Tidel Technologies 10-K 9-30-2005
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005

*
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 000-17288
TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 
Delaware
75-2193593
  
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
 
 
 
  
 
2900 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 205
77042
  
 
Houston, Texas
(Zip Code)
  
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
  

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (713) 783-8200
 
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

common stock, par value $.01 per share
 
 
(Title of Class)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. 
Yes  * No  T

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

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 requirement for the past 90 days. Yes  * No  *

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this Chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  *

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  * No  *

The aggregate market value of the 20,039,605 shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing sale price on March 31, 2005 of $0.17 was $3,406,733. The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on January 6, 2006 was 20,677,210.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
 
 

TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 
 
PAGE
 
PART I
 
2
6
9
9
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
11
14
14
27
27
27
27
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
 
29
30
34
35
37
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
 
37
39
63
65
 

PART I

BUSINESS

(a)
General Development of Business

Tidel Technologies, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a Delaware corporation which, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, sells and supports automated teller machines (“ATMs”) and electronic cash security systems, consisting of the Timed Access Cash Controller (“TACC”) products and the Sentinel products (together, the “Cash Security” products), which are designed for the management of cash within various specialty retail markets, primarily in the United States. Sales of ATM and Cash Security products are generally made on a wholesale basis to more than 200 distributors and manufacturers’ representatives. TACC and Sentinel products are often sold directly to end-users as well as distributors.

In September 1992, we acquired Tidel Engineering, Inc., a manufacturer of cash handling devices and other products. We changed our name to Tidel Technologies, Inc. in July 1997. The Company is primarily engaged in the development, manufacturing, sale and support of automated teller machines (“ATMs”) and electronic cash security systems, consisting of the Timed Access Cash Controller (“TACC”) products and the Sentinel products (together, the “Cash Security” products), which are designed for the management of cash within various specialty retail markets.

On January 3, 2006, we completed the sale of our ATM business to NCR EasyPoint, LLC, as described below. On January 12, 2006, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with an entity controlled by certain members of our management pursuant to which we agreed to sell substantially all of the assets of our Cash Security business as described below

(b)
Financial Information about Operating Segments

We conduct business within one operating segment, principally in the United States.

(c)
Description of Business

We develop, manufacture, sell and support ATM products and Cash Security products. Sales of ATM and Cash Security products are generally made on a wholesale basis to more than 200 distributors and manufacturers’ representatives. Sentinel products are often sold directly to end-users as well as distributors. We completed the sale of our ATM division on January 3, 2006 and executed an agreement to sell our Cash Security Business on January 12, 2006. See “Recent Developments - Sale of ATM Business and Sale of Cash Security Business and Related Agreements with Laurus”.
 
The ATM products are low-cost, cash-dispensing automated teller machines that are primarily designed for the off-premise, or non-bank, markets. We offer a wide variety of options and enhancements to the ATM products, including custom configurations that dispense cash-value products, such as coupons, tickets and stored-value cards; accept currency; and perform other functions, such as check-cashing.

The TACC products are essentially stand-alone safes that dispense cash to an operator in preset amounts. As a deterrent to robbers, $50 or less in cash is kept in a register at any given time. When a customer requires change in denominations of $5, $10 and $20 bills, the clerk presses a button on the TACC for the appropriate denomination and the cash is dispensed in a plastic tube. The time and frequency it takes to dispense the cash is pre-determined and adjustable so that in high-risk times of operations, transaction times can be slowed to act as a deterrent against robberies. When excess cash is collected, the clerk simply places individual bills back into the plastic tubes and loads them into the TACC for safe storage. Other available features include envelope drop boxes for excess cash, dollar scanners, state lottery interfaces, touch pads requiring user PINs for increased transaction accuracy and an audit trail and reporting capabilities.

The Sentinel products were introduced in 2002. The Sentinel product has all the functionality of the TACC, but has been designed to also reduce the risk of internal theft and increase in-store management efficiencies through its state-of-the-art integration with a store’s point-of-sale (“POS”) and accounting systems. Our engineering, sales and service departments work closely with distributors and their customers to continually analyze and fulfill their needs, enhance existing products and develop new products.
 
The principal materials and components used by us are pre-fabricated steel cabinets, custom molded plastic and various electronic parts and components, all of which are readily available in quantity at this time. We assemble our products by configuring parts and components received from a number of major suppliers with our proprietary hardware and software.


We maintain patents and trademarks on processes and brands associated with our product lines; however, we do not believe that patents and trademarks, in general, serve as barriers to entry into the ATM or the cash security system industry. Our overall success depends upon proprietary technology and other intellectual property rights. We must be able to obtain patents and register new trademarks in order to develop and introduce new product lines.

Our operating results and the amount and timing of revenue are affected by numerous factors including production schedules, customer priorities, sales volume and sales mix. We ordinarily fill and ship customer orders within 45 days of receipt; therefore, we historically have had no significant backlog.

Bankruptcy of Credit Card Center (“CCC”), Impact on Liquidity and Additional Financing

After several months of unsuccessful efforts to remedy its financial difficulties, our former largest customer, JRA 222, Inc., d/b/a Credit Card Center (“CCC”), filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on June 6, 2001. At that time, we had accounts and a note receivable due from CCC totaling approximately $27.1 million, which were secured by a security interest in CCC’s accounts receivable, inventories and transaction income. However, NCR Corporation (“NCR”) and Fleet National Bank (“Fleet”) also had competing secured interest claims on the same assets and income of CCC, resulting in our security interest not adequately covering our liability claim. The proceeding was subsequently converted to a Chapter 7 proceeding and a Trustee was appointed in April 2002.

In September 2001, we recovered inventory from CCC in the approximate amount of $3.0 million; however, in view of the uncertainty of the ultimate outcome of the CCC bankruptcy proceedings, we increased our reserves to $24.1 million, which represented the total remaining balances of the trade accounts and note receivable due from CCC. In addition, we provided additional reserves of $500,000 due to uncertainties regarding the full recovery of our escrow deposits. At September 30, 2003, our remaining receivable from the escrow deposits was reduced to $250,000. In October 2005, an order for summary judgment was entered by the court, which confirmed that Fleet had a first lien on all of the assets of CCC followed by the liens of Tidel and NCR, respectively. In December 2006, we entered into a settlement agreement in the matter of Fleet v. Tidel Engineering L.P., et al, whereby we received a cash payment of $430,000 in exchange for an assignment of our claims to NCR and a waiver of our rights to any future payments from such claims.

Our liquidity was negatively impacted by our inability to collect the outstanding receivables and claims from CCC; therefore, we were required to seek additional financing, resulting in a substantial increase in our debt, as discussed below.

On November 25, 2003, we completed a $6,850,000 financing transaction (the “Financing”) with Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. (“Laurus”) pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and Laurus dated as of November 25, 2003 (the “2003 SPA”). The Financing was comprised of a three-year convertible note in the amount of $6,450,000 and a one-year convertible note in the amount of $400,000, both of which bear interest at a rate of prime plus 2% and were convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.40 per share. In addition, Laurus received warrants to purchase 4,250,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. The proceeds of the Financing were allocated to the notes and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the notes and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the notes. In addition, the conversion terms of the notes result in a beneficial conversion feature, further discounting the carrying value of the notes.

As a result, we will record additional interest charges totaling $6,850,000 over the terms of the notes related to these discounts. Laurus was also granted registration rights in connection with the shares of common stock issuable in connection with the Financing. Proceeds from the Financing in the amount of $6,000,000 were used to fully retire the $18,000,000 in Convertible Debentures issued to two investors (the “Holders”) in September 2000, together with all accrued interest, penalties and fees associated therewith. All of the warrants and Convertible Debentures held by the Holders were terminated and we recorded a gain from extinguishment of debt of $18,823,000 (including accrued interest through the date of extinguishment) in fiscal year 2004 related to this Financing. In March 2004, the $400,000 note was repaid in full.

In connection with the closing of the Financing, all outstanding litigation including, without limitation, the Montrose Litigation, was dismissed, and a revolving credit facility with a bank (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) was repaid through the release of the restricted cash used as collateral for the Revolving Credit Facility. See Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003 and 2004.

In August 2004, Laurus notified us that an Event of Default had occurred and had continued beyond any applicable grace period as a result of our non-payment of interest and principal on the $6,450,000 convertible note as required under the terms of the Financing, as well as noncompliance with certain other covenants of the Financing documents. In exchange for Laurus’s waiver of the Event of Default until September 17, 2004, we agreed, among other things, to lower the conversion price on the $6,450,000 convertible note and the exercise price of the warrants from $0.40 per share to $0.30 per share. The reduction in conversion price resulted in an additional discount against the carrying value of the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges totaling approximately $1,900,000 over the remaining terms of the notes related to the discounts.


On November 26, 2004, we completed a $3,350,000 financing transaction (the “Additional Financing”) with Laurus pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and Laurus, dated as of November 26, 2004 (the “2004 SPA”). The Additional Financing was comprised of (i) a three-year convertible note issued to Laurus in the amount of $1,500,000, which bears interest at a rate of 14% and is convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $3.00 per share (the “$1,500,000 Note”), (ii) a one-year convertible note in the amount of $600,000 which bears interest at a rate of 10% and is convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.30 per share (the “$600,000 Note”), (iii) a one-year convertible note of our subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., in the amount of $1,250,000, which is a revolving working capital facility for the purpose of financing purchase orders of our subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., (the “Purchase Order Note”), which bears interest at a rate of 14% and is convertible into our common stock at a price of $3.00 per share and (iv) our issuance to Laurus of 1,251,000 shares of common stock, or approximately 7% of the total shares outstanding, (the “2003 Fee Shares”) in satisfaction of fees totaling $375,300 incurred in connection with the convertible term notes issued in the Financing discussed above. As a result of the issuance of the 2003 Fee Shares, we recorded an additional charge in fiscal 2004 of $638,010 based on the market value on November 26, 2004. We also increased the principal balance of the original note by $292,987 for unpaid accrued interest as of August 1, 2004 which included $226,312 of interest at the default rate of 18%. In addition, Laurus received warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.30 per share. The proceeds of the Additional Financing were allocated to the notes based on the relative fair value of the notes and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the notes. In addition, the conversion terms of the $600,000 Note resulted in a beneficial conversion feature, further discounting the carrying value of the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges related to these discounts totaling $840,000 over the terms of the notes. Laurus was also granted registration rights in connection with the 2003 Fee Shares and other shares issuable pursuant to the Additional Financing. The obligations pursuant to the Additional Financing are secured by all of our assets and are guaranteed by our subsidiaries. Net proceeds from the Additional Financing in the amount of $3,232,750 were primarily used for (i) general working capital payments made directly to vendors, (ii) past due interest on Laurus’s $6,450,000 convertible note due pursuant to the Financing and (iii) the establishment of an escrow for future principal and interest payments due pursuant to the Additional Financing.

In connection with the Financing, Laurus required that we covenant to become current in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission according to a predetermined schedule. Effective November 26, 2004, the Additional Financing documents require, among other things, that we provide evidence of filing to Laurus of our fiscal 2003, fiscal 2004 and year-to-date interim 2005 filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before July 31, 2005.

On February 4, 2005, we received a letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission stating that the Division of Corporate Finance of the SEC would not object to the Company filing a comprehensive annual report on Form 10-K which covers all of the periods during which it has been a delinquent filer, together with its filing all Forms 10-Q which are due for quarters subsequent to the latest fiscal year included in that comprehensive annual report. However, the SEC Letter also stated that, upon filing such a comprehensive Form 10-K, the Company would not be considered “current” for purposes of Regulation S, Rule 144 or filing on Forms S-8, and that the Company would not be eligible to use Forms S-2 or S-3 until a sufficient history of making timely filings is established. Laurus consented to the filing of such a comprehensive annual report in satisfaction of the Filing Requirements mandated on or before July 31, 2005. Laurus also consented to a modification of the requirement that a Registration Statement be filed within 20 days of satisfaction of the Filing Requirements to instead require that the Registration Statement be required to be filed by September 20, 2006.

