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



FORM 10-K


ý

 

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

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011

OR

o

 

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

For the transition period from                to                .

Commission File No. 000-31157



INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
  23-2507402
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

720 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton, Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

19341
(Zip Code)

(610) 646-9800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class:   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock par value $.001 per share   The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC

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

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

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

         Note: Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those sections.

         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  ý     No  o

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

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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.     ý

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

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller Reporting Company o

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

         The aggregate market value of the Registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of March 31, 2011 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second quarter) was approximately $74.6 million. Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the Registrant's outstanding common stock have been excluded since such persons may be deemed affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

         As of December 02, 2011, there were 16,719,806 outstanding shares of the Registrant's Common Stock

Documents Incorporated by Reference

         Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed prior to January 27, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. Such Proxy Statement, except for the parts therein which have been specifically incorporated by reference, shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of this Report on Form 10-K.


Table of Contents

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT, INC.

2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K

Table of Contents

 
   
  Page  

Part I

 

Item 1.

 

Business

    3  

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

    13  

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

    19  

Item 2.

 

Properties

    19  

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

    19  

Item 4.

 

Removed and Reserved

    19  

Part II

 

Item 5.

 

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

    20  

Item 6.

 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

    22  

Item 7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    23  

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    33  

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

    33  

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

    63  

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

    63  

Part III

 

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

    66  

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

    66  

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

    66  

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

    67  

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

    67  

Part IV

 

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

    68  

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

         This report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward looking statements are based largely on current expectations and projections about future events and trends affecting the business. In this report, the words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "forecast," "expect," "plan," "should," "is likely" and similar expressions, as they relate to the business or to its management, are intended to identify forward looking statements, but they are not exclusive means of identifying them.

         The forward looking statements in this report are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating such statements, a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results, performance, financial condition, cash flows, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include those set forth in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the following factors:

    the impact of general economic trends on the Company's business;
    the deferral or termination of programs or contracts for convenience by customers;
    difficulties in developing and producing the Company's COCKPIT/IP® Flat Panel Display System or other planned products or product enhancements;
    market acceptance of the Company's flat panel display systems, or COCKPIT/IP® or other planned products or product enhancements;
    the ability to gain regulatory approval of products in a timely manner;
    failure to retain/recruit key personnel;
    continued market acceptance of the Company's air data systems and products;
    the availability of government funding;
    delays in receiving components from third party suppliers;
    the competitive environment;
    the bankruptcy or insolvency of one or more key customers;
    new product offerings from competitors;
    protection of intellectual property rights;
    the ability to service the international market;
    potential future acquisitions; and
    other factors disclosed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this report. Results of operations in any past period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. Fluctuations in operating results may also result in fluctuations in the price of the Company's common stock.

         Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this Form 10-K, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The forward-looking statements in this document are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the "Exchange Act").

         Investors should also be aware that while the Company, from time to time, communicates with securities analysts, it is against its policy to disclose any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, the Company has a policy against issuing or confirming financial forecasts or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc.

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PART I

Item 1.    Business

Overview

        Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. (the "Company," or "IS&S") was founded in 1988. The Company designs, manufactures and sells flat panel display systems ("FPDS"), flight information computers and advanced monitoring systems that measure and display critical flight information, including data relative to aircraft separation, airspeed, and altitude, and engine and fuel data measurements.

        IS&S sells its products to the retrofit market and to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"). Customers include the United States Department of Defense ("DoD"), Department of the Interior ("DOI"), other government agencies, defense contractors, airlines, commercial air transport carriers, aircraft modification centers and various OEMs.

        The Company is increasingly positioning itself as a system integrator, which capability provides the Company with the potential to generate more substantive orders over a broader product base. The Company has demonstrated an ability to incorporate added functionality such as electronic flight bags, charting and mapping systems into its FPDS product line. The strategy as both a manufacturer and integrator is to leverage the latest technologies developed for the personal computer and telecommunications industries into advanced, cost-effective solutions for the commercial and DoD/governmental markets. This approach, combined with the Company's industry experience, enables IS&S to develop high-quality products and systems, substantially reduce product time to market and achieve cost advantages over products offered by its competitors.

        For several years the Company has been working with advances in technology to provide pilots with increasing amounts of information that enhances both the safety and efficiency of flying. These advances have come together in the Company's COCKPIT/IP® Cockpit Information Portal ("CIP") FPDS product line that incorporates proprietary technology, low cost, reduced power consumption, decreased weight and increased functionality. The Company's FPDS product line is suited to address market demand that will be driven by regulatory mandates, new technologies and aging equipment on airplanes that have been in service for up to fifty years. IS&S believes that the transition to FPDS as part of airplane retrofit requirements will continue. This shift in regulatory and technological environment is illustrated by the dramatic increase in the number of Wide Area Augmentation System ("WAAS") approach qualified airports. Aircraft equipped with the Company's FPDS product line will be qualified to land at such airports, a fact which will further increase the demand for such products.

        In December 2010, the European Aviation Safety Agency ("EASA"), the European counterpart of the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") issued its Supplemental Type Certificate ("STC") to IS&S for the B757 FPDS. Further, in August 2011, IS&S obtained an STC from EASA for its B767 FPDS. These certifications enable IS&S to expand its marketing of its B757 and B767 FPDS to customers in Europe.

        In February 2011, the FAA issued its Technical Standard Order authorization ("TSO") to IS&S for its Beta-3 GPS-SBAS Receiver. This certification enabled IS&S to expand its product offering to include a Global Positioning System ("GPS") in its FPDS. Additionally, the FAA also issued a TSO in March 2011 for the IS&S Class Gamma 3 Flight Management System ("FMS") and a Type 2 FAA Letter of Acceptance ("LOA") that allows IS&S to provide navigation data. The combination of these certifications enables IS&S to be a flight management system provider to its customers.

        In March 2011, IS&S announced it received FAA STC for its FMS and dual Global Positioning System ("GPS") receivers for the Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. ("EAI") Twin-Engine Jet. The IS&S FMS displays controls all major systems on the aircraft and includes improvements to e-Chart, mapping and

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satellite weather functionality and precision navigation. Eclipse Twin-Engine Jet operators are now able to upgrade their aircraft with in Integrated Flight Management System through EAI.

        In June 2011 Boeing awarded IS&S a contract to design and develop the Aerial Refueling Operator Control and Display Units ("AROCDU") for the KC-46A Tanker Program.

