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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
(Mark One) |

ý | QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002

OR

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

For the transition period from                                to
Commission file number 0-10605

ODETICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

95-2588496
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1515 South Manchester Avenue
Anaheim, California
(Address of principal executive office)

92802
(Zip Code)

(714) 774-5000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and 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 is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o    No ý

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of FEBRUARY 11, 2003:

Class A Common Stock—14,080,914 shares.
Class B Common Stock—1,035,841 shares.

INDEX

| | | | Page
PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |

ITEM 1. | | CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND 2002 (UNAUDITED) | | 3

| | CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT MARCH 31, 2002 AND DECEMBER 31, 2002 (UNAUDITED) | | 4

| | CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND 2002 (UNAUDITED) | | 5

| | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | 6

ITEM 2. | | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS | | 10

| | RISK FACTORS | | 17

ITEM 3. | | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | | 26

ITEM 4. | | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | | 26

PART II    OTHER INFORMATION | |

ITEM 1. | | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | | 26

ITEM 2. | | CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS | | 26

ITEM 3. | | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES | | 26

ITEM 4. | | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS | | 26

ITEM 5. | | OTHER INFORMATION | | 26

ITEM 6. | | EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K | | 26

SIGNATURES | | 27

CERTIFICATIONS | | 28
        In this Report, "Odetics," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" collectively refers to Odetics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

2

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ODETICS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2002 |
Net sales and contract revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net sales | | $ | 8,242 | | $ | 8,390 | | $ | 29,244 | | $ | 25,504 |
| Contract revenues | | | 5,376 | | | 6,867 | | | 16,735 | | | 18,803 |
| | Total net sales and contract revenues | | | 13,618 | | | 15,257 | | | 45,979 | | | 44,307 |

Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cost of sales | | | 4,461 | | | 4,308 | | | 17,891 | | | 13,664 |
| Cost of contract revenues | | | 3,404 | | | 4,235 | | | 10,799 | | | 11,919 |
| | Gross profit | | | 5,753 | | | 6,714 | | | 17,289 | | | 18,724 |
| Selling, general and administrative expense | | | 5,396 | | | 4,966 | | | 18,814 | | | 15,613 |
| Research and development expense | | | 1,943 | | | 1,541 | | | 6,398 | | | 4,881 |
| Restructuring charge | | | — | | | — | | | 1,422 | | | — |
| | Total operating expenses | | | 7,339 | | | 6,507 | | | 26,634 | | | 20,494 |
Operating income (loss) | | | (1,586 | ) | | 207 | | | (9,345 | ) | | (1,770 | )
Non-operating items: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other income | | | 148 | | | 4 | | | 1,220 | | | 634 |
| Interest expense, net | | | (642 | ) | | (98 | ) | | (2,427 | ) | | (694 | )
Income (loss) before income taxes | | | (2,080 | ) | | 113 | | | (10,552 | ) | | (1,830 | )
| Income taxes | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest | | | (2,080 | ) | | 113 | | | (10,552 | ) | | (1,830 | )
| Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary | | | 252 | | | 1,018 | | | 426 | | | 2,992 |
Loss from continuing operations | | $ | (2,332 | ) | | (905 | ) | | (10,978 | ) | | (4,822 | )

Loss from discontinued operations (including loss on disposal of $8,361), net of taxes of $0 | | | — | | | — | | | (13,843 | ) | | — |

Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt, net of tax of $0 | | | — | | | — | | | (450 | ) | | — |
Net loss | | $ | (2,332 | ) | $ | (905 | ) | $ | (25,271 | ) | $ | (4,822 | )
(Loss) per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Loss from continuing operations | | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (1.00 | ) | $ | (0.34 | )
| Loss from discontinued operations | | | — | | | — | | | (1.27 | ) | | — |
| Extraordinary loss from the early extinguishment of debt | | | — | | | — | | | (0.04 | ) | | — |
| Loss per share | | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (2.31 | ) | $ | (0.34 | )
Shares used in calculating loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | | 11,684 | | | 15,117 | | | 10,938 | | | 13,996 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements

3

ODETICS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

March 31,
2002
(Audited)

December 31,
2002
(Unaudited)

ASSETS: | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | |
| Cash | | $ | 408 | | $ | 645 |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | | | 10,301 | | | 11,533 |
| Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | | | 3,565 | | | 1,805 |
| Inventories: | | | | | | |
| | Finished goods | | | 1,034 | | | 3,227 |
| | Work in process | | | 103 | | | 361 |
| | Materials and supplies | | | 7,275 | | | 4,493 |
| Total inventories | | | 8,412 | | | 8,081 |
| Income taxes receivable | | | 785 | | | 98 |
| Prepaid expenses | | | 1,045 | | | 1,224 |
| Assets to be disposed of from discontinued operations | | | 205 | | | 212 |
Total current assets | | | 24,721 | | | 23,713 |

Restricted cash | | | — | | | 3,016 |
Property, plant and equipment: | | | | | | |
| Land | | | 2,060 | | | — |
| Buildings and improvements | | | 19,014 | | | 55 |
| Equipment, furniture and fixtures | | | 28,087 | | | 28,453 |
| | | 49,161 | | | 28,508 |
| Less accumulated depreciation | | | (31,441 | ) | | (25,098 | )
| Net property, plant and equipment | | | 17,720 | | | 3,410 |

Goodwill, net | | | 9,769 | | | 9,807 |
Other assets | | | 28 | | | 231 |
| Total assets | | $ | 52,238 | | $ | 40,062 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | |
| Trade accounts payable | | $ | 6,611 | | $ | 6,588 |
| Accrued payroll and related | | | 5,295 | | | 5,176 |
| Accrued expenses | | | 1,373 | | | 1,040 |
| Contract loss accrual | | | 600 | | | 450 |
| Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | | | 2,236 | | | 528 |
Revolving line of credit | | | — | | | 1,674 |
Liabilities of discontinued operations | | | 1,800 | | | 716 |
| Current portion of long-term debt | | | 16,133 | | | 6 |
Total current liabilities | | | 34,048 | | | 16,178 |

Revolving line of credit with related party | | | 1,250 | | | — |

Revolving line of credit | | | 767 | | | — |

Long-term debt, less current portion | | | 25 | | | — |

Deferred gain on sale of building | | | — | | | 6,829 |

Minority interest | | | 10,893 | | | 13,885 |

Stockholders' equity: | | | | | | |
| Preferred stock | | | — | | | — |
| Common stock | | | 1,252 | | | 1,512 |
| Paid-in capital | | | 89,134 | | | 91,913 |
| Treasury stock | | | (1 | ) | | (1 | )
| Notes receivable from associates | | | (51 | ) | | (51 | )
| Retained earnings | | | (85,320 | ) | | (90,142 | )
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 241 | | | (61 | )
Total stockholders' equity | | | 5,255 | | | 3,170 |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | | $ | 52,238 | | $ | 40,062 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements

4

ODETICS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, |
| | 2001 | | 2002 |
Operating activities | | | | | | |
| Net loss from continuing operations | | $ | (11,428 | ) | $ | (4,822 | )
| Net loss from discontinued operations | | | (13,843 | ) | | — |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | |
| | | Depreciation and amortization | | | 2,952 | | | 932 |
| | | Amortization of warrants | | | 738 | | | 246 |
| | | Asset impairments and costs to exit—Mariner Networks | | | 8,361 | | | — |
| | | Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary | | | 426 | | | 2,992 |
| | | Loss on sale of Iteris common stock | | | 1,597 | | | 35 |
| | | Gain on sale of product line | | | (2,579 | ) | | — |
| | | Gain on sale and leaseback transactions | | | — | | | (640 | )
| | | Other | | | 150 | | | (721 | )
| | | Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | |
| | | (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable | | | 1,724 | | | (1,232 | )
| | | (Increase) decrease in net costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings | | | (773 | ) | | 52 |
| | | (Increase) decrease in inventories | | | 310 | | | 331 |
| | | (Increase) decrease in prepaids and other assets | | | (977 | ) | | 255 |
| | | Change in net assets of discontinued operations | | | (1672 | ) | | (1,091 | )
| | | Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | (1,773 | ) | | (625 | )
Net cash (used in) operating activities | | | (16,787 | ) | | (4,288 | )
Investing activities | | | | | | |
| Purchases of property, plant, and equipment | | | (279 | ) | | (387 | )
| Proceeds from sale of Gyyr CCTV Products line | | | 9,884 | | | — |
| Proceeds from sale of building | | | — | | | 18,951 |
| Other | | | 662 | | | (302 | )
Net cash provided by investing activities | | | 10,267 | | | 18,262 |
Financing activities | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings | | | 27,470 | | | 417 |
| Principal payments on line of credit, long-term debt and capital lease obligations | | | (30,773 | ) | | (17,158 | )
| Proceeds from sale of Iteris common stock | | | 3,851 | | | 201 |
| Proceeds from sale of Iteris preferred stock | | | 4,988 | | | — |
| Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock | | | (117 | ) | | 2,803 |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 5,419 | | | (13,737 | )
Increase (decrease) in cash | | | (1,101 | ) | | 237 |
Cash at beginning of year | | | 2,218 | | | 408 |
Cash at December 31 | | $ | 1,117 | | $ | 645 |

Non-cash transactions | | | | | | |
| Stock issuance to former shareholders of Meyer, Mohaddes Associates, Inc. | | | 2,737 | | | — |
| Issuance of warrants | | | 1,357 | | | — |
Equity of subsidiary allocable to minority interest | | | 9,415 | | | — |
| Restricted cash received on sale of building | | | — | | | 316 |
| Contribution of common stock to 401(k) Plan | | | — | | | 221 |
| Conversion of note payable and accrued interest into Iteris common stock | | | 4,203 | | | — |
See notes to consolidated financial statements

5

ODETICS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS4

(Unaudited)

Note 1—Basis of Presentation and Operations

        In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of Odetics, Inc. as of December 31, 2002 and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Unites States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of those to be expected for the entire year. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2002 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2002.

        During the nine months ended December 31, 2002, we used $4.3 million of cash to fund our operations. Operating cash flow reflects our net loss of $4.8 million increased for non-cash gains of $640,000 related to the sale of our real estate assets, and a $2.3 million decrease in working capital, offset by non-cash charges of $3.0 million related to the minority interest in our Iteris subsidiary and $1.2 million for depreciation and amortization. As of December 31, 2002, we had cash and cash equivalents of $645,000.

        In May 2002, we completed the sale and leaseback of our Anaheim, California facilities for an aggregate sale price of $22.6 million. Approximately $16.4 million of the proceeds from this sale were used to repay the outstanding indebtedness under a 2001 promissory note, which was secured by a first deed of trust on our Anaheim facilities. In connection with the sale and leaseback, we pledged cash of $3.0 million to secure our obligations under the lease. The pledged amounts will be released to us based upon our continued compliance with financial covenants and performance under the lease. The balance of the proceeds from this sale was used for general working capital purposes. We committed to lease one of the two buildings on this property for a period of ten years, and to lease the other building for a period of 30 months.

        We have lease commitments for facilities in various locations throughout the United States. The annual commitment under these noncancelable operating leases including the leaseback of the Anaheim facilities at December 31, 2002 is as follows:
Fiscal Year | | (in thousands)
2003 | | $ | 711
2004 | | $ | 2,677
2005 | | $ | 2,341
2006 | | $ | 1,825
2007 | | $ | 1,825
Thereafter | | $ | 9,429
        We expect that our operations will continue to use net cash at least through the end of fiscal 2003. We also expect to have an ongoing need to raise cash by securing additional debt or equity financing, or by divesting certain assets to fund our operations until we return to profitability and positive operating cash flows. However, we cannot be certain that we will be able to secure additional debt or equity financing or divest of certain assets on terms acceptable to us, on a timely basis, or at all. Our

6

future cash requirements will be highly dependent upon our ability to control expenses, as well as the successful execution of the revenue plans by each of our business units. As a result, any projections of future cash requirements and cash flows are subject to substantial uncertainty.

        These conditions, together with our recurring operating losses, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Note 2—Income Taxes

        Income taxes, for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 has been provided at the estimated annualized effective tax rates based on the estimated income tax liability or assets and change in deferred taxes for their respective fiscal years. Deferred taxes result primarily from temporary differences in the reporting of income for financial statement and income tax purposes. These differences relate principally to the use of accelerated cost recovery depreciation methods for tax purposes, capitalization of interest and taxes for tax purposes, capitalization of computer software costs for financial statement purposes, deferred compensation, other payroll accruals, reserves for inventory and accounts receivable for financial statement purposes and general business tax credit and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes. We did not provide income tax benefit for the losses incurred in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002 due to the uncertainty as to the ultimate realization of the benefit at that time.

Note 3—Long-Term Debt

March 31,
2002

December 31,
2002

| | (in thousands)
Revolving line of credit | | $ | 767 | | $ | —
Revolving line of credit with related party | | | 1,250 | | | 1,674
Notes payable | | | 15,756 | | | —
Contracts payable | | | 402 | | | 6
| | | 18,175 | | | 1,680
Less current portion | | | 16,133 | | | 1,680
| | $ | 2,042 | | $ | —
Note 4—Legal Proceedings

        We are not a party to any material legal proceedings as of the date of this Report.