We filed the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 on February 1, 2005, and we filed the Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, the Form 10-Q for the quarter ending December 31, 2004 and the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 on Monday, August 1, 2005, which was in accordance with the requirements of the Additional Financing. We also filed the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 on a timely basis on August 19, 2005.

Laurus Reorganization Fee

On November 26, 2004, in connection with the Additional Financing, we entered into an agreement with Laurus (the “Asset Sales Agreement”) whereby we agreed to pay a fee in the amount of at least $2,000,000 (the “Reorganization Fee”) to Laurus upon the occurrence of certain events as specified below and therein, which Reorganization Fee is secured by all of our assets, and is guaranteed by our subsidiaries. The Asset Sales Agreement provides that (i) once our obligations to Laurus have been paid in full (other than the Reorganization Fee), we shall be able to seek additional financing in the form of a non-convertible bank loan in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,000,000, subject to Laurus’s right of first refusal; (ii) the net proceeds of an asset sale to the party named therein shall be applied to our obligations to Laurus under the Financing and the Additional Financing, as described above (collectively, the “Obligations”), but not to the Reorganization Fee; and (iii) the proceeds of any of our subsequent sales of equity interests or assets or of our subsidiaries consummated on or before the fifth anniversary of the Asset Sales Agreement (each, a “Company Sale”) shall be applied first to any remaining obligations, then paid to Laurus pursuant to an increasing percentage of at least 55.5% set forth therein, which amount shall be applied to the Reorganization Fee. Under this formula, the existing shareholders could receive less than 45% of the proceeds of any sale of our assets or equity interests, after payment of the Additional Financing and Reorganization Fee as defined. The Reorganization Fee shall be $2,000,000 at a minimum, but could equal a higher amount based upon a percentage of the proceeds of any company sale, as such term is defined in the Asset Sales Agreement. In the event that Laurus has not received the full amount of the Reorganization Fee on or before the fifth anniversary of the date of the Asset Sales Agreement, then we shall pay any remaining balance due on the Reorganization Fee to Laurus. We recorded a $2,000,000 charge in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 to interest expense.
 
Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale (as defined below), we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million.
 

As of September 30, 2005, we had approximately $8.2 million face value of outstanding debt, or $4.4 million after debt discount of approximately $3.7 million. Of the $8.2 million total outstanding debt at September 30, 2005, $6.0 million represented the outstanding balance of the Financing, and $0.6 million and $1.5 million represented the outstanding respective balances of two term notes in connection with the Additional Financing together with accrued but unpaid interest.

At September 30, 2005, we had $1,250,000 available for borrowing under the Purchase Order Note through November 26, 2005, as part of the Additional Financing in November 2004. The Maturity date was extended to the earlier of the ATM Asset Sale or February 28, 2006.

Recent Developments

Sale of ATM Business

On February 19, 2005, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “NCR Asset Purchase Agreement”) with NCR EasyPoint LLC f/k/a/ NCR Texas LLC (“NCR EasyPoint”), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCR Corporation, for the sale of our ATM Business (the “ATM Business Sale”).

On December 28, 2005, the holders of 62.2% of our shares of outstanding common stock approved the NCR Asset Purchase Agreement.

On January 3, 2006, we completed the ATM Business Sale. The total purchase price was approximately $10.4 million of which $8.2 million was paid to Laurus into a collateral account to be held by Laurus as collateral for the satisfaction of all monetary obligations payable to Laurus, $0.5 million was paid into an escrow account pending a post closing net asset value adjustment, and the remaining $1.7 million was paid to the Company to be used for necessary working capital. This termination resulted in a book gain of approximately $3.8 million.

We have classified our ATM business as Assets Held for Sale as of September 30, 2005.

Sale of Our Cash Security Business and Related Agreements with Laurus

We entered into an asset purchase agreement, dated as of January 12, 2006 (the “Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement”), with Sentinel Operating, L.P., a purchaser controlled by a management buyout team led by Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, and Raymond Landry, a member of our Board, for the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Cash Security Business (the “Cash Security Business Sale”). The two members of our Board who are unaffiliated with the management buyout of the Cash Security business negotiated the terms of the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement with the management buyout group.

The independent members of our board received an opinion from an investment advisory firm, Capitalink, L.C., as to the fairness of the Cash Security Business Sale from a financial point of view to the unaffiliated shareholders. On December 31, 2005, our Board, with Messrs. Levenick and Landry abstaining, voted to approve the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and the Cash Security Business Sale.
 
The Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement provides for the sale of the Company’s Cash Security business to the purchaser thereunder for a cash purchase price of $17.5 million, less $100,000 as consideration for the purchaser’s potential liability in connection with certain litigation and subject to a closing balance sheet purchase price adjustment. In addition, the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is subject to customary representations and warranties and covenants and the satisfaction of several customary closing conditions, including our obtaining shareholder approval. The closing under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2006.  The purchase price payable under the Cash Security Business Sale is subject to the Reorganization Fee and the other amounts payable to Laurus under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million. See Part I, Item 1(c), “Laurus Reorganization Fee” for more information.

In connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus on January 12, 2006, Laurus converted $5,400,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible Company debt it holds into 18,000,000 shares of our common stock. Following Laurus’ conversion of such debt, Laurus holds shares representing approximately 49.8% of our common stock.

On January 12, 2006, we repaid all of our remaining outstanding debt to Laurus in the principal amount of $2,617,988 plus accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $113,333. In connection therewith, the Company paid a prepayment penalty to Laurus in the amount of $59,180.

In addition, in connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement, and pursuant to the terms of a stock redemption agreement we entered into with Laurus at such time, we have agreed to repurchase from Laurus, upon the closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, all shares of Company common stock held by Laurus at a per share price not less than $.20 per share nor greater than $.34 per share following the determination of the Company’s assets in accordance with the formula set forth below.


The stock redemption agreement with Laurus provides that the purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) for the shares of our common stock to be repurchased from Laurus (the “Laurus Shares”) shall consist of the Per Share Price (as defined below) multiplied by the number of Laurus Shares. The “Per Share Price” shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the value on the closing date under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement of (A) the sum of the value of all assets of the Company that would be valued by the Company in connection with a liquidation of the Company following the closing of the Cash Security Business Sale (after giving effect to such closing), including, but not limited to: (i) all cash and cash equivalents held by the Company, (ii) all marketable securities held by the Company, and (iii) all other remaining tangible and intangible assets held directly or indirectly by the Company valued at fair market value minus (B) the sum of (i) all fees and expenses of the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the ATM Business Sale and the Cash Security Business Sale incurred through the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale, (ii) all payments and obligations due to, or on behalf of, present and former employees of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred through the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale, (iii) all amounts paid or payable to Laurus pursuant to the Agreement Regarding NCR Transaction and Other Assets Sales dated as of November 26, 2004 by and between the Company and Laurus, (iv) all other liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries, (v) payments due to independent directors of the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $400,000, and (vi) a good faith estimate of the costs and expenses which would be incurred in connection with the liquidation of the Company including, without limitation, legal fees, directors and officers insurance, all fees and expenses relating to SEC and governmental filings and related expenses, by (2) the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Per Share Price shall not be less than $.20 per share nor greater than $.34 per share.

Following such share repurchase, Laurus will cease to hold any equity interest in the Company. If the Cash Security Business Sale does not occur by March 31, 2006, then pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus at the same time as the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to immediately redeem from Laurus the 18,000,000 shares of our common stock issued to Laurus in connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and Laurus’ conversion of our debt at a redemption price of $5,400,000.

Customers
 
Only one customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales for the fiscal years ended 2005, 2004 and, 2003. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales for the fiscal year ended 2004.

Our compliance with federal, state and local environmental protection laws during 2005, 2004, and 2003 had no material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. As of September 30, 2005, it was not expected that compliance with such laws would have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or the competitive position in future years.
 
Employees

At September 30, 2005 and 2004, we employed approximately 107 people. On January 1, 2006, 56 employees associated with our ATM Business personnel became employees of NCR EasyPoint following the closing of the ATM Business Sale.

Company Information and Website

Our principal executive offices are located at 2900 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 205, Houston, Texas 77042. Our telephone number is (713) 783-8200. The Internet address of our principal operating subsidiary’s website is www.tidel.com. Copies of the annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC, and any amendments to those reports, are available on our subsidiary’s web site free of charge. The information posted on our web site is not incorporated into this Annual Report.

(e)
Financial Information about Geographic Areas

The vast majority of our sales in fiscal 2005 were to customers within the United States. Sales to customers outside the United States, as a percentage of total revenues, were approximately 14%, 16% and 25%, in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Substantially all of our assets were located within the United States during fiscal year 2005 and 2004, and are still located in the United States today. Inventory in transit related to sales to customers outside the United States can be in foreign countries prior to receipt by the customer.

RISK FACTORS

There are several risks inherent in our business including, but not limited to, the following:

Existing shareholders’ ownership in the Company will be significantly diluted.

Following Laurus’s conversion as of January 12, 2006 of $5,400,000 of Company debt into 18,000,000 new shares, Laurus holds an aggregate 19,251,000, or 49.8%, of our outstanding shares.

For more information, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional information about these transactions.


Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, we will owe a substantial Reorganization Fee to Laurus

As a condition of the Additional Financing, we entered into an agreement with Laurus whereby we agreed to pay a Reorganization Fee of at least $2,000,000. The agreement provides that the net proceeds of an asset sale to the party named therein shall be applied to our obligations under the Financing and the Additional Financing, but not to the Reorganization Fee, and that the net proceeds of any subsequent sales of assets or equity consummated on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of the agreement shall be applied first to such obligations, then paid to Laurus pursuant to an increasing percentage of at least 55.5%, as set forth in the agreement. Accordingly, the Reorganization Fee could be a substantially higher amount based upon a percentage of the proceeds of any company sale, as specified in the asset sales agreement. Even in the event that we repay all of the notes payable outstanding to Laurus in full, the proceeds from any Company sale would first be reduced by the Reorganization Fee, which would have the same effect as diluting the existing shareholders’ ownership. The purchase price of the Cash Security Business Sale will be subject to the Reorganization Fee.

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million.

For more information, see Part I, Item 1(c), “Laurus Reorganization Fee” and item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional information about the Reorganization Fee and other transactions with Laurus.

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, we will cease to have operations.

Following the consummation of the ATM Business Sale on January 3, 2006 and the expected closing of the Cash Security Business Sale in the first quarter of 2006, we will have no remaining operations and no employees.

Our future success is uncertain due to our lack of liquidity and financial situation at present.

Our liquidity has been negatively impacted by our inability to collect outstanding receivables and claims as a result of CCC’s bankruptcy, the inability to collect outstanding receivables from certain customers, under-absorbed fixed costs associated with the production facilities, and reduced sales of our products resulting from general difficulties in the ATM market. In order to meet our liquidity needs during the past four years, we have incurred a substantial amount of debt. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under Item 7 for detailed discussion of these financing transactions. See Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report for information on the purchase order financing facility. There can be no assurance that this facility will be sufficient to meet our current working capital needs or that we will have sufficient working capital in the future. If we need to seek additional financing, there can be no assurances that we will obtain such additional financing for working capital purposes. The failure to obtain such additional financing could cause a material adverse effect upon our financial condition.
 
Our future results of operations involve a number of significant risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect our future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, lack of a credit facility, dependence on key personnel, product obsolescence, ability to increase our client base, ability to increase sales to our current clients, ability to generate consistent sales, technological innovations and acceptance, competition, reliance on certain vendors and credit risks. If we do not experience sales increases in future periods, we will have to reduce our expenses and capital expenditures to maintain cash levels necessary to sustain our operations. Our future success will depend on increasing our revenues and reducing our expenses to enable us to regain profitability.

We may be unable to sell debt or equity securities in the event we need additional funds for operations.

We may need to sell equity or debt securities in the future to provide working capital for our operations or to provide funds in the event of future operating losses. We cannot predict whether we will be successful in raising additional funds. We have no commitments, agreements or understandings regarding additional financings at this time, and we may be unable to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all. The terms of the Financing and of the Additional Financing restrict our ability to raise additional funds, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain a waiver of such restrictions. If we were to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the current shareholders could be substantially diluted and those additional securities could have preferences and privileges that current security holders do not have.

