockford’s stock price volatile.
 
Rockford’s results of operations are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. In some quarters, operating results may fall below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. Rockford’s operating results are difficult to forecast for many reasons, some of which are outside of Rockford’s control, including:
 
  •  The level of product, price and dealer competition;
 
  •  Size and timing of product orders and shipments, particularly by customers such as Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Nissan and Mitsubishi;
 
  •  Rockford’s ability to develop new products and product enhancements that respond to changes in technology and consumer preferences while controlling costs;
 
  •  Weather conditions, which affect consumers’ willingness to install products;
 
  •  Capacity and supply constraints or difficulties; and
 
  •  Timing of Rockford’s marketing programs and those of its competitors.
 
As a result, investors should not rely on historical results as an indication of Rockford’s future performance.
 
In addition, some of Rockford’s expenses are fixed and cannot be reduced in the short term. Accordingly, if sales do not meet expectations, the results of operations are likely to be negatively and disproportionately affected. In this event, Rockford’s stock price may fall dramatically.
 
A decline in discretionary spending likely would reduce Rockford’s sales.
 
Because mobile audio sales are highly discretionary, a recession in the general economy or a general decline in consumer spending is likely to have a material adverse effect on Rockford’s sales.
 
Aftermarket mobile audio sales have been soft over an extended period for many reasons, including the improved performance of OEM mobile audio systems and the availability of alternative audio products such as the


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iPod. Consumer spending for aftermarket mobile audio products is volatile and is affected by economic conditions such as:
 
  •  General business conditions;
 
  •  Employment levels, especially among Rockford’s core consumers (who tend to be less experienced workers and are particularly subject to layoff if employment levels decline);
 
  •  Consumer confidence in future economic conditions;
 
  •  Energy prices; and
 
  •  Interest and tax rates.
 
The mobile audio aftermarket in the U.S. has suffered from a decline in overall sales since 2000, which has made it difficult for Rockford and for competitors to maintain sales. The efforts to maintain sales have eroded margins and led to greater competition to place inventory in dealers. The market for mobile audio products continues to be unpredictable and Rockford is not able to predict when or whether this difficult period will end.
 
If Rockford fails to execute its strategy successfully, its financial condition could be seriously harmed.
 
Rockford’s financial performance has placed a significant strain on its resources and capacity. To manage Rockford’s business, Rockford must:
 
  •  Retain and hire skilled, competent employees;
 
  •  Improve coordination among Rockford’s technical, product development, manufacturing, sales and financial departments; and
 
  •  Maintain Rockford’s financial, operational and managerial systems and controls.
 
Rockford may not be able to do these things and, if it is not able to do so, its business may suffer.
 
Rockford relies upon debt financing for a substantial part of its working capital; defaults on its debt or the unavailability of additional financing could make it impossible to carry out Rockford’s business as currently structured.
 
As at December 31, 2006, Rockford had $10.4 million in outstanding debt under its senior credit facility and $9.5 million of notes outstanding. Rockford is dependent on its senior credit facility and other financing given the working capital requirements of its business. If Rockford’s financial performance fails to improve, or if other developments make financing unavailable on an economic basis, Rockford might not be able to continue its operations as they are currently structured. A further restructuring would likely have a significant negative impact on operations, financial performance, and stock price.
 
If Rockford fails to manage its inventory effectively, Rockford could incur additional costs or lose sales.
 
Rockford customers have many brands to choose from when they decide to order products. If Rockford cannot deliver products quickly and reliably, customers will order from a competitor. Rockford must stock enough inventory to fill orders promptly, which increases Rockford’s financing requirements and the risk of inventory obsolescence. Competition has forced Rockford to shorten its product life cycles and more rapidly introduce new and enhanced products, while simultaneously sourcing more product overseas and carrying larger inventories. There is a significant risk that Rockford’s inventory could become obsolete.


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Rockford’s product supplies and international operations may be harmed by factors including political instability, currency exchange rates and changes in regulations that govern international transactions.
 
The risks inherent in international trade may interfere with Rockford’s supply of products, reduce Rockford’s international sales and harm Rockford’s business and the businesses of its distributors and suppliers. These risks include:
 
  •  Changes in tariff regulations;
 
  •  Political instability, war, terrorism and other political risks;
 
  •  Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
 
  •  Establishing and maintaining relationships with local distributors and dealers;
 
  •  Transitioning direct sales to local distributors;
 
  •  Lengthy shipping times and accounts receivable payment cycles;
 
  •  Import and export licensing requirements;
 
  •  Compliance with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including unexpected changes in taxation and regulatory requirements;
 
  •  Greater difficulty in safeguarding intellectual property than in the U.S.; and
 
  •  Difficulty in staffing and managing geographically dispersed operations.
 
These and other risks may increase the relative price of Rockford’s products compared to those manufactured in other countries, reducing the demand for its products.
 
Loss of an international distributor may disrupt Rockford’s sales.
 
International customers accounted for 16.3% of Rockford’s sales in 2006. For sales outside the U.S. and Canada Rockford relies on distributors, each of whom is responsible for one or more countries. Each distributor purchases and resells Rockford’s products in its territories. When Rockford has disputes with a distributor, or changes its relationship with a distributor, it may disrupt the market for Rockford’s products in that country and reduce sales. If Rockford changes a relationship with a distributor, Rockford may repurchase that distributor’s inventory, which would also reduce Rockford’s sales.
 
Rockford may incur additional costs or reduced sales as it transitions from a direct distribution system to local distributors in its international markets
 
Rockford has implemented a strategy of moving from a direct distribution system to local distributors in its larger European markets. It has transitioned independent sales representatives to local distributors. If Rockford fails to manage the change effectively, increased costs and lower sales may negatively impact Rockford’s financial results. The transition reduced international sales in 2006.
 
Currency fluctuations may reduce the profitability of Rockford’s foreign sales.
 
In some cases, Rockford makes sales to Canadian dealers and distributors in Canadian dollars. In other international market, although Rockford prices its products in dollars, currency fluctuations may make Rockford’s products more expensive in local currency terms. Rockford does not trade in derivatives or other financial instruments to reduce currency risks. In some instances this will subject Rockford’s earnings to fluctuations because Rockford is not protected against substantial currency fluctuations and its distributors may reduce product purchases because of currency fluctuations.


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If Rockford’s supplies of finished goods or components are interrupted, it may be unable to deliver its products to its customers.
 
Rockford is transitioning more and more of its products to outsourced manufacturing, generally in Asia. As a result, its supply chain is increasingly dependent on suppliers who are globally sourced. The supply process does not provide a backlog of finished goods, components or materials to satisfy short lead-time orders, to compensate for potential halts in supply or to replace products or components that are not available due to supplier issues or that do not conform to quality standards.
 
Rockford also does not have long-term price commitments from its suppliers and cost increases may reduce Rockford’s margins or require Rockford to raise its prices to protect margins. Rockford cannot be certain that it could locate, within reasonable time frames, alternative sources of finished goods and components at similar prices and quality levels. This failure could result in increased costs, delays in its supply chain, an inability to fill purchase orders on a timely basis and a decrease in product availability at the retail level. This could cause Rockford to lose sales and damage Rockford’s customer relationships.
 
Rockford relied on Edge International, Avnet, and Shin Kao International, Inc for approximately 15.5%, 10.5%, and 10.4% respectively, of its inventory purchases during 2006. If any significant supplier refuses or is unable to supply finished goods or components to Rockford, it would require substantial time to identify an alternative supplier and could create a shortage of finished goods and electronic components and parts.
 
Rockford may be unable to retain and attract key employees, which could impair Rockford’s business.
 
Rockford operates in highly competitive employment markets and cannot guarantee its continued success in retaining and attracting the employees it needs to develop, produce and market its products and manage its operations. Rockford’s business strategy and operations depend, to a large extent, on Rockford’s senior management team. Rockford does not have written employment contracts with any of its key employees. If key members of Rockford’s management team are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, Rockford’s ability to develop, introduce and sell Rockford’s products could be negatively impacted.
 
If Rockford is unable to enforce or defend its ownership and use of intellectual property, Rockford’s business may decline.
 
Rockford’s future success will depend, in substantial part, on Rockford’s intellectual property. Rockford seeks to protect its intellectual property rights, but its actions may not adequately protect the rights covered by patents, patent applications, trademarks and other proprietary rights. Prosecution of Rockford’s claims could be time consuming and costly. In addition, the intellectual property laws of some foreign countries do not protect Rockford’s proprietary rights as do the laws of the U.S. Despite Rockford’s efforts to protect its proprietary information, third parties may obtain, disclose or use proprietary information without authorization, which could adversely affect Rockford’s business.
 
From time to time, third parties have alleged that Rockford infringes their proprietary rights. These claims or similar future claims could subject Rockford to significant liability for damages, result in the invalidation of its proprietary rights, limit its ability to use infringing intellectual property or force Rockford to license third-party technology rather than dispute the merits of an infringement claim. Even if Rockford prevails, any associated litigation could be time consuming and expensive and could result in the diversion of Rockford’s time and resources.
 
Rockford could suffer from internal control deficiencies that may result in a reduction in its stock price.
 
Rockford concluded for its annual report for the year ending December 31, 2004, that its disclosure controls and procedures were deficient and not able to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in its Annual Reports was accurate and was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods. Deficiencies at the end of 2004 and early in 2005 resulted from substantial management and staff turnover, particularly in the general accounting and finance areas, during the fourth quarter of 2004 and first quarter of 2005. This turnover caused a loss of required operations and process knowledge. Although Rockford took corrective actions to eliminate these material weaknesses, it


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remains a small company and is dependent upon a small number of officers and staff. If it suffers additional turnover, or is otherwise unable to maintain its internal controls, Rockford may not be able to comply with its reporting obligations and its inability could reduce the market price of its stock.
 
Rockford’s executive officers and directors retain substantial control of Rockford, which may limit the liquidity and market price of its common stock.
 
Rockford’s officers and directors, and various shareholders affiliated with or related to two of Rockford’s directors, Nicholas G. Bartol and Timothy C. Bartol, collectively held approximately 37% of Rockford’s outstanding shares at March 12, 2007. These shareholders, if they act together, are able as a practical matter to control the outcome of matters submitted for shareholder action, including the election of a majority of Rockford’s board of directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions. Consequently, these shareholders effectively control Rockford’s management and affairs, which may limit the liquidity of its shares, discourage acquisition bids for Rockford and limit the price some investors will be willing to pay for Rockford’s shares.
 
Many of Rockford’s shares are available for resale without significant restrictions. Their sale or potential sale may reduce Rockford’s stock price.
 
Rockford operated as a privately held company for a relatively long period and has issued a large number of shares and warrants to purchase Rockford’s common stock to unaffiliated persons. Rockford has a large number of shares of common stock outstanding and available for resale. The market price of Rockford’s common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares in the market or the perception that those sales could occur.
 
Rockford’s anti-takeover provisions could affect the value of Rockford’s stock.
 
Rockford’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and Arizona law contain provisions that could discourage potential acquirers. For example, Rockford’s board of directors may issue additional shares of common stock to an investor that supports the incumbent directors in order to make a takeover more difficult. This could deprive Rockford’s shareholders of opportunities to sell its stock at above-market prices typical in many acquisitions.
 
Item 2.   Properties
 
Rockford’s corporate headquarters and electronics manufacturing facilities are located in Tempe, Arizona. Rockford currently manufactures subwoofers at its facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but is phasing out production at this facility in the first half of 2007. Rockford has used warehouses located in the U.S., Germany, and Singapore, but has closed its Singapore and German warehouses. Rockford intends to use more direct shipments from its Asian manufacturers to international markets.
 
The following table contains information about Rockford’s facilities as at December 31, 2006, all of which are leased:
 
                 
        Approximate
     
Function
 
Location
  Square Footage     Lease Expiration
 
Corporate headquarters and research and development
  Tempe, Arizona     30,000     September 30, 2009
Information systems
  Tempe, Arizona     10,000     September 30, 2010
Manufacturing and purchasing
  Tempe, Arizona     22,000     December 31, 2008
Warehousing, sales and customer service
  Tempe, Arizona     25,000     December 31, 2008
Warehousing
  Gilbert, Arizona     91,000     July 31, 2008
Manufacturing, research and development,
               
purchasing and administration
  Grand Rapids, Michigan     163,000 (1)   March 31, 2009
                 
Total
        341,000      
                 
 
 
(1) Rockford entered into an agreement to reduce the amount of square footage of the Grand Rapids, Michigan facility to 83,000 square feet as of July 1, 2007, and plans to phase out manufacturing at this location before that date.


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Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
 
During January 2007, Rockford participated in a mediation seeking to settle the Fiori patent claim described in Rockford’s Annual Reports for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. The mediation resulted in a settlement of the matter. Rockford decided to settle the litigation because it concluded that the cost of litigating the matter through trial and appeal would have approached or even exceeded the amount of the settlement and that it was in Rockford’s interest to eliminate the risks inherent in further litigation.
 
Under the Agreement, Rockford agreed to pay Mr. Fiori gross payments totaling $1,613,000, as follows:
 
  •  $750,000 was paid during February 2007, within 5 days after signing of a definitive settlement agreement;
 
  •  $225,500 will be paid on August 1, 2007; and
 
  •  $212,500 each will be paid on February 1, August 1, and December 1, 2008.
 
In the agreement Rockford also agreed to cease producing products using its proprietary TOPAZ technology as of December 31, 2007. Rockford was already removing this technology from the bulk of its product line with the 2007 model releases and had planned to replace all remaining products using the technology by the end of 2007. Mr. Fiori contended in the lawsuit that this technology infringed upon his patents. The settlement is not an admission of infringement and Rockford agreed to cease use of the technology only because it was in the process of replacing the technology in any event. Rockford does not anticipate material costs, other than the product development costs it already expected to incur to replace the remaining products that use the technology, to make the changes required to comply with this agreement.
 
The agreement releases Rockford with respect to all claims of Mr. Fiori, his firm IET, and their successors and assigns for infringement of any patent Fiori or IET owns, for which they have applied, or to which they have enforcement rights. The agreement has resulted in the dismissal with prejudice of Mr. Fiori’s lawsuit. As noted elsewhere in this report, Rockford has taken a charge of approximately $1.5 million in its results for the fourth quarter of 2006 attributable to the settlement.
 
During 2006, Rockford continued to pursue collection of a judgment against its former distributor for Central and South America arising from a balance owed to Rockford and the distributor’s claims that Rockford improperly terminated its distribution rights. The former distributor has undertaken legal actions in Panama that have interfered with the ability of Rockford’s new distributor for Central and South America to develop and service those markets. This interference has been one of the causes of a decline in Rockford’s sales in this territory. Rockford intends to continue to take actions designed to reduce or eliminate this interference, and to seek redress for the damage the former distributor is causing to its business. Rockford has initiated efforts to collect its U.S. judgment through proceedings in the U.S. and Panama. Rockford is unable to determine at this time when, or the extent to which, its efforts to collect on the judgment or to eliminate the interference with business in Central and South America will be successful.
 
Rockford is and may continue to be a party to various lawsuits and arbitrations from time to time. As at December 31, 2006, with the exception of the matters described above, Rockford was not a party to any legal proceedings that it believes are likely to have a material effect on its business.
 
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2006.


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PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Rockford common stock has traded on The NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol “ROFO” since April 20, 2000, the date of its initial public offering. Prior to that time, there was no public market for its common stock. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for Rockford’s common stock for the periods indicated:
 
                 
    High     Low  
 
For the quarter ended:
               
December 31, 2006
  $ 3.50     $ 1.48  
September 30, 2006
  $ 4.19     $ 3.20  
June 30, 2006
  $ 4.19     $ 3.21  
March 31, 2006
  $ 4.20     $ 2.86  
December 31, 2005
  $ 3.49     $ 2.55  
September 30, 2005
  $ 3.86     $ 2.61  
June 30, 2005
  $ 3.92     $ 2.14  
March 31, 2005
  $ 3.07     $ 1.97  
 
As at March 12, 2007, there were approximately 112 holders of record of Rockford’s common stock.
 
Rockford has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. Rockford currently intends to retain its earnings, if any, to finance its operations and, therefore, does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. Rockford’s current credit agreement does not permit stock repurchases or the payment of cash dividends.


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Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder return for Rockford’s Common Stock, against the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the Standard and Poors Household Audio and Video Equipment Index from December 31, 2001 through December 31, 2006. Cumulative total returns assume reinvestment of dividends. The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not intended to forecast the possible future performance of Rockford’s Common Stock.
 
(Performance Graph)
 
                                                 
    Stock Performance Values($)  
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2001     2002     2003     2004     2005     2006  
 
Rockford Corp
    100       69       61       24       38       29  
Russell 2000
    100       80       117       139       145       171  
S & P Household Audio and Video
    100       73       71       86       81       85  
 
The returns and performance presented above shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by means of any general statement incorporating by reference this Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that Rockford specifically incorporates such information by reference. The shareholder returns and performance presented above shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.


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Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
Rockford closed agreements for the private placement of $12.5 million of 4.5% convertible senior subordinated secured notes due 2009 and warrants to purchase 1,246,573 shares of common stock at $3.73 per share on June 10, 2004 and as amended on November 12, 2004. In November of 2005, Rockford repurchased $3 million of the $12.5 million face value of the convertible notes and 285,000 associated warrants for a total price of approximately $2.7 million. Rockford recorded a gain to other expense (income) of approximately $0.1 million during 2005, net of fees and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
 
The remaining noteholders after the repurchase described above may convert the notes into Rockford’s common stock at any time before the scheduled maturity date of June 10, 2009 at a conversion price of $4.61 per share. If fully converted, the remaining outstanding notes will convert into 2,060,738 shares of Rockford’s common stock. Warrants to purchase 961,573 shares of common stock remain outstanding. Rockford has the right automatically to convert the notes into common stock if the common stock trades above a specified target price for a specified period. Rockford also may force the exercise of the warrants under certain circumstances prior to their expiration date. The notes, warrants, and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes or exercise of the warrants were the subject of a registration statement on Form S-3 filed by Rockford with the SEC on July 12, 2004.
 