7

Note 5—Comprehensive (Loss)

        The components of comprehensive (loss) for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2002 |
Net loss | | $ | (2,332 | ) | $ | (905 | ) | $ | (25,271 | ) | $ | (4,822 | )
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | 160 | | | (23 | ) | | 662 | | | (303 | )
Comprehensive loss | | $ | (2,172 | ) | $ | (928 | ) | $ | (24,609 | ) | $ | (5,125 | )
Note 6—Business Segment Information

        Odetics operates in three reportable segments: intelligent transportation systems ("ITS"), video products, which include products for the television broadcast and video security markets, and telecom products. Selected financial information for our reportable segments for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

Intelligent
Transportation
Systems

Video
Products

Telecom
Products

Total

Three Months Ended December 31, 2001 | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Revenue from external customers | | $ | 9,798 | | $ | 2,415 | | $ | 1,405 | | $ | 13,618 |
Segment loss | | | 1,032 | | | (277 | ) | | (877 | ) | | (122 | )

Three Months Ended December 31, 2002 | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Revenue from external customers | | | 10,566 | | | 1,646 | | | 3,045 | | | 15,257 |
Segment income (loss) | | | 887 | | | (620 | ) | | 785 | | | 1,052 |
        The following reconciles segment income (loss) to consolidated loss before income taxes (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
December 31,

| | 2001 | | 2002 |
Total profit (loss) for reportable segments | | | (122 | ) | | 1,052 |
Other profit (loss) | | | (175 | ) | | (27 | )

Unallocated amounts: | | | | | | |
| Corporate and other expenses | | | (175 | ) | | (814 | )
| Special charge | | | (1,141 | ) | | — |
| Interest expense | | | (642 | ) | | (98 | )
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | | $ | (2,080 | ) | $ | 113 |
8

ITS

Video Products

Telecom
Products

Total

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2001 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue from external customers | | $ | 27,147 | | $ | 15,004 | | $ | 3,828 | | $ | 45,979 |
Segment income (loss) | | | 2,067 | | | (2,505 | ) | | (2,879 | ) | $ | (3,317 | )

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2002 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue from external customers | | | 30,510 | | | 5,947 | | | 7,850 | | | 44,307 |
Segment income (loss) | | | 2,382 | | | (2,240 | ) | | 590 | | | 732 |
        The following table reconciles loss from continuing operations before minority interest in thousands:

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

| | 2001 | | 2002 |
| | (in thousands) |
Total profit or loss for reportable segments | | | (3,317 | ) | | 732 |
Other profit or loss | | | 660 | | | 553 |
Unallocated amounts: | | | | | | |
Corporate and other expenses | | | (4,046 | ) | | (2,421 | )
Special charge | | | (1,422 | ) | | — |
Interest expense | | | (2,427 | ) | | (694 | )
(Loss) from continuing operations | | $ | (10,552 | ) | $ | (1,830 | )
Note 7—Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 141,Business Combinations ("SFAS 141"), and Statement No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("SFAS 142"), which we adopted on April 1, 2002. Under the new rules, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives will no longer be amortized but, instead, will be subject to annual impairment tests. Other intangible assets will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. We have applied the new rules on accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. At December 31, 2002, we had goodwill of approximately $9.8 million. Pursuant to SFAS 142, we tested our goodwill for impairment and determined there was no requirement for an impairment charge.

        On a pro forma basis, application of the non-amortization provision of SFAS 141 would have resulted in a net loss of $2.0 million and $24.1 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2001.

9

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in this Report and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Odetics. When used in this Report, the words "expect(s)," "feel(s)," "believe(s)," "intends," "plans," "will," "may," "anticipate(s)" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning our ability to achieve profitability or obtain new credit lines and secure other sources of capital, our ability to sell existing assets, projected revenues, expenses and results of operations, cash requirements, supply issues, market acceptance of new products, our business strategy, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, those set forth at the end of this Item 2 under the caption "Risk Factors." Our actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements discussed herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to re-publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Results of Operations

        We define our business segments as ITS, video products and telecom products. The ITS segment consists of our majority-owned subsidiary, Iteris, Inc. The video products segment includes our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Broadcast, Inc. and MAXxess Systems, Inc. (previously known as Gyyr Incorporated). The telecom products segment consists of Zyfer, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (formerly known as our Communications division). In April 2001, Gyyr separated its operations into two divisions, the Gyyr CCTV Products line, which manufactures analog and digital storage solutions, and the Gyyr Electronic Access Control line, which manufactures enterprise security management systems. In September 2001, we sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of the Gyyr CCTV Products line. In connection with the sale, we changed the name of Gyyr to MAXxess Systems, Inc. to reflect the focus of the business on electronic access control and environmental security systems. All references to our subsidiaries in this Report include the prior business and results of operations of such subsidiaries as our business units prior to their incorporation.

        In September 2001, in connection with our continued cost control efforts and the slowdown in the telecommunications industry, we discontinued the operations of Mariner Networks, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary. Mariner had previously been included within our telecom products segment. Losses from the operations of Mariner of $13.8 million are included in the loss from discontinued operations during the nine months ended December 31, 2001.

        In the third quarter of fiscal 2003, we initiated a number of plans intended to further reduce our operating expenses, including mandatory salary reductions.

        As a result of the sale of the Gyyr CCTV Products line and the discontinuation of Mariner, in September 2001, we reorganized our European operations and reduced our corporate staff. The reorganization of the European operations included the discontinuation of our Odetics Europe Ltd., Gyyr Europe Ltd., Mariner France and Mariner Europe Ltd. operations, and the transition of our Broadcast and MAXxess international operations to branch office operations with the intent of lowering our international costs.

Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates

        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these

10

financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates and assumptions, including those related to the collectibility of accounts receivable, the valuation of inventories, the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill, and reserves for restructuring and related activities. We base these estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates and assumptions by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and may prove to be inaccurate. In the event that any of our estimates or assumptions are inaccurate in any material respect, it could have a material adverse effect on our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

        The following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

        Revenue Recognition.    We record product revenues and related cost of sales on the date of shipment or, if required, upon acceptance by the customer, provided that we believe collectibility of the net sales amount is probable. Accordingly, at the date revenue is recognized, the significant uncertainties concerning the sale have been resolved. Unless otherwise stated in our product literature, we generally provide a one to two year warranty on all products materials and workmanship, and establish reserves for potential warranty returns as products are shipped. Defective products will be either repaired or replaced, at our option, upon meeting certain criteria.

        Contract revenue is derived primarily from long-term contracts with governmental agencies. Contract revenue includes costs incurred plus a portion of estimated fees or profits determined on the percentage of completion method of accounting based on the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated costs. We record a charge to earnings for any anticipated losses on contracts in the period in which such losses are identified. Changes in job performance and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to cost and revenue and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. We include in revenue profit incentives in the period in which their realization is reasonably assured.

        We sell certain products that include software, which is integral to the functionality of the product. When such products do not require significant production, modification or customization of the software, we recognize revenue upon delivery, assuming the fee is fixed and collectibility is probable. If an arrangement requires significant production, modification or customization of the software, we account for the arrangement on the percentage of completion method of accounting as the costs are incurred.