We could lose the services of one or more of our executive officers or key employees and we are currently operating without a permanent Chairman or Chief Executive Officer or permanent Chief Financial Officer.

Our executive officers and key employees are critical to our business because of their experience and acumen. In particular, the loss of the services of Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of our operating subsidiaries, could have a material adverse effect on our operations. In December 2004, James T. Rash, the former Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive and Financial Officer, died. We have named Mark K. Levenick as Interim Chief Executive Officer but no permanent Chairman or Chief Executive Officer has been hired or appointed as of the date hereof. We engaged Robert D. Peltier as Interim Chief Financial Officer on a consulting basis in February 2005. Our future success and growth also depends on our ability to continue to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified employees, including those with the expertise necessary to operate our business. These officers and key personnel may not remain with us, and their loss may harm our development of technology, our revenues and cash flows. Concurrently, the addition of these personnel by our competitors would enable our competitors to compete more effectively by diverting customers from us and facilitating more rapid development of their technology.

Our operating results may fluctuate for a variety of reasons, many of which are beyond our control.

We have sold our ATM Business and signed an agreement to sell our Cash Security Business. Until the closing of that transaction, or if that transaction should fail to close, our business strategies may fail and our quarterly and annual operating results may vary significantly from period to period depending on:


•
the collection of outstanding receivables,

•
the volume and timing of orders received during the period,

•
the timing of new product introductions by us and our competitors,

•
the impact of price competition on our selling prices,

•
the availability and pricing of components for our products,

•
seasonal fluctuations in operations and sales,

•
changes in product or distribution channel mix,

•
changes in operating expenses,

•
changes in our strategy,

•
personnel changes and general economic factors,

•
the dependence of our strong working relationships with our significant customers, and

•
the possibility of a terrorist attack or armed conflict could harm our business.

Many of these factors are beyond our control. We are unable to forecast the volume and timing of orders received during a particular period. Customers generally order our products on an as-needed basis, and accordingly we have historically operated with a relatively small backlog. We experience seasonal variances in our operations. Accordingly, operating results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of the results for the future quarter or for the year.

Even though it is difficult to forecast future sales and we maintain a relatively small level of backlog at any given time, we generally must plan production, order components and undertake our development, sales and marketing activities and other commitments months in advance. Accordingly, any shortfall in sales in a given period may adversely impact our results of operations if we are unable to adjust expenses or inventory during the period to match the level of sales for the period.

We have limited management and other resources to address the issues confronting us.

The problems and issues facing our future business ventures could significantly strain our limited personnel, management, financial controls and other resources. Our ability to manage any future complications effectively will require us to hire new employees, to integrate new management and employees into our overall operations and to continue to improve our operational, financial and management systems, controls and facilities. Our failure to handle the issues we face effectively, including any failure to integrate new management controls, systems and procedures, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The markets for our products are every competitive and, if we fail to adapt our products and services, we will lose customers and fail to compete effectively.

 Our direct competitors for our TACC products include FireKing Industries, Armor Safe Company and AT Systems. Sales of Sentinel cash security systems are currently confined to a small number of customers. The loss of a single customer could have an adverse affect on TACC sales.
 
Competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced margins and loss of market share, any one of which may harm our business. Competitors vary in size, scope and breadth of the products and services offered. We may encounter competition from competitors who offer more functionality and features. In addition, we expect competition from other established and emerging companies, as the market continues to develop, resulting in increased price sensitivity for our products.

To compete successfully, we must adapt to a rapidly changing market by continually improving the performance, features and reliability of our products and services, or else our products and services may become obsolete. We may also incur substantial costs in modifying our products, services or infrastructure in order to adapt to these changes.


Many of our competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources and greater name recognition than we do. In addition, many of our competitors have established relationships with our current and potential customers and have extensive knowledge of our industry. In the past, we have lost potential customers to competitors. In addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase the ability of their products to address customer needs. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may develop and rapidly acquire significant market share.

If we release products containing defects, we may need to halt further sales and/or services until we fix the defects, and our reputation would be harmed.

We provide a limited warranty on each of our products covering manufacturing defects and premature failure. While we believe that our reserves for warranty claims are adequate, we may experience increased warranty claims. Our products may contain undetected defects which could result in the improper dispensing of cash or other items. Although we have experienced only a limited number of claims of this nature to date, these types of defects may occur in the future. In addition, we may be held liable for losses incurred by end users as a result of criminal activity which our products were intended to prevent, or for any damages suffered by end users as a result of malfunctioning or damaged components.

We remain liable for any problems or contamination related to our fuel monitoring units.

Although we discontinued the production and distribution of our fuel monitoring units more than five years ago, those units which are still in use are subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing storage, manufacture, use, discharge, release and disposal of product and contaminants into the environment or otherwise relating to the protecting of the environment. These regulations include, among others (i) the Comprehensive Environmental Response, (ii) Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, (iii) the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, (iv) the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, (v) the Clean Air Act of 1970, (vi) the Clean Water Act of 1972, (vii) the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, (viii) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and (ix) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act.

Our fuel monitoring products, by their very nature, give rise to the potential for substantial environmental risks. If our monitoring systems fail to operate properly, releases or discharges of petroleum and related products and associated wastes could contaminate the environment. If there are releases or discharges we may be found liable under the environmental laws, rules and regulations of the United States, state and local jurisdictions relating to contamination or threat of contamination of air, soil, groundwater and surface waters. This indirect liability could expose us to a monetary liability related to the failure of the monitoring systems to detect potential leaks in underground storage tanks. Although we have tried to protect our business from environmental claims by limiting the types of services we provide, operating pursuant to contracts designed to protect us, instituting quality control operating procedures and, where appropriate, insuring against environmental claims, we are unable to predict whether these measures will eliminate the risk of potential environmental liability entirely.

PROPERTIES

We relocated our corporate offices on October 1, 2003 into an approximately 2,100 square foot space. On June 1, 2005, we renewed the lease for these offices for a term of seven months which expires December 31, 2005, with an option to lease on a month-to-month basis thereafter. We believe that our present leased space is suitable for our needs.

The manufacturing, engineering and warehouse operations of Tidel Engineering, L.P. are located in two nearby facilities occupying approximately 110,000 square feet in Carrollton, Texas, under leases expiring in February 2006 with an option to extend for three years. This lease was assumed by NCR EasyPoint pursuant to the NCR Asset Purchase Agreement, discussed further in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report.

At September 30, 2005 and 2004, we owned tangible property and equipment with a cost basis of approximately $5.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively which included assets held for sale from discontinued operations.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Bankruptcy of Credit Card Center (“CCC”), Impact on Liquidity and Additional Financing

After several months of unsuccessful efforts to remedy its financial difficulties, our former largest customer, CCC, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on June 6, 2001. At that time, we had accounts and a note receivable due from CCC totaling approximately $27.1 million, which were secured by a security interest in CCC’s accounts receivable, inventories and transaction income. However, NCR Corporation (“NCR”) and Fleet National Bank (“Fleet”) also had competing secured interest claims on the same assets and income of CCC, resulting in our security interest not adequately covering our liability claim. The proceeding was subsequently converted to a Chapter 7 proceeding and a Trustee was appointed in April 2002.


In September 2001, we recovered inventory from CCC in the approximate amount of $3.0 million; however, in view of the uncertainty of the ultimate outcome of the CCC bankruptcy proceedings, we increased our reserves to $24.1 million, which represented the total remaining balances of the trade accounts and note receivable due from CCC. In addition, we provided additional reserves of $500,000 due to uncertainties regarding the full recovery of our escrow deposits. At September 30, 2003, our remaining receivable from the escrow deposits was reduced to $250,000. In October 2005, an order for summary judgment was entered by the court, which confirmed that Fleet had a first lien on all of the assets of CCC followed by the liens of Tidel and NCR, respectively. In December 2006, we entered into a settlement agreement in the matter of Fleet v. Tidel Engineering L.P., et al, whereby we received a cash payment of $430,000 in exchange for an assignment of our claims to NCR and a waiver of our rights to any future payments from such claims.

We and several of our officers and directors were named as defendants (the “Defendants”) in a purported class action filed on October 31, 2001 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Southern District”), George Lehockey v. Tidel Technologies, et al., H-01-3741. Prior to the suit’s filing, four identical suits were also filed in the Southern District. On or about March 18, 2002, the Court consolidated all of the pending class actions and appointed a lead plaintiff under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Reform Act”). On April 10, 2002, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint (“CAC”) that alleged that the Defendants made material misrepresentations and omissions concerning our financial condition and prospects between January 14, 2000 and February 8, 2001 (the putative class period). In June 2004, we reached an agreement in principle to settle these class action lawsuits. The settlement, which was subject to a definitive agreement and court approval, provided for a cash payment of $3 million to be funded by our liability insurance carrier and our issuance of two million shares of common stock. In October 2004, the Court approved the settlement and the shares were issued in November 2004. In addition, in August 2004, we reached an agreement with the liability insurance carrier to issue warrants to the carrier to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.67 per share in exchange for the carrier’s acceptance of the terms of the class action lawsuit.

On June 9, 2005, Corporate Safe Specialists, Inc. (“CSS”) filed a lawsuit against Tidel Technologies, Inc. and Tidel Engineering, L.P. The lawsuit, Civil Action No. 02-C-3421, was filed in the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. CSS alleges that the Sentinel product sold by Tidel Engineering, L.P. infringes on one or more patent claims found in CSS patent U.S. Patent No. 6,885,281 (the ‘281 patent). CSS seeks injunctive relief against future infringement, unspecified damages for past infringement and attorney’s fees and costs. Tidel Technologies, Inc. was released from this lawsuit, but Tidel Engineering, L.P. remains a defendant. Tidel Engineering, L.P. is vigorously defending this litigation.

Subsequently we filed a motion to dismiss the case CSS filed in Illinois, and Tidel Engineering, L.P. filed a motion to transfer the Illinois case to the Eastern District of Texas. On August 15, 2005, The Court ordered the transfer of this case to the Northern District of Texas. We also filed a declaratory judgment action pending in the Eastern District of Texas. In that action, we are asking the Eastern District of Texas to find, among other things that we have not infringed on CSS's `281 patent. Both companies have also requested that an injunction be issued by the Eastern District of Texas against CSS for intentional interference with the sale or bid process for our cash security business. We are vigorously pursuing this declaratory judgment action.


PART II

MARKET FOR OUR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

(a)
Market Information

Our common stock is currently traded over-the-counter on the Pink Sheets under the symbol “ATMS.PK.” From March 26, 2002 through March 26, 2003, our common stock traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. From August 16, 2000 through March 25, 2002, our common stock traded on the Nasdaq National Market. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low bid information for our common stock for the three-year period ended September 30, 2005. Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Fiscal Quarter Ended
  
High
  
Low
  
High
  
Low
  
High
  
Low
  
December 31,
  
$
.72
  
$
.45
  
$
.78
  
$
.33
  
$
.61
  
$
.35
  
March 31,
    
.47
    
.14
    
.75
    
.47
    
.43
    
.17
  
June 30,
    
.36
    
.12
    
.96
    
.65
    
.21
    
.16
  
September 30,
    
.50
    
.27
    
.80
    
.59
    
.42
    
.17
  
Fiscal Year
    
.72
    
.12
    
.96
    
.33
    
.61
    
.16
  

On January 21, 2003, we received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. that, as a result of our 10-K filing deficiency, we had failed to comply with the requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14), and that our securities were subject to delisting. We had previously received notice that we failed to comply with the minimum bid price requirement as set forth in Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(4). On February 14, 2003, we received a third notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., which stated we had failed to comply with the minimum shareholders’ equity requirement for continued listing set forth in Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(2)(B). On February 20, 2003, we had an oral hearing before the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel to review these three compliance deficiencies. On March 25, 2003, we were notified by the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel that our common stock would be delisted from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market effective March 26, 2003. Effective at the opening of business on March 26, 2003, our common stock began trading over-the-counter on the Pink Sheets under the ticker symbol “ATMS.PK”.

(b)
Holders

As of November 30 2005, there were approximately 1,077 holders on record of our common stock.