Rockford has not made any sales of unregistered securities during the past three years, except for the sales of notes and warrants described above.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
                         
                Number of Securities
 
    Number of Securities to be
    Weighted Average
    Remaining Available for
 
    Issued Upon Exercise of
    Exercise Price of
    Future Issuance Under Equity
 
    Outstanding Options,
    Outstanding Options,
    Compensation Plans (Excluding
 
    Warrants and Rights
    Warrants and Rights
    Securities Reflected in Column (a))
 
Plan Category
  (a)     (b)     (c)  
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    1,898,064     $ 4.15       50,310  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    59,073       3.73        
                         
      1,957,137     $ 4.14       50,310  
                         


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Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
 
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The table contains selected consolidated financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2006 derived from Rockford’s audited consolidated financial statements. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation, including the reclassification of gains and losses from the sale or impairment of assets from other expenses to general and administrative expenses.
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2002     2003     2004     2005     2006  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations:
                                       
Net sales
  $ 162,805     $ 157,728     $ 160,857     $ 135,682     $ 102,776  
Cost of goods sold
    105,079       109,446       129,092       96,231       73,919  
                                         
Gross profit
    57,726       48,282       31,765       39,451       28,857  
Operating expenses:
                                       
Sales and marketing
    27,268       28,823       27,461       22,845       16,772  
General and administrative
    15,509       17,470       25,782       13,913       16,753  
Research and development
    4,735       7,149       6,415       2,823       3,218  
                                         
Total operating expenses
    47,512       53,442       59,658       39,581       36,743  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    10,214       (5,160 )     (27,893 )     (130 )     (7,886 )
Interest and other expense, net
    52       252       2,826       2,593       1,243  
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    10,162       (5,412 )     (30,719 )     (2,723 )     (9,129 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    3,837       (2,483 )     4,597             (437 )
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    6,325       (2,929 )     (35,316 )     (2,723 )     (8,692 )
                                         
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
                (70 )     (1,019 )      
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (45 )     (2,735 )     (3,469 )     (345 )     (155 )
                                         
Total loss from discontinued operations
    (45 )     (2,735 )     (3,539 )     (1,364 )     (155 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 6,280     $ (5,664 )   $ (38,855 )   $ (4,087 )   $ (8,847 )
                                         
Income (loss) per common share:
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
                                       
Basic
  $ 0.74     $ (0.33 )   $ (3.90 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.92 )
                                         
Diluted
  $ 0.68     $ (0.33 )   $ (3.90 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.92 )
                                         
Loss from discontinued operations
                                       
Basic
  $ (0.01 )   $ (0.31 )   $ (0.39 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.02 )
                                         
Diluted
  $ (0.00 )   $ (0.31 )   $ (0.39 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.02 )
                                         
Net income (loss):
                                       
Basic
  $ 0.74     $ (0.64 )   $ (4.29 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.94 )
                                         
Diluted
  $ 0.68     $ (0.64 )   $ (4.29 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.94 )
                                         
Weighted average shares:
                                       
Basic
    8,540       8,866       9,066       9,258       9,388  
                                         
Diluted
    9,301       8,866       9,066       9,258       9,388  
                                         
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Working capital
  $ 52,354     $ 38,138     $ 25,776     $ 23,217     $ 16,479  
Total assets
    101,774       112,083       80,353       52,298       44,555  
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    1,253       24,382       18,204       6,109       11,402  
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    10,027             11,937       9,187       9,937  
Total liabilities
    35,295       48,393       57,768       33,667       34,310  
Shareholders’ equity
    65,546       63,207       22,585       18,631       10,245  


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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations
 
This Analysis should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report, including “Item 1: Business,” “Item 6: Selected Financial Data,” and “Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This Analysis does not reflect the potential impact of any divestitures, mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations that had not been completed as of the date of this report.
 
Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
Rockford believes the investments it has made in new products, changes in distribution channels, move to outsourced manufacturing, improvements in its processes and reductions in overhead have positioned Rockford for improved financial performance in 2007. The strategic realignment announced in 2004 and completed in 2006 has re-focused Rockford on its core mobile audio business. There were accrued liabilities related to post-employment benefits of approximately $0.6 million at December 31, 2006 associated with Rockford’s strategic realignment. Rockford expects to take an additional restructuring charge in the first quarter of 2007 related to additional post-employment benefits of approximately $1.3 million.
 
With Rockford’s realignment complete, Rockford anticipates that its 2007 results will reflect the impact of its changes in distribution and manufacturing, will benefit from a lower cost structure and will be free from the results and non-recurring charges related to its disposed businesses. Rockford anticipates that its focus during 2007 and 2008 will be on improved penetration of the mobile audio markets and continued improvement in its core operations, including the implementation of additional outsourcing for its product lines.
 
Rockford continues to expect a shift in its sales mix into different distribution channels. In recent periods sales have generally declined in mobile audio aftermarket channels while sales have grown in the OEM channels. Rockford experienced a decline in OEM sales late in 2006, and expects this decline to continue for 2007, due primarily to Nissan’s introduction of a new Sentra model that will initially have less Rockford content. Rockford is working to increase aftermarket sales and believes its new 2007 products will contribute positively to these efforts. Assuming a moderate decline in the overall mobile audio aftermarket, Rockford believes that it should be able to stabilize or even increase its aftermarket sales.
 
The shift in Rockford’s sales into mass merchant and OEM channels has had and will continue to have some positive effects, including expansion of Rockford’s product exposure beyond its traditional target market and smoothing out of sales seasonality. At the same time, the demands of mass merchants and auto manufacturers continue to require greater working capital compared to the working capital required for smaller merchants because of increased product returns, increased finished goods inventory levels and extended terms for sales.
 
Rockford’s business is now almost entirely in the mobile audio segment, including sales to the mass retail, independent specialist and OEM channels. Rockford believes it has lost market share in 2005 and 2006. Results were affected by:
 
  •  overall softness in the aftermarket channel;
 
  •  aggressive pricing and promotional activity by competitors in the aftermarket channel; and
 
  •  continuing distribution channel shifts.
 
Rockford believes its 2006 operational and process improvements, and introduction of new and significantly enhanced amplifiers and subwoofers during the first quarter of 2007, have positioned Rockford for improvements in 2007.


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The following table shows, for the years indicated, selected consolidated statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31  
    2004     2005     2006  
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of goods sold
    80.3       70.9       71.9  
                         
Gross profit
    19.7       29.1       28.1  
Operating expenses:
                       
Sales and marketing
    17.1       16.8       16.3  
General and administrative
    16.0       10.3       16.3  
Research and development
    3.9       2.1       3.2  
                         
Total operating expenses
    37.0       29.2       35.8  
                         
Operating loss
    (17.3 )     (0.1 )     (7.7 )
Interest and other expense, net
    1.8       1.9       1.2  
                         
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (19.1 )     (2.0 )     (8.9 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    2.9             (0.4 )
                         
Loss from continuing operations
    (22.0 )     (2.0 )     (8.5 )
Discontinued operations:
                       
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations
          (0.7 )      
Loss from discontinued operations
    (2.2 )     (0.3 )     (0.1 )
                         
Total loss from discontinued operations
    (2.2 )     (1.0 )     (0.1 )
                         
Net loss
    (24.2 )%     (3.0 )%     (8.6 )%
                         
 
Cost of goods sold primarily consists of product costs, direct labor and manufacturing costs associated with production of Rockford’s products as well as warranty, warehousing, freight-in and customer service expenses.
 
Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of salaries, sales commissions, cost of advertising, trade shows, and freight-out expenses.
 
General and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries, facilities and other costs of Rockford’s accounting, finance, management information systems, administrative and executive departments, as well as legal, accounting and other professional fees. General and administrative expenses also include gain and losses from the sale or impairment of assets.
 
Research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries associated with research and development personnel, prototyping and other costs related to new product development.
 
Geographic Distribution of Sales
 
Rockford’s sales to external customers by geographic region were as follows:
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
Region(1)
  2004     2005     2006     2006  
    (In thousands, excluding % column)  
 
United States
  $ 133,682     $ 112,657     $ 86,017       83.7 %
Other Americas
    9,295       9,438       8,007       7.8 %
Europe
    12,544       9,042       5,316       5.2 %
Asia
    5,336       4,545       3,436       3.3 %
                                 
Total sales
  $ 160,857     $ 135,682     $ 102,776       100.0 %
                                 
 
 
(1) Sales are attributed to geographic regions based on the location of customers. No single foreign country accounted for greater than 10% of Rockford’s sales.


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In the following discussion, certain increases or decreases may differ due to rounding.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2005
 
Net Sales.  Net sales decreased by $32.9 million, or 24.3%, to $102.8 million for 2006, from $135.7 million for 2005. The decrease in sales was primarily attributable to lower sales of Rockford Fosgate and Lightning Audio branded products. The decrease is also partially due to the elimination of Rockford’s Q-Logic enclosure product line for much of the year, and the elimination of domestic MB Quart and Omnifi branded products for all of the year. These decreases were partially offset by lower sales discounts and product returns.
 
U.S. sales decreased by $26.7 million, or 23.6%, to $86.0 million for 2006, from $112.7 million for 2005. International sales decreased by $6.2 million, or 27.0%, to $16.8 million for 2006, from $23.0 million for 2005. The decrease in international sales was primarily due to lower sales of Rockford Fosgate and Lighting Audio product lines. The transition to a new distribution model in Europe also contributed to this decrease.
 
Gross Profit.  Gross Profit decreased by $10.6 million, or 26.9%, to $28.9 million for 2006, from $39.5 million for 2005. As a percent of sales, gross profit decreased to 28.1% for 2006, from 29.1% for 2005. This decrease was primarily due to lower net sales, higher manufacturing variances, and a $0.7 million charge related to future obligations for Rockford’s vacated European warehouse facility. The decrease was partially offset by lower cost of goods sold due to outsourcing, higher royalty revenue, and by the impairment of Q-Logic assets of $0.8 million recorded in 2005.
 
Sales and Marketing Expenses.  Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $6.1 million, or 26.6%, to $16.8 million for 2006 from $22.9 million for 2005. As a percent of sales, sales and marketing expenses decreased to 16.3% for 2006 from 16.8% for 2005. The decrease in sales and marketing expense was primarily due to lower sales commissions, reduced outbound freight resulting from lower sales, lower trade show expenses and lower personnel related expenses.
 
General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses increased by $2.8 million or 20.4%, to $16.8 million for 2006 from $13.9 million for 2005. As a percent of sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 16.3% for 2006 from 10.3% for 2005. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to a legal settlement charge of approximately $1.5 million to resolve the Fiori litigation that is discussed in Item 3 of this Annual Report, a restructuring charge of approximately $1.3 million for severance costs associated with a reorganization announced in August 2006 and the gain recognized from the sale of Rockford’s rights to the MB Quart brand for North America in 2005. The increase was partially offset by lower personnel related expenses, facilities costs, and professional fees.
 
Research and Development Expenses.  Research and development expenses increased by $0.4 million, or 14.0%, to $3.2 million for 2006 from $2.8 million for 2005. As a percent of sales, these expenses increased to 3.2% for 2006, from 2.1% for 2005. The increase is primarily due to the increased quantity of new product introductions planned for 2007.
 
Operating Loss From Continuing Operations.  Operating loss increased by $7.8 million, to a $7.9 million operating loss for 2006 from a $0.1 million loss for 2005. As a percent of sales, operating loss increased to a 7.7% operating loss for 2006, from a 0.1% operating loss for 2005. This increase in operating loss is primarily the result of the decrease in net sales and gross profit and the legal settlement and restructuring charges that contributed to increased General and Administrative Expenses. These items were partially offset by lower operating expenses as described above.
 
Interest and Other Expense.  Interest and other expense primarily consists of interest expense and currency gains and losses. Interest and other expense decreased by $1.4 million, or 52.1%, to $1.2 million for 2006 from $2.6 million for 2005. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower interest expense in 2006 due to lower average levels of borrowings, partially offset by higher effective borrowing rates.
 
Income Tax Expense (benefit).  The income tax benefit from continuing operations was $0.4 million for 2006 and zero for 2005. The effective income tax rates were 4.9% for 2006 and 0.0% for 2005. Tax losses in 2006 were


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not benefited for financial reporting purposes. Rockford currently continues to maintain a valuation allowance reserve against all of its net deferred tax assets.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004
 
Net Sales.  Net sales decreased by $25.2 million, or 15.7%, to $135.7 million for 2005, from $160.9 million for 2004. The decrease in sales was primarily attributable to lower sales of Rockford Fosgate and Lightning Audio branded products and the reduction or elimination of Rockford Fosgate source unit and domestic MB Quart sales for much of the year. These decreases were partially offset by increases in OEM sales and lower sales discounts. Net sales for 2004 were positively impacted by initial shipments of the new Rockford Fosgate line of products and included shipments of certain other product lines that were discontinued during 2005.
 
U.S. sales decreased by $21.0 million, or 15.7%, to $112.7 million for 2005, from $133.7 million for 2004. International sales decreased by $4.2 million, or 15.3%, to $23.0 million for 2005, from $27.2 million for 2004. The decrease in international sales was primarily due to lower sales of the Lighting Audio and Rockford Fosgate product lines.
 
Gross Profit.  Gross Profit increased by $7.7 million, or 24.2%, to $39.5 million for 2005, from $31.8 million for 2004. As a percent of sales, gross profit increased to 29.1% for 2005, from 19.7% for 2004. This increase was primarily due to inventory reserves for obsolescence recorded in 2004 and to costs incurred in 2004 associated with the production delays, manufacturing and engineering costs, and premium freight to expedite production of the new 2004 products whose introduction was delayed in 2004. The increase was partially offset by the impairment of Q-Logic assets of $0.9 million recorded in 2005 reflecting the anticipated sale of those assets.
 
Sales and Marketing Expenses.  Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $4.6 million, or 16.8%, to $22.9 million for 2005 from $27.5 million for 2004. As a percent of sales, sales and marketing expenses decreased to 16.8% for 2005 from 17.1% for 2004. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales commissions, outbound freight, sales and marketing personnel related expenses and reduced promotional activities.
 
General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses decreased by $11.9 million or 46.0%, to $13.9 million for 2005 from $25.8 million for 2004. As a percent of sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 10.3% for 2005 from 16.0% for 2004. The decrease in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to the impairment of goodwill and internally developed software of $6.3 million recorded in 2004 and to lower personnel related expenses, facilities costs, bad debt expenses and professional fees partially offset by severance expense related to Rockford’s realignment of its international distribution. General and administrative expenses for 2005 also include a gain of $0.9 million recognized from the sale of Rockford’s rights to the MB Quart brand for North America.
 
Research and Development Expenses.  Research and development expenses decreased by $3.6 million, or 56.0%, to $2.8 million for 2005 from $6.4 million for 2004. As a percent of sales, these expenses decreased to 2.1% for 2005, from 4.0% for 2004. The decrease is primarily due to lower personnel related expenses and to costs incurred in 2004 related to the delayed new product launch that were not repeated in 2005.
 
Operating Loss From Continuing Operations.  Operating loss improved by $27.8 million, or 99.5%, to a $0.1 million operating loss for 2005 from a $27.9 million loss for 2004. As a percent of sales, operating loss improved to a 0.1% operating loss for 2005, from a 17.3% operating loss for 2004. This improvement in operating loss is the result of the increase in gross profit and decrease in operating expenses described above.
 
Interest and Other Expense.  Interest and other expense, primarily consists of interest expense and currency gains and losses. Interest and other expense improved by $0.2 million, or 8.2%, to $2.6 million for 2005 from $2.8 million for 2004. The improvement is primarily attributable to the lower foreign currency expense in 2005.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  Income tax expense from continuing operations decreased by $4.6 million, or 100.0%, to zero for 2005 from a $4.6 million expense for 2004. The effective income tax rates were 0.0% for 2005 and 15.0% for 2004. The change in rate was primarily a result of the $4.6 million non-cash charge in 2004 to establish a valuation allowance against Rockford’s net deferred tax assets and the generation of tax losses in 2005 that were not benefited for financial reporting purposes.


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Quarterly Results of Operations
 
Rockford’s sales on a quarterly basis reflect the seasonality of the mobile audio aftermarket business. Sales are generally greater during the first and second quarters of each calendar year and lower during the third and fourth quarters, with Rockford’s lowest sales typically occurring during the fourth quarter. Rockford’s consumer electronic chain and mass merchandise channels have seasonality that is somewhat different than the core business seasonality, with higher sales in the third and fourth quarters. Nevertheless, Rockford expects its business to remain seasonal for the foreseeable future.
 
The following tables show selected consolidated quarterly statements of operations data derived from Rockford’s unaudited consolidated financial statements for each of the eight quarters ended December 31, 2006. These unaudited financial results were prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated results of operations for those periods. Net sales and gross profit have been restated to reflect Rockford’s continuing operations. Financial information about Rockford’s discontinued operations may be found at Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar. 31,
    June 30,
    Sept. 30,
    Dec. 31,
    Mar. 31,
    June 30,
    Sept. 30,
    Dec. 31,
 
    2005     2005     2005     2005     2006     2006     2006     2006  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
Net sales
  $ 39,616     $ 37,917     $ 30,213     $ 27,936     $ 29,928     $ 31,668     $ 21,217     $ 19,963  
Gross profit
    11,324       11,728       9,327       7,072       7,858       10,373       6,016       4,610  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (491 )     (277 )     687       (2,642 )     (2,059 )     1,026       (2,919 )     (4,740 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (117 )     (26 )     (1,105 )     (116 )     6       (114 )     (47 )      
Net income (loss)
  $ (608 )   $ (303 )   $ (418 )   $ (2,758 )   $ (2,053 )   $ 912     $ (2,966 )   $ (4,740 )
                                                                 
Net income (loss) per common share(1)
                                                               
Basic
  $ (0.07 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.22 )   $ 0.09     $ (0.32 )   $ (0.50 )
                                                                 
Diluted
  $ (0.07 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.22 )   $ 0.09     $ (0.32 )   $ (0.50 )
                                                                 
 
 
(1) The sum of quarterly net income (loss) per common share does not equal annual net income (loss) per common share due to changes in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Rockford has financed its business primarily using existing capital, cash flows from operations, proceeds from its non-core asset sales, and bank borrowings. Rockford’s cash flow used in operations was $4.1 million for 2006 compared to $12.7 million cash flow provided by operations for 2005. A reduction in accounts receivable and prepaid and other expenses were the primary sources of cash in 2006. An increase in inventory and a reduction in accounts payable and other accrued expenses were the primary operating uses of cash.
 
Rockford entered into an asset based credit facility with Wachovia Capital Financial Corporation (Western), as Agent, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Arranger, on March 29, 2004 and as amended on June 10, 2004, December 30, 2004, August 31, 2005, March 21, 2006, August 31, 2006 and March 7, 2007. The credit facility, as amended, has a 4-year term and is reduced to a $20 million asset-based facility. This credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of Rockford’s assets and has a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 500 basis points or Prime plus 100 basis points. Rockford’s outstanding balance on the Wachovia facility was $10.4 million as of December 31, 2006, up from an outstanding balance of $6.1 million at December 31, 2005.


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Rockford closed agreements for the private placement of $12.5 million of 4.5% convertible senior subordinated secured notes due 2009 and warrants to purchase 1,246,573 shares of common stock at $3.73 per share on June 10, 2004 and as amended on November 12, 2004. The net proceeds of approximately $12.5 million are allocated between the warrants and the notes based on their relative fair values. The value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The carrying value of the notes is being accreted ratably, over the term of the notes, to the $12.5 million amount due at maturity. The carrying value of the notes approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Debt issuance costs totaling $0.9 million were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the notes. Due to the modification of the convertible notes and warrants, Rockford remeasured the value of the warrants on November 12, 2004.
 
In November of 2005, Rockford repurchased $3 million of the $12.5 million face value of the convertible notes and 285,000 associated warrants for a total price of approximately $2.7 million of which approximately $2.6 million was allocated to the notes and approximately $0.1 million was allocated to the warrants. As a result of this repurchase Rockford recorded a gain to other expense (income) of approximately $0.1 million, net of fees and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
 
The noteholders may convert the notes into Rockford’s common stock at any time before the scheduled maturity date of June 10, 2009. The conversion price is $4.61 per share. If fully converted, the remaining outstanding notes will convert into 2,060,738 shares of Rockford’s common stock. Warrants to purchase 961,573 shares also remain outstanding. Rockford has the right automatically to convert the notes into common stock if the common stock trades above a specified target price for a specified period. Rockford may also force the exercise of the warrants under certain circumstances prior to their expiration date. The noteholders have a second priority lien on certain Rockford assets.
 