        We record revenues from follow-on service and support, for which we charge separately, in the period in which such services are performed. We record revenues from computer software maintenance agreements ratably over the term of the agreements. When computer software maintenance is included in a software license agreement, we defer an appropriate portion of the license fee and recognize it over the maintenance period.

11

Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth certain income statement data as a percentage of total net sales and contract revenues for the periods indicated and should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations:

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2001 | | 2002 |
Net sales | | 60.5 | % | 55.0 | % | 63.6 | % | 57.6 | %
Contract revenues | | 39.5 | | 45.0 | | 36.4 | | 42.4 |
| Total net sales and contract revenues | | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | %
Gross profit—net sales | | 45.9 | | 48.7 | | 38.8 | | 46.4 |
Gross profit—contract revenues | | 36.7 | | 38.3 | | 35.5 | | 36.6 |

Selling, general and administrative expense | | 39.6 | | 32.5 | | 40.9 | | 35.2 |
Research and development expense | | 14.3 | | 10.1 | | 13.9 | | 11.0 |
Restructuring charge | | — | | — | | 3.1 | | — |
Operating income (loss) | | (11.6 | ) | 1.4 | | (20.3 | ) | (4.0 | )
Non-operating income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
| Other income | | 1.1 | | — | | 2.7 | | 1.4 |
| Interest expense, net | | (4.7 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (5.3 | ) | (1.6 | )
Income taxes (benefit) | | — | | — | | — | | — |
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary | | 1.9 | | 6.7 | | 0.9 | | 6.8 |
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | | — | | — | | (30.1 | ) | — |
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt | | — | | — | | (1.0 | ) | — |
Net loss | | (17.1 | )% | (5.9 | )% | (55.0 | )% | (10.9 | )%
        Net Sales and Contract Revenues.    Net sales and contract revenues consist of (i) sales of products and services to commercial and municipal agencies ("net sales") and (ii) revenues derived from contracts with state, county and municipal agencies for ITS projects ("contract revenues"). Contract revenues also include revenue from contracts with agencies of the United States government and foreign entities for space recorders used for geographical information systems. Total net sales and contract revenues increased 12.0% to $15.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $13.6 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, and decreased 3.6% to $44.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $46.0 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

        Net sales increased 1.8% to $8.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $8.2 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year and decreased 12.8% to $25.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $29.2 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease in net sales in the nine months ended December 31, 2002 was primarily attributable to our sale of the Gyyr CCTV Products line ("CCTV") in September 2001. CCTV product sales comprised $8.3 million of net sales in the nine months ended December 31, 2001. Excluding the contribution to net sales from CCTV sales in 2001, net sales increased 21.8% for the nine months ended December 31, 2002. The increase in the three months ended December 31, 2002 primarily reflects an increase in Zyfer and Iteris sales, partially offset by decreases in MAXxess and Broadcast sales. Zyfer's net sales increased 125.4% as a result of increased unit sales of its CommSynch II products and the revenue contribution in the current fiscal year of its E-911 position location systems used in cellular base station applications. Zyfer's E-911 position location systems were not part of its product offering in the prior fiscal year. Broadcast sales declined

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32.8% and 10.3% in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2002, respectively, as a result of a product mix favoring software based product offerings in the current fiscal year, which have a lower average selling price as compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. MAXxess sales declined 30.8% and 13.3%, in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2002, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of the loss of a significant customer in the current fiscal year. The increase in the nine months ended December 31, 2002 primarily reflects increased Zyfer and Iteris net sales. For the nine months ended December 31, 2002, Zyfer's net sales increased 183.0% due to increased sales of CommSynch II products and E-911 position location systems. Iteris sales growth reflects increased unit sales of Vantage video detection systems.

        Contract revenues increased 27.7% to $6.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $5.4 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, and increased 12.36% to $18.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 compared to $16.7 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The increase in contract revenues in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2002 reflects an increase in Iteris' contract revenues for ITS projects and an increase in contract revenues in Zyfer. Zyfer's contract revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2002 increased 98.2% compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year as a result of end of contract revenue recognition on certain of its contracts with government customers. In future periods Zyfer anticipates that it will receive declining revenue from government contracts as it completes contracts to support the United States space programs.

        Gross Profit.    Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 48.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2002 compared to 45.9% in the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 46.4% for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 compared to 38.8% in the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. The increases in the three and nine month periods compared to the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year primarily reflects both the higher gross margins realized on net sales of Zyfer products and the increased absorption of manufacturing overhead costs resulting from increased net sales at Zyfer, in addition to increased gross profit percentages realized on sales of Vantage products by Iteris.

        Gross profit as a percentage of contract revenues increased to 38.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2002 compared to 36.7% in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Gross profit as a percent of contract revenues increased to 36.6% for the nine months ended December 31, 2002 compared to 35.5% in the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. The increase in the three and nine months periods principally reflects end of contract gross profit realized on Zyfer's government contracts for data recorders used in space flight. The underlying mix of contracts at any given time will impact quarterly gross profit performance on contract revenues, and we do not believe that the changes in the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2002 are indicative of any particular trend. We recognize contract revenues and the related gross profit using percentage of completion contract accounting.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expense.    Selling, general and administrative expense decreased 8.0% to $5.0 million (or 32.5% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the three months ended December 31, 2002 compared to $5.4 million (or 39.6% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased 17.0% to $15.6 million (or 35.2% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the nine months ended December 31, 2002 compared to $18.8 million (or 40.9% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Approximately $323,000 and $1.2 million of the decrease in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2002, respectively, related to a reduction in charges for amortization of goodwill in connection with our adoption of SFAS Statement No. 142 on April 1, 2002. Approximately $1.7 million of the decrease in the nine months ended December 31, 2002 related to the divestiture of the assets of the Gyyr CCTV Products line in September 2001.

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Approximately $400,000 of the decrease in the nine months ended December 31, 2002 reflects reductions associated with the restructuring of the Broadcast product line and related sales and marketing organization.

        Research and Development Expense.    Research and development expense decreased 20.7% to $1.5 million (or 10.1% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the three months ended December 31, 2002 compared to $1.9 million (or 14.3% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Research and development expense decreased 23.7% to $4.9 million (or 11.0% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the nine months ended December 31, 2002 compared to $6.4 million (or 13.9% of total net sales and contract revenues) in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease in the three and nine month periods reflects the divestiture of the Gyyr CCTV product line in September 2001 and the related product development activity, in addition to reduced development expenses in Zyfer. Reduced research and development expenses in Zyfer were primarily due to lower spending to support development the Zyfer's StealthKey™ network security processors. These decreases were primarily in the areas of payroll and related benefits, prototype material cost and consulting fees. For competitive reasons, we closely guard the confidentiality of our specific development projects.

        Restructuring Charge.    During the nine months ended December 31, 2001, we incurred costs related to the restructuring of our European operations, and the continued downsizing of our corporate cost structure. These costs included approximately $1.0 million for severance charges and $400,000 for the impairment of long-lived assets.