(c)
Dividends

We have not paid any dividends in the past, and do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. From September 30, 2002 until November 25, 2003, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., was restricted from paying dividends to us pursuant to the subsidiary’s revolving credit agreement with a bank in effect at that time. Since November 25, 2003, we have been restricted from paying dividends pursuant to our financing arrangements with Laurus. For additional information about our arrangements with Laurus, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report.

(d)
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

We adopted the Tidel Technologies, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) effective July 15, 1997. The 1997 Plan permits the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock-based awards to our employees or directors or our subsidiaries. Under the 1997 Plan, up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock may be awarded. The number of shares issued or reserved pursuant to the 1997 Plan (or pursuant to outstanding awards) are subject to adjustment on account of mergers, consolidations, reorganization, stock splits, stock dividends and other dilutive changes in the common stock. Shares of common stock covered by awards that expire, terminate, or lapse, will again be available for grant under the 1997 Plan. Our predecessor employee stock option plan, the 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “1989 Plan”), was terminated in June 1999. At the date of termination of the 1989 Plan, there were outstanding options to purchase 438,250 shares of common stock, of which none were outstanding at September 30, 2005 and 50,000 were outstanding at September 30, 2004.

The following table provides information regarding common stock authorized for issuance under our compensation plans as of September 30 of 2005.


Equity Compensation Plan Information

As of September 30, 2005

Plan Category
  
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
  
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
  
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)
(c)
  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    
1,099,810
  
$
1.22
    
855,890
  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Total
    
1,099,810
  
$
1.22
    
855,890
  

(e)
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

At September 30, 2005, we had outstanding warrants to purchase 5,890,000 shares of common stock that expire at various dates through November 2010. The warrants have exercise prices ranging from $0.30 to $0.67 per share and, if exercised, would generate proceeds to us of approximately $2,035,500.

The following sales of unregistered securities were sold by the Company during the 2003 and 2004 fiscal years in reliance on the exemptions from registration contained in Section 4(2) and Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.

In September 2003, we issued a shareholder, Alliance Developments, Ltd. (“Alliance”), an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated September 26, 2003 in the principal amount of $300,000 due December 24, 2003; plus accrued interest at 9% per annum, payable at maturity. In consideration for the original loan, Alliance received three-year warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The note was renewed on December 24, 2003 until March 24, 2004. In consideration for the renewal, Alliance received additional three-year warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the Alliance note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, we recorded additional interest charges totaling $20,572 in fiscal 2003 related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 5, 2004.

In November 2003, we issued warrants in connection with the Laurus Financing discussed further in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” of this Annual Report. The financing comprised of a three-year convertible note in the amount of $6,450,000 and a one-year convertible note in the amount of $400,000, both of which bear interest at a rate of prime plus 2% and were convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.40 per share. In addition, Laurus received warrants to purchase 4,250,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. The proceeds of the Financing were allocated to the notes and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the notes and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges totaling $6,850,000 over the terms of the notes related to these discounts. Laurus was also granted registration rights in connection with the shares of common stock issuable in connection with the Financing. Proceeds from the Financing in the amount of $6,000,000 were used to fully retire the $18,000,000 in Convertible Debentures. See further discussion in Note 10, “Laurus Financing” in Part IV, “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report.

In August 2004, Laurus notified us that an Event of Default had occurred and had continued beyond any applicable grace period as a result of our non-payment of interest and principal on the $6,450,000 convertible note as required under the terms of the Financing, as well as noncompliance with certain other covenants of the Financing documents. In exchange for Laurus’s waiver of the event of default until September 17, 2004, we agreed, among other things, to lower the conversion price on the $6,450,000 convertible note and the exercise price of the warrants from $0.40 per share to $0.30 per share.

In November of 2004, we issued additional securities in connection with the Additional Financing with Laurus, discussed further in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” of this Annual Report, which is comprised of (i) a three-year convertible note issued to Laurus in the amount of $1,500,000, which bears interest at a rate of 14% and is convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $3.00 per share (the “$1,500,000 Note”), (ii) a one-year convertible in the amount of $600,000 which bears interest at a rate of 10% and is convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.30 per share (the “$600,000 Note”), (iii) a one-year convertible note of our subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., in the amount of $1,250,000, which is a revolving working capital facility for the purpose of financing purchase orders of our subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., (the “Purchase Order Note”), which bears interest at a rate of 14% and is convertible into our common stock at a price of $3.00 per share and (iv) our issuance to Laurus of 1,251,000 shares of common stock, or approximately 7% of the total shares outstanding, (the “2003 Fee Shares”) in satisfaction of fees totaling $375,300 incurred in connection with the convertible term notes issued in the Financing discussed above. We recorded additional interest expense totaling $638,010 related to the 2003 Fee Shares based on the fair value of the stock price on the date issued.


In addition, Laurus received warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.30 per share. The proceeds of the Additional Financing were allocated to the notes based on the relative fair value of the notes and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the notes. In addition, the conversion terms of the $600,000 Note resulted in a beneficial conversion feature, further discounting the carrying value of the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges related to these discounts totaling $840,000 over the terms of the notes. Laurus was also granted registration rights in connection with the 2003 Fee Shares and other shares issuable pursuant to the Additional Financing. The obligations pursuant to the Additional Financing are secured by all of our assets and are guaranteed by our subsidiaries. Net proceeds from the Additional Financing in the amount of $3,232,750 were primarily used for (i) general working capital payments made directly to vendors, (ii) past due interest on Laurus’s $6,450,000 convertible note due pursuant to the Financing and (iii) the establishment of an escrow for future principal and interest payments due pursuant to the Additional Financing.

We issued to a shareholder and former director an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated October 2, 2003 in the principal amount of $120,000 due April 2, 2004; plus accrued interest at 9% per annum, payable monthly. In consideration for the loan, the shareholder received three-year warrants to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, we recorded additional interest charges totaling $7,611 in fiscal 2004 related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 8, 2004.

The Company issued to an affiliate of a shareholder an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated November 20, 2003 in the principal amount of $210,000 due May 20, 2004; plus accrued interest at 8% per annum, payable at maturity. In consideration for the loan, the note holder received three-year warrants to purchase 70,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, the Company will record additional interest charges totaling $30,619 over the term of the note related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 5, 2004 from proceeds obtained in the Financing.


SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data presented below is derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements. This data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and its notes and with Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report.

The Consolidated Financial Statements for 2001 through 2002 were audited by KPMG LLP. The Consolidated Financial Statements for 2003 through 2005 were audited by Hein & Associates LLP.

 
  
Years Ended September 30,
  
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:(1)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
2002
  
2001
  
Net income (loss)(2)
  
$
(3,286
)
$
11,318
  
$
(9,237
)
$
(14,078
)
$
(25,942
)
Net income (loss) per share:
                                
Basic
    
(.16
)
  
.65
    
(0.53
)
  
(0.81
)
  
(1.49
)
Diluted
    
(.16
)
  
.37
    
(0.53
)
  
(0.81
)
  
(1.49
)

 
  
As of September 30,
  
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:(1)
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
2002
  
2001
  
Current assets
  
$
16,908
  
$
10,129
  
$
11,773
  
$
17,263
  
$
28,797
  
Current liabilities
    
13,177
    
8,190
    
32,109
    
28,487
    
28,547
  
Working capital (deficit)
    
3,731
    
1,939
    
(20,336
)
  
(11,224
)
  
250
  
Total assets
    
17,537
    
10,778
    
14,430
    
19,907
    
33,837
  
Total short-term notes payable and long-term debt (net of discount)
    
4,421
    
175
    
2,279
    
20,000
    
23,424
  
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)
    
2,263
    
2,588
    
(17,679
)
  
(8,580
)
  
5,194
  

(1)
All amounts are in thousands, except per share dollar amounts.

(2)
Income tax expense (benefit) was $0, $(81,229), $0, $(293,982), and $(3,416,030) , for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(a)
General

Our liquidity has been negatively impacted by our inability to collect outstanding receivables and claims as a result of CCC’s bankruptcy, the inability to collect outstanding receivables from certain customers, and under-absorbed fixed costs associated with the low utilization of our production facilities and reduced sales of our products resulting from general difficulties in the ATM market. In order to meet our liquidity needs during the past four years, we have incurred a substantial amount of debt. On January 1, 2006, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its ATM business division to NCR EasyPoint pursuant to the NCR Asset Purchase Agreement (the “ATM Sale”). The total purchase price was $10.4 million of which $8.2 million was funded into a collateral account for the benefit of Laurus to be applied towards the repayment of our outstanding loans from Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. (“Laurus”). See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under this item for a detailed discussion of these financing transactions.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We must apply significant, subjective and complex estimates and judgments in this process. Among the factors, but not fully inclusive of all factors, that may be considered by management in these processes are: the range of accounting policies permitted by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; management’s understanding of our business; expected rates of business and operational change; sensitivity and volatility associated with the assumptions used in developing estimates; and whether historical trends are expected to be representative of future trends. Among the most subjective judgments employed in the preparation of these financial statements are the collectibility of contract receivables and claims, the fair value of our inventory, the depreciable lives of and future cash flows to be provided by our equipment and long-lived assets, the expected timing of the sale of products, estimates for the number and related costs of insurance claims for medical care obligations, judgments regarding the outcomes of pending and potential litigation and certain judgments regarding the nature of income and expenditures for tax purposes. We review all significant estimates on a recurring basis and record the effect of any necessary adjustments prior to publication of our financial statements. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Because of the inherent uncertainties in this process, actual future results could differ from those expected at the reporting date.


The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, assuming the Company continues as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of the assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV of this Annual Report. We consider certain accounting policies to be critical policies due to the significant judgments, subjective and complex estimation processes and uncertainties involved for each in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe the following represents our critical accounting policies. We have discussed our critical accounting policies and estimates, together with any changes therein, with the audit committee of our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized at the time products are shipped to customers. We have no continuing obligation to provide services or upgrades to our products, other than a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. We only recognize such revenues if there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the products have been delivered, there is a fixed or determinable sales price and a reasonable assurance of collectibility from the customer.

Our products contain imbedded software that is developed for inclusion within the equipment. We have not licensed, sold, leased or otherwise marketed such software separately. We have no continuing obligations after the delivery of our products and we do not enter into post-contract customer support arrangements related to any software embedded into our equipment.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the standard cost method and includes materials, labor and production overhead which approximates an average cost method. Reserves are provided to adjust any slow moving materials or goods to net realizable values. During the fiscal year ended 2003, we increased our reserve by $615,000 and we increased our reserve by $614,611 in 2004. At September 30, 2005, our reserve was reduced by $1,799,442 as a result of the ATM Asset sale to NCR. NCR paid full value for all slow moving inventory items pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement. Our reserve generally fluctuates based on the level of production and the introduction of new models.

Warranties

Certain products are sold under warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one to two years. A provision for estimated warranty costs is included in accrued liabilities and is charged to operations at the time of sale.

Federal Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in determining income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS No. 128”), we compute and present both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, and excludes the effect of potentially dilutive securities (such as options, warrants and convertible securities), which are convertible into common stock. Dilutive EPS reflects the potential dilution from options, warrants and convertible securities.

Accounts Receivable
 
We have significant investments in billed receivables as of September 30, 2005 and 2004. Billed receivables represent amounts billed upon the shipments of our products under our standard contract terms and conditions. Allowances for doubtful accounts and estimated nonrecoverable costs primarily provide for losses that may be sustained on uncollectible receivables and claims. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, we evaluate our contract receivables and thoroughly review historical collection experience, the financial condition of our customers, billing disputes and other factors. When we ultimately conclude that a receivable is uncollectible, the balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. As of September 30, 2005 and 2004, the allowance for doubtful contract receivables was $1,132,000 and $1,076,000, respectively, all includes the Assets Held for Sale .
 

(b)
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), which amends SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25. SFAS No. 123(R) requires compensation expense to be recognized for all share-based payments made to employees based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant, eliminating the intrinsic value alternative allowed by SFAS No. 123. Generally, the approach to determining fair value under the original pronouncement has not changed. However, there are revisions to the accounting guidelines established, such as accounting for forfeitures, that will change our accounting for stock-based awards in the future.