Rockford anticipates, based on its cash flow forecast, that cash flow from operations at the expected level of operations for 2007 and 2008 and available borrowings under its credit facility will be adequate to meet Rockford’s requirements for current capital expenditures, working capital and interest payments for the next twelve months. Rockford anticipates that its operations will improve compared to its operations during 2006, so that its cash requirements in 2007 and 2008 will be less than its cash requirements in 2006.
 
The cash proceeds of the sale of the NHT business, Simple Devices business, MB Quart North American brand rights, and Q-Logic business have supplemented Rockford’s cash resources during 2005 and 2006. Rockford does not expect additional asset sales will be a significant source of cash.
 
If Rockford’s operations fail to improve, or if Rockford is otherwise unable to satisfy its liquidity needs as anticipated, it could be forced to seek one or more financing alternatives. These alternatives could include reducing or delaying capital expenditures, borrowing additional funds, selling equity securities, restructuring indebtedness, selling additional assets, reducing expenditures for new product development, and cutting other costs. Some of these alternatives might not prove to be available on acceptable terms; others may substantially interfere with Rockford’s business and prospects. Rockford cannot give assurance that satisfactory actions could be put into effect on reasonable terms. If it needs to take some or all of these actions, but is not able to do so, Rockford may not be able to satisfy its liquidity needs. Under such circumstances, Rockford might not be able to continue its business as currently anticipated.
 
Rockford had working capital of $16.5 million at December 31, 2006, compared to $23.2 million at December 31, 2005. The significant components of working capital at December 31, 2006 include:
 
  •  There were no net cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2006 and 2005. Due to the daily sweep of cash by Wachovia, described below, Rockford has reclassified its cash and cash equivalents to net against its current debt balance.
 
  •  Rockford’s net accounts receivable were $19.2 million or 67 days sales outstanding (DSO) at December 31, 2006 compared to $24.9 million or 66.5 DSO at December 31, 2005. The decrease in accounts receivable is due to lower sales;
 
  •  Net inventory increased $1.0 million, from $18.6 million at December 31, 2005 to $19.6 million at December 31, 2006. This inventory increase was primarily due to the build-up of inventory for Rockford’s


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  new product introduction for 2007 partially offset by lower sales and additional write-downs relating to excess and obsolete inventory; and
 
  •  Accounts payable decreased $3.1 million, from $10.2 million at December 31, 2005 to $7.1 million at December 31, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to lower inventory purchases.
 
The Wachovia credit facility requires that Rockford maintain blocked lock box accounts, whereby Wachovia takes possession of all cash receipts on a daily basis and these amounts are applied to reduce Rockford’s outstanding balance on its credit facility. In accordance with EITF 95-22: Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements That Include both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement, Rockford has recorded the $10.4 million and $6.1 million outstanding balance as at December 31, 2006, and 2005, respectively, on the Wachovia credit facility as short-term. Rockford expects to maintain the facility for its entire term.
 
Investing activities used cash of $0.2 million for 2006 primarily due to purchases of tooling for Rockford’s new products partially offset by the sale of Rockford’s Q-Logic Business. This compares to a $1.8 million contribution of cash for 2005, which included the sale of Rockford’s NHT business and the MB Quart North American brand rights. Capital expenditures, the primary use of cash from investing activities, were $1.5 million in 2006 versus $0.9 million in 2005. Rockford continues to work to improve management of its capital spending and has imposed increased payback requirements for approval of capital spending. Rockford’s capital spending is primarily in tooling for specific product lines, and computer hardware and software to support operations. Rockford does not anticipate significant changes in its future capital spending requirements, other than reductions resulting from its manufacturing outsourcing efforts and the elimination of the capital spending required for its divested non-core businesses.
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Rockford does not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities referred to as structured finance or variable interest entities (VIEs), which would be established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. As of December 31, 2006, Rockford did not have any unconsolidated VIE’s.
 
Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2006
 
Rockford had contractual obligations at December 31, 2006 as follows:
 
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
          Less Than
                More Than
 
Contractual Obligations
  Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
    (In thousands)  
 
Asset-based credit facility
  $ 10,400           $ 10,400              
Notes payable
  $ 9,500           $ 9,500              
Operating leases
  $ 3,839     $ 1,753     $ 1,986     $ 100        
Capital leases
  $ 143     $ 43     $ 100              
 
Rockford did not have any material outstanding noncancelable purchase obligations at December 31, 2006. Several of its sourcing agreements require Rockford to place monthly purchase orders, but do not require a minimum purchase quantity or dollar amount. Rockford does not anticipate significant liability in connection with these contractual requirements.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The methods, estimates and judgments Rockford uses in applying its accounting policies may have a significant impact on the results reported in its consolidated financial statements. Rockford evaluates its estimates and judgments on an on-going basis. Rockford bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions that Rockford believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Rockford’s experience and assumptions form the basis for its judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from what Rockford anticipates and different assumptions or estimates about the future could change its reported results.


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Rockford believes the following accounting policies are the most critical to Rockford, in that they are important to the portrayal of Rockford’s consolidated financial statements and they require Rockford’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements:
 
Revenue Recognition.  Rockford recognizes revenue pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements. Accordingly, Rockford recognizes revenue and records sales, net of related discounts, when all of the following criteria are met:
 
  •  Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
 
  •  Ownership has transferred to the customer;
 
  •  The price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and
 
  •  Collectibility is reasonably assured.
 
Rockford sells almost all of its products F.O.B. place of shipment, so that upon shipment of products the above criteria are met and revenue is recognized.
 
Rockford also records reductions to revenue for estimated customer returns and additional sales incentive offerings, such as growth and volume incentive rebates and prompt pay discounts, based on historical rates. Should customers return a greater proportion of product or redeem more incentives than estimated, Rockford may need to make additional reductions to revenue.
 
Share-Based Compensation.  As part of Rockford’s adoption of SFAS No. 123R“Share-Based Payment” as of January 1, 2006, Rockford was required to recognize the fair value of share-based compensation awards as an expense. Rockford applied the Black-Scholes option-pricing model in order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, and Rockford applied judgment in estimating key assumptions that are important elements in the model such as the expected stock-price volatility, expected stock option life and expected forfeiture rates. Rockford’s estimates of these important assumptions are based on historical data and judgment regarding market trends and factors. If actual results are not consistent with Rockford’s assumptions and judgments used in estimating these factors, Rockford may be required to record additional stock-based compensation expense.
 
Intangible Assets.  Rockford accounts for acquired businesses under SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. When Rockford accounts for acquired businesses as purchases it allocates purchase prices to the assets, definite-lived intangible assets, and liabilities acquired based on the estimated fair values on the respective acquisition dates. Based on these values, Rockford allocates any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired to goodwill. Prior to December 31, 2005, Rockford had written off all remaining goodwill related to acquisitions because of its impairment as described in Rockford’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  Rockford maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, based on historical rates, for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The assessment of customers’ ability to pay generally includes direct contact with the customer, investigation into customers’ financial status, as well as consideration of customers’ payment history. If the financial condition of Rockford’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, Rockford might need to increase its allowances.
 
Inventory.  Rockford carries inventory at the lower of cost or market, computed using the weighted average method. For purposes of the lower of cost or market calculations, Rockford writes down obsolete or unmarketable inventory by an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Rockford reviews information such as quantity on hand versus forecasted use and inventory aging to assist in this assessment. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than projected, Rockford may need to take additional inventory write-downs. Write-downs are reflected in cost of sales in the period when identified.
 
Warranty.  Rockford maintains a warranty reserve, based on historical rates, for costs associated with the repair or replacement of product that fails to meet its standard warranty against defects in material and


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workmanship. Should actual product failure rates differ from its estimates, it would need to make revisions to its estimated accrual.
 
Income taxes.  Rockford must make estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. Rockford must assess the likelihood that it will be able to recover Rockford’s deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, Rockford must increase its provision, or decrease its benefit, by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that Rockford estimates will not ultimately be recoverable. Based on Rockford’s review of its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2006, it determined that a valuation allowance in the amount of $21.9 million was required. This allowance established reserves against Rockford’s net deferred tax assets.
 
Inflation.  Inflation has not had a significant impact on Rockford’s operations since it operates in a market that requires continuing price decreases and Rockford has historically been able to insist on continuing price decreases from its suppliers. Rising metal prices and increasing transportation costs may have an impact on Rockford’s results in 2007, if Rockford is not able to secure concessions from its suppliers.
 
New Accounting Standards
 
In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement principles for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Rockford is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 and therefore cannot estimate the impact at this time.
 
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108). Due to diversity in practice among registrants, SAB 108 expresses SEC staff views regarding the process by which misstatements in financial statements are evaluated for purposes of determining whether financial statement restatement is necessary. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 had no impact on Rockford’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Rockford does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.


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Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Rockford’s primary market risk exposures are in the areas of interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Its holdings of cash equivalents are subject to interest rate fluctuations, but Rockford believes this risk is immaterial due to the short-term nature of these investments and the essentially zero cash balances it carries. The outstanding balances on Rockford’s credit facilities are subject to interest rate fluctuations.
 
The value of the U.S. dollar affects Rockford’s financial results. Changes in exchange rates may positively or negatively affect revenues, gross margins, operating expenses and shareholders’ equity as expressed in U.S. dollars. However, as Rockford transitions its international sales efforts to distributors from direct sales, it anticipates lower foreign currency risks associated with its international sales.
 
In recent years, Rockford has sourced an increasing percentage of its finished goods, or of raw materials and parts for its products, from outside the United States. Most of these finished goods, raw materials and parts are sourced in the Far East, principally in China. Although most of these purchases are denominated in dollars, an extended decline in the value of the dollar may affect the terms and prices on which Rockford is able to purchase from its foreign suppliers and may, therefore, increase Rockford’s costs.
 
Rockford did not engage in any hedging activity during 2005 and 2006. At December 31, 2006, Rockford did not have any outstanding forward contracts or other hedging instruments. Rockford does not expect to engage in financial hedging activities during the foreseeable future.


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Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
 
         
Consolidated Financial Statements of Rockford Corporation and Subsidiaries
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  33
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2005 and 2006
  34
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
  35
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
  36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
  37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  38
Financial Statement Schedule: Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
  57


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Rockford Corporation
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rockford Corporation and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule. These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Rockford Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” on January 1, 2006, which changed its method of accounting for share-based payments.
 
March 26, 2007


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2005     2006  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $  
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,307 and $1,267 at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively
    24,855       19,242  
Inventories
    18,618       19,612  
Income taxes receivable
    168       32  
Prepaid expenses and other
    3,767       1,966  
Current assets of discontinued operations
    289        
                 
Total current assets
    47,697       40,852  
Property and equipment, net
    3,104       2,487  
Other assets
    1,497       1,216  
                 
Total assets
  $ 52,298     $ 44,555  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 10,182     $ 7,094  
Accrued salaries and incentives
    1,317       1,485  
Accrued warranty and returns
    3,185       2,199  
Other accrued expenses
    3,687       2,193  
Current portion of capital leases and other long-term liabilities
          1,002  
Asset-based credit facility
    6,109       10,400  
                 
Total current liabilities
    24,480       24,373  
Notes payable, less unaccreted discount of $313 and $222 at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively
    9,187       9,278  
Long-term portion of capital lease and other long-term liabilities
          659  
                 
Total liabilities
    33,667       34,310  
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized shares — 40,000,000 Issued shares — 9,384,220 and 9,390,970 shares at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively
    94       94  
Additional paid-in capital
    37,548       37,995  
Retained deficit
    (19,408 )     (28,255 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    397       411  
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    18,631       10,245  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 52,298     $ 44,555  
                 
 
See accompanying notes.


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006  
 
Net sales
  $ 160,857     $ 135,682     $ 102,776  
Cost of goods sold
    129,092       96,231       73,919  
                         
Gross profit
    31,765       39,451       28,857  
Operating expenses:
                       
Sales and marketing
    27,461       22,845       16,772  
General and administrative
    25,782       13,913       16,753  
Research and development
    6,415       2,823       3,218  
                         
Total operating expenses
    59,658       39,581       36,743  
                         
Operating loss
    (27,893 )     (130 )     (7,886 )
Interest expense
    2,090       2,009       1,366  
Other expense (income)
    736       584       (123 )
                         
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (30,719 )     (2,723 )     (9,129 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    4,597             (437 )
                         
Loss from continuing operations
    (35,316 )     (2,723 )     (8,692 )
Discontinued operations:
                       
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (70 )     (1,019 )      
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (3,469 )     (345 )     (155 )
                         
Total loss from discontinued operations
    (3,539 )     (1,364 )     (155 )
                         
Net loss
  $ (38,855 )   $ (4,087 )   $ (8,847 )
                         
Loss per common share:
                       
Loss from continuing operations
                       
Basic
  $ (3.90 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.92 )
                         
Diluted
  $ (3.90 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.92 )
                         
Loss from discontinued operations
                       
Basic
  $ (0.39 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.02 )
                         
Diluted
  $ (0.39 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.02 )
                         
Net loss
                       
Basic
  $ (4.29 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.94 )
                         
Diluted
  $ (4.29 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.94 )
                         
Weighted average shares:
                       
Basic
    9,066       9,258       9,388  
                         
Diluted
    9,066       9,258       9,388  
                         
 
See accompanying notes.


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
 
                                                 
                            Accumulated
       
                Additional
    Retained
    Other
       
    Common Stock     Paid-In
    Earnings
    Comprehensive
       
    Shares     Amount     Capital     (Deficit)     Income     Total  
 
Balance at December 31, 2003
    9,011     $ 90     $ 36,228     $ 23,534     $ 3,355     $ 63,207  
Currency translation
                            (2,870 )     (2,870 )
Net loss
                      (38,855 )           (38,855 )
                                                 
Comprehensive loss
                                  (41,725 )
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $16
    151       2       300                   302  
Issuance of shares for employee stock purchase plan
    43             152                   152  
Warrants issued with convertible notes
                649                   649  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2004
    9,205       92       37,329       (15,321 )     485       22,585  
Currency translation
                            (88 )     (88 )
Net loss
                      (4,087 )           (4,087 )
                                                 
Comprehensive loss
                                  (4,175 )
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $0
    116       1       246                   247  
Issuance of shares for employee stock purchase plan
    63       1       121                   122  
Repurchase of warrants issued with convertible notes
                (148 )                 (148 )
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2005
    9,384       94       37,548       (19,408 )     397       18,631  
Currency translation
                            14       14  
Net loss
                      (8,847 )           (8,847 )
                                                 
Comprehensive loss
                                  (8,833 )
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit of $0
    7             16                   16  
Share-based compensation
                431                   431  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2006
    9,391     $ 94     $ 37,995     $ (28,255 )   $ 411     $ 10,245  
                                                 
 
See accompanying notes.


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flow from continuing operating activities:
                       
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (35,316 )   $ (2,723 )   $ (8,692 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    4,464       3,891       2,555  
Share based compensation expense
                431  
Loss on legal settlement
                1,518  
Gain on divestiture of business
                (142 )
Gain on sale of brand rights
          (844 )      
Write-off of assets to fair market value
          814        
Net gain on buyback of notes and warrants
          (112 )      
Deferred income taxes
    7,131              
Impairment of goodwill
    5,017              
Loss on sale of property and equipment
    1,343       44       153  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    1,841       388       856  
Provision for inventory
    8,735       549       974  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (1,502 )     6,457       3,300  
Inventories
    (10,119 )     12,275       (2,768 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    (355 )     (411 )     2,136  
Accounts payable
    7,489       (4,683 )     (2,534 )
Accrued salaries and incentives
    (472 )     (85 )     168  
Accrued warranty and returns
    (1,281 )     (1,514 )     (935 )
Income taxes payable (receivable)
    1,895       772       135  
Other accrued expenses
    1,543       (2,120 )     (1,279 )
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (9,587 )     12,698       (4,124 )
Cash flow from continuing investing activities:
                       
Purchases of property and equipment
    (2,213 )     (948 )     (1,505 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    18       125       78  
Net proceeds from disposal of asset
    6,418       2,098       972  
Proceeds from sale of brand rights and other assets
          843        
Increase in other assets
    (965 )     (313 )     263  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    3,258       1,805       (192 )
Cash flow from continuing financing activities:
                       
Net proceeds from (payments on) notes payable and warrants
    12,500       (2,688 )      
Net proceeds from (payments on) bank debt and short term notes
    (3,714 )     (12,096 )     4,325  
Payments on capital lease obligations
    (2,381 )           (39 )
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
    152       122        
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    302       247       16  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    6,859       (14,415 )     4,302  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash from continuing operations
    (1,005 )     (88 )     14  
                         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations
    (475 )            
Net decrease in cash flow from discontinued operations
    (241 )            
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    716              
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $     $     $  
                         
Cash flow from discontinued operations:
                       
Cash flow provided by operating activities
  $ 1,816     $ 54     $ 34  
Cash flow used in investing activities
    (230 )     (54 )      
Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    37             (34 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (1,864 )            
                         
Net decrease in cash flow from discontinued operations
  $ (241 )   $     $  
                         
 
See accompanying notes.


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
1.   Accounting Policies
 
Organization and Description of Business
 
Rockford Corporation and subsidiaries (“Rockford”) designs, distributes and assembles high performance mobile audio products, primarily under the Rockford Fosgate, Lightning Audio, and Rockford Acoustic Design brands.
 
Rockford was organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Arizona on July 22, 1980. Corporate headquarters are located in Tempe, Arizona. Manufacturing facilities are located in Tempe, Arizona and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rockford uses warehouses located in Arizona and Michigan.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
In 2004, Rockford announced a realignment strategy that contributed to a net loss of $38.9 million, which resulted in defaults on Rockford’s debt agreements, forced Rockford to secure amendments to those agreements and caused a strain on available liquidity in late 2004. Due to the strategic realignment, Rockford’s results for 2005 and 2006 significantly improved compared to 2004, so that its cash requirements in 2005 and 2006 were substantially less than its cash requirements in 2004.
 
Rockford anticipates, based on its cash flow forecast, that cash flow from operations at the expected level of operations for 2007 and available borrowings under its credit facility will be adequate to meet Rockford’s requirements for current capital expenditures, working capital and interest payments through 2007.
 