        In July 2011, the National Nuclear Security Administration ("NNSA") awarded IS&S a contract for the complete Systems Integration and Cockpit Avionics upgrade of their B737-400 classic aircraft. This upgrade will provide NNSA full Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management ("CNS/ATM") capabilities and similar efficiency and performance to the B737 Next Generation ("NG") at the fraction of the cost of a new aircraft. This program complements the IS&S FPDS contracts for more than 400 B757/B767 aircraft with more than 100 aircraft already in revenue service. The upgrade for the B737-300/-400/-500 series aircraft as well as for the B757/B767 is a platform for compliance with NextGen and Single European Sky ATM Research ("SESAR") requirement, is Controller Pilot Data Link Communication ("CPDLC"), Required Navigation Performance ("RNP"), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast ("ADS-B") and in-Trail capable, provides power and weight savings, and reduces fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions.

Industry

        A wide range of information is critical for proper and safe operation of aircraft. With advances in technology, new types of information to assist pilots, such as satellite based weather and ground terrain maps, are becoming available for display in cockpits. The Company believes that aircraft cockpits will increasingly become information centers, capable of delivering additional information that is either mandated by regulation or demanded by pilots to assist in the safe and efficient operation of aircraft.

        There are three general types of flight data: aircraft heading and altitude information, flight critical aircraft control data and navigation data. Aircraft heading and altitude information includes aircraft speed, altitude and rates of ascent and descent. Flight critical aircraft control information includes engine data such as fuel and oil quantity and other engine measurements. Navigation data includes radio position, flight management, GPS and alternative source information; which is information not originating on the aircraft, including weather depiction maps, GPS navigation and surface terrain maps. Air data calculations are based primarily on air pressure measurements derived from sensors on the aircraft. Engine data are determined by measuring various indices such as temperature, volume, revolutions per minute ("RPM") and pressure within an aircraft's engines and other mechanical equipment. GPS and alternative source information is typically derived from satellites or equipment located on land and fed by satellite or radio signals to the aircraft. Pilots can then display this information in the cockpit for reference and enhanced position awareness.

        Traditionally, flight data and other cockpit information were displayed on a series of separate analog instruments. In the early 1980s, digital displays using Cathode Ray Tubes ("CRT") began to replace some individual analog instruments. The industry now offers high resolution color flat panels using Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays ("AMLCD") to replace traditional analog instruments or CRT displays. IS&S expects that the ability to display more information in a space efficient and customized platform will become increasingly important if additional information, such as weather depiction maps, traffic information and surface terrain maps, becomes mandated by regulation or demanded by pilots. Accordingly, the Company believes flat panel displays, which can integrate and display a "suite" of information, will increasingly replace individual instruments and CRTs as the method for displaying information in cockpits.

        Equipment data, such as engine and fuel related information, were traditionally displayed on conventional analog instruments. Engine and fuel instruments provide information on engine activity, including oil and hydraulic pressures and temperature. These instruments are clustered throughout an aircraft's cockpit. Engine and fuel instruments tend to be replaced more frequently than other

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instruments due to increased obsolescence problems and normal wear-and-tear. In as much as information displayed by these instruments is vital for safe and efficient flight, aircraft operators continue to purchase individual conventional engine and fuel instruments to replace older or non-functioning instruments. Increasingly, operators are replacing their individual instrument clusters with integrated FPDS.

        As the skies and airports are becoming more crowded, the aviation industry and its regulators are concentrating on new technologies, procedures and regulations that allow more aircraft to operate in the skies and on the ground safely, efficiently and with less impact on the environment. These new technologies and procedures, such as traffic avoidance, ground awareness, increased precision of navigation and vertical position, runway incursion prevention and increased digital communication, will require innovation and intuitive methods to display situational awareness information for the pilots. The Company believes that flat panel displays are the best method to handle these and future requirements.

Strategy

        The Company's objective is to become a leading supplier and integrator of cockpit information. The Company believes its industry experience and reputation, technology and products, and business strategy provides a basis to achieve this objective. Key elements of the Company's strategy include:

    Retrofit focus.   Offering cockpit avionics upgrades for existing aircraft is of great interest in the present economic environment. Retrofitting an aircraft with the COCKPIT/IP ® FPDS is cost effective compared to acquiring a new aircraft and can provide the same functionality. When the economy returns to more robust levels, the Company believes that lead times to acquire new aircraft will lengthen and demand for retrofits will continue as operators update their existing fleets to provide needed lift capacity.

    Establishing leadership in the flat panel display market.   IS&S expects that over the next several years, many aircraft will be retrofitted with flat panel displays. Given the versatility, visual appeal and lower cost of displaying a series of instruments and other flight relevant information on a single flat panel, the Company believes that flat panel displays will increasingly replace individual analog and digital instruments and CRTs. The Company believes the COCKPIT/IP ® has significant benefits over flat panel displays currently offered by competitors, including lower cost, larger size, reduced weight, enhanced viewing angles and a broader array of functions. The Company's patented and proprietary Integrity Checking Processor and Zooming features provide increased situational awareness, reliability, performance and utility to the owner/operator. Accordingly, the Company believes these advantages will allow IS&S to generate significant revenues from the COCKPIT/IP ® product and increase market share. In addition, demand for new aircraft, FAA mandates to upgrade older aircraft and obsolescence issues on older aircraft will contribute to this growth.

    Continuing engineering and product development successes.   IS&S develops innovative products by combining its avionics, engineering and design expertise with commercially available technologies, components and products from non-aviation applications, including the personal computer and telecommunications industries. The Company's COCKPIT/IP ® FPDS is an example of the ability to engineer products through the selective application of non-avionic technology. Research and development expenses were $5.5 million, $5.2 million and $5.3 million for fiscal years ended September 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

    Maintaining leadership in air data markets.   IS&S believes that it is one of the largest suppliers of air data products to the U.S. retrofit market. Significant demand remains to retrofit aging aircraft with newer, more advanced and more supportable air data systems. Additionally,

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      upgrading business jets with higher performance engines is driving a need for more sophisticated air data products supplied by the Company.

    Increasing sales to the DoD, other government agencies, defense contractors, commercial air transport and corporate/general aviation markets.   IS&S strengthened efforts to diversify sales to include all aviation end user markets, particularly legacy military aircraft programs and the commercial air transport market. These efforts included also national and regional carriers and other fleet operators, the corporate/general aviation market, primarily through aircraft modification centers, and the OEM market. The Company continues to build a sales and marketing force dedicated to expanding sales efforts to these markets while at the same time maintaining its position as a provider of avionics products for the DoD.

    Expanding international presence.   IS&S plans to increase its international sales by adding sales and marketing personnel and foreign offices. As large flat panel displays become more prevalent, the Company believes that European and other international aircraft operators and aircraft modification centers will accelerate retrofitting activities, thereby increasing demand for large flat panel displays. IS&S has obtained approval from the EASA for installing the FPDS in Europe for the B757/B767 aircraft and will continue obtaining EASA approvals for other European installations as applicable.