        Other Income.    During the nine months ended December 31, 2001, we recognized a gain of $2.5 million on the sale of the assets of the Gyyr CCTV Products line. Also during the nine months ended December 31, 2001, we sold in a secondary transaction, $1.9 million of our Iteris common stock to a group of investors, which included the management of Odetics and Iteris. We incurred a loss on this sale of $1.0 million that has been included in other income. In connection with a promissory note secured by our Anaheim real property, we issued warrants to the lender to purchase 426,667 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. We allocated approximately $1.3 million of the loan proceeds to the warrant, and incurred $370,000 in amortization expense related to the warrant that has been included in other income. Other income for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, includes a gain of $640,000 recognized on the sale and leaseback of our Anaheim, California based real estate, which was consummated in May 2002 .

        Interest Expense.    Interest expense decreased 84.7% to $98,000 in the three months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $642,000 in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Interest expense decreased 71.4% to $694,000 in the nine months ended December 31, 2002, compared to $2.4 million in the corresponding period of the prior year. As a result of sale and leaseback of our Anaheim, California facilities, we repaid the $16.4 million outstanding indebtedness under the 2001 promissory note in May 2002. The decrease in interest expense reflects lower average outstanding borrowings compared to the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.

        Extraordinary Loss.    The extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt of $450,000 incurred in the nine months ended December 31, 2001 represented to a prepayment penalty on the retirement of our mortgage note payable resulting from the refinancing of our Anaheim real property.

        Income Taxes.    We have not provided any income tax benefit for the losses incurred in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2002 due to the uncertainty as to the ultimate realization of the related benefit.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

        During the nine months ended December 31, 2002, we used $4.3 million of cash to fund our operations. Operating cash flow reflects our net loss of $4.8 million increased for non-cash gains of $640,000 related to the sale of our real estate assets, and a $2.3 million decrease in working capital, offset by non-cash charges of $3.0 million related to the minority interest in our Iteris subsidiary and $1.2 million for depreciation and amortization. As of December 31, 2002, we had cash and cash equivalents of $645,000.

        In May 2002, we completed the sale and leaseback of our Anaheim, California facilities for an aggregate sale price of $22.6 million. Approximately $16.4 million of the proceeds from this sale were used to repay the outstanding indebtedness under the 2001 promissory note, which was secured by a first deed of trust on our Anaheim facilities. In connection with the sale and leaseback, we pledged cash of $3.0 million to secure our obligations under the lease. The pledged amounts will be released to us based upon our continued compliance with financial covenants and performance under the lease. The balance of the proceeds from this sale was used for general working capital purposes. We committed to lease one of the two buildings on this property for a period of ten years, and to lease the other building for a period of 30 months.

        On August 16, 2002, we completed a private placement of 2,500,000 of our Class A common stock to one institutional investor for $3.0 million in cash. The transaction, net of expenses raised approximately $2.7 million in proceeds. In connection with this offering, we also issued warrants to the investor to purchase up to another 1,250,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.50 per share, and up to 1,250,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.80 per share. The warrants are exercisable at any time by the investor, and are callable by us if the market price of our Class A common stock trades for 20 consecutive days at a price equal or greater than two times the exercise price of the warrants. If all of the warrants are exercised, the total gross proceeds from this transaction will be $7.2 million. The proceeds from the transaction were used to fund general working capital requirements.

        Our contractual obligations are as follows at December 31, 2002:
| | Payments Due by Period (in thousands)

Total

1 year
or less

2-3 years

4-5 years

After
5 years

Lines of credit | | $ | 1,674 | | $ | 1,674 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | —
Capital lease obligations | | | 6 | | | 6 | | | — | | | — | | | —
Operating leases | | | 18,808 | | | 2,843 | | | 4,508 | | | 3,650 | | | 7,807
| Total | | $ | 20,488 | | $ | 4,523 | | $ | 4,508 | | $ | 3,650 | | $ | 7,807
        We expect that our operations will continue to use net cash at least through the end of calendar 2003. We also expect to have an ongoing need to raise cash by securing additional debt or equity financing, or by divesting certain assets to fund our operations until we return to profitability and positive operating cash flows. However, we cannot be certain that we will be able to secure additional debt or equity financing or divest of certain assets on terms acceptable to us, on a timely basis, or at all. Our future cash requirements will be highly dependent upon our ability to control expenses, as well as the successful execution of the revenue plans by each of our business units. As a result, any projections of future cash requirements and cash flows are subject to substantial uncertainty.

        These conditions, together with our recurring operating losses, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 141, Business Combinations ("SFAS 141"), and SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("SFAS 142"), which we adopted on April 1, 2002. Under the new rules, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives will no longer be amortized, but instead will be subject to annual impairment tests. Other intangible assets will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. We have applied the new rules on accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. At December 31, 2002, we had goodwill of approximately $9.8 million. Pursuant to SFAS 142, we tested our goodwill for impairment and determined there was no requirement for an impairment charge.

        On a pro forma basis, application of the non-amortization provision of SFAS 141 would have resulted in a net loss of $2.0 million and $24.1 million in the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2001, respectively

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RISK FACTORS

        Our business is subject to a number of risks, some of which are discussed below. Other risks are presented elsewhere in this Report and in the information incorporated by reference into this Report. You should consider the following risks carefully in addition to the other information contained in this Report (including the information incorporated by reference) before purchasing shares of our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be seriously harmed. In that event, the market price for our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

        Before deciding to buy, hold or sell our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below, in addition to the other information contained in this report and in our other filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2002, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and 8-K.

        We Have Experienced Substantial Losses and May to Continue Experiencing Losses for the Foreseeable Future.    We experienced operating losses of $1.8 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2002, $10.8 million in the year ended March 31, 2002, $37.9 million in the year ended March 31, 2001 and $32.9 million in the year ended March 31, 2000. In the three months ended September 30, 2001, we downsized our business in connection with our sale of the Gyyr CCTV Products line, the discontinuation of the business of our Mariner Networks subsidiary and the reorganization of our European operations or reduce our operating expenses. We cannot assure you that our efforts to downsize our operations or reduce our operating expenses will improve our financial performance, or that we will be able to achieve profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. Most of our expenses are fixed in advance, and we generally are unable to reduce our expenses significantly in the short-term to compensate for any unexpected delay or decrease in anticipated revenues. As a result, we may continue to experience losses, which would make it difficult to fund our operations and achieve our business plan, and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

        We Will Need to Raise Additional Capital in the Future, But We May Not Be Able to Secure Adequate Funds on Terms Acceptable to Us, or at All.     We have generated significant net losses in recent periods, and have experienced negative cash flows from operations of $4.3 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2002, $18.2 million in the year ended March 31, 2002 and $20.1 million in the year ended March 31, 2001. Although we completed the sale of our Anaheim, California property in May 2002, the majority of the proceeds of such sale were used to repay outstanding indebtedness and $3.0 million of such proceeds have been pledged to secure our performance under the leases for our Anaheim facility. We anticipate that we will need to raise additional capital in the future. Our Iteris subsidiary currently maintains a line of credit with a maximum availability of $5.0 million, which expires in August 2004. Substantially all of the assets of Iteris have been pledged to the lender to secure the outstanding indebtedness under this facility (although there were no amounts outstanding under the line of credit at December 31, 2002). We also incurred cash obligations in the amount of $100,000 payable over the next seven months related to the discontinuation of Mariner Networks and the reorganization of our European operations.