If Rockford’s operations fail to improve, or if Rockford is otherwise unable to satisfy its liquidity needs as anticipated, it could be forced to seek one or more financing alternatives. These alternatives could include reducing or delaying capital expenditures, borrowing additional funds, selling equity securities, restructuring indebtedness, selling additional assets, reducing expenditures for new product development, and cutting other costs. Some of these alternatives might not prove to be available on acceptable terms; others may substantially interfere with Rockford’s business and prospects. Rockford cannot give assurance that satisfactory actions could be put into effect on reasonable terms. If it needs to take some or all of these actions, but is not able to do so, Rockford may not be able to satisfy its liquidity needs. Under such circumstances, Rockford might not be able to continue its business as currently anticipated.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rockford and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries in the United States, Germany, and Singapore. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with remaining maturities of three months or less when acquired. Rockford’s investments have consisted of commercial paper, certificates of deposit and money market accounts.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
At December 31, 2006, Rockford has the following financial instruments: accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued salaries and incentives, accrued warranty, other accrued expenses, notes payable, and long-term debt. The carrying value of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued salaries and incentives, accrued warranty, and other accrued expenses, approximates their fair value based on the liquidity of these financial instruments or based on their short-term nature. The carrying value of notes payable and long-term debt


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

approximates fair value based on the market interest rates available to Rockford for debt of similar risk and maturities.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Rockford records its derivative financial instruments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as subsequently amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138. SFAS No. 133 requires all derivatives to be recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value. Rockford did not engage in any hedging activity during 2004, 2005 and 2006. At December 31, 2006, Rockford did not have any outstanding forward contracts or other financial hedging instruments.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Rockford recognizes revenue and records sales, net of related discounts, when all of the following criteria are met:
 
  •  Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
 
  •  Ownership has transferred to the customer;
 
  •  The price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and
 
  •  Collectibility is reasonably assured.
 
Rockford also records reductions to revenue for estimated customer returns and additional sales incentive offerings, such as growth and volume incentive rebates and prompt pay discounts, based on historical rates. Should a greater proportion of customers return product or redeem incentives than estimated, Rockford may be required to make additional reductions to revenue.
 
Shipping and Handling Costs
 
Rockford records outbound product shipping costs as freight expense in sales and marketing expense. Freight expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was approximately $6.9 million, $5.4 million and $3.3 million respectively.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowances
 
Rockford sells its products principally to mobile audio dealers and distributors in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Rockford also sells certain portions of its product line to major mass retailers in the United States and Canada. At December 31, 2005 and 2006, net accounts receivable includes approximately $4.4 million and $3.3 million respectively, due from international businesses.
 
Rockford maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, based on historical rates, for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Rockford has included in the allowance for accounts receivable at December 31, 2005 and 2006, approximately $1.8 million, and $1.0 million respectively, for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of Rockford’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances might be required.
 
Rockford also maintains allowances for prompt pay and freight discounts, based on historical rates for discounts offered to customers. Rockford has included in its allowance for accounts receivable at December 31, 2005 and 2006, approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million respectively, with respect to customers expected to use such discounts after year-end. Should a greater proportion of customers take advantage of these discounts than estimated by Rockford, additional reductions to revenue might be required.


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
Inventories
 
Inventories consist principally of finished goods and raw materials of electronic and mechanical components used in the manufacturing of amplifiers, speaker systems and other finished goods. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market computed using the weighted average method.
 
Rockford writes-down estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those Rockford projects, additional inventory write-downs might be required.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed principally on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over a two to ten year life. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter period of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Rockford capitalizes internally developed software in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of, Rockford records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.
 
Goodwill
 
Rockford accounts for acquired businesses under SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. When Rockford accounts for acquired businesses as purchases, it allocates purchase prices to the assets, definite-lived intangible assets, and liabilities acquired based on the estimated fair values on the respective acquisition dates. Based on these values, Rockford allocates any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired to goodwill.
 
During 2004, as a result of its continued operating losses and its realignment decisions announced in September of 2004, Rockford concluded that its remaining goodwill was impaired and wrote off approximately $5.6 million to general and administrative expenses during 2004. As a result of this action, Rockford has written off all remaining goodwill related to acquisitions.
 
Advertising
 
Rockford expenses advertising as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 was approximately $1.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.6 million respectively. Such amounts are included in sales and marketing expenses in Rockford’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Income Taxes
 
Rockford accounts for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in order to account for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
 
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws (including rates) is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
Rockford assesses the likelihood that it will able to recover its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, Rockford must increase the provision, or decrease the benefit, by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that it estimates will not ultimately be recoverable. As of December 31, 2006, Rockford had a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets, as described in Note 7.
 
Product Warranty Cost and Service Returns
 
Rockford’s return policy is to replace, repair or issue credit for product under warranty. Returns received during the current period are expensed as received and a reserve is maintained for future returns from current shipments. Management calculates the reserve using historical return rates by brand. These rates are reviewed and adjusted periodically as actual results become available.
 
A reconciliation of the warranty and returns reserve activity is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006.
 
                 
    2005     2006  
 
Balance at the beginning of year
  $ 4,789     $ 3,185  
Provision for warranties and returns
    10,882       6,674  
Net settlements made during the year
    (12,486 )     (7,660 )
                 
Balance at the end of the year
  $ 3,185     $ 2,199  
                 
 
Income (Loss) per Common Share
 
Rockford reports income (loss) per common share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share.  Diluted income per share includes the dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities.
 
Significant Customers
 
Rockford had sales to one customer representing 27.7%, 23.4% and 22.6% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively and sales to another customer representing 13.7% and 14.9% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2006. These customers accounted for approximately 26.2% and 7.2% of the accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2005 and 25.8% and 6.7% at December 31, 2006.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Rockford has translated the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars in accordance with SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation. All asset and liability accounts have been translated using the current exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Shareholders’ equity accounts were translated at historical exchange rates. Amounts reported in the statements of operations have been translated using the average exchange rate for the year. The gains and losses resulting from the change in exchange rates from year-to-year have been reported separately as a component of shareholders’ equity. The effect on the statements of operations of transaction gains and losses is insignificant.
 
Stock Based Compensation
 
Rockford grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at date of grant. Fair market value of the underlying shares is determined by the market


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

price at the date of the grant. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006, Rockford accounted for stock options using the intrinsic value method, in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. Rockford had adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for employee stock option grants. Stock option grants to non-employees were charged to expense based upon the fair value of the options granted.
 
Effective January 1, 2006 Rockford adopted SFAS No 123R using the “modified prospective” method permitted by SFAS No. 123R. In this method compensation costs are recognized beginning with the effective date based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123R for all share-based payments granted or modified after the effective date, and based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123R that remain unvested on the effective date. No share-based employee compensation cost has been reflected in net loss prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R. Results for prior periods have not been restated.
 
The following table represents the effect on net loss and loss per share if Rockford had applied during 2004 and 2005 the fair value based method and recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation:
 
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005  
    (In thousands except per share data)  
 
Net loss as reported
  $ (38,855 )   $ (4,087 )
Proforma SFAS No. 123R expense
    (378 )     (451 )
                 
Proforma net loss
  $ (39,233 )   $ (4,538 )
                 
Proforma loss per common share
               
Basic
  $ (4.33 )   $ (0.49 )
                 
Diluted
  $ (4.33 )   $ (0.49 )
                 
 
For purposes of proforma disclosure, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the option’s vesting period. See Note 8 for further discussion of Rockford’s stock-based employee compensation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The actual results experienced by Rockford may differ from management’s estimates.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2004 and 2005 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2006 presentation, including the reclassification of gains and losses from the sale or impairment of assets from other expenses to general and administrative expenses.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement principles for financial statement disclosure of tax


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Rockford is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 and therefore cannot estimate the impact at this time.
 
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108). Due to diversity in practice among registrants, SAB 108 expresses SEC staff views regarding the process by which misstatements in financial statements are evaluated for purposes of determining whether financial statement restatement is necessary. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 had no impact on Rockford’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Rockford does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
2.   Discontinued Operations
 
SimpleDevices, Inc.  On October 17, 2002, Rockford purchased 63,336,955 shares of common stock of SimpleDevices, Inc. Rockford’s investment of $3.5 million was used for working capital, the payment of a convertible promissory note and for other corporate purposes. Rockford financed the investment using borrowings from its line of credit. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values at the date of acquisition. The remaining portion of the purchase price was assigned to goodwill in the amount of $563,000. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the results of operations of SimpleDevices were included in Rockford’s consolidated results of operations effective October 1, 2002, excluding minority interest. The acquisition was not significant under the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Rockford sold its majority interest in SimpleDevices, Inc. to Universal Electronics Inc. in October of 2004 for $7.8 million for a net gain on the sale of $5.5 million which is included in gain on disposal of discontinued operation. At closing, Rockford received approximately $6.4 million, which was used to pay down Rockford’s senior credit facility. The remaining proceeds of approximately $1.2 million, net of $0.2 million of fees, were placed into an escrow account that was available to pay claims, if any, of Universal relating to the representations made in the Stock Purchase Agreement. No claims were made. One-third of the escrow amount was released to Rockford in April 2005, and the rest of the escrow amount was released in October 2006. The amount held in escrow was recorded as a note receivable at December 31, 2005. At the closing Rockford also received $1.4 million in cash in full payment of a $1.4 million loan Rockford had extended to SimpleDevices. As a result, Rockford has treated the SimpleDevices operations as discontinued operations for all years presented and recorded a gain from disposal of the discontinued operation of $5.5 million in 2004.
 
The following represents the results of operations for Simple Devices, Inc. for the periods presented and are reported on Rockford’s statements of operations as results from discontinued operations:
 
         
    December 31, 2004  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues
  $ 322  
Cost of sales
    234  
Operating expenses
    1,459  
Interest and other expense (income), net
    39  
Minority interest
    (345 )
         
Net loss
  $ (1,065 )
         


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

MB Quart.  Rockford placed its MB Quart GmbH subsidiary into receivership under German law in September of 2004. By instituting the receivership, Rockford relinquished any future benefit from the assets of this subsidiary. As a result, Rockford has treated the MB Quart GmbH operations as discontinued operations for all years presented.
 
The following represents the results of operations for MB Quart GmbH for the periods presented and are reported on Rockford’s statements of operations as results from discontinued operations:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2004     2005  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues
  $ 4,547     $  
Cost of sales
    2,840        
Operating expenses
    3,317       63  
Interest and other expense (income), net
    4        
Income tax benefit
    (6 )      
                 
Net loss
  $ (1,608 )   $ (63 )
                 
 
Rockford Home Group.  On December 26, 2002, Rockford acquired the NHT (Now Hear This) business and assets from Recoton Corporation. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values at the date of the acquisition. Rockford combined NHT with its Fosgate Audionics and Hafler businesses, creating the Rockford Home Group. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the results of operations of NHT were included in Rockford’s consolidated results of operations beginning December 26, 2002. The acquisition was not significant under the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
On October 18, 2005, Rockford sold the assets and liabilities of NHT for a cash purchase price of $2.4 million and Rockford recorded a net loss on the sale of approximately $1.0 million, net of fees, which is included in loss from disposal of discontinued operations. At the closing, Rockford received approximately $2.2 million and the remaining proceeds of approximately $0.2 million were placed into an escrow account that was available to pay claims, if any, of the Buyer relating to the representations made by Rockford in the Asset Purchase Agreement. There were no claims and the escrow amount was released to Rockford in October 2006. The amount held in escrow was recorded as a note receivable at December 31, 2005.
 
In connection with the sale of NHT, Rockford assigned a lease to office space, located in Benicia, California, and used solely in NHT’s operations, to the Buyer. As a condition of the assignment of the lease, the landlord required Rockford to guarantee the rental payments through October 2008, the lease termination date. As the buyer makes monthly lease payments, Rockford’s obligation is reduced by those amounts. As of December 31, 2006, the future rental commitment under the original lease, and therefore the maximum potential exposure under the guarantee was approximately $0.3 million. Management believes the likelihood Rockford will have to perform under the guarantee is remote. No liability relating to the guarantee has been recorded in Rockford’s financial statements as of December 31, 2005 and 2006.
 
Rockford discontinued the operations of its Fosgate Audionics and Hafler businesses at the time of the NHT sale. As a result of the October 2005 sale, Rockford has treated its Rockford Home Group operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
The following represents the results of operation for the Rockford Home Group for the periods presented and are reported on Rockford’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as results from discontinued operations:
 
                         
    December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues
  $ 8,698     $ 5,266     $ 46  
Cost of sales
    5,370       3,165       201  
Operating expenses
    4,131       2,382        
Interest and other expense (income), net
    (7 )     1        
                         
Net loss
  $ (796 )   $ (282 )   $ (155 )
                         
 
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations.  In 2005 and 2006 Rockford has separately disclosed the operating, investing and financing portions of the cash flows attributable to its discontinued operations as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows, which in prior periods were reported on a combined basis as a single amount.
 
3.   Inventories
 
Inventories consisted of the following:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Raw materials
  $ 6,126     $ 4,801  
Work in progress
    1,494       563  
Finished goods
    10,998       14,248  
                 
    $ 18,618     $ 19,612  
                 
 
4.   Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Machinery and equipment
  $ 13,533     $ 13,230  
Tooling equipment
    5,068       3,314  
Leasehold improvements
    2,823       2,838  
Furniture and fixtures
    709       297  
Computer software
    1,659       1,722  
Construction in process
    113       80  
Assets under capital leases
          182  
                 
      23,905       21,663  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (20,801 )     (19,176 )
                 
    $ 3,104     $ 2,487  
                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Depreciation expense was approximately $4.3 million, $3.1 million and $2.2 million in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. Accumulated amortization on assets under capital leases totaled $46,000 at December 31, 2006.
 
5.   Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
 
Notes payable and long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Asset based credit facility
  $ 6,109     $ 10,400  
Convertible senior subordinated secured notes
    9,500       9,500  
                 
      15,609       19,900  
Less debt discount
    (313 )     (222 )
Less current portion
    (6,109 )     (10,400 )
                 
    $ 9,187     $ 9,278  
                 
 
Interest payments were approximately $2.1 million, $2.0 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
 
Rockford entered into an asset-based credit facility with Wachovia Capital Financial Corporation (Western) as Agent and Wachovia Bank, National Association as Arranger on March 29, 2004 and as amended on June 10, 2004, December 30, 2004, August 31, 2005, March 21, 2006, August 31, 2006, and March 7, 2007. This credit facility, as amended, is a $20 million asset-based credit facility, has a 4 year term expiring March 28, 2008, is collateralized by substantially all of Rockford’s assets, and has a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 500 basis points or Prime plus 100 basis points. The interest rate was 9.0% at December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2006, Rockford was in compliance with all applicable covenants with the exception of a financial covenant that was waived, retroactive to December 31, 2006, in the March 7, 2007 amendment.
 
The Wachovia credit facility requires that Rockford maintain blocked lock box accounts, whereby Wachovia takes possession of all cash receipts on a daily basis and these amounts are applied to reduce Rockford’s outstanding debt. In accordance with EITF 95-22: Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements That Include both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement, Rockford has recorded the $6.1 million and $10.4 million outstanding balance as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, on the Wachovia credit facility as short-term. Rockford expects to maintain the facility for its entire term.
 
As of June 10, 2004, Rockford closed agreements for the private placement of $12.5 million of 4.5% convertible senior subordinated secured notes due 2009 and warrants to purchase 649,810 shares of common stock at $5.75 per share. The net proceeds of approximately $12.5 million are allocated between the warrants (approximately $0.6 million) and the notes (approximately $11.9 million) based on their relative fair values. The value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield of zero percent; expected volatility of 0.48; risk free interest rate of approximately 4% and a term of 4.5 years. The carrying value of the notes is being accreted ratably, over the term of the notes, to the $12.5 million amount due at maturity. The carrying value of the notes approximated their fair values as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Debt issuance costs totaling $0.9 million were capitalized and amortized over the life of the notes. In 2004, interest expense totaled $0.3 million, discount accretion totaled $0.1 million, and debt issuance cost amortization totaled $0.1 million. The noteholders may convert the notes into Rockford’s common stock at any time before the scheduled maturity date of June 10, 2009. The conversion price was $5.29 per share, which represented a 15% premium over the closing price of Rockford’s common stock on June 9, 2004. If fully converted, the notes were scheduled to convert into 2,362,949 shares of Rockford’s common stock. Rockford has the right automatically to


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

convert the notes into common stock if the common stock trades above a specified target price for a specified period. Rockford may also force the exercise of the warrants under certain circumstances prior to their expiration date.
 
As of September 30, 2004, Rockford was in default under the indenture under which it issued the convertible notes. The default was caused by the voluntary receivership of MB Quart GmbH. The holders of the convertible notes waived the default on November 12, 2004. In connection with the waiver, the holders retroactively waived their right to be paid default interest and the interest rate on the notes remained at 4.5% (versus the 9.5% default interest rate). The noteholders waived the default in exchange for an amendment to the notes that reduced the conversion price from $5.29 per share to $4.61 per share. This will increase the number of shares of common stock issuable, if all of the notes are converted, from 2,362,949 shares to 2,711,497 shares. In addition, the original warrants issued were increased to allow the purchase of 1,187,500 shares of common stock versus 590,737 shares available under the original agreement (excluding 59,073 warrants issued to Piper Jaffray & Co., the placement agent in the original transaction). The exercise price of the warrants, including the Piper Jaffray warrants, was also lowered from $5.75 to $3.73 per share. Finally, the agreement was amended to delete the provision that provided for the early termination of the note-holder’s second priority lien on certain assets if Rockford’s average monthly EBITDA for any twelve consecutive months commencing with the month ending June 30, 2004 is positive. Due to the modification of the convertible notes and warrants, Rockford recorded additional interest expense of approximately $45,000 as determined under the Black-Scholes pricing model, in 2004.
 
In November of 2005 Rockford repurchased $3 million face value of the convertible notes and 285,000 associated warrants for a total price of approximately $2.7 million of which approximately $2.6 million was allocated to the purchase of the notes and approximately $0.1 million to the purchase of the warrants. Rockford recorded a gain to other expense of approximately $0.1 million, net of fees and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. After effecting this repurchase, the remaining notes, if fully converted, would be converted into 2,060,738 shares of Rockford’s common stock and the outstanding warrants permit the purchase of 961,573 additional shares.
 
Rockford was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the indenture for the convertible notes as of December 31, 2006.
 
The aggregate principal payments due on long-term debt (including the Wachovia credit facility that is classified as short term for the reasons described above) are as follows:
 
         
    Years Ending December 31,  
    (In thousands)  
 
2007
  $  
2008
    10,400  
2009
    9,500  
2010
     
2011
     
         
    $ 19,900  
         
 
6.   Leases
 
Rockford leases certain manufacturing, warehouse and office facilities, and computer hardware and software under noncancelable operating leases that expire in various years through December 2010.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
Future minimum payments under noncancelable capital and operating leases with initial terms of one year or more consisted of the following at December 31, 2006:
 
                 
    Capital     Operating Leases  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
 
2007
  $ 59     $ 1,753  
2008
    59       1,438  
2009
    60       548  
2010
          100  
2011
           
Thereafter
           
                 
Total minimum lease payments
    178     $ 3,839  
                 
Less amount representing interest and taxes
    35          
                 
Total present value of capital obligation
    143          
Less current portion
    43          
                 
Long-term obligation under capital leases
  $ 100          
                 
 
Total rental expense for all operating leases was approximately $2.9 million, $3.2 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
 
7.   Income Taxes
 
Significant components of Rockford’s deferred tax assets are:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Deferred tax assets
               
Inventory basis
  $ 1,820     $ 1,592  
Basis in receivables
    1,294       749  
Book over tax depreciation
    222       301  
Accrued warranty
    733       528  
Net operating loss carryforward
    11,233       15,827  
Federal and state credit carryforwards
    2,035       2,402  
Accrued liabilities and other
    198       514  
                 
Gross deferred tax assets
    17,535       21,913  
Valuation allowance
    (17,535 )     (21,913 )
                 
Net deferred tax assets
  $     $  
                 
 
During 2004, a valuation allowance was recorded on the entire remaining unreserved deferred tax assets. This practice continued in 2005 and 2006. In 2006, the valuation allowance increased by $4.4 million to $21.9 million at December 31, 2006. The valuation allowance includes approximately $147,000 for net operating loss carryforwards that relate to stock option compensation expense and warrants expense for income tax reporting purposes. Any utilization of Rockford’s net operating loss carryforwards would be recorded as an increase in additional paid in capital. Valuation allowances are subject to reversal in future years at such time as the actual benefits are utilized or operating profits become sustainable at a level that meets the recoverability criteria under SFAS 109 Accounting for Income Tax. The recoverability criteria in SFAS 109 requires a judgment whether it is more likely than not, based on


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

an evaluation of positive and negative evidence, that a valuation allowance is not needed. If positive evidence of sufficient quality overcomes the negative evidence, Rockford would reverse all or a portion of the valuation allowance resulting in a decrease to income tax expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Rockford evaluates whether the deferred tax assets are realizable, and the need for valuation allowances, quarterly.
 