    Growth through acquisitions or joint ventures.   IS&S may pursue strategic acquisitions or joint ventures as a means of growing the business with respect to technology, distribution, customers or products. The Company may seek to acquire developers or suppliers of complementary products, technology or information, or acquire suppliers of similar products as a means of increasing its product offerings and market share.

Products

        Current line of products includes:

    Flat Panel Display Systems

        In recent years color flat panel displays have been introduced into aircraft cockpits. Flat panel displays are Liquid Crystal Display ("LCD") screens that can replicate the display of one or a suite of analog or digital displays on one screen. As with other instrumentation, flat panel displays can be installed in new aircraft or used to replace existing displays in aircraft already in use. LCDs are also used for security monitoring on-board aircraft and as tactical workstations on military aircraft. The flat panel product line also presents numerous advantages for presentation of engine performance data. During fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 sale of FPDS accounted for 79%, 68% and 75% respectively, of total revenues.

        The Company's FPDS can replace conventional analog and digital displays used currently in a cockpit and can display additional information that is not now commonly displayed in the cockpit. The COCKPIT/IP ® is capable of displaying nearly all types of air data, engine and fuel data, altitude, heading and navigational data, and alternative source information. As technology and information delivery systems develop further, additional information, such as surface terrain maps and data link messaging, will be displayed in the cockpit. IS&S designed the COCKPIT/IP ® to be capable of displaying information generated from a variety of sources, including its Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum ("RVSM") air data system, engine and fuel instrumentation, and third-party data and information products.

        From time to time customers may order one or more FPDS customized to their particular requirements. Depending on the amount of non-recurring engineering effort needed to accommodate the customized request, the Company has and will continue to charge for added development cost. This

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source of revenue is characterized as Engineering- modification and development ("EMD") on the statement of operations. Consistent with this approach, engineering costs incurred in customizing the FPDS will be allocated from Operating expenses (Research and development) to Cost of sales (Engineering—modification and development) and will be included in the Company's gross profit calculations.

    Air Data Systems and Components

        The Company's air data products calculate and display various measures such as aircraft speed, altitude and rate of ascent and descent. These air data system products utilize advanced sensors to gather air pressure data and customized algorithms to interpret data, thus allowing the system to calculate altitude more accurately. During fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, sales of air data systems and components accounted for 21%, 32%, and 25%, respectively, of total revenues.

        IS&S sells individual components as well as partial and complete air data systems. The components and systems include:

    digital air data computers, which calculate various air data parameters such as altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, angle of attack and other information derived from the measure of air pressure;

    integrated air data computers and display units, which calculate and convey air data information;

    altitude displays, which convey aircraft altitude measurements;

    airspeed displays, which convey various types of airspeed measurements including vertical airspeed and rates of ascent and descent; and

    altitude alerters, which allow the pilot to select a desired cruising altitude that the aircraft will reach and maintain, and also provide warnings to pilots when an unacceptable deviation occurs.

        IS&S develops, manufactures and markets engine and fuel displays. These solid-state multifunction displays convey information with respect to fuel and oil levels and engine activity, such as oil and hydraulic pressure and temperature. This instrumentation includes individual and multiple displays clustered throughout the cockpit. The displays can be used in conjunction with the Company's engine and fuel data equipment or that of other manufacturers.

        Engine and fuel displays are found in all aircraft and are vital to safe and proper aircraft flight. In addition, accurate conveyance of engine and fuel information is critical for monitoring of engine stress and maintenance of engine parts. Engine and fuel displays tend to be replaced more frequently than other displays and have remained largely unchanged since their introduction due to their low cost, standard design and universal use.

        IS&S believes that its air data engine and fuel displays are extremely reliable, have been designed to be programmable and adapted easily without major modification to most modern aircraft. These products have been installed on C-130H, DC-9, DC-10, P-3, F-16 and A-10 aircraft.

Customers

        The Company's customers include the United States government (including DoD, DOI and the Department of Homeland Security), ABX Air, American Airlines, The Boeing Company, BAE Systems, Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., Federal Express Corporation ("FedEx"), Icelandair, L-3 Communication, Lockheed Martin Corporation and the Department of National Defense, (Canada), among others. In fiscal 2011, the two largest customers, Eclipse Aerospace and FedEx, accounted for 20% and 15% of total revenue, respectively. In fiscal year 2010, the two largest customers, Lockheed Martin and FedEx, accounted for 11% and 10% of total revenue, respectively. In fiscal year 2009 the two largest customers, American Airlines and DoD, accounted for 24%, and 11% of total revenue, respectively.

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        On November 29, 2011, AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. and certain of its other U.S.-based subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy"). The Company's revenues from American Airlines, Inc. accounted for 8%, 8% and 24% of total revenue for the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Orders from American Airlines, Inc. account for a material portion of the Company's backlog.

        As of November 29, 2011, the Company had $760,000 of accounts receivable from American Airlines, Inc. Under the U.S. bankruptcy laws, debtors have the right to avoid certain payments made during the 90 days preceding the filing of the bankruptcy petition. No such avoidance action has been asserted or filed, and the Company believes that it would have valid defenses against any such action. In the 90 days preceding the filing of the Bankruptcy petition, the Company received $828,000 in the ordinary course of business. (See Note 18—Subsequent Event in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements attached).

    Retrofit Market

        Historically, a majority of the Company's sales have come from the retrofit market. Among other reasons, IS&S has pursued the retrofit market because of its continued rapid growth in response to the increasing need to support the world's aging fleet of aircraft.

        Updating an individual aircraft's electronics equipment has become increasingly common as new technology makes existing instrumentation outdated while an aircraft is still structurally and mechanically sound. Retrofitting an aircraft is generally a substantially less expensive alternative than purchasing a new aircraft. IS&S expects its main customers in the retrofit market to be:

    the DoD and defense contractors;

    aircraft operators; and

    aircraft modification centers.

        Department of Defense and Defense Contractors.     The Company sells its products directly to the DoD as well as to domestic and international defense contractors for end use on military aircraft retrofit programs. DoD programs generally take one of two forms, a subcontract with a prime government contractor, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, L-3 Communication or a direct contract with the appropriate government agency, such as the U.S. Air Force, to satisfy its requirement for replacing Central Air Data Computers on its fleet of A-10 aircraft. The government's desire for cost-effective retrofitting of aircraft has led it to purchase commercial off-the-shelf equipment rather than to develop specially designed products, which are usually more costly and take longer to implement. These contracts tend to be on arms length commercial terms, although some termination and other provisions of government contracts described under "Government Regulation" below, are typically applicable to these contracts. Each government agency or general contractor retains the right to terminate a contract at any time at its convenience. Upon such alteration or termination, IS&S typically would be entitled to an equitable adjustment to the contract price so that it would receive the purchase price for already delivered items and reimbursement for allowable costs incurred.