        We plan to raise additional capital in the near future, either through bank borrowings, other debt or equity financings, or the divestiture of business units or select assets. We cannot assure you that any additional capital will be available on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all. These conditions, together with our recurring losses and cash requirements, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

17

        Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

•
our ability to control costs;

•
market acceptance of our products and the overall level of sales of our products;

•
our ability to generate operating income;

•
increased research and development funding, and required investments in our business units;

•
increased sales and marketing expenses;

•
technological advancements and our competitors' response to our products;

•
capital improvements to new and existing facilities;

•
potential acquisitions of businesses and product lines;

•
our relationships with customers and suppliers; and

•
general economic conditions, including the effects of the current economic slowdown and international conflicts.

        If our capital requirements are materially different from those currently planned, we may need additional capital sooner than anticipated. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders will be reduced and such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. Additional financing may not be available on favorable terms or at all. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to continue our operations as planned, develop or enhance our products, expand our sales and marketing programs, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.

        The Trading Price of Our Common Stock Is Highly Volatile and our Shares Could be Delisted from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market and You May Not Be Able to Resell Your Shares of Stock at or Above the Price You Paid for Them.     The trading price of our common stock has been subject to wide fluctuations in the past. Since January 2000, our common stock has traded at prices as low as $0.49 per share and as high as $29.44 per share. In April 2002, because we failed to meet the minimum stockholder's equity requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq National Market, both our Class A common stock and Class B common stock were delisted from the Nasdaq National Market and subsequently approved for listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. Our stock price has been trading below the $1.00 bid price for more than the past thirty days and if our stock price continues to be below $1.00 per share for a period of time, our common stock could be subject to delisting from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and there may not be an active trading market for our stock. We may not be able to increase or sustain the current market price of our common stock in the future. As such, you may not be able to resell your shares of common stock at or above the price you paid for them. The market price of our common stock could continue to fluctuate in the future in response to various factors, including, but not limited to:

•
quarterly variations in operating results;

•
our ability to control costs and improve cash flow;

•
shortages announced by suppliers;

•
announcements of technological innovations or new products by our competitors, customers or us;

•
acquisitions or businesses, products or technologies;

•
changes in pending litigation or new litigation;

18

•
changes in investor perceptions;

•
our ability to spin-off any business unit;

•
applications or product enhancements by us or by our competitors;

•
changes in earnings estimates or investment recommendations by securities analysts; and

•
International conflicts and political unrest.

        The stock market in general has recently experienced volatility, which has particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many high technology companies. This volatility has often been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have been the subject of securities class action litigation. If we were to become the subject of a class action lawsuit, it could result in substantial losses and divert management's attention and resources from other matters.

        We Depend on Government Contracts and Subcontracts, and Because Many of our Government Contracts are Fixed Price Contracts, Higher Than Anticipated Costs Will Reduce Our Profit and Could Adversely Impact our Operating Results.     A significant portion of the sales by Iteris and a portion of the sales by Zyfer were derived from contracts with governmental agencies, either as a general contractor, subcontractor or supplier. Government contracts represented approximately 24%, 26% and 38% of our total net sales and contract revenues for the years ended March 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. We anticipate that revenue from government contracts will continue to increase in the near future. Government business is, in general, subject to special risks and challenges, including:

•
long purchase cycles or approval processes;

•
competitive bidding and qualification requirements;

•
performance bond requirements;

•
changes in government policies and political agendas;

•
delays in funding, budgetary constraints and cut-backs; and

•
milestone requirements and liquidated damage provisions for failure to meet contract milestones.

        In addition, a large number of our government contracts are fixed price contracts. As a result, we may not be able to recover for any cost overruns. These fixed price contracts require us to estimate the total project cost based on preliminary projections of the project's requirements. The financial viability of any given project depends in large part on our ability to estimate these costs accurately and complete the project on a timely basis. In the event our costs on these projects exceed the fixed contractual amount, we will be required to bear the excess costs. These additional costs adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, certain of our government contracts are subject to termination or renegotiation at the convenience of the government, which could result in a large decline in our net sales in any given quarter. Our inability to address any of the foregoing concerns or the loss or renegotiation of any material government contract could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The Recent Worldwide Economic Slowdown and Related Uncertainties Could Adversely Impact the Demand for Our Products.    Concerns about inflation, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, and recent international conflicts and terrorist and military actions have resulted in a downturn in worldwide economic conditions, particularly in the United States. As a result of these unfavorable economic conditions, we have experienced a slowdown in customer orders, cancellations and rescheduling of backlog and higher overhead costs. In addition,

19

recent political and social turmoil related to international conflicts and terrorist acts can be expected to put further pressure on economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide. These political, social and economic conditions make it extremely difficult for our customers, our suppliers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. If such conditions continue or worsen, our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be materially and adversely affected.

        Our Quarterly Operating Results Fluctuate as a Result of Many Factors. Therefore, We May Fail to Meet or Exceed the Expectations of Securities Analysts and Investors, Which Could Cause Our Stock Price to Decline.     Our quarterly revenues and operating results have fluctuated and are likely to continue to vary from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, many of which are not within our control. Factors that could affect our revenues include, among others, the following:

•
our ability to raise additional capital;

•
our significant investment in research and development for our subsidiaries and business units;

•
our ability to control costs;

•
international conflicts and acts of terrorism;

•
our ability to develop, introduce, market and gain market acceptance of new products applications and product enhancements in a timely manner;

•
the size, timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer orders;

•
the introduction of new products by competitors;

•
the availability of components used in the manufacture of our products;

•
changes in our pricing policies and the pricing policies by our suppliers and competitors, pricing concessions on volume sales, as well as increased price competition in general;

•
the long lead times associated with government contracts or required by vehicle manufacturers;

•
our success in expanding and implementing our sales and marketing programs;

•
the effects of technological changes in our target markets;

•
our relatively small level of backlog at any given time;

•
the mix of sales among our business units;

•
deferrals of customer orders in anticipation of new products, applications or product enhancements;

•
risks and uncertainties associated with our international business;

•
currency fluctuations and our ability to get currency out of certain foreign countries; and

•
general economic and political conditions.

        In addition, our sales in any quarter may consist of a relatively small number of large customer orders. As a result, the timing of a small number of orders may impact our quarter-to-quarter results. The loss of or a substantial reduction in orders from any significant customer could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Due to all of the factors listed above and other risks discussed in this prospectus, our future operating results could be below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If that happens, the trading price of our common stock could decline. As a result of these quarterly variations, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results as an indication of our future performance.