At December 31, 2006 Rockford had a net operating loss carryforward for United States federal income tax purposes of approximately $44.0 million. Approximately $42.0 million of this carryforward is from domestic operations and can be carried forward until it begins to expire in 2024. This carryforward results in a deferred tax asset of approximately $14.3 million. Approximately $1.9 million of this loss is from international operations, is subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 and will begin to expire in 2011 if not utilized. This carryforward results in a deferred tax asset of approximately $0.7 million. Rockford also has a deferred tax asset in the amount of $0.9 million for state tax loss carryforwards. The state loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2008. Rockford also has approximately $2.4 million of federal and state tax credits for alternative minimum tax and research and experimentation. The research and experimentation credits begin to expire in 2022 and 2017. However, the alternative minimum tax credits can be carried forward indefinitely. These total credits result in a deferred tax asset of approximately $2.4 million.
 
A valuation allowance was recorded for the entire unreserved balance of net operating loss carryforwards and credits in 2006. Rockford has not recorded a benefit related to losses generated outside of the United States.
 
Significant components of the federal and state income tax expense (benefit) are:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Current:
                       
Federal expense (benefit)
  $ (928 )   $     $ (437 )
State expense (benefit)
                 
Foreign expense
                 
                         
Total current expense (benefit)
    (928 )           (437 )
Deferred:
                       
Federal expense (benefit)
    4,900              
State expense (benefit)
    625              
Foreign expense(benefit)
    591              
                         
Total deferred expense (benefit)
    6,116              
                         
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 5,188     $     $ (437 )
                         


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

A reconciliation of Rockford’s effective income tax rate to the federal statutory rate follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Federal statutory rate — continuing operations
  $ (10,715 )   $ (1,022 )   $ (3,104 )
Federal statutory rate — discontinued operations
    (732 )     (368 )     (53 )
State tax net of federal benefit
    7              
State tax operating loss carryforward
    (570 )     (552 )     (408 )
Nondeductible items
    16       178       110  
Nondeductible goodwill
    2,420              
Tax benefit on disposal of domestic subsidiary stock
                (1,008 )
Federal and state tax credits
          (1,100 )     (367 )
Loss of state net operating losses
                267  
Revision of contingency reserve
                (437 )
Increase in valuation allowance
    13,409       3,177       4,378  
Write-off of affiliate deferred tax assets
    596              
Affiliate unbenefited losses
    962             249  
Other, net
    (205 )     (313 )     (64 )
                         
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 5,188     $     $ (437 )
                         
 
Rockford’s loss attributable to foreign operations amounted to approximately $(10,540,000), $(8,000) and $(732,000) for years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Loss attributable to domestic operations amounted to approximately $(28,315,000), $(4,079,000) and $(8,116,000) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
 
In 2004, Rockford received refunds in the amount of $3.1 million. In 2005, Rockford received refunds in the amount of $0.8 million. In 2006, Rockford received refunds in the amount of $0.5 million. The 2004, 2005 and 2006 refunds were primarily due to amended returns and carry backs of net operating losses into years in which Rockford was in a taxable position.
 
8.   Common Stock Grants and Options
 
Rockford has provided stock option plans for selected employees, directors and consultants. Under the stock option plans, options to purchase common stock of Rockford will be granted to the selected employees, directors and consultants at the fair market value of the underlying common stock. The options generally have a term of ten years and become exercisable over three years commencing on the date of the grant. Under certain circumstances, Rockford has the right to repurchase common stock acquired under the options at their fair market value.
 
At December 31, 2006 Rockford had four active share-based employee compensation plans. Stock option awards granted from these plans are granted at the fair market value on the date of grant, and vest over a period determined at the time the options are granted, ranging from zero to three years, and have a maximum term of ten years. Some options provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans). When options under any of the plans are exercised, new shares of Rockford’s common stock are issued. At December 31, 2006 there were 50,310 shares available for grant under these plans.
 
Prior to January 1, 2006 Rockford accounted for share-based employee compensation, including stock options, using the method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related Interpretations (“APB Opinion No. 25”). Under APB Opinion No. 25 if stock options are granted at market price, no compensation cost is recognized, and a disclosure is made regarding the pro forma effect


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

on net earnings assuming compensation cost had been recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, which requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments at fair value. SFAS No. 123R eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using APB Opinion No 25, and generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using prescribed fair-value based methods.
 
On December 21, 2005 Rockford’s Board of Directors approved accelerating the vesting of certain out-of-the-money, unvested stock options held by current employees, including executive officers and directors. All stock options priced at or above $5.70 were considered to be out-of-the-money. The acceleration was effective as of December 21, 2005. The acceleration of these options was done primarily to eliminate future compensation expense Rockford would otherwise recognize in its income statement with respect to these options upon the adoption of FAS 123R. In addition, because these options have exercise prices in excess of current market values and are not fully achieving their original objectives of incentive compensation and employee retention, management believes that the acceleration may have a positive effect on employee morale and retention. The future expense that was eliminated was approximately $0.3 million, of which approximately $0.2 million is attributable to options held by executive officers and directors.
 
The adoption of SFAS No. 123R increased compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 by approximately $0.4 million. This increased basic and diluted loss per share by $0.05 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The total value of stock option awards is expensed ratably over the service period of the employees receiving the awards. As of December 31, 2006, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested stock option awards was approximately $0.6 million and the related weighted-average period over which these costs are expected to be recognized is approximately 2.3 years. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006 was $0.3 million, $0.7 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, Rockford presented all tax benefits of deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. SFAS No. 123R requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. There were no excess tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, Proforma information regarding net loss and net loss per share was required by FAS No. 123, which also required that the information be determined as if Rockford has accounted for its employee stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994, under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value of each stock option award was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended December 31:
 
                         
    2004     2005     2006  
 
Expected life of the award
    5 years       5 years       5 years  
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
Risk-free interest rate
    3.4 %     4.5 %     4.6 %
Expected volatility
    0.46       0.46       0.47  


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Option activity under the stock option plans during the year ended December 31, 2006 was as follows:
 
                                 
    Outstanding Options     Weighted
       
          Weighted
    Average
    Aggregate
 
          Average
    Remaining
    Intrinsic
 
    Shares     Exercise Price     Contractual Term     Value  
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
    1,589,264     $ 4.69                  
Granted
    530,000       2.65                  
Exercised
    (6,750 )     2.57                  
Expired
    (214,450 )     4.48                  
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    1,898,064       4.15       6.9 years     $ 160,000  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2006
    1,329,214     $ 4.77       5.9 years     $ 93,000  
                                 
 
The intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006 was $175,000, $82,000 and $7,000, respectively. Options to purchase 482,050 shares, 389,150 shares and 530,000 shares respectively were granted during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006.The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 and 2006, was $1.67, $1.35 and $1.26, respectively.
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options under the plans outstanding at December 31, 2006:
 
                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
    Number
    Weighted
          Number
       
    Outstanding at
    Average
    Weighted
    Outstanding at
    Weighted
 
    December 31,
    Remaining
    Average
    December 31,
    Average
 
Range of Exercise Prices
  2006     Contractual Life     Exercise Price     2006     Exercise Price  
 
$2.15 - $3.23
    1,010,400       9.0     $ 2.48       555,050     $ 2.48  
$3.41 - $5.12
    314,100       5.0     $ 3.80       200,600     $ 3.96  
$5.70 - $8.55
    509,064       4.4     $ 6.79       509,064     $ 6.79  
$11.00
    64,500       3.3     $ 11.00       64,500     $ 11.00  
                                         
      1,898,064                       1,329,214          
                                         


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

9.   Income (Loss) Per Share

 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
Numerator:
                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (35,316 )   $ (2,723 )   $ (8,692 )
Loss from discontinued operations
    (3,539 )     (1,364 )     (155 )
                         
Net loss
  $ (38,855 )   $ (4,087 )   $ (8,847 )
                         
Denominator:
                       
Denominator for basic loss per share
    9,066       9,258       9,388  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Employee stock options
                 
Warrants
                 
                         
Dilutive potential common shares
                 
                         
Denominator for diluted loss per share
    9,066       9,258       9,388  
                         
Loss per common share:
                       
Loss from continuing operations
                       
Basic
  $ (3.90 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.92 )
                         
Diluted
  $ (3.90 )   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.92 )
                         
Loss from discontinued operations
                       
Basic
  $ (0.39 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.02 )
                         
Diluted
  $ (0.39 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.02 )
                         
Net loss
                       
Basic
  $ (4.29 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.94 )
                         
Diluted
  $ (4.29 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.94 )
                         
 
The effect of 212,843, 108,269 and 162,901 employee stock options were not included in the diluted loss per share calculation for December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively, as they were not dilutive due to the net loss for the periods. Rockford also has $9.5 million of 4.5% convertible senior subordinated secured notes due 2009 and warrants to purchase 961,573 shares of common stock at $3.73 per share. The noteholders may convert the notes into the Company’s common stock at any time before the scheduled maturity date of June 10, 2009. The conversion price was $4.61 per share. If fully converted, the notes are scheduled to convert into 2,060,738 shares of Rockford’s common stock. The convertible senior subordinated secured notes and warrants were not included in the diluted loss per share calculation for December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, as they were not dilutive due to the net loss for the periods.
 
10.   Contingencies
 
Rockford is a party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Based upon advice from outside legal counsel, management is of the opinion the resolution of these matters will have no material effect on Rockford’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
11.   Benefit Plan
 
Rockford has a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (Plan) covering substantially all employees who have completed six consecutive months of service without regard to hours of service. Under the terms of the Plan, employees may make voluntary contributions, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations. Rockford will match employee contributions up to three percent of the employee’s annual compensation. Additional contributions to the Plan can be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Contributions to the Plan during the year ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, were approximately $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
12.   Stock Purchase Plan
 
On May 17, 1999, the shareholders of Rockford approved an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. A total of 361,200 shares of Rockford’s common stock were reserved for issuance under the plan, which became effective September 1, 1999. Employees were eligible to participate if they were employed by Rockford or a participating subsidiary for at least 20 hours per week and more than five months in any calendar year. Each employee was able to purchase up to $25,000 worth of shares, up to a maximum of 1,000 shares in each six-month purchase period. The price per share purchased under the plan was generally 85 percent of the fair market value of the shares. A total of 342,266 shares were issued during the life of the plan. Rockford discontinued the Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of December 31, 2005.
 
13.   Segment Information
 
Rockford operates its business almost exclusively under the mobile audio segment. Below is geographic information for Rockford’s revenues:
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 31  
Region(1)
  2004     2005     2006     % 2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
United States
  $ 133,682     $ 112,657     $ 86,017       83.7 %
Other Americas (includes Canada)
    9,295       9,438       8,007       7.8 %
Europe
    12,544       9,042       5,316       5.2 %
Asia
    5,336       4,545       3,436       3.3 %
                                 
Total sales to external customers
  $ 160,857     $ 135,682     $ 102,776       100.0 %
                                 
 
 
(1) Revenues are attributed to geographic regions based on the location of customers.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, sales to one customer accounted for 27.7%, 23.4% and 22.6% of total net sales, respectively and sales to another customer represented 13.7% and 14.9% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
 
14.   Disposal of Assets
 
Rockford recorded the following disposals of assets in 2005 and 2006:
 
MB Quart.  Rockford assigned its North American brand rights for MB Quart in September of 2005 and recorded a gain of approximately $0.8 million.
 
Q-Logic.  Rockford sold the assets of its Q-Logic enclosures line of products on March 31, 2006 for $1.75 million. At closing on March 31, 2006, Rockford received $0.8 million of cash and a non-interest bearing note for $1.0 million payable in 30 equal monthly payments beginning May 1, 2006. The note was discounted using Rockford’s effective borrowing rate and recorded as a note receivable. Rockford adjusted the carrying value of its


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ROCKFORD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Q-Logic assets by recording an impairment charge to cost of goods sold of approximately $0.8 million as of December 31, 2005.
 
15.   Restructuring
 
During 2006, Rockford recorded a restructuring charge of approximately $1.3 million. This charge increased general and administrative expenses. Rockford paid $0.7 million during 2006 with the remaining $0.6 million recorded as an accrued liability. The charge is in connection with post-employment benefits and related costs associated with headcount reductions of approximately 100 positions. These included manufacturing, engineering, sales and general administrative positions. Employees immediately affected were notified and began receiving related payments. Remaining employees were given notification of expected termination dates for their respective positions. Payments for these individuals will commence upon their departure. Rockford expects to complete all payments by the quarter ending June 30, 2007.


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Item 9.   Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Rockford’s President, who is its principal executive officer, and its CFO, who is its principal financial officer, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over its financial reporting. They have reviewed Rockford’s disclosure controls and procedures as at December 31, 2006 in order to comply with the SEC’s requirements for certification of this Form 10-K. Rockford is a non-accelerated filer and, accordingly, it is required to comply with the SEC’s enhanced requirements for certification and attestation of internal control over financial reporting for its Form 10-K for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.
 
Rockford is currently evaluating what changes will be needed to meet the enhanced reporting relating to internal controls required by the Sarbanes Oxley Act and subsequent SEC regulations. Rockford is currently in the process of establishing an enhanced internal control process. Rockford did not make any substantial changes in its internal review of Rockford’s financial reporting during 2006.
 
Based on their review of Rockford’s disclosure controls and policies, Rockford’s President and CFO concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Rockford in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and included controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Rockford in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures for 2006.
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
Rockford has not made changes to Rockford’s internal controls, and is not aware of changes in other factors that could affect these controls, since the review of those controls as of December 31, 2006.
 
Item 9B.   Other Information
 
None
 
PART III
 
Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by this item with respect to items 401, 405 and 407 of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Executive Officers and Board of Directors” and “Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the definitive Proxy Statement for Rockford’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 9, 2007.
 
Rockford has adopted a Code of Business Ethics and Policy that applies to its directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive officer, and principal financial officer. The Code of Business Ethics and Policy is available on Rockford’s Internet website at www.rockfordcorp.com. Rockford will post on its website information about any amendment to, or wavier from, any provision of the Code of Business Ethics and Policy that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, or principal accounting officer.
 
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” in the definitive Proxy Statement for Rockford’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 9, 2007.


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Table of Contents

 
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Principal Shareholders and Shareholdings of Officers and Directors,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners,” “Grants of Plan Based Awards During 2006,” and “Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2006” in the definitive Proxy Statement for Rockford’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 9, 2007.
 
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Related Party Transactions” and “Director Independence” in the definitive Proxy Statement for Rockford’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 9, 2007.
 
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” in the definitive Proxy Statement for Rockford’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 9, 2007.
 
PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 32 of this report.
 
Financial Statement Schedule
 
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
ROCKFORD CORPORATION
 
                                         
Column A
  Column B     Column C     Column D     Column E  
    Balance at
    Charged to
    Charged to
             
    Beginning of
    Costs and
    Other
          Balance at
 
Description
  Period     Expenses     Accounts(2)     Deductions(1)     End of Period  
    (In thousands)  
 
December 31, 2006 Receivable allowances
  $ 2,307     $ 856     $ 1774     $ 3670     $ 1,267  
December 31, 2005 Receivable allowances
  $ 3,163     $ 388     $ 3,517     $ 4,761     $ 2,307  
December 31, 2004 Receivable allowances
  $ 2,901     $ 1,841     $ 5,100     $ 6,679     $ 3,163  
 
 
(1) Deductions taken by customers for prompt payment and freight discounts. Includes accounts written off net of recoveries.
 
(2) Amounts netted against sales.
 
Other financial statement schedules have not been presented, as they are not applicable.