        Aircraft Operators.     The Company also sells its products to aircraft operators, including commercial airlines, cargo carriers, and business and general aviation. The products are used mostly in retrofitting aircraft owned or operated by these customers, which generally retrofit and maintain their aircraft themselves. The Company's commercial fleet customers include or have included, among others, American Airlines, ABX Air, Air Canada, FedEx and Northwest Airlines. IS&S sells these customers a range of products from FPDS to air data systems.

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        Aircraft Modification Centers.     The primary retrofit market for private and corporate jets is through aircraft modification centers, which repair and retrofit private aircraft. IS&S has established relationships with a number of aircraft modification centers throughout the United States. These modification centers act as distribution outlets for the Company's products. IS&S believes that its FPDS, air data systems and related components are being promoted by aircraft modification centers to update older or outdated equipment. The large modification center customers include ABX Air, Stambaugh Aviation, Aeromech, EPPS Aviation, Stevens Aviation, Star Aviation and Duncan Aviation.

    OEM Market

        The Company has been selected to provide the cockpit avionics suite for the Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. ("Eclipse") new production aircraft designated the E550. Eclipse is the successor to Eclipse Aviation, Inc. ("Aviation") which declared bankruptcy in late 2008. In late 2010, Sikorsky Aircraft (a unit of United Technologies Corp.) announced its intention to invest in Eclipse. In October 2011, Eclipse announced the planned resumption of production in 2013 of the E550 aircraft and the selection of IS&S as the system integrator. During the years 2006 through late 2008, the Company provided cockpit displays in support of Aviation production of approximately 250 aircraft. Eclipse purchased the assets of Aviation in 2009. During the past two years, IS&S has been providing, through Eclipse, enhanced capability through retrofits to numerous owners of the Aviation produced aircraft.

        IS&S also markets its products to other original equipment manufacturers, particularly manufacturers of corporate and private jets as well as to contractors manufacturing military jets. Customers of the Company's products have included Boeing, Bombardier, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Piaggio, and Raytheon.

Backlog

        As of September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company's backlog was $27.5 million and $32.3 million, respectively. Backlog represents the value of contracts and purchase orders received, less the revenue recognized to date on those contracts and purchase orders. The year over year decrease of $4.8 million or 14.8% was the result of $25.5 million in new business offset by $25.7 million of recognized revenue and $4.6 million of order de-bookings. Most of the de-bookings relate to two customers that decided to reduce the number of aircraft in their retrofit program. Air Data product backlog as of September 30, 2011 decreased by $0.5 million from September 30, 2010, and FPDS backlog as of September 30, 2011 decreased by $4.3 million from September 30, 2010. As of September 30, 2011, approximately 65% of the Company's backlog is not expected to be filled within fiscal 2012.

Sales and Marketing

        IS&S focuses its sales efforts on passenger and cargo carrying aircraft operators, general aviation operators, aircraft modification centers, the DoD, DoD contractors and OEMs. The Company continually evaluates its sales and marketing efforts with respect to these focus areas and, where appropriate, has made use of third-party sales representatives who receive compensation through commissions based on performance.

        The Company's ability to provide prompt and effective repair and upgrade service is critical to its marketing efforts. The customer service program, offers a 24-hour hotline that customers can call for product repair or upgrade concerns. The Company employs field service engineers to service its equipment and, depending on the service required, may either dispatch a service crew to make necessary repairs or request the customer return the product for repairs or upgrades at the Company's facility. If repairs or upgrades are required to be made at the Company's facility, spare products may be provided for use by the customers during the repair time. The Company's in-house turnaround times

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for both repairs and upgrades average less than 30 days. Before returning products to customers, all repaired or upgraded products are retested for airworthiness.

        In connection with the customer service program, IS&S typically provides customers with a two-year warranty on new products. The Company also offers customers extended warranties of varying terms for additional fees.

        The majority of the Company's sales, operating results and identifiable assets are in the United States. In fiscal year 2011, 2010 and 2009 net sales outside the United States amounted to $4.0 million, $2.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively.

Government Regulation

        The manufacture and installation of the Company's products in aircraft owned and operated in the United States is governed by FAA regulations. IS&S maintains a production facility that is FAA certified. The most significant of the product and installation regulations focus on Technical Standard Order Authorizations and Supplemental Type Certificates. These certifications set forth the minimum performance standards that a certain type of equipment should meet. The Company delivers its products in accordance with FAA regulations.

        Generally, sales of IS&S products to European or other non-U.S. owners of aircraft require approval of EASA, the European counterpart of the FAA, or another appropriate governmental agency. EASA certification requirements for manufacturing and installation of the Company's products in European owned aircraft mirror FAA regulations. EASA has established a process for granting European certifications similar to the FAA process.

        In addition to product related regulations, IS&S is also subject to U.S. Government procurement regulations with respect to sale of the Company's products to government entities or government contractors. These regulations dictate the manner in which products may be sold to the government and establish other requirements which must be met in order to do business with or on behalf of government entities. The government agency or general contractor retains the right to terminate a contract at any time at its convenience. Upon such alteration or termination, IS&S would be entitled to an equitable adjustment to the contract price so that the Company would receive the purchase price for products or services already delivered and reimbursement for allowable costs incurred and for termination related costs.

Manufacturing, Assembly and Materials Acquisition

        The Company's manufacturing activities consist primarily of assembling and testing components and subassemblies and integrating them into fully tested finished systems. IS&S believes this approach allows it to achieve relatively flexible manufacturing capacity while minimizing expenses. Typically, the Company purchases components for products from third-party suppliers and assembles them in a clean room environment to reduce impurities and improve the performance of the products. Many of the components purchased are standard products, although certain parts are made to the Company's specifications.

        When appropriate, IS&S enters into long-term supply agreements and uses its relationships with long-term suppliers to improve product quality and availability and to reduce delivery times and product costs. In addition, the Company continually identifies alternative suppliers for important component parts. Using component parts from new suppliers in the products generally requires FAA certification of the entire finished product if the newly sourced component varies significantly from the original drawings and specifications. To date, IS&S has not experienced significant delays in delivery of products caused by the inability to obtain either component parts or FAA approval of products incorporating new component parts.