The statement allows companies to adopt its provisions using either of the following transition alternatives:

•
The modified prospective method, which results in the recognition of compensation expense using SFAS 123(R) for all share-based awards granted after the effective date and the recognition of compensation expense using SFAS 123 for all previously granted share-based awards that remain unvested at the effective date; or

•
The modified retrospective method, which results in applying the modified prospective method and restating prior periods by recognizing the financial statement impact of share-based payments in a manner consistent with the pro forma disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123. The modified retrospective method may be applied to all prior periods presented or previously reported interim periods of the year of adoption.

We will adopt SFAS No. 123(R) on October 1, 2005, using the modified prospective method. This change in accounting is not expected to materially impact our financial position. However, because we currently account for share-based payments to our employees using the intrinsic value method, our results of operations have not included the recognition of compensation expense for the issuance of stock option awards. Had we applied the fair-value criteria established by SFAS No. 123(R) to previous stock option grants, the impact to our results of operations would have approximated the impact of applying SFAS No. 123, which was a decrease to net income of approximately $19,433 in 2005, a decrease to net income of approximately $1,392 in 2004, and an increase to our net loss of $15,363. The impact of applying SFAS No. 123 to previous stock option grants is further summarized in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
We will be required to recognize expense related to stock options and other types of equity-based compensation beginning in fiscal year 2006 and such cost must be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The requisite service period is usually the vesting period. The standard also requires us to estimate the number of instruments that will ultimately be issued, rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur. Additionally, we may be required to change our method for determining the fair value of stock options.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets,” an amendment of APB No. 29. This amendment eliminates the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. This statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after the date of this statement is issued. Retroactive application is not permitted. We are analyzing the requirements of this new statement and believe that its adoption will not have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, and interim periods within those fiscal years, SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”), changed the criteria for determining when the disposal or sale of certain assets meets the definition of “discontinued operations.” At the November 2004 EITF meeting, the final consensus was reached on EITF Issue No. 03-13, “Applying the Conditions in Paragraph 42 of FASB Statement No. 144 in Determining Whether to Report Discontinued Operations” (“EITF Issue No. 03-13”). This Issue is effective prospectively for disposal transactions entered into after January 1, 2005, and provides a model to assist in evaluating (a) which cash flows should be considered in the determination of whether cash flows of the disposal component have been or will be eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity and (b) the types of continuing involvement that constitute significant continuing involvement in the operations of the disposal component. The Company considered the model outlined in EITF Issue No. 03-13 in its evaluation of the February 19, 2005 Asset Purchase Agreement of the ATM division with NCR. For additional discussion, see Note 2, “Liquidity” in Part IV, “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for more information. We have concluded that we will be required to report the ATM assets of this sale as discontinued operations net of any applicable income taxes for the fiscal year 2005.

(c)
Results of Operations

Operating Segments

We conduct business within one operating segment, principally in the United States.


Product Net Sales for ATM Business and Cash Security Business 

A breakdown of net sales by individual product line is provided in the following table:

 
  
(dollars in 000’s) 
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
ATM Business
  
$
15,498
  
$
15,047
  
$
10,435
  
Cash Security Business:
                    
TACC
    
5,269
    
5,631
    
4,433
  
Sentinel
    
12,468
    
972
    
1,827
  
Parts & Other
    
1,698
    
864
    
1,099
  
Total Cash Security Business
  $
19,435
   $
7,467
   $
7,359
  


Gross Profit, Operating Expenses and Non-Operating Items

Continuing Operations

Due to the requirement to classify our only two product lines as discontinued operations, the results of continuing operations consist primarily of the corporate overhead and debt-related costs.

An analysis of continuing operations and assets and liabilities is provided in the following tables:

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
  
September 30,
2005
  
September 30,
2004
  
ASSETS
  
 
  
 
  
Current Assets:
  
 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
1,003,663
  
$
258,120
  
Trade account receivable
    
250,000
    
250,000
  
Other receivables
    
12,965
    
1,003,723
  
Prepaid expenses and other
    
170,231
    
42,153
  
Total current assets
    
1,436,859
    
1,553,996
  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
    
55,641
    
44,075
  
Accumulated depreciation
    
(42,848
)
  
(37,871
)
Net property, plant and equipment
    
12,793
    
6,204
  
Other assets
    
615,763
    
643,305
  
Total assets
  
$
2,065,415
  
$
2,203,505
  
LIABILITIES
              
Current Liabilities:
              
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of discount of $0 and $725,259, respectively
  
$
2,325,000
  
$
174,741
  
Accounts payable
    
431,876
    
331,576
  
Accrued interest payable
    
2,135,852
    
793,577
  
Reserve for settlement of class action litigation
    
—
    
1,564,490
  
Other accrued liabilities
    
290,871
    
326,675
  
Total current liabilities
    
5,183,599
    
3,191,059
  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities and debt discount of $3,746,531 and $5,767,988, respectively
    
2,096,457
    
—
  
Total liabilities
  
$
7,280,056
  
$
3,191,059
  


CONTINUING OPERATIONS
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
  
Years Ended September 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Revenues
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Selling, general and administrative
    
1,805,484
    
2,011,257
    
1,889,907
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
4,977
    
4,146
    
10,742
  
Operating loss
    
(1,810,461
)
  
(2,015,403
)
  
(1,900,649
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    
—
    
18,823,000
    
—
  
Gain on sale of securities
    
—
    
1,918,012
    
—
  
Interest expense
    
(6,549,069
)
  
(4,200,668
)
  
(2,466,536
)
Continuing income (loss) before taxes
    
(8,359,530
)
  
14,524,941
    
(4,367,185
)
Income tax benefit
    
—
    
(81,229
)
  
—
  
 
                    
Net Income (loss) from continuing operations
  
$
(8,359,530
)
$
14,606,170
  
$
(4,367,185
)

Year Ended September 30, 2005 Compared with the Year Ended September 30, 2004
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2005 were $1,805,484, which is a decrease of approximately 10% from the year ended September 30, 2004. The decrease is primarily related todue to changes related to the resolution of officer notes in 2004 partially offset by increased accounting fees in 2005.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $4,977 and $4,146, respectively.

Interest expense was $6,549,069 for the year ended September 30, 2005 compared with $4,200,668 for the year ended September 30, 2004. The increase is a result of additional charges related to the Additional Financing and the amortization of the debt discount related to the Laurus debt.

Income tax expense (benefit). In assessing the realizability of deferred tax asset, management considers whether it is more likely than not, that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. We have established a valuation allowance for such deferred tax assets to the extent such amounts are not utilized to offset existing deferred tax liabilities reversing in the same periods.

We recorded a net income (loss) from continuing operations of $(8,359,530) and $14,606,170 for the years ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The significant decrease in operating profit was due to a gain on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $18.8 million recorded during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004.
 
Year Ended September 30, 2004 Compared with the Year Ended September 30, 2003

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2004 were $2,011,257, which is a decrease of approximately 11% from the year ended September 30, 2003. The decrease is primarily related to reduced legal, accounting, and audit-related costs.

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $4,146 and $10,742, respectively.

Interest expense was $4,200,668 for the year ended September 30, 2004 compared with $2,466,536 for the year ended September 30, 2003. The increase is a result of Additional Financing and the amortization of the debt discount related to the Laurus debt.

Income tax expense (benefit). In assessing the reliability of deferred tax asset, management considers whether it is more likely than not, that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. We have established a valuation allowance for such deferred tax assets to the extent such amounts are not utilized to offset existing deferred tax liabilities reversing in the same periods.

We recorded a net income (loss) from continuing operations of $14,606,170 and $(4,367,185) for the years ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The significant increase in operating profit was due to a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $18.8 million recorded during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004.


Discontinued Operations (ATM Business)

We committed to a plan to sell the ATM Business during the first quarter ended December 31, 2004.

On February 19, 2005, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “NCR Asset Purchase Agreement”) with NCR EasyPoint LLC f/k/a/ NCR Texas LLC (“NCR EasyPoint”), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCR Corporation, for the sale of our ATM Business (the “ATM Business Sale”).

On December 28, 2005, the holders of 62.2% of our shares of outstanding common stock approved the NCR Asset Purchase Agreement.

On January 3, 2006, we completed the ATM Business Sale. The total purchase price was approximately $10.4 million of which $8.2 million was paid to Laurus into a collateral account to be held by Laurus as collateral for the satisfaction of all monetary obligations payable to Laurus, $0.5 million was paid into an escrow account pending a post closing net asset value adjustment, and the remaining $1.7 million was paid to the Company to be used for necessary working capital. This termination resulted in a book gain of approximately $3.8 million.

We have classified our ATM business as Assets Held for Sale as of September 30, 2005.

The ATM products are low-cost, cash-dispensing automated teller machines that are primarily designed for the off-premise, or non-bank, markets. We offer a wide variety of options and enhancements to the ATM products, including custom configurations that dispense cash-value products, such as coupons, tickets and stored-value cards; accept currency; and perform other functions, such as check-cashing

An analysis of the discontinued operations of the ATM business is as follows:

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — ATM BUSINESS
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
 
  
September 30,
2005
  
September 30,
2004
  
ASSETS
  
 
  
 
  
Current Assets:
  
 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of approximately $1,125,000 and $1,070,000, respectively
    
2,310,262
    
1,983,931
  
Inventories
    
7,323,439
    
3,432,828
  
Prepaid expenses and other
    
392,972
    
157,490
  
Total current assets
    
10,026,673
    
5,574,249
  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
    
4,337,677
    
4,286,617
  
Accumulated depreciation
    
(4,216,152
)
  
(3,977,412
)
Net property, plant and equipment
    
121,525
    
309,205
  
Other assets
    
27,297
    
27,297
  
Total assets
  
$
10,175,495
  
$
5,910,751
  
LIABILITIES
              
Current Liabilities:
              
Accounts payable
  
$
1,681,288
  
$
1,686,732
  
Other accrued expenses
    
1,814,634
    
836,289
  
Total liabilities
  
$
3,495,922
  
$
2,523,021
  

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — ATM BUSINESS
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
  
Years Ended September 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net sales
  
$
15,497,834
  
$
15,047,292
  
$
10,435,118
  
Cost of sales
    
9,508,120
    
11,762,082
    
9,675,580
  
Gross profit
    
5,989,714
    
3,285,210
    
759,538
  
Selling, general and administrative
    
4,768,880
    
4,709,478
    
3,944,795
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
255,967
    
292,543
    
647,640
  
Operating loss
    
964,867
    
(1,716,811
)
  
(3,832,897
)
Non-operating (income) expense
    
—
    
16,456
    
66,581
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
964,867
  
$
(1,733,267
)
$
(3,899,478
 ) 


Year ended September 30, 2005 Compared with Year Ended September 30, 2004

Net Sales from the ATM business were $15,497,834 for the year ended September 30, 2005, representing an increase of 3% from net sales of $15,047,292 for the year ended September 30, 2004. The increase was a result of the slight increase in sales of ATM machines. We sold 3,646 ATM units during Fiscal 2005 compared with 3,488 units sold during Fiscal 2004.

Gross profit on net sales for the year ended September 30, 2005 increased $2,704,504 from a year ago. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 39% and 22% for the year ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in gross profit is primarily related to the reversal of $1.8 million in obsolete inventory reserve in 2005 and the opposite result of $615,000 recognized in 2004.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2005 increased 1% compared with the year ended September 30, 2004. The increase is primarily related to costs associated with our marketing efforts.

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $255,967 and $292,543, respectively.

The ATM business recorded a net income (loss) of $964,867 and $(1,733,267) for the year ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Year ended September 30, 2004 Compared with Year Ended September 30, 2003

Net Sales from the ATM business were $15,047,292 for the year ended September 30, 2004, representing an increase of 30% from net sales of $10,435,118 for the year ended September 30, 2003. This was primarily a result of the increase in sales of ATM machines. We sold 3,450 ATM units during Fiscal 2004 compared with 2,307 units sold during Fiscal 2003.

Gross profit on net sales for the year ended September 30, 2004 increased $2,525,672 from a year ago. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 22% and 7% for the year ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Such increases primarily arose from production efficiencies and the fixed manufacturing overhead expenses being allocated to more units produced during the year, both of which resulted in lower unit costs assigned to each unit of product sold and the reduction of indirect labor due to a reduction of personnel.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2004 increased 19% compared with the year ended September 30, 2003. The increase is primarily related to costs associated with our marketing efforts attributed to the sales of the Sentinel Units.