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Table of Contents

Exhibits
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Document
 
  3 .1   Articles of Incorporation+
  3 .2   Restated Bylaws as amended through July 27, 2000++
  3 .3   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on January 12, 1988+
  3 .4   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on May 12, 1999+
  3 .5   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on May 17, 1999+
  3 .7   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on July 1, 1999+
  4 .1   Conformed Copy of Indenture dated as of June 10, 2004 between Rockford Corporation and BNY Western Trust Company###
  4 .2   Form of 4.5% Convertible Senior Subordinated Secured Note Due 2009###
  4 .3   Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock###
  4 .4   Conformed Copy of Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 by and among Rockford Corporation, Piper Jaffray & Co. and the Buyers as defined therein###
  4 .5   Conformed Copy of Warrant Agent Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 between Rockford Corporation and BNY Western Trust Company###
  4 .6   Conformed Copy of Security Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 among Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc. and BNY Western Trust Company###
  4 .7   Conformed Copy of Intercreditor Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 by and among Congress Financial Corporation (Western), BNY Western Trust Company, Rockford Corporation and Audio Innovations, Inc.###
  4 .8   Conformed Copy of Global Amendment to Notes, Warrants, Indenture, Security Agreement, Warrant Agent Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement and Waiver of Event of Default dated as of November 12, 2004 by and among Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc., BNY Western Trust Company and the persons listed on the Schedule of Holders attached thereto as Exhibit A####
  4 .9   Conformed Copy of Amendment to Warrants, Warrant Agent Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 12, 2004, by and among Rockford Corporation, BNY Western Trust Company and Piper Jaffray & Co####
  10 .1   1994 Stock Option Plan*+
  10 .2   1997 Stock Option Plan*+
  10 .3   1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as amended and restated*+
  10 .4   Rockford Corporation 2005 Stock Option Plan****
  10 .8   Form of Dealership Agreements+
  10 .14   Employee 401(k) Deferred Compensation Plan and amendments thereto*+
  10 .35   Form of Indemnification Agreement*+
  10 .35.1   Schedule for Indemnification Agreement*+
  10 .48   2002 Stock Option Plan*+++
  10 .54   Lease Agreement between Robert Grooters Development Company and Rockford Corporation#
  10 .55   Warehouse Storage & Logistics Agreement between Titan Logistics, Inc. and Audio Innovations, Inc.#
  10 .56   Multi-tenant Industrial Net Lease between Calwest Industrial Holdings, LLC and Rockford Corporation, dated July 16, 2003#
  10 .57   Supplier Agreement between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Rockford Corporation, effective January 23, 2003#
  10 .58   Direct Imports Supplier Agreement between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Rockford Corporation, dated March 6, 2003#
  10 .59   Commercial Lease Agreements between David and Yvonne Cunningham and Rockford Corporation, as amended#
  10 .60   Commercial Lease Agreement between William Basore and Rockford Corporation, as amended#


58


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Document
 
  10 .62   Loan and Security Agreement among Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc., Congress Financial Corporation (Western), and various Financial Institutions, dated March 29, 2004##
  10 .62.1   First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Conditional Default Waiver among Congress Financial Corporation (Western), as a lender and as administrative and collateral agent for the lenders party to the Loan Agreement, Rockford Corporation, and Audio Innovations, Inc., dated as of June 10, 2004***
  10 .62.2   Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement among Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as a lender and as administrative and collateral agent for the lenders party to the Loan Agreement, Rockford Corporation and Audio Innovations, Inc., dated as of December 30, 2004***
  10 .63   Industrial Lease Agreement between Jerome A. and/or Cathy E. Reynolds and Rockford Corporation, dated as of May 1, 2003***
  10 .64   Stock Purchase Agreement among SimpleDevices, Inc., the stockholders of SimpleDevices, Inc. and Universal Electronics Inc., dated as of October 1, 2004***
  10 .65   Agreement among Tobias Wahl, in his capacity as insolvency trustee of MB Quart GmbH, Rockford Corporation and Rockford Europe Vertriebs GmbH, dated as of March 11, 2005***
  10 .66   Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 between Rockford Corporation and the Buyers as defined therein#####
  10 .67   Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated August 31, 2005, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western).**
  10 .68   Asset Purchase Agreement between Rockford Corporation and NHT, Inc., effective as of October 18, 2005 and relating to the sale of the assets of Rockford’s NHT business.**
  10 .69   Assignment between Rockford and Maxxsonics Europe GmbH relating to the assignment of the MB Quart brand rights in North America to Maxxsonics.**
  10 .70   Fourth amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent, dated March 21, 2006, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western). ****
  10 .71   Asset Purchase Agreement between Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc., and Advanced Integration, LLC, dated as of March 31, 2006.****
  10 .72   Loan and Security Agreement is between Advanced Integration, LLC as borrower and Rockford Corporation as lender, dated March 31, 2006.****
  10 .73   Subordination and Intecreditor Agreement among Rockford Corporation, Advanced Integration, LLC, and Stillwater National Bank And Trust Company, dated as of March 31, 2006.****
  10 .74   Fifth amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent, dated August 31, 2006, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western).****
  10 .75   Agreement between Rockford and David Fiori dated February 22, 2007
  10 .76   Retirement and Salary Continuation Agreement between Rockford and W. Gary Suttle
  10 .77   Fifth Lease Amendment Between Centerpoint Properties Trust and Rockford Corporation, dated November 9, 2006
  10 .78   Sixth amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver, dated March 7, 2007, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western).
  21     List of Subsidiaries of Rockford Corporation
  23 .1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  31 .1   Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for W. Gary Suttle

59


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Document
 
  31 .2   Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Richard G. Vasek
  32     Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 
+ Previously filed with registration statement effective April 19, 2000 and/or amendments.
 
++ Previously filed on August 11, 2000 with Rockford’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
 
+++ Previously filed on March 29, 2002 with Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2001.
 
# Previously filed on March 30, 2004 with Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2003.
 
## Previously filed on May 17, 2004 with Rockford’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.
 
### Previously filed on June 15, 2004 with Rockford’s Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
#### Previously filed on November 15, 2004 with Rockford’s Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
##### Previously filed on June 15, 2004 as Exhibit 10.1 with Rockford’s Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
** Previously filed on November 14, 2005, with Rockford’s quarterly report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.
 
*** Previously filed on April 15, 2005 with Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
 
**** Previously filed on November 14, 2006, with Rockford’s quarterly report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.

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Table of Contents

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d), as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tempe, State of Arizona, on March 26, 2007.
 
ROCKFORD CORPORATION
 
  By: 
/s/  WILLIAM R. JACKSON
William R. Jackson
President
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
             
Name
 
Title
 
Date
 
/s/  WILLIAM R. JACKSON

William R. Jackson
  President (Principal Executive Officer)   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  RICHARD G. VASEK

Richard G. Vasek
  Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Secretary (Principal Financial Officer)   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  MARK E. BARRIERE

Mark E. Barriere
  Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  JERRY E. GOLDRESS

Jerry E. Goldress
  Director   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  TIMOTHY C. BARTOL

Timothy C. Bartol
  Director   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  NICHOLAS G. BARTOL

Nicholas G. Bartol
  Director   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  RALPH B. GODFREY

Ralph B. Godfrey
  Director   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  JOHN P. LLOYD

John P. Lloyd
  Director   March 26, 2007
         
/s/  W. GARY SUTTLE

W. Gary Suttle
  Director   March 26, 2007


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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Document
 
  3 .1   Articles of Incorporation+
  3 .2   Restated Bylaws as amended through July 27, 2000++
  3 .3   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on January 12, 1988+
  3 .4   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on May 12, 1999+
  3 .5   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on May 17, 1999+
  3 .7   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on July 1, 1999+
  4 .1   Conformed Copy of Indenture dated as of June 10, 2004 between Rockford Corporation and BNY Western Trust Company###
  4 .2   Form of 4.5% Convertible Senior Subordinated Secured Note Due 2009###
  4 .3   Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock###
  4 .4   Conformed Copy of Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 by and among Rockford Corporation, Piper Jaffray & Co. and the Buyers as defined therein###
  4 .5   Conformed Copy of Warrant Agent Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 between Rockford Corporation and BNY Western Trust Company###
  4 .6   Conformed Copy of Security Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 among Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc. and BNY Western Trust Company###
  4 .7   Conformed Copy of Intercreditor Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 by and among Congress Financial Corporation (Western), BNY Western Trust Company, Rockford Corporation and Audio Innovations, Inc.###
  4 .8   Conformed Copy of Global Amendment to Notes, Warrants, Indenture, Security Agreement, Warrant Agent Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement and Waiver of Event of Default dated as of November 12, 2004 by and among Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc., BNY Western Trust Company and the persons listed on the Schedule of Holders attached thereto as Exhibit A####
  4 .9   Conformed Copy of Amendment to Warrants, Warrant Agent Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 12, 2004, by and among Rockford Corporation, BNY Western Trust Company and Piper Jaffray & Co####
  10 .1   1994 Stock Option Plan*+
  10 .2   1997 Stock Option Plan*+
  10 .3   1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as amended and restated*+
  10 .4   Rockford Corporation 2005 Stock Option Plan****
  10 .8   Form of Dealership Agreements+
  10 .14   Employee 401(k) Deferred Compensation Plan and amendments thereto*+
  10 .35   Form of Indemnification Agreement*+
  10 .35.1   Schedule for Indemnification Agreement*+
  10 .48   2002 Stock Option Plan*+++
  10 .54   Lease Agreement between Robert Grooters Development Company and Rockford Corporation#
  10 .55   Warehouse Storage & Logistics Agreement between Titan Logistics, Inc. and Audio Innovations, Inc.#
  10 .56   Multi-tenant Industrial Net Lease between Calwest Industrial Holdings, LLC and Rockford Corporation, dated July 16, 2003#
  10 .57   Supplier Agreement between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Rockford Corporation, effective January 23, 2003#
  10 .58   Direct Imports Supplier Agreement between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Rockford Corporation, dated March 6, 2003#
  10 .59   Commercial Lease Agreements between David and Yvonne Cunningham and Rockford Corporation, as amended#
  10 .60   Commercial Lease Agreement between William Basore and Rockford Corporation, as amended#
  10 .62   Loan and Security Agreement among Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc., Congress Financial Corporation (Western), and various Financial Institutions, dated March 29, 2004##


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Document
 
  10 .62.1   First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Conditional Default Waiver among Congress Financial Corporation (Western), as a lender and as administrative and collateral agent for the lenders party to the Loan Agreement, Rockford Corporation, and Audio Innovations, Inc., dated as of June 10, 2004***
  10 .62.2   Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement among Congress Financial Corporation (Western) as a lender and as administrative and collateral agent for the lenders party to the Loan Agreement, Rockford Corporation and Audio Innovations, Inc., dated as of December 30, 2004***
  10 .63   Industrial Lease Agreement between Jerome A. and/or Cathy E. Reynolds and Rockford Corporation, dated as of May 1, 2003***
  10 .64   Stock Purchase Agreement among SimpleDevices, Inc., the stockholders of SimpleDevices, Inc. and Universal Electronics Inc., dated as of October 1, 2004***
  10 .65   Agreement among Tobias Wahl, in his capacity as insolvency trustee of MB Quart GmbH, Rockford Corporation and Rockford Europe Vertriebs GmbH, dated as of March 11, 2005***
  10 .66   Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of June 10, 2004 between Rockford Corporation and the Buyers as defined therein#####
  10 .67   Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated August 31, 2005, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western).**
  10 .68   Asset Purchase Agreement between Rockford Corporation and NHT, Inc., effective as of October 18, 2005 and relating to the sale of the assets of Rockford’s NHT business.**
  10 .69   Assignment between Rockford and Maxxsonics Europe GmbH relating to the assignment of the MB Quart brand rights in North America to Maxxsonics.**
  10 .70   Fourth amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent, dated March 21, 2006, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western). ****
  10 .71   Asset Purchase Agreement between Rockford Corporation, Audio Innovations, Inc., and Advanced Integration, LLC, dated as of March 31, 2006. ****
  10 .72   Loan and Security Agreement is between Advanced Integration, LLC as borrower and Rockford Corporation as lender, dated March 31, 2006. ****
  10 .73   Subordination and Intecreditor Agreement among Rockford Corporation, Advanced Integration, LLC, and Stillwater National Bank And Trust Company, dated as of March 31, 2006. ****
  10 .74   Fifth amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent, dated August 31, 2006, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western).****
  10 .75   Agreement between Rockford and David Fiori dated February 22, 2007.
  10 .76   Retirement and Salary Continuation Agreement between Rockford and W. Gary Suttle.
  10 .77   Fifth Lease Amendment Between Centerpoint Properties Trust and Rockford Corporation, dated November 9, 2006.
  10 .78   Sixth amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver, dated March 7, 2007, among Rockford, Rockford’s wholly owned subsidiary Audio Innovations, Inc. (“AII”), and Wachovia Capital Finance Corporation (Western).
  21     List of Subsidiaries of Rockford Corporation
  23 .1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  31 .1   Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for W. Gary Suttle
  31 .2   Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Richard G. Vasek
  32     Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Table of Contents

 
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 
+ Previously filed with registration statement effective April 19, 2000 and/or amendments.
 
++ Previously filed on August 11, 2000 with Rockford’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
 
+++ Previously filed on March 29, 2002 with Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2001
 
# Previously filed on March 30, 2004 with Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2003.
 
## Previously filed on May 17, 2004 with Rockford’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004
 
### Previously filed on June 15, 2004 with Rockford’s Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
#### Previously filed on November 15, 2004 with Rockford’s Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
##### Previously filed on June 15, 2004 as Exhibit 10.1 with Rockford’s Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
** Previously filed on November 14, 2005 with Rockford’s quarterly report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.
 
*** Previously filed on April 15, 2005 with Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
 
*** Previously filed on April 15, 2005 with Rockford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
 
**** Previously filed on November 14, 2006, with Rockford’s quarterly report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.

EX-10.75 2 p73629exv10w75.htm EX-10.75 exv10w75
 

Exhibit 10.75
DEFINITIVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
between
DAVID FIORI, JR.
and
ROCKFORD CORPORATION
February 22, 2007

 


 

DEFINITIVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
     This Definitive Settlement Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by David Fiori, Jr., a resident of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and his wholly owned companies, Integrated Electronic Technologies and Anamir and Rockford Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of Arizona and having its principal place of business at 600 S. Rockford Drive, Tempe, Arizona (“Rockford”). Each of Fiori and Rockford is a “Party” and collectively they are the “Parties”.
     WHEREAS Fiori initiated a legal action against Rockford in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 01-1018) (“the Lawsuit”) alleging that Rockford infringes U.S. Patent Nos. 5,386,148 and RE 37,130 (“the Patents-in-Suit”);
     WHEREAS Rockford denies infringement and filed a counterclaim against Fiori for declarations that Rockford does not infringe the Patents-in-Suit and that the Patents-in-Suit are invalid and unenforceable;
     WHEREAS fact discovery in the Lawsuit has been partially completed, but additional fact discovery and expert discovery remains to be completed;
     WHEREAS the Parties participated in a mediation on January 17-18, 2007 for the convenience of the Parties and to avoid litigation costs;
     WHEREAS on January 18, 2007 the Parties entered into a Binding Agreement as to Material Terms (“Mediation Agreement”) which set forth certain material terms for settling all outstanding disputes between the Parties and which obligated the Parties enter into a Definitive Settlement Agreement containing the material terms of the Mediation Agreement and additional non-material terms;

2


 

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
     1.1 “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person (as defined herein), any other Person which, at the time of determination, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control (as defined herein) with such Person.
     1.2 “Control” means, as to any Person, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership, contract, or otherwise. The terms “Controlled by,” “under Common Control with” and “Controlling” have correlative meanings.
     1.3 “Effective Date” means the last date of the signatures of the Parties of this Agreement.
     1.4 “Fiori” means David Fiori, Jr., Integrated Electronic Technologies, Anamir, and any other Person (as defined herein) that may be an Affiliate of David Fiori, Jr., and each of their respective subsidiaries, heirs, executors, administrators, corporate predecessors and successors, and Affiliates worldwide.
     1.6 “Rockford” means Rockford Corporation and its respective subsidiaries, heirs, executors, administrators, corporate predecessors and successors, and Affiliates worldwide
     1.7 “Fiori Patents” means any and all Patents (as defined herein) that, as of the Effective Date, are owned by Fiori, for which Fiori has applied or may apply, or that Fiori has

3


 

any right to acquire, license or assert, by contract or otherwise, anywhere in the world, including but not limited to the Patents-in-Suit, and all counterparts to those Patents everywhere in the world.
     1.8 “Patents” means any and all utility patents, reissue patents, reexamined patents, design patents, utility models, inventor certificates, other analogous rights to inventions, and applications for any of the foregoing, inside or outside the United States of America.
     1.9 “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, or unincorporated organization.
     1.10 “Topaz Patent” shall mean U.S. Patent No. 5,751,823.
ARTICLE II
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS
     2.1 Subject to the obligations of Article III and paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2.3 herein, Fiori hereby fully, absolutely, unconditionally and completely releases, waives and discharges Rockford and its present and former directors, officers, employees, attorneys, stockholders and agents, and in the case of individuals, their respective heirs, receivers, conservators, beneficiaries, executors and administrators (collectively, “Released Rockford Persons”) from any and all actions, causes of action, setoffs, claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, cross-actions, third- party actions, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, losses, demands, costs, expenses, liabilities, obligations, accounts, defenses, claims for relief or judgments, of whatever kind or character, including, but not limited to, all matters arising out of statute, common law, contract, tort, regulation, violation of law or otherwise, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or unfixed, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise,

4


 

at law or in equity, anywhere in the world, for or because of any matter or thing done, omitted, admitted or suffered to be done now or hereafter, relating to events prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement (collectively, hereinafter the “Released Fiori Claims”) that Fiori ever had or now has against Released Rockford Persons.
     2.2 Subject to the obligations of Article III and paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 herein, Rockford hereby fully, absolutely, unconditionally and completely releases, waives and discharges Fiori, and in the case of business entities, their present and former members, directors, officers, employees, attorneys, stockholders and agents, and in the case of individuals, their respective heirs, receivers, conservators, beneficiaries, executors and administrators (collectively, “Released Fiori Persons”) from any and all actions, causes of action, setoffs, claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, cross-actions, third-party actions, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, losses, demands, costs, expenses, liabilities, obligations, accounts, defenses, claims for relief or judgments, of whatever kind or character, including, but not limited to, all matters arising out of statute, common law, contract, tort, regulation, violation of law or otherwise, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or unfixed, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, at law or in equity, anywhere in the world, for or because of any matter or thing done, omitted, admitted or suffered to be done now or hereafter, relating to events prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement (collectively, hereinafter the “Released Rockford Claims”) that Rockford ever had or now has against Released Fiori Persons.

5


 

     2.3 This Agreement is for the convenience of the Parties and to avoid litigation costs. Nothing in this Agreement is an admission by Rockford of infringement of the Patents-in-Suit or by either Party of liability to the other.
ARTICLE III
COVENANTS
     3.1 Fiori covenants and agrees as follows:
     3.1.1 Fiori will dismiss all Fiori’s claims in the Lawsuit with prejudice within 15 days of the Effective Date.
     3.1.2 Fiori will refrain forever from instituting, prosecuting, maintaining or pressing any action for any Released Fiori Claim against any Released Rockford Person.
     3.1.3 Fiori will defend and hold Rockford harmless against any claim of patent infringement made by any licensee of any Fiori Patent with respect to products or technology embodied in products Rockford has developed through the Effective Date of this Agreement, including new products using the same or substantially similar technology (the “Current Rockford Technology”).
     3.1.4 Rockford shall have no obligation to report to Fiori any information obtained by Rockford in the future.
     3.2 Rockford covenants and agrees as follows:
     3.2.1 Rockford will dismiss all Rockford’s claims in the Lawsuit with prejudice within 15 days of the Effective Date.
     3.2.2 Rockford will refrain forever from instituting, prosecuting, maintaining or pressing any action for any Released Rockford Claim against any Released Fiori Person.

6


 

     3.2.3 Rockford will cease manufacturing products using the “Topaz” design by December 31, 2007, and will stop using the “Topaz” name on that date, except for products sold under the following sentence. Fiori agrees that Rockford may sell product using the “Topaz” design and name out of inventory held as of December 31, 2007, until exhausted.
     3.2.4 Rockford will not license its “Topaz” patent to any third party, except as part of a resolution of a legal action to enforce the “Topaz” patent. Rockford shall have no authority to grant any license under any Fiori patent, and nothing herein shall limit Fiori’s right to pursue any remedy he might otherwise have against any third party.
     3.2.5 Rockford will not make a claim relating to the Topaz patent against any licensee of Fiori with respect to products (a) covered by either of the Fiori Patents-in-Suit and (b) using separate transformers or constant current sources for isolation with respect to the noise circuit.
     3.2.6 Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as giving Fiori any license under the Topaz Patent or any right to license any third party under the Topaz Patent; provided, however, that if Fiori licenses products (a) covered by either of the Fiori Patents-in-Suit and (b) using separate transformers or constant current sources for isolation with respect to the noise circuit, said licenses shall not be considered licensing under the Topaz Patent.
     3.3 The Parties each covenant and agree that any future legal action between them in connection with any Released Fiori Claim or any Released Rockford Claim, including but not limited to infringement of any Fiori Patent, shall be limited to enforcement of this Agreement.

7


 

ARTICLE IV
PAYMENT
     4.1 Subject to Fiori’s covenants and representations herein:
     (a) Rockford agrees to make a payment of $750,000 within 5 business days after execution of this Agreement.
     (b) Rockford further agrees to make additional payments upon the following schedule:
         
August 1, 2007:
  $ 225,500  
         
February 1, 2008:
  $ 212,500  
         
August 1, 2008:
  $ 212,500  
         
December 1, 2008:
  $ 212,500  
         
The payments of this Paragraph 4.1 shall be made to the trust account of the law firm of Obermeyer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel LLP.
     4.2 Rockford agrees to deliver to Fiori with the Definitive Agreement a stipulated judgment in the event of Default for an amount equal to 120% of all unpaid installments at the time of any Default. Fiori may file and commence enforcement of the stipulated judgment only after a Default. The form of stipulated judgment is attached as Exhibit C. A Default will occur if and only if: (1) Rockford fails to make a payment to Fiori on the scheduled dates identified in 4.1(a) and (b) above, (2) Fiori gives Rockford notice of the failure, and (3) Rockford fails to make the payment within 15 days after Fiori’s notice.