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Quality Assurance

        Product quality is of vital importance to the Company's customers, and IS&S. The Company is ISO 9001 and AS 9100B certified. These standards represent an international consensus on effective management practices with the goal of ensuring that a company can deliver its products and related services consistently in a manner that meets or exceeds customer quality requirements. IS&S's certification to these standards allows the Company to represent to customers that it maintains high quality industry standards in the education of its employees and in the design and manufacture of its products. In addition, the Company's products undergo extensive quality control testing prior to being delivered to customers. As part of its quality assurance procedures, IS&S maintains detailed records of test results and its quality control processes.

Competition

        The market for the Company's products is highly competitive, and the Company competes in several niches in which a number of manufacturers specialize. Competitors vary in size and resources, and substantially all of the Company's competitors are much larger than IS&S and have substantially greater resources. With respect to air data systems and related products, the Company's principal competitors include Honeywell International Inc., Rockwell Collins, Inc., Thales, and GE Aviation. With respect to flat panel displays, principal competitors currently include Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, Inc., L-3 Communications and GE Aviation. However, because the flat panel display industry is a new and evolving market, as the demand for flat panel displays increases IS&S may face competition in this area from additional companies in the future.

        The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in markets it serves are cost, development cycle time, responsiveness to customer preferences, product quality, technology and reliability. IS&S believes also that its significant and long-standing customer relationships reflect the Company's ability to compete favorably with respect to these factors.

Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights

        IS&S relies on patents to protect its proprietary technology. As of September 30, 2011 the Company holds 24 U.S. patents and has 5 U.S. patent applications pending relating to its technology. In addition, IS&S holds 25 international patents and has 25 international patent applications pending. Certain of these patents and patent applications cover technology relating to air data measurement systems while others cover technology relating to flat panel display systems and other aspects of the COCKPIT/IP® solution. While IS&S believes these patents have significant value in protecting its technology, it believes also that the innovative skill, technical expertise and know-how of the Company's personnel in applying the technology reflected in its patents would be difficult, costly and time consuming to reproduce.

        While IS&S is not aware of any pending lawsuits against the Company alleging patent infringement or the violation of other intellectual property rights, it cannot be certain such infringement claims will not be asserted against the Company in the future.

Employees

        As of September 30, 2011, IS&S had 117 employees. The Company's future success depends on its ability to attract, train and retain highly qualified personnel. IS&S plans to hire additional personnel, in particular research and development engineers, during the next twelve months. Competition for such qualified personnel is intense, and the Company may not be able to attract, train and retain highly qualified personnel in the future. The Company's employees are not represented by a labor union.

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Executive Officers of the Registrant

        The following is a list of the Company's executive officers, their ages and their positions:

Name
  Age   Position

Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick

    69   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Roman G. Ptakowski

    63   President

Ronald C. Albrecht

    66   Chief Financial Officer

         Geoffrey S. M. Hedrick was the Chief Executive Officer from the time he founded the Company in February 1988 through June 4, 2007 and was reappointed as Chief Executive Officer on September 8, 2008. He has also been Chairman of the Board since 1997. Prior to founding IS&S, Mr. Hedrick served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Smiths Industries North American Aerospace Companies. He also founded Harowe Systems, Inc. in 1971, which was subsequently acquired by Smiths Industries. Mr. Hedrick has over 35 years of experience in the avionics industry, and he holds a number of patents in the electronics, optoelectric, electromagnetic, aerospace and contamination control fields.

         Roman G. Ptakowski has been President since March 2003. Prior to that, Mr. Ptakowski served as a Group Vice President and General Manager and, before that, as a Vice President of Sales and Marketing at B/E Aerospace, Inc. Previously, Mr. Ptakowski held a number of positions with increasing responsibility within ASEA Brown Boveri Power T&D Company, Inc. There, he was General Manager of the Protective Relay Division before leaving to join B/E Aerospace, Inc. Mr. Ptakowski received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from New York University and a MBA from Duke University.

         Ronald C. Albrecht has been Chief Financial Officer since August 2010. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Albrecht served in a number of executive positions, both operational and financial, with Smiths Aerospace (UK). Smiths Aerospace was acquired by GE Aviation Systems ("GEAS") in 2007. Most recently, Mr. Albrecht served as Vice President and General Manager of Smiths Aerospace Electro Mechanical Business from 2003 to 2007 and subsequently, of GEAS' Electro Mechanical Business from 2007 to 2010. Prior to his operational roles, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Smiths Aerospace, based in London, and has substantial mergers & acquisition and strategic planning experience. Mr. Albrecht received a B.A. in Government and Economics from Dartmouth College and an MBA in Finance from Stanford University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (California/Inactive).

Other

        The public may read and copy any materials filed by IS&S with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information about the operation of the SEC's public reference rooms by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information about issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

        IS&S maintains its corporate website at http://www.innovative-ss.com and makes available, free of charge, on that website (under the "Investor Relations" tab) the Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. The information on the Company's web site is not incorporated as part of this annual report.

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Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        Each reader should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and other factors described below, in addition to the other information set forth in this report, because they could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, operating results, financial condition, cash flows and prospects as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in IS&S common stock.

Risks Related to IS&S Business

         The global recession and credit tightening could adversely affect IS&S.

        The global recession and continued concern regarding credit availability, including failures of financial institutions, has initiated unprecedented government intervention in the U.S., Europe and other regions of the world. If these concerns continue or worsen, risks to IS&S include:

    declines in revenues and profitability from reduced orders, payment delays or other factors caused by the economic problems of customers;

    reprioritization of government spending away from defense programs in which IS&S participates;

    adverse impacts on the Company's access to credit sources; and

    supply problems associated with any financial constraints faced by the Company's vendors.

        A portion of IS&S sales has been, and is expected to continue to be defense contractors or government agencies in connection with government aircraft retrofit or original equipment manufacturing contracts. Sales to government contractors and government agencies could decline as a result of DoD spending cuts and general budgetary constraints which may become more severe as federal tax revenues decline due to weak general economic conditions.

         Reductions in government expenditures could adversely affect our business.

        The Budget Control Act of 2011 (the "Budget Act") that was signed into law on August 2, 2011 to reduce federal government expenditures over the next 10 years may result in reduced U.S. government funding of the defense industry. The Budget Act set $900 billion in immediate cuts to discretionary government spending for 2012 through 2021. It also established a bi-partisan congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the "Super Committee") and charged it with recommending legislation by November 23, 2011, the result of which would reduce net government spending by at least $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years, in addition to the $900 billion in immediate discretionary spending reductions. The failure of the Super Committee to meet its objectives has triggered an automatic sequestration of discretionary appropriations, which if not altered by the Congress, will make up any shortfall necessary to achieve the $1.2 trillion target. Under the Budget Act, 50% of any shortfall from the $1.2 trillion target would automatically be applied as a reduction to discretionary appropriations for national defense programs. The impact of any resulting reductions in defense appropriations, and/or reductions in U.S. defense spending could negatively affect the Company's revenues, financial condition and results of operations.