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        Our Operating Strategy for Developing Companies is Expensive, Requires the Commitment of Significant Time and Resources, and May Not Be Successful.     Our business strategy historically has required us to make significant investments in our business units. These investments are expensive and require the commitment of significant time and resources. We expect to continue to invest in the development of certain of our business units with the goal of achieving profitability in each of our business units, and to a lesser extent, to monetize those business units for the benefit of our stockholders through an initial public offering, spin-off or sale to a strategic buyer. We may not recognize the benefits of this investment for a significant period of time, if at all. Our ability to achieve profitability in any business unit, to complete any private or public offerings of securities by any of our business units, and/or to spin-off our interest in the business unit to our stockholders will depend upon many factors, including:

•
the overall performance and results of operations of the particular business unit;

•
the potential market for our business unit;

•
our ability to assemble and retain a qualified management team for the business unit;

•
our financial position and cash requirements;

•
the business unit's customer base and product line;

•
the current tax treatment of spin-off and sale transactions, and our ability to obtain favorable determination letters from the Internal Revenue Service; and

•
general economic and market conditions, including the receptiveness of the stock markets to initial public offerings and private placements.

        We may not be able to achieve profitability in our business units, to complete a successful private or public offering or to spin-off any of our business units in the near future, or at all. During fiscal 2001, we attempted to complete the initial public offering of Iteris, but withdrew the offering due to adverse market conditions. Even if we are able to achieve profitability and the market is receptive to public offerings, we may decide not to complete any further offerings, not to spin-off a particular business unit, or to delay a spin-off until a later date.

        If We Do Not Keep Pace with Rapid Technological Changes and Evolving Industry Standards, We Will Not be Able to Remain Competitive and There Will Be No Demand for Our Products.     Our target markets are in general characterized by the following factors:

•
rapid technological advances;

•
downward price pressure in the marketplace as technologies mature;

•
changes in customer requirements;

•
frequent new product introductions and enhancements; and

•
evolving industry standards and changes in the regulatory environment.

        Our future success will depend upon our ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in technology and industry standards, and to effectively develop, introduce, market and gain broad acceptance of new products and product enhancements incorporating the latest technological advancements.

        We believe that we must continue to make substantial investments to support ongoing research and development in order to remain competitive. We need to continue to develop and introduce new products that incorporate the latest technological advancements in hardware, storage media, operating system software and applications software in response to evolving customer requirements. Our business and results of operations could be adversely affected if we do not anticipate or respond adequately to technological developments or changing customer requirements. We cannot assure you that any such investments in research and development will lead to any corresponding increase in revenue.

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        If We are Unable to Develop and Introduce New Products and Product Enhancements Successfully and in a Cost-Effective and Timely Manner, or to Achieve Market Acceptance of Our New Products, Our Operating Results Would be Adversely Affected.     We believe our revenue growth and future operating results will depend on our ability to complete development of new products and enhancements, introduce these products in a timely, cost-effective manner, achieve broad market acceptance of these products and enhancements, and reduce our product costs. We may not be able to introduce any new products or any enhancements to our existing products on a timely basis, or at all. In addition, the introduction of any new products could adversely affect the sales of certain of our existing products.

        Our future success will also depend in part on the success of several recently introduced products including CommSync II, a Zyfer solution for applying precision and timing and synchronization systems to high performance communication systems; AutoVue, our lane departure warning system; and AIRO 9.0, our broadcast automation solution. Market acceptance of our new products depends upon many factors, including our ability to accurately predict market requirements and evolving industry standards, our ability to resolve technical challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner and achieve manufacturing efficiencies, the perceived advantages of our new products over traditional products and the marketing capabilities of our independent distributors and strategic partners. Our business and results of operations could be seriously harmed by any significant delays in our new product development. Certain of our new products could contain undetected design faults and software errors or "bugs" when first released by us, despite our testing. We may not discover these faults or errors until after a product has been installed and used by our customers. Any faults or errors in our existing products or in any new products may cause delays in product introduction and shipments, require design modifications or harm customer relationships, any of which could adversely affect our business and competitive position.

        Iteris currently outsources the manufacture of its AutoVue product line to a single manufacturer. This manufacturer may not be able to produce sufficient quantities of this product in a timely manner or at a reasonable cost, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to launch or gain market acceptance of AutoVue.

        We Have Significant International Sales and Our International Business Operations May be Threatened by Many Factors That are Outside of Our Control.     International sales represented 6 %  of our net sales and contract revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 2002, 10% of our net sales and contract revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 and 20% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, we reorganized our European operations, which included the discontinuation of our Odetics Europe Ltd., MAXxess Europe Ltd., Mariner France and Mariner Europe Ltd. operations, and the transition of our Broadcast and MAXxess international operations to branch office operations with the intent of lowering our international costs. This reorganization may result in significantly lower international sales in future periods and unanticipated liabilities related to the closures and we may not achieve the anticipated cost savings. We may also face challenges in managing and transitioning our international operations due to our limited experience operating through branch offices. In addition, the recent terrorist attacks in the United States and abroad and heightened security may adversely impact our international sales and could make our international operations more expensive.

        International business operations are also subject to other inherent risks, including, among others:

•
unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other trade barriers or restrictions;

•
longer accounts receivable payment cycles;

•
difficulties in managing and staffing international operations;

•
potentially adverse tax consequences;

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•
the burdens of compliance with a wide variety of foreign laws;

•
import and export license requirements and restrictions of the United States and each other country in which we operate;

•
exposure to different legal standards and reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;

•
currency fluctuations and restrictions; and

•
political, social and economic instability.

        We believe that international sales will continue to represent a significant portion of our revenues, and that continued growth and profitability may require further expansion of our international operations. Nearly all of our international sales from this point on are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, an increase in the relative value of the dollar could make our products more expensive and potentially less price competitive in international markets. We do not engage in any transactions as a hedge against risks of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations.

        Any of the factors mentioned above may adversely affect our future international sales and, consequently, affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Furthermore, as we increase our international sales, our total revenues may also be affected to a greater extent by seasonal fluctuations resulting from lower sales that typically occur during the summer months in Europe and other parts of the world.

        Acquisitions of Companies or Technologies May Require Us to Undertake Significant Capital Infusions and Result in Disruptions of Our Business and Diversion of Resources and Management Attention.     Over the past few years, we have expanded our operations and made several substantial acquisitions of diverse businesses, including Intelligent Controls, Inc., International Media Integration Services, Ltd., Meyer Mohaddes Associates, Inc., Viggen Corporation, and certain assets of the Transportation Systems business of Rockwell International. We may engage in acquisitions of complementary businesses, products and technologies. Acquisitions may require significant capital infusions and, in general, acquisitions also involve a number of special risks, including:

•
potential disruption of our ongoing business and the diversion of our resources and management's attention;

•
the failure to retain or integrate key acquired personnel;

•
the challenge of assimilating diverse business cultures, and the difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies and information system of the acquired companies;

•
increased costs to improve managerial, operational, financial and administrative systems and to eliminate duplicative services;

•
the incurrence of unforeseen obligations or liabilities;

•
potential impairment of relationships with employees or customers as a result of changes in management; and

•
increased interest expense and amortization of acquired intangible assets.