8


 

ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
     5.1 Fiori represents and warrants as follows.
     5.1.1 Exhibit A is a complete and accurate list of Fiori Patents. Fiori is the sole and exclusive owner of title to all Fiori Patents listed in Exhibit A.
     5.1.2 No Person other than Fiori owns any right, title, or interest in or to any of the Patents listed in Exhibit A, except for the Persons and rights listed in Exhibit B.
     5.1.3 No Person other than Fiori has any right to enforce any right under any Patent listed in Exhibit A.
     5.1.4 The person signing for Fiori has the power and authority to enter the covenants, and satisfy all of Fiori’s other obligations under this Agreement.
     5.1.5 Fiori will indemnify and hold harmless all Released Rockford Persons against any claim by any licensee of any of the Patents-in-Suit that any of the Current Rockford Technology infringes on any of the Patents-in-Suit.
5.2   Rockford represents and warrants as follows.
     5.2.1 Rockford has the power and authority to satisfy all of its obligations under this Agreement.
     5.2.2 The individual signing for Rockford has authority to make this Agreement for Rockford.
     5.2.3 Rockford is unaware of any infringement by Rockford of any of Fiori patent. For avoidance of doubt, Rockford denies infringement of the Patents-in-Suit asserted by Fiori in the Lawsuit, and Rockford’s

9


 

knowledge of Fiori’s claims raised in the Lawsuit shall not constitute a breach of this representation.
ARTICLE VI
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
     6.1 The Parties appoint Jonathan B. Marks as sole arbitrator to render a binding decision to resolve any disputes that may arise among the Parties concerning the terms of this Agreement, as well as any disputes that may arise during the course of the performance of this Agreement, except those relating to the Stipulated Judgment, which shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Judge Patrese B. Tucker of the the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Marks shall have sole discretion to set the arbitration procedures. Any binding decision rendered by Mr. Marks as arbitrator shall be enforceable in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
     7.1 This Agreement may be terminated only by unanimous consent of all Parties.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL
     8.1 Integration.
     8.1.1 This Agreement is intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the arrangements between the Parties with respect to the matters contemplated in the Agreement, and cannot be changed or terminated orally, and merges all prior understandings, representations and undertakings between the Parties.

10


 

     8.1.2 This Agreement is intended to incorporate the Binding Mediation Agreement.
     8.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but each of which shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.
     8.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of Pennsylvania, exclusive of its choice of law provisions.
     8.4 Headings. Articles, titles, and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The Exhibits referred to herein shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim herein.
     8.5 Right to Counsel. Each Party agrees it has been represented by counsel, or has knowingly waived its right to counsel in the negotiation of this Agreement. Each Party agrees it has participated in the drafting of this Agreement, and no interpretive presumption may be made against any Party as a drafter.
     8.6 Notices. All notices provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given:
     8.6.1 if by hand delivery or facsimile for receipt during regular business hours, the date on which same is hand delivered or received, or the following regular business day if after regular business hours;
     8.6.2 if by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and postage prepaid, 3 days after the same is deposited with the U.S. Postal Service;

11


 

     8.6.3 if by Federal Express, DHL, or other express delivery service with receipt signature, the date actually received by recipient;
  8.6.4   if to Rockford, addressed to:

Rockford Corporation
600 S. Rockford Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Facsimile: 480-966-3639
 
      With a copy to:

Kevin Olson, Esq.
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
201 E. Washington St., Suite 1600
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Facsimile: 602-452-0903

 
      or such other address as Rockford may give notice;
 
  8.6.5   if to Fiori, addressed to:

 
      Mr. David Fiori, Jr.
2075 Byberry Road,
Suite 104, Bensalem, PA 19020.

With a copy to:

Mr. Gary Samms
Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, LLP
One Penn Center – 19th Floor
1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1895
Facsimile: 602-452-0903

or such other address as Fiori may give notice.
     8.7 Expenses. Each Party shall bear its own expenses in connection with performance under this Agreement, except that the prevailing Party in any legal action or arbitration arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney fees.

12


 

     8.8 Transferability. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Rockford may assign this Agreement (i) to any Affiliate or (ii) in connection with a disposition of all or substantially all of its audio electronic business, whether by acquisition, merger, sale of stock or sale of assets.
     8.9 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remainder shall be enforced as fully as possible, and the unenforceable provision shall be deemed modified to the limited extent required to permit its enforcement in a manner most closely representing the intention of the Parties as expressed herein.
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed or caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date(s) indicated by their signatures.
         
FIORI
  ROCKFORD CORPORATION
 
 
     
Signature:
/s/ David Fiori, Jr.
  Signature: /s/ Richard G. Vasek
 
 
     
 
 
     
Printed Name:
 David Fiori, Jr.
  Printed Name:  Richard G. Vasek
 
 
     
 
 
     
Title:
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
 
 
     
 
 
     
Date:
February 22, 2007
  Date: February 22, 2007
 
 
     

13


 

EXHIBIT A
FIORI PATENTS
RE37,130 Signal conditioning apparatus
6,211,731 Impedance altering apparatus
6,078,215 Impedance altering apparatus
5,694,081 Signal conditioning apparatus
5,664,022 Noise gate control circuitry for electronic systems
5,436,593 Signal conditioning apparatus
5,386,148 Signal conditioning apparatus
Application #: 20060093155 Interface enhancement apparatus 10/980,883
Application # unknown:
Docket #10146, Filed: June 28, 2006, Title: Auxiliary Interface
Apparatus 11/4781391

14


 

EXHIBIT B
FIORI PATENT LICENSEES
Winntech Digital Systems, KS
Precision Interface & Electronics, CA
Anamir Electronics, Inc., PA

15


 

EXHIBIT C
Judgment Note
Dated: January                     , 2007
For value received, due consideration and to settle an on-going dispute and without admitting liability, the undersigned hereby promises to pay to the Order of David Fiori, Jr. the principal sum of $1.613 million without interest, according to the following schedule:
      Within 5 days of execution of a certain Definitive Settlement Agreement between David Fiori Jr. and Rockford: $750,000
         
August 1, 2007:
  $ 225,500  
 
February 1, 2008:
  $ 212,500  
 
August 1, 2008:
  $ 212,500  
 
December 1, 2008:
  $ 212,500  
If, however, in the event Default, the balance due shall equal 120% of all unpaid installments at the time of any Default. A Default will occur if and only if: (1) Rockford fails to make a payment to Fiori on the scheduled dates identified above, (2) Fiori gives Rockford notice of the failure, and (3) Rockford fails to make the payment within 15 days after Fiori’s notice.
The undersigned does hereby authorize and empower the Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, or any attorney or any court of record in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, to appear for and to confess judgment against the undersigned for the above sum.
This obligation shall bind the undersigned and the undersigned’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and the benefits hereof shall enure to the payee hereof and its successors and assigns.
This note may be registered in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and transferred without objection by the undersigned to any jurisdiction or said note may be collected on. This note is entered into and acknowledged after ample opportunity to consult with counsel.
ROCKFORD CORPORATION
Signature:                                         
Printed Name:                                         
Title:                                         
Date:                                         

16

EX-10.76 3 p73629exv10w76.htm EX-10.76 exv10w76
 

Exhibit 10.76
RETIREMENT AND SALARY CONTINUATION AGREEMENT
This Agreement affects an agreeable termination in connection with retirement of the employment relationship between Mr. W. Gary Suttle (“MR. SUTTLE”) and ROCKFORD CORPORATION (“EMPLOYER”), as well as resolution of any claims, known and unknown, now existing between the parties. The terms of this agreement are as follows:
1.   Release. MR. SUTTLE has retired and is released from full time employment effective February 28, 2007 (hereinafter referred to as “the release date”). However, he will remain on EMPLOYER’s payroll as an employee for the remainder of February 2007 and for 24 months after February 2007, ending February 28, 2009, subject to earlier termination under Section 2.g below (the “Salary Continuation Period”),.
2.   Payment. Upon execution of this Agreement, and in consideration for each of the terms of this Agreement, EMPLOYER will provide MR. SUTTLE with the following:
  a.   MR. SUTTLE will be paid salary continuation during the Salary Continuation Period. These payments will be made in equal installments on a bi-weekly basis beginning March 9, 2007. MR. SUTTLE will continue to be paid on EMPLOYER’s payroll until the end of the 24-month salary continuation period.
 
  b.   EMPLOYER will pay to MR. SUTTLE, by check on the next payroll immediately following the release date, the cash value of any vacation time MR. SUTTLE has accrued to the release date.
 
  c.   MR. SUTTLE’s Short and Long Term Disability plan eligibility will end on the release date as directed by plan guidelines.
 
  d.   MR. SUTTLE will continue to be eligible to participate in EMPLOYER’S health care benefits during the Salary Continuation Period, with normal deductions from his salary continuation payments at the rate applicable to all employees and subject to further continuation of those benefits as set forth in COBRA for an additional 18 months if MR. SUTTLE elects to do so.
 
  e.   MR. SUTTLE will agree to continue to submit to all employee restrictions regarding transactions in EMPLOYER stock and/or stock options as applicable under the stock option plans and grant agreements between EMPLOYER and MR. SUTTLE. MR. SUTTLE’s stock options will expire either 30 days after the end of the Salary Continuation Period or on the day of the end of the Salary Continuation Period, depending on their respective grant dates, unless MR. SUTTLE elects to exercise them. All unvested stock options will fully vest effective February 28, 2007 subject to the execution of this Agreement.
 
  f.   MR. SUTTLE may continue to make contributions to his 401(k) plan until the end of the salary continuation period.

 


 

  g.   MR. SUTTLE is free to secure other employment elsewhere at any time after the date or release. However, the Salary Continuation Period will end and payments will stop effective on the hire date should he secure employment with a company that as of the date of this Agreement was a direct competitor or major supplier of EMPLOYER. MR. SUTTLE will advise EMPLOYER of accepting employment within 5 days of such acceptance.
 
  h.   MR. SUTTLE will retain the notebook computer and accessories that were provided to him by EMPLOYER following the deletion of any sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information by EMPLOYER’s IT Department.
 
  i.   MR. SUTTLE will remain as a member of the Board of Directors until the end of his current term, but will not stand for re-election. He will continue to be covered by the Company’s D&O Insurance and his existing indemnification agreement will continue in effect throughout the term and after the term of his service as a director
3.   Confidentiality. MR. SUTTLE agrees to hold in confidence and not to disclose to others without the prior written consent of EMPLOYER, any and all technical information, economic information, sales and marketing information, data, specifications, know-how, process information and methods of business relating to EMPLOYER or its future plans that was disclosed to MR. SUTTLE either directly or indirectly, orally or in writing, or by inspection of equipment, material and/or procedures used at any EMPLOYER facility, including but not limited to blueprints, drawings and designs.
4.   Releases and Covenant Not to Sue. Except as to any dispute arising out of the performance of this Agreement, MR. SUTTLE agrees that he will not initiate or cause to be initiated against EMPLOYER (or any of its agents, servants, elected officials or any person or entity acting by, through, under or in concern with it) (collectively referred to as “Released Parties”) any lawsuit, compliance review, action, grievance proceeding or appeal, investigation or proceeding of any kind, or participate in same, individually or as a representative or a member of a class, under any contract (express or implied) law or regulation (federal, state or local), pertaining or in any way related to his employment with EMPLOYER. Except as to any dispute arising out of the performance of this Agreement, EMPLOYER agrees that, pursuant to this Agreement, it releases and forever discharges MR. SUTTLE from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, and any liability whatsoever on account of or in any manner arising out of MR. SUTTLE’S employment by EMPLOYER or termination of such employment
5.   Release of Damages. Except as to any dispute arising out of the performance of this Agreement, MR. SUTTLE agrees that, pursuant to this Agreement, he releases and forever discharges Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, and any liability whatsoever on account of or in any manner arising out of MR. SUTTLE’S employment by EMPLOYER or termination of such employment with Released Parties. By way of example only, and without limiting this release, MR. SUTTLE releases the Releasees from any cause of action, right, claim or liability under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the United States Constitution or Arizona

 


 

    Constitution, the Arizona Civil Rights Act, and any other equal employment opportunity law or statute, any common law claim including wrongful discharge, imply or express contract, the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, or any other claim in tort or contract arising under the law.
6.   Bar. MR. SUTTLE and EMPLOYER each agree that this Agreement may be pleaded as a complete bar to any action or suit by the other before any court or administrative body, with respect to any claim under federal, state or other law relating to MR. SUTTLE’S employment by EMPLOYER or termination of such employment.
7.   Indemnification. MR. SUTTLE and EMPLOYER each agree (as an “indemnitor”) to indemnify and hold the other harmless from any and against all loss, costs, damages or expenses, including without limitation, attorney’s fees, arising out of indemnitor’s breach of this Agreement or the fact that any representation made by indemnitor herein was false when made.
8.   References. MR. SUTTLE agrees to inform all prospective employers that requests for references will be directed in writing to Rockford’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.
9.   Confidentiality of Salary continuation Agreement. MR. SUTTLE and EMPLOYER each agree to keep both the existence and terms of this Agreement completely confidential, and to not disclose the contents of this Agreement to anyone except their respective attorneys, accountants and spouses, unless required to do so by law. Because of Rockford’s public company status and Mr. Suttle’s position as Principal Executive Officer, MR. SUTTLE acknowledges that disclosure may be required under applicable securities laws and consents to such disclosure to the extent EMPLOYER’S counsel advised EMPLOYER that it is necessary.
10.   Non-Disparagement. MR. SUTTLE and EMPLOYER each agree to not engage in oral or written comments of a disparaging nature regarding the other, to any third party, including, without limitation, their own or the other’s employers, employees, officers, directors, contractors, customers or any other person related to their respective employment or business.
11.   Denial of Liability. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed as an admission by MR. SUTTLE or EMPLOYER of improper conduct, omissions or liability.
12.   Notice of Time for Reflection and Waiver. MR. SUTTLE acknowledges that he has fully discussed all aspects of this Agreement with his advisor. MR. SUTTLE agrees that he has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that he is voluntarily entering into this Agreement. MR. SUTTLE is advised that, prior to waiving claims he may have under the Age Discrimination Act, he may take up to forty-five (45) days to consider this Agreement before signing, and he may revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days after he signs this Agreement. In the event this agreement is signed prior the expiration of 45 days, MR. SUTTLE acknowledges that he voluntarily and knowingly agrees to waive his entitlement to take 45 days to consider this agreement for the purpose of expediting the settlement. MR. SUTTLE is encouraged to seek the advice of an advisor.
13.   Complete Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire Agreement between the parties hereto.

 


 

14.   Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be construed, enforced, and governed by the laws of the State of Arizona, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.
15.   Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or determined by the Court to be illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions shall not be affected thereby and said illegal part, term or provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement.
     
DATE March 16, 2007
  /s/ W. Gary Suttle
 
   
 
  W. GARY SUTTLE
 
   
DATE: March 16, 2007
  ROCKFORD CORPORATION
 
   
 
   
 
  By /s/ Jerry Goldress
 
 
 
 
       JERRY GOLDRESS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Signed before me by W. GARY SUTTLE, known to me, on this 16th day of March, 2007.
Witness /s/ Sandra K. Weeks (Arizona Notary Public)                    DATE: 3/16/2007                    

 