         The loss of a key customer or a significant deterioration in the financial condition of a key customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

        The Company's revenue is concentrated with a limited number of customers. During fiscal year 2011 IS&S derived 61% of revenue from the top 5 five customers. IS&S expects a relatively small number of customers to account for a majority of its revenues for the foreseeable future. As a result of the concentrated customer base, a loss of one or more of these customers or a dispute or litigation with one of these key customers could have a material adverse effect on its revenue and results of operations. In addition, the Company continually monitors and evaluates the credit status of its

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customers and attempt to adjust sales terms as appropriate. Despite these efforts, a significant deterioration in the financial condition or bankruptcy filing of a key customer could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

        On November 29, 2011, AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. and certain of its other U.S.-based subsidiaries, filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company's revenues from American Airlines, Inc. accounted for 8%, 8% and 24% total revenue for the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. (See Note 18—Subsequent Event in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements attached).

         Growth of the Company's customer base could be limited by delays or difficulties in completing development and introduction of planned products or product enhancements. If IS&S fails to enhance existing products or develop and achieve market acceptance for flat panel displays and other new products that meet customer requirements, its business will be adversely affected.

        IS&S currently spends a large portion of its research and development efforts in developing and marketing the FPDS and complementary products. The Company's ability to grow and diversify its operations through introduction and sale of new products is dependent upon the continued success in product development and engineering activities, its sales and marketing efforts and regulatory approvals to sell such products. Sales growth will depend also in part on market acceptance of and demand for the CIP and future products. IS&S cannot be certain that it will be able to develop, introduce or market its CIP or other new products or product enhancements in a timely or cost-effective manner or that any new products will receive market acceptance or necessary regulatory approval.

        In seeking new customers, the Company may have difficulty in displacing the products of incumbent competitors. Accordingly, IS&S cannot be assured that potential customers will accept its products or that existing customers will not abandon them.

         The Company's revenue and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, which may cause its stock price to decline.

        The Company's revenue and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, including:

    demand for products and/or delivery schedule changes by its customers;

    capital expenditure budgets of aircraft owners and operators and appropriation cycles of the U.S. government;

    changes in the use of the Company's products, including air data systems and flat panel displays;

    delays in introducing or obtaining government approval for new products;

    new product introductions by competitors;

    changes in IS&S pricing policies or pricing policies of competitors, and

    costs related to possible acquisition of technologies or businesses.

        IS&S plans to structure its sales and marketing operations and to fund levels of product development in proportion to its total sales. As a result, a delay in generating revenues could cause significant variations in its operating results from quarter to quarter.

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         Contracts can be terminated by customers at any time and, therefore, may not result in sales.

        The Company's retrofit projects are generally pursuant to either a direct contract with a customer or a subcontract with a general contractor to a customer (including government agencies). Each contract, including contracts with government agencies, includes various terms and conditions that impose certain requirements on IS&S, including the ability of the customer or general contractor to alter the price, quantity or delivery schedule of the products. In addition, typically, the customer or general contractor retains the right to terminate the contract at any time at its convenience. Upon alteration or termination of these contracts, IS&S could be entitled to an equitable adjustment to the contract price so that it may receive the purchase price for items that it has delivered and reimbursement for allowable costs incurred. Accordingly, because these contracts can be terminated, the Company cannot be assured that its retrofit backlog will result in sales.

         IS&S depends on key personnel to manage its business effectively and an inability to retain its key employees could adversely impact the Company's ability to compete.

        The Company's success depends on the efforts, abilities and expertise of its senior management and other key personnel. There can be no assurance IS&S will be able to retain such employees, the loss of some of whom could damage its ability to execute its business strategy. The Company intends to continue hiring key management and sales and marketing personnel. In spite of a U.S. unemployment rate of 8.6% as of November, 2011, competition for skilled personnel is intense, and IS&S may not be able to attract or retain additional qualified personnel.

        The Company's future success will depend in part on its ability to implement and improve its operational, administrative and financial systems and controls and to manage, train and expand its employee base. IS&S cannot be assured that, after giving effect to its cost containment initiatives, that current and planned personnel levels, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support the current and future customer base. In such a circumstance, the Company may not be able to exploit existing and potential market opportunities. Any delays or difficulties encountered could impair the Company's ability to attract new customers or maintain its relationships with existing customers.

         IS&S relies on third party suppliers for components of its products, and any interruption in the supply of these components could hinder its ability to deliver products on a timely basis.

        The Company's manufacturing process consists primarily of assembling components purchased from its supply chain. The suppliers may not continue to be available to IS&S. If the Company is unable to maintain relationships with key third party suppliers, the development and distribution of its products could be delayed until equivalent components can be obtained and integrated into the products. In addition, substitution of certain components from other manufacturers may require product redesign, FAA or other approval, which could delay the Company's ability to ship products.

         The Company's competition includes other manufacturers of air data systems and flight information displays against whom it may not be able to compete successfully.

        The markets for the Company's products are intensely competitive and subject to rapid technological change. Competitors include Honeywell International Inc., Rockwell Collins, Inc., Thales Communications, Inc., GE Aviation and L-3 Communications. All these competitors have substantially significantly greater financial, technical and human resources than does IS&S. In addition, these competitors have much greater experience in and resources for marketing their products. As a result, these competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and customer preferences or to devote greater resources to development, promotion and sale of their products than IS&S can. The Company's competitors may also have greater name recognition and more extensive

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customer bases that they can use to their benefit. Such competition could result in price reductions, fewer customer orders, reduced gross margins and loss of market share.

         The Company's success depends on its ability to protect its proprietary rights against potential risk of infringement. If IS&S is unable to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights, it may be unable to compete effectively.

        The Company's success and ability to compete will depend in part on its ability to obtain and maintain patent or other protection for its technology and products, both in the United States and internationally. In addition, IS&S must operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others.

        IS&S currently holds 24 U.S. patents and has 5 U.S. patent applications pending. In addition, the Company holds 25 international patents and has 25 international patent applications pending. IS&S cannot be certain that patents will be issued on any of its present or future applications. In addition, existing patents or future patents may not adequately protect the Company's technology if they are not broad enough and are successfully challenged, or if other entities are able to develop competing methods without violating its patents. If IS&S is not successful in protecting its intellectual property, competitors could begin to offer products that incorporate the Company's technology. Patent protection involves complex legal and factual questions and, therefore, is highly uncertain. Litigation relating to intellectual property is often very time consuming and expensive. If a successful claim of patent infringement were made against IS&S or if the Company is unable to develop non-infringing technology or to license the infringed or similar technology on a timely and cost-effective basis, the Company might not be able to produce and sell some of its products. Further, IS&S has incurred and may continue to incur significant legal and other costs in defense of its intellectual property.