        Acquisitions may also materially and adversely affect our operating results due to large write-offs, contingent liabilities, substantial depreciation, deferred compensation charges or goodwill amortization, or other adverse tax or audit consequences. Our failure to manage growth and integrate our acquisitions successfully could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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        Our competitors are also soliciting potential acquisition candidates, which could both increase the price of any acquisition targets and decrease the number of attractive companies available for acquisition. We cannot assure you that we will be able to consummate any additional acquisitions, successfully integrate any acquisitions or realize the benefits anticipated from any acquisition.

        The Markets in Which We Operate Are Highly Competitive and Have Many More Established Competitors, Which Could Adversely, Affect Our Sales or the Market Acceptance of Our Products.     We compete with numerous other companies in our target markets and we expect such competition to increase due to technological advancements, industry consolidations and reduced barriers to entry. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market share, any of which could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Many of our competitors have far greater name recognition and greater financial, technological, marketing and customer service resources than we do. This may allow them to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. It may also allow them to devote greater resources to the development, promotion, sale and support of their products than we can. Recent consolidations of end users, distributors and manufacturers in our target markets have exacerbated this problem. As a result of the foregoing factors, we may not be able to compete effectively in our target markets and competitive pressures could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We Do Not Have Employment Agreements with Any Key Personnel and We May be Unable to Attract and Retain Key Personnel, Which Could Seriously Harm Our Business.     Due to the specialized nature of our business, we are highly dependent on the continued service of our executive officers and other key management, engineering and technical personnel, particularly Joel Slutzky, our Chairman of the Board, who recently retired as our Chief Executive Officer, and Gregory A. Miner, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The leadership transition between Mr. Slutzky and Mr. Miner could adversely affect our business. We do not have any employment contracts with any of our officers or key employees. The loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

        Our success will also depend in large part upon our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified engineering and other highly skilled technical personnel. Competition for employees, particularly development engineers, is intense. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain sufficient numbers of such highly skilled employees. Our inability to attract and retain additional key employees or the loss of one or more of our current key employees could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We May Not be Able to Adequately Protect or Enforce Our Intellectual Property Rights, Which Could Harm Our Competitive Position.    If we are not able to adequately protect or enforce the proprietary aspects of our technology, competitors could be able to access our proprietary technology and our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be seriously harmed. We currently attempt to protect our technology through a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, employee and third party nondisclosure agreements and similar means. Despite our efforts, other parties may attempt to disclose, obtain or use our technologies or solutions. Our competitors may also be able to independently develop products that are substantially equivalent or superior to our products or design around our patents. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights as fully as do the laws of the United States. As a result, we may not be able to protect our proprietary rights adequately in the United States or abroad.

        From time to time, we have received notices that claim we have infringed upon the intellectual property of others. Even if these claims are not valid, they could subject us to significant costs. We have engaged in litigation in the past, and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others.

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Litigation may also be necessary to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity by others. An adverse outcome in litigation or any similar proceedings could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to license disputed rights from others or require us to cease marketing or using certain products or technologies. We may not be able to obtain any licenses on terms acceptable to us, or at all. We also may have to indemnify certain customers or strategic partners if it is determined that we have infringed upon or misappropriated another party's intellectual property. Any of these results could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the cost of addressing any intellectual property litigation claim, both in legal fees and expenses, and the diversion of management resources, regardless of whether the claim is valid, could be significant and could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Some of Our Directors, Officers and Their Affiliates Can Control the Outcome of Matters that Require the Approval of Our Stockholders, and Accordingly We Will Not be Able to Engage in Certain Transactions Without Their Approval.     As of November 8, 2002, our officers and directors beneficially owned approximately 21% of the total combined voting power of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. As a result of their stock ownership, our management will be able to significantly influence the election of our directors and the outcome of corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, such as mergers and acquisitions, regardless of how our other stockholders may vote. This concentration of voting control may have a significant effect in delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our management or change in control and may adversely affect the voting or other rights of other holders of common stock.

        Our Stock Structure and Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions May Affect the Price of Our Common Stock and Discourage a Third Party from Acquiring Us.     Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and our stockholder rights plan could make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even though an acquisition might be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. Our Class A common stock entitles the holder to one-tenth of one vote per share and our Class B common stock entitles the holder to one vote per share. The disparity in the voting rights between our common stock, as well as our insiders' significant ownership of the Class B common stock, could discourage a proxy contest or make it more difficult for a third party to effect a change in our management and control. In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock with voting, conversion and other rights and preferences superior to those of our common stock, as well as additional shares of Class B common stock. Our future issuance of preferred stock or Class B common stock could be used to discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal.

        In March 1998, we adopted a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend of preferred stock purchase rights to our stockholders. In the event a third party acquires more than 15% of the outstanding voting control of our company or 15% of our outstanding common stock, the holders of these rights will be able to purchase the junior participating preferred stock at a substantial discount off of the then current market price. The exercise of these rights and purchase of a significant amount of stock at below market prices could cause substantial dilution to a particular acquiror and discourage the acquiror from pursuing our company. The mere existence of a stockholder rights plan often delays or makes a merger, tender offer or proxy contest more difficult.

        We Do Not Pay Cash Dividends.    We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on either class of our common stock in the foreseeable future.

        We May Be Subject to Additional Risks.    The risks and uncertainties described above are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also adversely affect our business operations.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

        Substantially all of our debt outstanding at December 31, 2002 bears interest at prime plus 4%. A 10% increase in interest rate would not have a material impact on our financial position, operating results, at cash flows. In addition, we believe that the carrying value of our debt outstanding approximates fair value.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on his evaluation as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer has concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. There have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        We are not a party to any material legal proceedings
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

        None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

        None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

        None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

        None.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ODETICS, INC.
(Registrant)

By

/s/  GREGORY A. MINER      

Gregory A. Miner,
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

By

/s/  GARY SMITH      

Gary Smith,
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Dated: | February 14, 2003 | | | | |
27

CERTIFICATIONS

        I, Gregory A. Miner, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Odetics, Inc.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

February 14, 2003

By:

/s/  GREGORY A. MINER      

Name: Gregory A. Miner
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

28

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        I, Gregory A. Miner, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Odetics, Inc. (the "Company"), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

        (a)  the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (b)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

February 14, 2003

By:

/s/  GREGORY A. MINER      

Name: Gregory A. Miner
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

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QuickLinks
INDEX
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ODETICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited)
ODETICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands)
ODETICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited)
ODETICS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS4 (Unaudited)
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RISK FACTORS
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002