EX-10.77 4 p73629exv10w77.txt EX-10.77 Exhibit 10.77 FIFTH LEASE AMENDMENT THIS FIFTH LEASE AMENDMENT ("AMENDMENT") is dated as of _____________, 2006 by and between CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST, a Maryland real estate investment trust ("LANDLORD") and ROCKFORD CORPORATION, an Arizona corporation ("TENANT"). RECITALS A. Tenant and Robert Grooters Development Company, as Managing Agent for 3056 Walker Ridge Drive, L.C. ("ORIGINAL LANDLORD") entered into that certain Lease and Addendum to Lease dated as of September 26, 2003 (the" ORIGINAL LEASE") with respect to certain premises containing approximately 162,875 square feet (the "PREMISES") constituting a portion of the building commonly know as 3056 Walker Ridge Drive, Walker, Michigan (the "BUILDING"). B. The Original Lease was amended by: (i) that certain First Amendment to Lease dated as of March 23, 2004 (the "FIRST AMENDMENT"), (ii) that certain Second Amendment to Lease dated as of June 23, 2004 (the "SECOND AMENDMENT"), (iii) that certain Third Amendment to Lease dated as of November 10, 2004 (the "THIRD AMENDMENT"), (iv) that certain Letter dated August 19, 2005 (the "WAIVER LETTER"), and (v) that certain Fourth Amendment to Lease dated as of December 14, 2005 (the "FOURTH AMENDMENT"). The Original Lease and the First Amendment, Second Amendment, Third Amendment, Waiver Letter and Fourth Amendment are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "LEASE". C. Landlord is the successor to Original Landlord's interest in the Lease. D. Landlord and Tenant have decided that it is in their mutual best interest to cancel and terminate the Lease, as to that portion of the Premises containing approximately 80,000 square feet of space and shown as crosshatched on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the "RELEASE PARCEL"), subject to the terms and conditions set form herein. E. Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that the Lease shall continue in full force and effect as to the remaining approximately 82,875 square feet of space in the Premises, also as shown on Exhibit A (the "REMAINDER PARCEL"), subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein. NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. Recitals. The Recitals are incorporated into this Amendment as if fully set forth in this Section 1. 2. Definitions. All terms used herein, unless otherwise specified, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Lease. 3. Effective Date. The effective date of this Fifth Lease Amendment (the "EFFECTIVE DATE") shall be July 1, 2007. 1 4. Partial Termination. A. Landlord and Tenant agree that the Lease, as to the Release Parcel only, shall be canceled and terminated effective as of the Effective Date as if said date were the expiration date (including any and all periods by which the term of the Lease could be extended at the option of either party) originally set forth therein, and on the Effective Date the Lease, as to the Release Parcel only, and each and all the covenants, undertakings, duties and obligations arising thereunder or otherwise as a consequence of the landlord-tenant relationship between the parties, as to the Release Parcel only, shall be deemed null and void and of no further force and effect, and neither of the parties shall have any rights or obligations as against the other with respect to the Release Parcel, except for the payment of Base Rent and Additional Rent accruing prior to the Effective Date. B. Tenant hereby surrenders, remises and quit claims to Landlord, its successors and assigns, forever, all of Tenant's right, title and interest as lessee under the Lease in and to the Release Parcel, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD THE SAME UNTO LANDLORD, its successors and assigns, forever, from and after the Effective Date. C. Landlord and Tenant each shall remain primarily and fully liable for the fulfillment of all of their respective obligations and duties under the Lease with respect to the Release Parcel from the date hereof through the Effective Date. D. Tenant agrees that it will surrender the Release Parcel to Landlord in good order and condition, subject to normal wear and tear, and in "broom clean" condition, on the Effective Date. 5. Amendment. As of the Effective Date, the Lease shall be and hereby is amended as follows: A. Premises. Landlord and Tenant hereby acknowledge that, for all purposes relating to the Lease, after the deletion of the Release Parcel, the entire Premises leased by Tenant shall include only the Remainder Parcel, consisting of approximately 82,875 rentable square feet. Landlord and Tenant agree that the Lease shall continue in full force and effect as to the Remainder Parcel, subject to the amendments set forth herein, and Landlord and Tenant each shall remain primarily and fully liable for the fulfillment of all of their respective obligations and duties under the Lease with respect to the Remainder Parcel. From and after the Effective Date, all references in the Lease to the "Premises" or "Leased Premises" shall be deemed to refer to the Remainder Parcel only. B. Base Rent. Commencing with the Effective Date and continuing throughout the remainder of the Lease Term, the Base Rent payable pursuant to Section 3 of the Lease shall be the following: 2
PERIOD ANNUAL BASE RENT MONTHLY BASE RENT ------ ---------------- ----------------- July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 $359,691.25 $29,974.27 July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009 $339,691.25 $28,307.60
C. Additional Rent. Commencing with the Effective Date and continuing throughout the remainder of the Lease Term, "Leesee's Proportionate Share" as defined in Section 3 of the Lease, shall be 24.73%. D. Parking. Section 6 of the Lease shall be deleted and replaced with the following: "Lessee, its employees, agents and invitees, shall have the non-exclusive right to use twenty (20) automobile parking spaces at the Building, in the location shown on Exhibit B attached hereto." E. Utilities. Section 16 of the Lease shall be amended to provide that, commencing on the Effective Date and continuing throughout the remainder of the Lease Term, Tenant shall only be responsible for payment of utilities for the Remainder Parcel. 6. Condition of Premises. Tenant acknowledges that it is familiar with the Premises and that, except as set forth below, Tenant shall accept the Remainder Parcel in "as is" condition and that, except as set forth below, no promises of Landlord to alter, remodel, decorate, clean or improve the Remainder Parcel and no representation respecting the condition of the Remainder Parcel has been made by Landlord to Tenant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall, subject to Landlord's receipt of Tenant's Contribution (as hereinafter defined), on or prior to the Effective Date, demise the Remainder Parcel from the Release Parcel in a manner reasonably acceptable to Tenant 7. Security Deposit. Commencing on ____________________, 2006 [Note - this will be the same date that the Tenant's Contribution is due pursuant to Section 8 below], Section 4 of the Lease shall be amended to provide that the Security Deposit shall be reduced from $44,000.00 to $22,392.00. Landlord shall refund the excess Security Deposit, in the amount of $21,608.00, to Tenant. 8. Tenant's Contribution. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Amendment, Tenant shall, no later than _________________, 2006 [Note - this will be the same date that the Landlord refunds the excess Security Deposit to Tenant pursuant to Section 7 above], deposit the amount of $30,000.00 (the "TENANT'S CONTRIBUTION") with Landlord, representing the Tenant's contribution toward the Landlord's costs and expenses related to leasing the Release Parcel to a third party tenant and demising the Remainder Parcel from the Release Parcel. 9. [Intentionally Deleted.] 3 10. Use/Compliance. During the term of the Lease, if Tenant's processes or the type of product being manufactured or stored by Tenant in the Premises does not meet applicable municipal codes and requirements, the cost of any improvements or modifications required to the Premises in order to bring the Premises into compliance with all applicable municipal codes and requirements shall be performed in a timely manner at Tenant's sole cost and expense and otherwise in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Lease. 11. No Other Modification. The Lease is only modified as set forth herein and in all other respects remains in full force and effect. 12. No Default. Tenant acknowledges that the Lease is in full force and effect and that there are no defaults thereunder or any conditions which with only the passage of time or giving of notice or both would become a default thereunder. Landlord acknowledges that, to its actual knowledge, Tenant is not in default under any of the terms of the Lease. 13. Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. 14. Modification. This Amendment may not be modified or amended except by written agreement executed by the parties hereto. 15. Governing Law. The validity, meaning and effect of this Amendment shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. 16. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 17. Severability. The parties hereto intend and believe that each provision in this Amendment comports with all applicable local, state and federal laws and judicial decisions. However, if any provision in this Amendment is found by a court of law to be in violation of any applicable ordinance, statute, law, administrative or judicial decision, or public policy, and if such court should declare such provision to be illegal, void or unenforceable as written, then such provision shall be given force to the fullest possible extent that the same is legal, valid and enforceable and the remainder of this Amendment shall be construed as if such provision was not contained therein. 18. Construction. The headings of this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof. Where the context so requires, words used in singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and words of one gender shall include all other genders. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Lease and the terms and conditions of this Amendment, the terms and conditions of this Amendment shall prevail. 19. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Amendment shall inure to the sole benefit of the parties hereto. Nothing contained herein shall create, or be construed to create, any right in any person not a party to this Amendment. 4 20. Legal Review. The parties hereto acknowledge that they have been advised by legal counsel of their choice in connection with the interpretation, negotiation, drafting and effect of this Amendment and they are satisfied with such legal counsel and the advice which they have received. 21. Facsimile Signatures. The parties hereto agree that the use of facsimile signatures for the negotiation and execution of this Amendment shall be legal and binding and shall have the same full force and effect as if originally signed. 22. No Commissions. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that no real estate brokerage commission or finder's fee shall be payable by Landlord in connection with this Amendment. In the event that Tenant has contracted with a real estate broker, Tenant shall be solely responsible for the payment of such broker's commissions and Tenant shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims of said broker. [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.] 5 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH LEASE AMENDMENT.] WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the date set forth above. LANDLORD: TENANT: CENTERPOINT PROPERTIES TRUST, a ROCKFORD CORPORATION, an Arizona Maryland real estate investment trust corporation By: /s/ Illegible By: /s/ Illegible --------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Its: Its: CFO -------------------------------- Name: Illegible Name: ------------------------------- By: /s/ Michael Tortorici --------------------------------- Its: Michael Tortorici Name: Vice President, Treasurer 6 EXHIBIT A ROCKFORD CORP. FIFTH AMENDMENT (LOGO) (FLOOR PLAN) 3056 WALKER RIDGE DRIVE 335,125 SQUARE FEET
EX-10.78 5 p73629exv10w78.htm EX-10.78 exv10w78
 

Exhibit 10.78
SIXTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT AND WAIVER
     THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT AND WAIVER (this “Amendment”), dated as of March ___, 2007, is entered into among WACHOVIA CAPITAL FINANCE CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation formerly known as Congress Financial Corporation (Western) (“Agent”), as administrative and collateral agent for the Lenders party to the Loan Agreement (as defined below) from time to time (“Lenders”), WACHOVIA CAPITAL FINANCE CORPORATION (WESTERN), a California corporation formerly known as Congress Financial Corporation (Western), as a Lender (“Wachovia”), ROCKFORD CORPORATION, an Arizona corporation (“Borrower Agent”), and AUDIO INNOVATIONS, INC., an Oklahoma corporation (“AII” and together with Rockford, collectively, “Borrowers”).
RECITALS
     A. Agent, Wachovia, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as arranger, and Borrowers have previously entered into that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated March 29, 2004 as amended by the First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Conditional Default Waiver dated as of June 10, 2004, the Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 30, 2004, the Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 31, 2005, the Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent dated as of March 21, 2006 and the Fifth Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 31, 2006 (the “Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which Wachovia has made certain loans and financial accommodations available to Borrowers. Terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement.
     B. The following Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Loan Agreement: Borrowers and their Subsidiaries failed to earn a minimum consolidated EBITDA during the six (6) months ended December 31, 2006 as required in Section 9.17.1 of the Loan Agreement (the foregoing Event of Default will be referred to herein as the “Known Existing Default”).
     C. Borrowers have requested Agent and Wachovia to amend the Loan Agreement in certain respects and to waive the Known Existing Default, and Agent and Wachovia are now willing to accommodate such request on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
     D. Borrowers are entering into this Amendment with the understanding and agreement that, except as specifically provided herein, none of Agent’s or Lenders’ rights or remedies as set forth in the Loan Agreement is being waived or modified by the terms of this Amendment.

 


 

AGREEMENT
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
     1. Amendment to Loan Agreement. Section 9.17.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
     “9.17.1 EBITDA. Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, shall earn EBITDA, during each period set forth below, of not less then the amount set forth opposite such period:
         
Period   Amount
Three months ending March 31, 2007
    <$500,000>  
Six months ending June 30, 2007
  $ 1,250,000  
Nine months ending September 30, 2007
  $ 3,000,000  
Twelve months ending December 31, 2007
  $ 4,000,000  
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, if on the last day of any of the foregoing periods, the difference between the Excess Availability (before giving effect to the $3,500,000 permanent Reserve but after giving effect to any other Reserves) minus the sum of (a) all of the Borrowers’ trade payables that are then more than thirty (30) days past due, plus (b) all of the Borrowers’ obligations and liabilities (other than trade payables) that are then past due, exceeds $7,000,000 in the case of March 31, 2007, June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2007, and $8,000,000 in the case of December 31, 2007, then Borrowers will not be required to comply with the foregoing minimum consolidated EBITDA covenant for the specific period then ending.
     For the purposes hereof, ‘EBITDA’ shall mean the net income of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, but excluding any extraordinary or one-time gains, plus (a) depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges (to the extent deducted in the computation of such net income), plus (b) Interest Expense (to the extent deducted in the computation of such net income), plus (c) charges for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (to the extent deducted in the computation of such income).
     On or before December 15 of each year (commencing with December 15, 2007), Borrowers shall furnish Agent with projected consolidated and consolidating financial

2


 

statements (including in each case, forecasted balance sheets and statements of income and loss, statements of cash flow, and statements of shareholders’ equity) of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the next fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, and in a format consistent with the projections previously delivered by Borrowers to Agent, together with such supporting information as Agent may reasonably request. Such projected financial statements shall be prepared on a monthly basis for the next succeeding fiscal year. Such projections shall represent the reasonable estimate by Borrowers of the future financial performance of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the periods set forth therein and shall have been prepared on the basis of the assumptions set forth therein which Borrowers believe are fair and reasonable as of the date of preparation in light of current and reasonably foreseeable business conditions (it being understood that actual results may differ from those set forth in such projected financial statements). Based upon each such projected financial statement, Agent shall reasonably set minimum EBITDA levels for Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the subject fiscal year, and Borrowers and their Subsidiaries shall earn EBITDA of not less than such minimum EBITDA levels.”
     2. Waiver of Known Existing Default. Agent and Wachovia hereby waive enforcement of their rights against Borrowers arising from the Known Existing Default; provided, however, nothing herein shall be deemed a waiver with respect to any failure of Borrowers to comply fully with Section 9.17.1 of the Loan Agreement as amended and modified by this Amendment. This waiver shall be effective only for the specific default comprising the Known Existing Default, and in no event shall this waiver be deemed to be a waiver of enforcement of Agent’s or Wachovia’s rights with respect to any other Defaults or Events of Default now existing or hereafter arising. Nothing contained in this Amendment nor any communications between any Borrower and Agent or Wachovia shall be a waiver of any rights or remedies Agent or Wachovia has or may have against Borrowers, except as specifically provided herein. Except as specifically provided herein, Agent and Wachovia hereby reserve and preserve all of their rights and remedies against Borrowers under the Loan Agreement and the other Financing Agreements. Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 3 below, the waiver contained in this Section 2 shall be effective retroactively to December 31, 2006.
     3. Effectiveness of this Amendment. Agent must have received the following items, in form and content acceptable to Agent, before this Amendment is effective.
          (a) Amendment; Acknowledgement. This Amendment and the attached Acknowledgement by Guarantors, each fully executed in a sufficient number of counterparts for distribution to all parties.
          (b) Amendment Fee. An amendment fee in the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), which fee shall be paid to Agent by Borrowers on or before the date hereof and is fully earned as of the date hereof.
          (c) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth herein and in the Loan Agreement must be true and correct.

3


 

          (d) Other Required Documentation. All other documents and legal matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment shall have been delivered or executed or recorded and shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.
     4. Representations and Warranties. Each Borrower represents and warrants as follows:
          (a) Authority. Such Borrower has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Amendment, and to perform its obligations hereunder and under the Financing Agreements (as amended or modified hereby) to which it is a party. The execution, delivery and performance by such Borrower of this Amendment have been duly approved by all necessary corporate action and no other corporate proceedings are necessary to consummate such transactions.
          (b) Enforceability. This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by such Borrower. This Amendment and each Financing Agreement (as amended or modified hereby) is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Borrower, enforceable against such Borrower in accordance with its terms, and is in full force and effect.
          (c) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties contained in each Financing Agreement (other than any such representations or warranties that, by their terms, are specifically made as of a date other than the date hereof) are correct on and as of the date hereof as though made on and as of the date hereof.
          (d) Due Execution. The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment are within the power of such Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, have received all necessary governmental approval, if any, and do not contravene any law or any contractual restrictions binding on such Borrower.
          (e) No Default. No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Event of Default, except for the Known Existing Default.
     5. Choice of Law. The validity of this Amendment, its construction, interpretation and enforcement, and the rights of the parties hereunder, shall be determined under, governed by, and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California governing contracts only to be performed in that State.
     6. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties and separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Amendment by telefacsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.
     7. Reference to and Effect on the Financing Agreements.

4


 

          (a) Upon and after the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement”, “hereunder”, “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Loan Agreement, and each reference in the other Financing Agreements to “the Loan Agreement”, “thereof” or words of like import referring to the Loan Agreement, shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as modified and amended hereby.
          (b) Except as specifically amended above, the Loan Agreement and all other Financing Agreements, are and shall continue to be in full force and effect and are hereby in all respects ratified and confirmed and shall constitute the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of Borrowers to Agent and Lenders.
          (c) The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of Agent or any Lender under any of the Financing Agreements, nor constitute a waiver of any provision of any of the Financing Agreements.
          (d) To the extent that any terms and conditions in any of the Financing Agreements shall contradict or be in conflict with any terms or conditions of the Loan Agreement, after giving effect to this Amendment, such terms and conditions are hereby deemed modified or amended accordingly to reflect the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement as modified or amended hereby.
     8. Integration. This Amendment, together with the other Financing Agreements, incorporates all negotiations of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the final expression and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
     9. Severability. In case any provision in this Amendment shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be severable from the remainder of this Amendment and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

5


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Amendment as of the date first above written.
                 
    ROCKFORD CORPORATION    
 
               
 
  By:            
 
         
    Name:        
 
             
    Title:        
 
           
 
               
    AUDIO INNOVATIONS, INC.    
 
               
 
  By:            
 
         
    Name:        
 
             
    Title:        
 
           
 
               
    WACHOVIA CAPITAL FINANCE CORPORATION (WESTERN),
as Agent and as a Lender
   
 
               
 
  By:            
 
         
    Name:        
 
             
    Title:        
 
           

6


 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY GUARANTORS
Dated as of March ___, 2007
     Each of the undersigned, being a guarantor (each a “Guarantor” and collectively, the “Guarantors”) under their Guaranty and Security Agreement dated March 29, 2004, made in favor of Agent and Lenders (as amended, modified or supplemented, the “Guaranty”) hereby acknowledges and agrees to the foregoing Sixth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver (the “Amendment”) and confirms and agrees that the Guaranty is and shall continue to be, in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects except that, upon the effectiveness of, and on and after the date of the Amendment, each reference in the Guaranty to the Loan Agreement (as defined in the Amendment), “thereunder”, “thereof” or words of like import referring to the “Loan Agreement”, shall mean and be a reference to the Loan Agreement as amended or modified by the Amendment. Although Lender has informed Guarantors of the matters set forth above, and Guarantors have acknowledged the same, each Guarantor understands and agrees that Lender has no duty under the Loan Agreement, the Guaranty or any other agreement with any Guarantor to so notify any Guarantor or to seek such an acknowledgement, and nothing contained herein is intended to or shall create such a duty as to any advances or transaction hereafter.
     If any action or proceeding is filed in a court of the State of California by or against any Guarantor in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Agreement or any document related thereto, the court shall, and is hereby directed to, make a general reference pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 to a referee or referees to hear and determine all of the issues in such action or proceeding (whether of fact or of law) and to report a statement of decision, provided that at the option of Lender, any such issues pertaining to a “provisional remedy” as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281.8 shall be heard and determined by the court.
                 
    ROCKFORD SINGAPORE CORPORATION    
 
               
 
  By:            
 
         
    Name:        
 
             
    Title:        
 
           
 
               
    ROCKFORD SALES.COM, INC.    
 
               
 
  By:            
 
         
    Name:        
 
             
    Title:        
 
           

7


 

                 
    MB QUART SHANGHAI, INC.    
 
               
 
  By:            
 
         
    Name:        
 
             
    Title:        
 
           

8

EX-21 6 p73629exv21.htm EX-21 exv21
 

Exhibit 21
SUBSIDIARIES
  Audio Innovations, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation
 
  MB Quart Shanghai, Inc., an Arizona corporation
 
  Rockford (Europe) Elektronik Vertriebs GmbH, a German GmbH
 
  Rockford Foreign Sales Corporation, a Barbados corporation
 
  Rockford Sales.Com, Inc., an Arizona corporation
 
  Rockford Singapore Corporation, an Arizona corporation

 

EX-23.1 7 p73629exv23w1.htm EX-23.1 exv23w1
 

Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Forms S-8 Nos. 333-48076 and 333-101010) pertaining to Rockford’s Stock Option Plans and in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-117315) of Rockford Corporation of our report dated March 26, 2007, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Rockford Corporation included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2006.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
March 26, 2007

 

EX-31.1 8 p73629exv31w1.htm EX-31.1 exv31w1
 

Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, William R. Jackson, certify that:
     1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rockford Corporation;
     2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report, except to the extent affected by the material weaknesses disclosed in Item 9A of this report;
     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
     (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under the Company’s supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under the Company’s supervision, 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;
     (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report the Company’s conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on the Company’s most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
     (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
  /s/ William R. Jackson    
  William R. Jackson   
  President
Principal Executive Officer 
 
 
Date: March 26, 2007

 

EX-31.2 9 p73629exv31w2.htm EX-31.2 exv31w2
 

Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Richard G. Vasek, certify that:
     1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rockford Corporation;
     2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report, except to the extent affected by the material weaknesses disclosed in Item 9A of this report;
     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under the Company’s supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  (b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under the Company’s supervision, 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;
 
  (c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report the Company’s conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  (d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on the Company’s most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
  /s/ Richard G. Vasek    
  Richard G. Vasek   
  Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial Officer 
 
 
Date: March 26, 2007

 

EX-32 10 p73629exv32.htm EX-32 exv32
 

Exhibit 32
Certification of Periodic Financial
Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
     Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted in Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, William R. Jackson, Rockford’s President, and Richard G. Vasek, Rockford’s Chief Financial Officer, each certifies with respect to Rockford Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, that:
    the report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
    information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, Rockford’s financial condition and results of operations.
         
     
  /s/ William R. Jackson    
  William R. Jackson   
  President   
 
Date: March 26, 2007
         
     
  /s/ Richard G. Vasek    
  Richard G. Vasek   
  Chief Financial Officer   
 
Date: March 26, 2007

 

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