         A cybersecurity incident could have a negative impact.

        A cyber-attack that bypasses the Company's information technology (IT) security systems causing an IT security breach, may lead to a material disruption of its IT business systems and/or the loss of business information resulting in an adverse business impact. Risks may include:

    future results could be adversely affected due to the theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation or release of confidential data or intellectual property;

    operational or business delays resulting from the disruption of IT systems and subsequent clean-up and mitigation activities;

    negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers, partners or industry peers.

         Potential lenders may have suffered losses related to the weakening economy and may not be able to provide IS&S with needed financing.

        The Company's financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected if is unable to obtain cost-effective financing in the future. Potential lenders may have suffered losses related to their lending and other financial relationships, especially because of the national and global economies and increased financial instability of many borrowers. As a result, lenders may become insolvent or tighten their lending standards, which could make it more difficult for IS&S to borrow or to obtain new financing on favorable terms or at all, if management determines that it would be in the Company's interests to obtain such financing, whether to finance acquisitions or otherwise.

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         IS&S may not be able to identify or complete acquisitions, or it may consummate an acquisition that adversely affects the Company's operating results.

        One of the Company's strategies is to acquire businesses or technologies that complement its existing operations. IS&S has limited experience in acquiring businesses or technologies. There can be no assurance IS&S will be able to acquire or profitably manage acquisitions or successfully integrate them into its operations. Furthermore, certain risks are inherent in pursuing acquisitions, such as the demands of management's time and attention and combining disparate company cultures and facilities. Acquisitions may have an adverse effect on the Company's operating results, particularly in quarters immediately following the consummation of such transactions, as it integrates operations of acquired businesses into its operations. Once integrated, acquisitions may not perform as expected or be accretive to the Company's results of operations.

Risks Related to the Company's Industry

         If IS&S is unable to respond to rapid technological change, its products could become obsolete and its reputation could suffer.

        Future generations of air data systems, engine and fuel displays, and flat panel displays which embody new technologies or new industry standards could render the Company's products obsolete. The market for aviation products is subject to rapid technological change, new product introductions, changes in customer preferences and evolving industry standards and government regulations. The Company's future success will depend on its ability to:

    adapt to rapidly changing technologies;

    adapt the Company's products to evolving industry standards and government regulations; and

    develop and introduce a variety of new products and product enhancements to address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its customers.

        The Company's future success will depend also on its ability to develop high quality, cost-effective products and enhancements of its current product line that satisfy needs of customers, and on introducing new technologies to the marketplace in a timely manner. If IS&S fails to modify or improve its products in response to evolving industry standards and government regulations, its products could rapidly become obsolete.

        The Company's products are currently subject to direct regulation by the FAA, its European counterpart, the EASA, and other equivalent organizations. The Company's products, as they relate to aircraft applications, must be approved by the FAA, EASA or other equivalent organizations before they can be installed in an aircraft. To be certified IS&S must demonstrate that its products are accurate and able to maintain certain levels of repeatability over time. Although certification requirements of the FAA and the EASA are substantially similar, no formal reciprocity exists between the two regulators. Accordingly, even though the Company's products are FAA-approved, it may need to obtain approval from the EASA or other appropriate organizations to have them certified for installation outside the United States.

        Significant delay in receiving certification for newly developed products or enhancements to the Company's products or the loss of certification for its existing products could result in lost sales or delays in sales. Furthermore, adoption of additional regulations or product standards, as well as changes to existing product standards, could require IS&S to change its products and underlying technology. IS&S cannot ensure that it will receive regulatory approval on a timely basis or at all.

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         In as much as the Company's products utilize sophisticated technology and are deployed in complex aircraft cockpit environments, problems with these products may arise that could seriously harm the Company's reputation for quality assurance and, consequently, its business prospects.

        The Company's products use complex system designs and components that may contain errors, omissions or defects, particularly when it incorporates new technologies into the products or when it releases new versions or enhancements of its products. Despite the Company's quality assurance process, errors, omissions or defects could occur in its current products, in new products or in new versions or enhancements of existing products after commercial shipment has begun. IS&S may be required to redesign or recall those products or pay damages. Such an event could result in the following:

    delay or loss of revenues;

    cancellation of customer contracts;

    diversion of development resources;

    damage to the Company's reputation;

    increased service and warranty costs; or

    litigation costs.

        Although IS&S currently carries product liability insurance, this insurance may not be adequate to cover its losses in the event of a large product liability claim. In addition, IS&S may not be able to maintain such insurance in the future.

         The Company has limited experience in marketing and distributing its products internationally.

        IS&S expects to derive an increasing amount of its revenues from sales outside the United States, particularly in Europe. There are certain risks inherent in doing business internationally, such as:

    differing regulatory requirements for products being installed in an aircraft;

    legal uncertainty regarding liability;

    tariffs, trade barriers, and other regulatory barriers;

    political and economic instability;

    changes in diplomatic and trade relationships;

    potentially adverse tax consequences;

    the impact of recessions in economies outside the United States; and

    variances and unexpected changes in local laws and regulations.

        Currently, all of the Company's international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. An increase in the dollar's value compared to other currencies could render its products less competitive in the international markets. In the future, IS&S may be required to conduct sales in the foreign country's local currency, thus exposing the Company to fluctuations and volatility in exchange rates that could adversely affect its operating results.

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Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

        None

Item 2.    Properties.

        In fiscal 2001, IS&S purchased 7.5 acres of land in the Eagleview Corporate Park in Exton, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, the Company constructed a 45,000 square foot design, manufacturing and office facility on this site. Land development approval allows for expansion of up to 20,400 square feet. Such expansion would provide for a 65,200 square foot facility which is adequate to meet the needs of the Company for the foreseeable future.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

        In the ordinary course of business, the Company at times subject to various legal proceedings and claims. IS&S does not believe any such matters that are currently pending will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

        On September 26, 2011, Farhad Daghigh, a former employee of the Company, filed a lawsuit against IS&S in the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County alleging breach of contract and violation of the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law claiming unpaid sales commissions, prejudgment interest and liquidated damages totaling approximately $583,000 for the fiscal years ended 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. IS&S has filed a preliminary objection to the complaint requesting the Court to dismiss all claims. The Company vehemently denies any allegations of liability and will vigorously defend the lawsuit. This matter has not been resolved as of the date hereof. The Company believes that the probability of an unfavorable outcome on this claim is remote, and, therefore, no contingent liability has been recorded as of September 30, 2011.

        On November 18, 2010, Jeoffrey L. Burtch, the Chapter 7 Trustee for AE Liquidation, Inc. (formerly Eclipse Aviation Corporation), filed avoidance actions against IS&S on behalf of AE Liquidation, Inc. for the avoidance of seven payments totaling approximately $321,000 as allegedly preferential transfers paid to the Company during the 90 days preceding the filing of the bankruptcy petition of Eclipse Aviation Corporation on November 25, 2008. The Company asserted meritorious defenses to these avoidance actions. The parties reached a settlement agreement, approved by the Bankruptcy Court on October 17, 2011, under which the Company paid $17,000 and waived its claim in the bankruptcy proceeding in settlement of the case in its entirety.

        On January 17, 2007 the Company filed suit in the Court of Common Pleas for Delaware County, Pennsylvania against Strathman Associates, a former software consultant for IS&S, alleging that Strathman had improperly used IS&S trade secret and proprietary information in assisting J2 and Kollsman in developing the J2/Kollsman Air Data Computer. The case has not been resolved as of the date hereof.

Item 4.    Removed and Reserved.

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Part II

Item 5.    Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities.

        The Company's common stock has been traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol "ISSC" since its initial public offering on August 4, 2000. The following table lists the high and low per share sale prices for the common stock for the periods indicated:

 
  Fiscal Year
2011
  Fiscal Year
2010
 
Period
  High   Low   High   Low  

First Quarter

  $ 6.07   $ 4.61   $ 5.37   $ 4.17  

Second Quarter

    6.16     5.67     7.14     3.81  

Third Quarter

    5.87     5.15     6.72     4.32  

Fourth Quarter

    5.80     4.42     6.28     2.12  

        On December 07, 2011, there were 16 holders of record of the shares of outstanding common stock. This total does not reflect beneficial shareholders who hold their stock in nominee or "street" name through brokerage firms.

        The Company did not pay dividends in fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010. The Company does not expect to declare or pay cash dividends on its common stock in the near future. IS&S intends to retain any earnings to finance the growth of its business.

        On February 16, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Company's repurchase program to acquire up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock. Under the repurchase program, the Company may purchase shares of its common stock through open market transactions or in privately negotiated block purchases or other private transactions (either solicited or unsolicited). The timing and amount of repurchase transactions under this program will depend on market conditions and corporate and regulatory considerations. The program expired on February 10, 2011 and was extended by the Board of Directors on February 18, 2011 until February 10, 2012. The program may be discontinued or suspended at any time. During the year ended September 30, 2011 the Company purchased 62,400 shares of common stock under the program at a cost of $298,926 at an average market price of $4.77 per share, financed with available cash. The following table sets forth the purchases made under this plan for each month since the extension date through September 30, 2011:

Period
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
  Average Price Paid
per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
  Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program
 

July 2011

                988,000  

August 2011

    38,600     4.87     38,600     949,400  

September 2011

    23,800     4.61     23,800     925,600  
                     

    62,400     4.77     62,400        
                     

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        The graph below shows the cumulative shareholder return on $100 invested at the market close on September 30, 2006 through and including September 30, 2011, the last trading day before the end of the Company's most recently completed fiscal year, with the cumulative total return over the same time period of the same amount invested in the NASDAQ Composite Index, the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index.


COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc., The NASDAQ Composite Index,
The Russell 2000 Index And Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defence Index

GRAPHIC

 
  9/06   9/07   9/08   9/09   9/10   9/11  

Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. 

    100.00     130.56     45.09     41.45     40.45     39.96  

NASDAQ Composite

    100.00     121.84     92.48     96.08     108.39     110.99  

Russell 2000

    100.00     112.34     96.07     86.90     98.50     95.02  

Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense

    100.00     135.64     100.95     94.69     107.42     108.89  

*
$100 invested on 9/30/06 in stock or index—including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending September 30.

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Item 6.    Selected Consolidated Financial Data .

        The following tables present portions of the Company's consolidated financial statements. The following selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere herein. The selected statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2011 and 2010 are derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected statements of operations data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are extracted from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
  Fiscal year ended September 30,  
 
  2011   2010   2009   2008   2007  

Statement of Operations Data:

                               

Net Sales

    25,737,652     25,257,323     36,734,150     30,533,311     18,348,128  

Cost of sales

    11,945,184     11,520,029     17,895,984     20,551,857     14,154,425  
                       

Gross profit

    13,792,468     13,737,294     18,838,166     9,981,454     4,193,703  

Research and development

    5,500,924     5,234,240     5,313,007     10,304,279     5,180,360  

Selling, general and administrative

    7,683,637     8,099,587     8,647,506     22,306,016     15,840,255  

Asset Impairment

                2,475,000      
                       
 

Total operating expenses

    13,184,561     13,333,827     13,960,513     35,085,295     21,020,615  

Operating income (loss)

    607,907     403,467     4,877,653     (25,103,841 )   (16,826,912 )

Interest income, net

    142,433     185,815     315,765     1,415,732     2,886,602  

Other income

    150,010     50,000     50,099     17,300,000      
                       

Income (loss) before income taxes

    900,350     639,282     5,243,517     (6,388,109 )   (13,940,310 )

Income tax expense (benefit), net

    183,760     (109,094 )   234,856     1,509,139     (5,095,022 )
                       

Net income (loss)

    716,590     748,376     5,008,661     (7,897,248 )   (8,845,288 )
                       

Net income (loss) per common share:

                               
 

Basic

    0.04     0.04     0.30     (0.47 )   (0.52 )
 

Diluted

    0.04     0.04     0.30     (0.47 )   (0.52 )

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                               
 

Basic

    16,782,223     16,751,528     16,745,379     16,887,049     16,865,028  
 

Diluted

    16,824,621     16,777,886     16,760,500     16,887,049     16,865,028  

Cash dividends declared per Common Share

   
   
   
   
1.00
   
 

 

 
  As of September 30,  
 
  2011   2010   2009   2008   2007  

Balance Sheet Data:

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

    42,625,854     40,916,346     35,565,694     35,031,932     49,151,078  

Working capital

    47,332,110     46,311,056     44,624,477     42,491,253     62,453,234  

Total assets

    58,257,604     57,590,522     57,536,012     59,896,714     84,585,785  

Debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion

        15,560     26,991     4,362,725     4,382,542  

Total shareholders' equity

    54,260,787     53,468,037     52,398,742     46,804,126     70,733,779  

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