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $292,543 and $647,640, respectively. The decrease is primarily a result of assets being fully depreciated during the year.

The ATM business recorded a net income (loss) of $(1,733,267) and $3,899,478 for the year ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Discontinued Operations (Cash Security Business)

We entered into an asset purchase agreement dated as of January 12, 2006 (the “Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Sentinel Operating, L.P., a purchaser controlled by a management buyout team led by Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, and Raymond Landry, a member of our Board, for the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Cash Security business (the “Cash Security Business Sale”). The two members of our Board who are unaffiliated with the management buyout of the Cash Security business negotiated the terms of the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement with the management buyout group.

The independent members of our Board received an opinion from an investment advisory firm, Capitalink, L.C., as to the fairness of the Cash Security Business Sale from a financial point of view to the unaffiliated shareholders. On December 31, 2005, our Board, with Messrs. Levenick and Landry abstaining, voted to approve the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and the Cash Security Business Sale.

The Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement provides for the sale of the Company’s Cash Security business to the purchaser thereunder for a cash purchase price of $17.5 million, less $100,000 as consideration for the purchaser’s potential liability in connection with certain litigation and subject to a closing balance sheet purchase price adjustment. In addition, the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is subject to customary representations and warranties and covenants and the satisfaction of several customary closing conditions, including our obtaining shareholder approval. The closing under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2006. The purchase price payable under the Cash Security Business Sale is subject to the Reorganization Fee and the other amounts payable to Laurus under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement.

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million. See Part I, item 1(c), “Laurus Reorganization Fee” for more information.
 
We have classified the Cash Security Business as Assets Held for Sale as of September 30, 2005 and 2004.
 

An analysis of the discontinued operations of the Cash Security Business is as follows:

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — CASH SECURITY BUSINESS
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
 
  
September 30,
2005
  
September 30,
2004
  
ASSETS
  
 
  
 
  
Current Assets:
  
 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of approximately $7,500 and $6,200, respectively
    
1,856,523
    
1,076,362
  
Inventories
    
3,137,818
    
1,350,631
  
Prepaid expenses and other
    
198,057
    
93,087
  
Total current assets
    
5,192,398
    
2,520,080
  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
    
1,097,604
    
1,091,197
  
Accumulated depreciation
    
(1,020,015
)
  
(972,920
)
Net property, plant and equipment
    
77,589
    
118,277
  
Other assets
    
25,631
    
25,631
  
Total assets
  
$
5,295,618
  
$
2,663,988
  
LIABILITIES
              
Current Liabilities:
              
Current maturities
  
$
1,852
  
$
8,951
  
Accounts payable
    
1,397,394
    
1,380,054
  
Other accrued expenses
    
3,069,278
    
1,058,001
  
Total current liabilities
    
4,468,524
    
2,447,006
  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    
28,708
    
28,709
  
Total liabilities
  
$
4,497,232
  
$
2,475,715
  


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — CASH SECURITY BUSINESS
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
  
 
  
Year Ended September 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net sales
  
$
19,435,222
  
$
7,467,194
  
$
7,359,181
  
Cost of sales
    
10,870,947
    
5,350,108
    
4,936,867
  
Gross profit
    
8,564,275
    
2,117,086
    
2,422,314
  
Selling, general and administrative
    
4,449,550
    
3,550,491
    
3,184,314
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
29,868
    
84,008
    
141,473
  
Operating income (loss)
    
4,084,857
    
(1,517,413
)
  
(903,473
)
Non-operating expense
    
(23,884
 )   
37,918
    
66,581
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
4,108,741
  
$
(1,555,331
)
$
(970,054
)
 
Year ended September 30, 2005 Compared with year ended September 30, 2004

Net Sales from the Cash Security Business were $19,435,222 for the year ended September 30, 2005, representing an increase of $11,968,028 from net sales of $7,467,194 for the year ended September 30, 2004. The improvement is directly related to an increase in sales of the Sentinel units to a national convenience store operator.
 
Gross profit on product sales for the year ended September 30, 2005 increased $6,447,189 from the year ended September 30, 2004. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 44% for the year ended September 30, 2005, compared to only 28% for the year ended September 30, 2004. The improvement is directly related to an increase in the volume of Sentinel units produced during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2005 increased $899,059 or 25% from the year ended September 30, 2004. This is primarily related to costs associated with our marketing efforts related to the Sentinel Product.

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $29,868 and $84,008, respectively.


Year ended September 30, 2004 Compared with year ended September 30, 2003

Net Sales from the Cash Security Business were $7,467,194 for the year ended September 30, 2004, representing an increase of $108,013 from net sales of $7,359,181 for the year ended September 30, 2003. The slight improvement is directly related to an increase in sales of the Sentinel units to a national convenience store operator.
 
Gross profit on product sales for the year ended September 30, 2004 decreased $305,228 from the year ended September 30, 2003. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 28% for the year ended September 30, 2004, compared to 33% for the year ended September 30, 2003. The decrease was related to increased manufacturing costs during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2004 increased $366,177 or approximately 11% from the year ended September 30, 2003. This is primarily related to costs associated with our marketing efforts related to the Sentinel Product.

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $84,008 and $141,473, respectively.

(d)
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity has been negatively impacted by our inability to collect outstanding receivables and claims as a result of CCC’s bankruptcy, the inability to collect outstanding receivables from certain customers, and under-absorbed fixed costs associated with the low utilization of our production facilities and reduced sales of our products resulting from general difficulties in the ATM market. In order to meet our liquidity needs during the past four years, we have incurred a substantial amount of debt. On January 1, 2006, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its ATM business division to NCR EasyPoint pursuant to that Asset Purchase Agreement (the “ATM Sale”). The total purchase price was $10.4 million of which $8.2 million was funded into a collateral account for the benefit of Laurus to be applied towards the repayment of our outstanding loans from Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. (“Laurus”).


 
  
(dollars in 000’s) 
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Cash
  
$
1,004
  
$
258
  
$
915
  
Restricted cash
    
—
    
—
    
2,200
  
Working capital (deficit)
    
3,731
    
1,939
    
(19,802
)
Total assets
    
17,537
    
10,778
    
14,430
  
Shareholders’ equity (deficit)
    
2,263
    
2,588
    
(17,679
)

Cash Flows

Cash used in operations was $(462,324) for 2005 compared with cash used in operations of $(2,825,316) for 2004, and cash used operations of $(635,980) for 2003. The cash used in operations during fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 was primarily attributable to the Operating Losses, the increase in trade accounts receivable and the delays in collection of these receivables.

Working Capital

As of September 30, 2005, we had a working capital of $3,731,219, compared with a working capital of $1,938,940 at September 30, 2004. The increase in working capital was primarily a result of the increase in sales of the Sentinel product line.

Indebtedness

The Laurus Financings

On November 25, 2003, we completed the Financing, a $6,850,000 financing transaction with Laurus pursuant to the 2003 SPA. The Financing was comprised of a three-year convertible note in the amount of $6,450,000 and a one-year convertible note in the amount of $400,000, both of which bear interest at a rate of prime plus 2% and were convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.40 per share. In addition, Laurus received warrants to purchase 4,250,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. The proceeds of the Financing were allocated to the notes and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the notes and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the notes. In addition, the conversion terms of the notes result in a beneficial conversion feature, further discounting the carrying value of the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges totaling $6,850,000 over the terms of the notes related to these discounts. Laurus was also granted registration rights in connection with the shares of common stock issuable in connection with the Financing. Proceeds from the Financing in the amount of $6,000,000 were used to fully retire the $18,000,000 in Convertible Debentures issued to the two Holders thereof in September 2000, together with all accrued interest, penalties and fees associated therewith. All of the warrants and Convertible Debentures held by the Holders were terminated and we recorded a gain from extinguishment of debt of $18,823,000 (including accrued interest through the date of extinguishment) in fiscal year 2004 related to this Financing. See further discussion in Part IV, Item 12, “Notes to the Consolidated Financials”. In March 2004, the $400,000 note was repaid in full.


In connection with the closing of the Financing, all outstanding litigation including, without limitation, the Montrose Litigation, was dismissed, and the Revolving Credit Facility was repaid through the release of the restricted cash used as collateral for the Revolving Credit Facility.

In August 2004, Laurus notified us that an Event of Default had occurred and had continued beyond any applicable grace period as a result of our non-payment of interest and principal on the $6,450,000 convertible note as required under the terms of the Financing, as well as noncompliance with certain other covenants of the Financing documents. In exchange for Laurus’s waiver of the Event of Default until September 17, 2004, we agreed, among other things, to lower the conversion price on the $6,450,000 convertible note and the exercise price of the warrants from $0.40 per share to $0.30 per share.

On November 26, 2004, we completed the Additional Financing, a $3,350,000 financing transaction with Laurus pursuant to the 2004 SPA. The Additional Financing was comprised of (i) a three-year convertible note issued to Laurus in the amount of $1,500,000, which bears interest at a rate of 14% and is convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $3.00 per share (the “$1,500,000 Note”), (ii) a one-year convertible in the amount of $600,000 which bears interest at a rate of 10% and is convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.30 per share (the “$600,000 Note”), (iii) a one-year convertible note of our subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., in the amount of $1,250,000, which is a revolving working capital facility for the purpose of financing purchase orders of our subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., (the “Purchase Order Note”), which bears interest at a rate of 14% and is convertible into our common stock at a price of $3.00 per share and (iv) our issuance to Laurus of the 2003 Fee Shares, which consisted of 1,251,000 shares of common stock, or approximately 7% of the total shares outstanding, in satisfaction of fees totaling $375,300 incurred in connection with the convertible term notes issued in the Financing discussed above. As a result of the issuance of the 2003 Fee Shares, we recorded an additional charge in fiscal 2004 of $638,010. We also increased the principal balance of the original note by $292,987, of which $226,312 bears interest at the default rate of 18%. This amount represents interest accrued but not paid to Laurus as of August 1, 2004. In addition, Laurus received warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.30 per share. The proceeds of the Additional Financing were allocated to the notes based on the relative fair value of the notes and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the notes. In addition, the conversion terms of the $600,000 Note resulted in a beneficial conversion feature, further discounting the carrying value of the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges related to these discounts totaling $840,000 over the terms of the notes. Laurus was also granted registration rights in connection with the 2003 Fee Shares and other shares issuable pursuant to the Additional Financing. The obligations pursuant to the Additional Financing are secured by all of our assets and are guaranteed by our subsidiaries. Net proceeds from the Additional Financing in the amount of $3,232,750 were primarily used for (i) general working capital payments made directly to vendors, (ii) past due interest on Laurus’s $6,450,000 convertible note due pursuant to the Financing and (iii) the establishment of an escrow for future principal and interest payments due pursuant to the Additional Financing.

Pursuant to the terms of the Financing and the Additional Financing, an Event of Default occurs if, among other things, we do not complete our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the timetable set forth in the Additional Financing documents, or we do not comply with the Listing Requirement or any other material covenant or other term or condition of the 2003 SPA, the 2004 SPA, the notes we issued to Laurus or any of the other documents related to the Financing or the Additional Financing. If there is an Event of Default, including any of the items specified above or in the transaction documents, Laurus may declare all unpaid sums of principal, interest and other fees due and payable within five (5) days after we receive a written notice from Laurus. If we cure the Event of Default within that five (5) day period, the Event of Default will no longer be considered to be occurring.

If we do not cure such event of default, Laurus shall have, among other things, the right to have two (2) of its designees appointed to our Board, and the interest rate of the notes shall be increased to the greater of 18% or the rate in effect at that time.

On January 12, 2006, the proceeds from the ATM Sale to NCR were applied to the repayment of approximately $2,455,000 of indebtedness to Laurus and Laurus’ remaining indebtedness of $5,745,000 was converted into 18,250,000 shares of our common stock.

For more information about the Financing and the Additional Financing, see Part I, Item 1, “Business — Recent Developments” of this Annual Report.

The Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement: 

We entered into an asset purchase agreement, dated as of January 12, 2006 (the “Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement”), with Sentinel Operating, L.P., a purchaser controlled by a management buyout team led by Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, and Raymond Landry, a member of our Board, for the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Cash Security business (the “Cash Security Business Sale”). The two members of our Board who are unaffiliated with the management buyout of the Cash Security business negotiated the terms of the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement with the management buyout group.


The independent members of our Board received an opinion from an investment advisory firm, Capitalink, L.C., as to the fairness of the Cash Security Business Sale from a financial point of view to the unaffiliated shareholders. On December 31, 2005, our Board, with Messrs. Levenick and Landry abstaining, voted to approve the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and the Cash Security Business Sale.

The Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement provides for the sale of the Company’s Cash Security business to the purchaser thereunder for a cash purchase price of $17.5 million, less $100,000 as consideration for the purchaser’s potential liability in connection with certain litigation and subject to a closing balance sheet purchase price adjustment. In addition, the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is subject to customary representations and warranties and covenants and the satisfaction of several customary closing conditions, including our obtaining shareholder approval. The closing under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2006. The purchase price payable under the Cash Security Business Sale is subject to the Reorganization Fee and the other amounts payable to Laurus under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement.

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million. See Part I, Item 1(c), “Laurus Reorganization Fee” for more information.

The Equipment Purchase Agreement

In June 2004, our subsidiary entered into an equipment purchase agreement with an initial term through December 31, 2005 with a national convenience store operator (the “Buyer”) for the sale of our Sentinel units. We agreed to provide “Most Favored Nation” pricing to the Buyer and to not increase the price during the initial term of the agreement. As of June 30, 2005, the Buyer had purchased approximately 1,531 units under the agreement.

The Supply, Facility and Share Warrant Agreements

In September 2004, our subsidiary entered into separate supply and credit facility agreements (the “Supply Agreement”, the “Facility Agreement” and the “Share Warrant Agreement” respectively) with a foreign distributor related to our ATM products. The Supply Agreement required the distributor, during the initial term of the agreement, to purchase ATMs only from us, effectively making us its sole supplier of ATMs. During each of the subsequent terms, the distributor is required to purchase from us not less than 85% of all ATMs purchased by the distributor. The initial term of the agreement was set as of the earlier of: (i) the expiration or termination of the debenture, (ii) a termination for default, (iii) the mutual agreement of the parties, and (iv) August 15, 2009.

The Facility Agreement provides a credit facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,280,000 to the distributor with respect to outstanding invoices already issued to the distributor and with respect to invoices which may be issued in the future related to the purchase of our ATM products. Repayment of the credit facility is set by schedule for the last day of each month beginning November 2004 and continuing through August 2005. The distributor fell into default due to non-payment during February 2005. As of September 30, 2004, we had an outstanding balance of approximately $720,000 related to this facility. Notwithstanding our current commitment to aggressively pursue our rights to collect the outstanding balance of the facility and in view of the uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, we recorded a reserve in the amount of approximately $185,000 during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 due to the payment delinquency of the invoices related to 2004 billings. During 2005, we increased the reserve to approximately $830,000 due to the payment delinquency of the majority of the invoices issued in the fiscal year 2005. In July of 2005, we collected a partial payment of approximately $350,000 related to the 2004 billings. This collection reduced the outstanding balance on this facility to approximately $1,700,000, of which we have reserved a total of $830,000 as of July 31, 2005. We have also received a commitment commencing August 5, 2005 from the distributor to submit at least approximately $35,000 per week until the balance is paid in full. We have received approximately $560,000 consisting of 16 weekly payments reducing the accounts receivable balance.

The Share Warrant Agreement provides for the issuance to our subsidiary of a warrant to purchase up to 5% of the issued and outstanding Share Capital of the distributor. The warrant restricts the distributor from (i) creating or issuing a new class of stock or allotting additional shares, (ii) consolidating or altering the shares, (iii) issuing a dividend, (iv) issuing additional warrants and (v) amending articles of incorporation. Upon our exercise of the warrant, the distributors balance outstanding under the Facility Agreement would be reduced by $300,000. We exercised this option during December of 2005, therefore, reducing the receivable by an additional $300,000 resulting in a balance of $833,000 at January 05, 2006.

Bridge Loans

Beginning in September 2003, we issued the following unsecured, short-term promissory notes totaling $720,000 to shareholders or their affiliates as part of a bridge financing transaction (the “Bridge Loans”):

In September 2003, we issued Alliance an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated September 26, 2003 in the principal amount of $300,000 due December 24, 2003; plus accrued interest at 9% per annum, payable at maturity. In consideration for the original loan, Alliance received three-year warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The note was renewed on December 24, 2003 until March 24, 2004. In consideration for the renewal, Alliance received additional three-year warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the Alliance note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, we recorded additional interest charges totaling $20,572 in fiscal 2003 related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 5, 2004.


We issued to a shareholder and former director an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated October 2, 2003 in the principal amount of $120,000 due April 2, 2004; plus accrued interest at 9% per annum, payable monthly. In consideration for the loan, the shareholder received three-year warrants to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, we recorded additional interest charges totaling $7,611 in fiscal 2004 related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 8, 2004.

The Company issued to an affiliate of a shareholder an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated November 20, 2003 in the principal amount of $210,000 due May 20, 2004; plus accrued interest at 8% per annum, payable at maturity. In consideration for the loan, the note holder received three-year warrants to purchase 70,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, the Company will record additional interest charges totaling $30,619 over the term of the note related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 5, 2004 from proceeds obtained in the Financing.

The Development Agreement

In August 2001, we entered into a Development Agreement (the “Development Agreement”) with a national petroleum retailer and convenience store operator (the “Retailer”) for the joint development of a new generation of “intelligent” TACCs, now known as the Sentinel product. The Development Agreement provided for four phases of development with the first three phases to be funded by the Retailer at an estimated cost of $800,000. In February 2002, we agreed to provide the Retailer a rebate on each unit of the Sentinel product for the first 1,500 units sold, provided the product successfully entered production, until the Retailer had earned amounts equal to the development costs paid by the Retailer. The development of the product was completed and production commenced. The aggregate development costs for the Sentinel product paid for by the Retailer totaled $651,500. As of September 30, 2004, we had credited back approximately $122,100 to the retailer resulting in an accrued liability of $529,400 for the benefit of the Retailer. As of September 30, 2005, the accrued balance was $529,400.
 
CashWorks

In December 2001, we invested $500,000 in CashWorks, Inc. (“CashWorks”), a development-stage financial technology solutions provider, in the form of convertible debt of CashWorks, and entered into a License, Development and Deployment Agreement (“LDDA”) with CashWorks, which provided for certain marketing rights and future income payments to us in exchange for technical expertise and our sales support. In December 2002, we converted the notes, plus accrued but unpaid interest into 2,133,728 shares of CashWorks’ Series B preferred shares plus warrants to purchase 125,000 shares of CashWorks’ common stock at $2.00 per share. In March 2004, we consented to the sale of our interest in CashWorks to GE Capital Corp. (“GECC”) for approximately $2,451,000, resulting in the recognition of a gain in the quarter ended March 31, 2004 of $1,918,012. We retained the marketing rights and future income payments pursuant to the LDDA, as amended, following the sale to GECC. All of the shares and warrants related to the CashWorks investment were pledged to secure borrowings in connection with the Financing (defined herein above). Accordingly, upon receipt of the consideration for the CashWorks Series B preferred shares and warrants, we were obligated to repay in full the $400,000 and $100,000 convertible term notes plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, and all outstanding interest due on the $6,450,000 convertible term note, all of which were paid as part of the Financing.

Convertible Debentures

In September 2000, we issued to two investors (individually, the “Holder”, or collectively, the “Holders”) an aggregate of $18,000,000 of our 6% Convertible Debentures, due September 8, 2004 (the “Convertible Debentures”), convertible into our common stock at a price of $9.50 per share. In addition, we issued warrants to the Holders to purchase 378,947 shares of our common stock exercisable at any time through September 8, 2005 at an exercise price of $9.80 per share.

In June 2001, the Holders exercised their option to “put” the Convertible Debentures back to the Company. Accordingly, the principal amount of $18,000,000, plus accrued and unpaid interest, became due on August 27, 2001. We did not make such payment on that date, and at September 30, 2002, did not have the funds available to make such payments. At September 30, 2002, we were party to subordination agreements (the “Subordination Agreements”) with each Holder and the First Lender which provided, among other things, for prohibitions: (i) on our making this payment to the Holders, and (ii) on the Holders taking legal action against us to collect this amount, other than to increase the principal balance of the Convertible Debentures for unpaid amounts or to convert the Convertible Debentures into our common stock. The Convertible Debentures were retired on November 25, 2003, which resulted in a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $18,823,000, and in connection with the Financing discussed above.


Investment in 3CI Complete Compliance Corporation

We formerly owned 100% of 3CI Complete Compliance Corporation (“3CI”) a company engaged in the transportation and incineration of medical waste, until we divested our majority interest in February 1994. As of September 30, 2004, we continue to own 698,889 shares of the common stock of 3CI. We have no immediate plan for the disposal of these shares. At September 30, 2004, all the shares were pledged to secure borrowings in connection with the Financing. See Note 7, “Investment in 3CI” to “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part IV of this Annual Report. The value of the investment in 698,889 shares of 3CI was written down and was marked to the market values of $209,539 ($0.30 per share), $244,462 ($0.35 per share), and $279,556 ($0.40 per share) at September 30, 2003, 2004, and 2005 respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

We do not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Indebtedness

We have fixed debt service and lease payment obligations under notes payable and operating leases for which we have material contractual cash obligations. Interest rates on our debt vary from prime rate plus 2% to 14%.

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations:

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

 
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
  
2010
  
Thereafter
  
Long-term debt, including current portion(1)
    
3,000,000
    
3,667,988
    
1,500,000
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Total
  
$
3,000,000
  
$
3,667,988
  
$
1,500,000
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
$
—
  

(1)
Long-term debt including current maturities and debt discount was $8,167,988 as of September 30, 2005 and $5,942,729 as of September 30, 2004.
 
Operating Leases — We lease office and warehouse space, transportation equipment and other equipment under terms of operating leases, which expire in the years up through 2006. Rental expense under these leases for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was approximately $531,992, $519,292 and $512,519, respectively.

Purchase Obligations — Pursuant to an agreement with a supplier, we were obligated to purchase certain raw materials with an approximate cost of $952,000 before December 31, 2002. Subsequent to September 30, 2002, the terms of the purchase obligation were amended to extend the purchase date and revise the purchase prices. This agreement terminated on March 31, 2004.

Planned capital expenditures for 2006 are estimated to be approximately $200,000. These expenditures will depend upon available funds, levels of orders received and future operating activity.

Research and Development Expenditures

Our research and development expenditures for fiscal 2005, 2004, and 2003 were approximately $2,060,000, $2,613,000 and $2,668,000, respectively. Our research and development budget for fiscal 2006 is estimated to be $1,200,000. The majority of these expenditures are applicable to enhancements of existing product lines and the development of new technology to facilitate the dispensing of cash and cash-value products.
 
Death of Chief Executive Officer

In December 2004, James T. Rash, our former Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive and Financial Officer, died. We have named Mark K. Levenick as Interim Chief Executive Officer but no permanent Chairman or Chief Executive Officer has been hired or appointed as of the date hereof. The Board of Directors approved the transfer of a key-man life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Rash in the amount of $1,000,000 to Mr. Rash in 2002, in connection with Mr. Rash’s then pending retirement. The proceeds were assigned as collateral for outstanding promissory notes due from Mr. Rash in the aggregate principal amount of $1,143,554 plus accrued interest in the amount of $334,980. Proceeds of $1,009,227 were received from the insurance policy in February 2005, which were applied to the principal amount of the notes. Mr. Rash also received bonuses totaling $350,000 of which $134,327 was applied to the remaining principal balance of the notes. The accrued interest was charged to bad debt expense during fiscal 2003.


QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

At September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004, we were exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of significant financing through our issuance of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt. However, with the retirement of the Convertible Debentures subsequent to September 30, 2002, and the associated overall reduction in outstanding debt balances, our exposure to interest rate risks has significantly decreased. If market interest rates had increased up to 1% in fiscal 2004 or 2005, there would have been no material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty (including without limitation, our future gross profit, selling, general and administrative expense, our financial position, working capital and seasonal variances in our operations, as well as general market conditions). Though we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward- looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Our consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and supplementary data appear on pages 42 through 49 in this report and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
On March 24, 2005, we engaged Hein & Associates LLP (“Hein”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm and dismissed KPMG LLP (“KPMG”). The change in independent registered public accounting firms was approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 24, 2005. KPMG audited our financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 and for all the prior years, and Hein audited our financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

The audit report of KPMG on our consolidated financial statements for fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and such audit report was not qualified or modified as to any uncertainty, audit scope or accounting practice.

During fiscal 2002 and subsequent interim periods through the date we changed independent registered public accounting firms, there were no disagreements between us and KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of KPMG, would have caused KPMG to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its report. In addition, during those same periods, no reportable events, as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, occurred, and we did not consult with Hein regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, or any other matters or reportable events as set forth in Item 304(a)(2) of Regulation S-K.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer, and Robert D. Peltier, our Interim Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures”, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). James T. Rash was Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer during the fiscal years ended 2002, 2003 and 2004. Mr. Rash died on December 19, 2004. Mr. Levenick was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer on December 22, 2004. During fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004, Mr. Levenick served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Company, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Tidel Engineering, L.P., the Company's principal operating subsidiary. In February 2005, Mr. Robert D. Peltier joined the Company as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Peltier began his assessment of disclosure controls and internal controls without having ever been in a position of active management or knowledge over transactions during fiscal years 2002, 2003 or 2004.


In conducting the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures and the accounting controls and procedures, it was concluded that the Company had a material weakness in its internal controls and procedures related to the company’s communication from its principal operating subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P to the corporate office regarding the recognition of revenues. The company revised its revenue recognition policy in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000 to recognize revenue at the time products are shipped to customers. Approximately $2.0 million of revenues were recognized from the sales of the Sentinel product in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 and the majority of the units that related to the revenue had not been shipped as of September 30, 2005. These sales were not communicated to the corporate office, and accordingly our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s internal controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the year ended September 30, 2005. We properly adjusted our 2005 consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 to be in compliance with our revenue recognition policy.

In order to remedy this material weakness, the Company implemented a new internal control procedure, which requires the principal operating subsidiary to send a monthly billing schedule to the corporate office for review by the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer is then required to review the monthly billings with the Chief Executive Officer in Dallas to ensure that the monthly revenues recorded are consistent with our revenue recognition policy.

In a report to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company dated July 28, 2005, the Company’s independent registered public accountants noted that the following significant deficiencies in our internal controls and procedures were discovered during the course of their audit: (1) established credit policies were overridden on occasion by executive management based on their business judgment at that time, (2) bookkeeping at the corporate level was not administrated on a timely basis during 2003 and 2004 and (3) the Company’s accounts payable supervisor had access to the check signature and the ability to prepare check runs without proper review prior to distribution. In examining the significant deficiencies, both the Company and our independent registered public accountants performed expanded reviews of our procedures and mitigating controls to determine whether such deficiencies constituted a material weakness. In the expanded reviews, both the Company and our independent registered public accountants noted the following controls were in place prior to the audit of our financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003 and 2004: (1) Management of the Company consistently performed weekly and monthly reviews of actual and budgeted results during the periods, (2) the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company provided additional oversight with respect to financial reporting beginning immediately after the death of our former Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer in December 2004, and (3) the Company hired a new Chief Financial Officer in February 2005 to oversee the Company’s financial reporting process. We collectively concluded that since such additional controls were in place the Company was able to conclude that none of the deficiencies constituted a material weakness that resulted in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected. Further, the report of the independent registered public accountants indicated no inappropriate or unauthorized activity during the periods reviewed. To the Audit Committee of Board of Directors of the Company.

In August 2005, the Company began implementing revised internal controls and procedures to correct the significant deficiencies in our internal controls and procedures noted by our independent registered public accountants in their July 28, 2005 report, which consisted of: (1) the establishment of new credit approval policies, including Board-level approval for certain amounts, (2) the establishment new guidelines for timely administration of bookkeeping tasks at the corporate level, including the implementation of monthly, quarterly and annual closing schedules and (3) removal of check signature access from the Company’s accounts payable supervisor. Such implementation was completed by August 30, 2005, and as of that date our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer believe that these significant internal controls and procedures deficiencies no longer exist.

A significant deficiency is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, that adversely affect the entity’s ability to authorize, initiate, record, process or report external financial data reliably in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States such that there is more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the entity’s annual or interim financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected.

A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or a combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.
 
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations on all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all errors, control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with a company have been detected. The design of any system of controls is also based in part on certain assumptions regarding the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at this reasonable assurance level as of January 17, 2006.
 

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls

In the ordinary course of business, we routinely enhance our information systems by either upgrading our current systems or implementing new systems. Following the evaluations discussed above, the Company took the actions and implemented the procedures described above. There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation by Messrs. Levenick and Peltier.


PART III

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Set forth below are the names and ages of our directors and executive officers and their principal occupations at present and for the past five years. James T. Rash was the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during the years ended September 30, 2003 and 2004. Mr. Rash died in December 2004. There are, to our knowledge, no agreements or understandings by which these individuals were selected. No family relationships exist between any directors or executive officers (as such term is defined in Item 401 of Regulation S-K), except as otherwise stated below.

Name
  
Age
 
The Company’s Officers
  
Director
Since
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
Mark K. Levenick
  
45
 
Interim Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tidel Engineering, L.P., and Director
  
1995
Michael F. Hudson
  
53
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Tidel Engineering, L.P.
  
2001
Jerrell G. Clay
  
64
 
Director
  
1990
Raymond P. Landry
  
66
 
Director
  
2001
Stephen P. Griggs
  
47
 
Director
  
2002
Robert D. Peltier
  
41
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer
  
2005


(a)
Business Background

The following is a summary of the business background and experience of each of the persons named above:

MARK K. LEVENICK has been our Interim Chief Executive Officer since December 2004 and has served as Chief Executive Officer of our principal operating subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., for in excess of five years. Mr. Levenick has been a Director since May 1995. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. Mr. Levenick also had previously acted as our Interim Chief Executive Officer from February 2002 to August 2002, during James T. Rash’s medical leave of absence.

MICHAEL F. HUDSON is our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of our principal operating subsidiary. Mr. Hudson served as a Director from February 2001 through June 2005, when he resigned on June 22, 2005 in accordance with the terms of the Settlement Agreement (see further discussion in Part III, Item 11, “Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change of Control Arrangements” of this Annual Report). Prior to joining us in September 1993, he held various positions with the Southland Corporation and its affiliates for more than 18 years, concluding as President and Chief Executive Officer of MoneyQuick, a large non-bank ATM network. Mr. Hudson currently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Electronic Funds Transfer Association and the International Board of Directors and National Advisory Board of the Automated Teller Machine Industry Association.

JERRELL G. CLAY has served as a Director since December 1990 and is Chief Executive Officer of 3 Mark Financial, Inc., an independent life insurance marketing organization, and has served as president of one of its predecessors for in excess of five years. Mr. Clay also serves as a member of the Independent Marketing Organization’s Advisory Committee of Protective Life Insurance Company of Birmingham, Alabama.

RAYMOND P. LANDRY has served as a Director since February 2001 and has been engaged in private business consulting to various companies, including some other entities in the ATM industry, for in excess of five years. He has served as a senior executive or financial officer with three publicly traded companies and several private concerns over the last 30 years. Prior to that time, he was employed by the consulting group of Arthur Andersen & Co. (now known as Accenture) for 10 years. Mr. Landry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Louisiana State University.

STEPHEN P. GRIGGS has served as a Director since June 2002 and has been primarily engaged in managing his personal investments since 2000. From 1988 to 2000, Mr. Griggs held various positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer, with RoTech Medical Corporation, a Nasdaq-traded company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from East Tennessee State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. Mr. Griggs was appointed to the Board of Directors during 2002 to fill the vacancy created by the mid-term resignation of a former director.


ROBERT D. PELTIER has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer since February 2005, and has over fourteen years of various accounting and financial experience. Since 1997, he served in several financial capacities with Horizon Offshore Contractors, Inc., including Vice President of Finance. He has over seven years experience with drafting and filing financial reports. Mr. Peltier earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting at the University of North Texas.

Mr. Peltier, our Interim Chief Financial Officer, is the nephew of Mr. Landry, one of our directors.

The Company has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, which is responsible for reviewing the financial information which will be provided to shareholders and others, the systems of internal controls, which management and the Board of Directors have established, and the financial reporting processes. On September 30, 2005 the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs, Griggs, and Clay. The Audit Committee held no meetings during the last fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively. During the fiscal year 2005, the Audit committee held six meetings. Except as identified in the following paragraph, each member of the Audit Committee was an “independent director” as defined in Rule 4200 of the Marketplace Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (“NASD”) as of September 30, 2005. Effective August 26, 2005, Mr. Landry resigned from the Audit Committee and Mr. Griggs was appointed as Chairman of the Audit Committee, and the Board of Directors determined that Mr. Griggs is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.

Subsequent to the death of Jim Rash, former Chairman, CEO and CFO of the Company, a meeting of the Board of Directors was held to address the immediate needs of corporate governance. At this meeting, Ray Landry was requested by the Board to provide the Company with guidance in the areas of Financial Management and oversight in the negotiations with NCR and the sale of the Cash Security division. On December 28, 2004, Mr. Landry entered into a consulting arrangement with the Company to provide those services enumerated above. Since December 28, 2004, Mr. Landry has performed financial oversight and financial and transactional consultation for the Company, and has been paid on an hourly basis.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing the performance and development of management in achieving corporate goals and objectives and ensuring that the Company’s senior executives are compensated effectively in a manner consistent with the Company’s strategy, competitive practice, and the requirements of the appropriate regulatory bodies. Toward that end, the Compensation Committee oversees all of the Company’s compensation, equity and employee benefit plans and payments. The Compensation Committee held one meeting each year during the last fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively. Each of the members of the Compensation Committee is an “independent director” as defined in Rule 4200 of the Marketplace Rules of the NASD, and an “outside director” as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

In April 2002, we formed a special committee of the Board of Directors to evaluate any potential sale of the Company and/or its divisions, any re-financing, or investment banking relationships and to oversee all mergers and acquisitions activity. This committee currently consists of all outside directors.

The Company has adopted a code of conduct and ethics that applies to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other persons performing similar functions. This Code of Conduct and Ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report. Our Code addresses conflicts of interest, usurpation of corporate opportunities, the protection and proper use of company assets, confidentiality, compliance with laws, rules, and regulations, prompt reporting of any illegal or improper activity to an officer, supervisor, manager, or other appropriate personnel of the Company.

(b)
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of such equity securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Such entities are also required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed.

Based solely on a review of the copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to us, and any amendments thereto, and any written representations with respect to the foregoing, we believe that our directors and officers, and greater than 10% beneficial owners, have complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the amount of all cash and other compensation we have paid for services rendered during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 to James T. Rash, the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive and Financial Officer, Mark K. Levenick, the current Interim Chief Executive Officer, and our four most highly compensated Executive Officers (as such term is defined in Item 402 of Regulation S-K) other than the CEO.


Summary Compensation Table
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
Long-term
Compensation
Awards
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
Annual Compensation
  
Securities
  
 
  
Name and Principal Position
  
Year
  
Salary ($)
  
Bonus ($)
  
Other Annual
Compensation(*)
  
Underlying
Options
  
All Other
Compensation($)
  
James T. Rash(1)
    
2005
  
$
74,328
  
$
—
    
*
  
$
—
  
$
19,688
  
Former Chief Executive
    
2004
    
236,250
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
12,430
  
and Financial Officer
    
2003
    
225,000
    
18,700
    
*
    
—
    
11,440
  
 
                                     
 
                                      
Mark K. Levenick(1)
    
2005
  
$
262,500
  
$
315,000
    
*
    
—
  
$
6,172
  
Interim Chief Executive Officer
    
2004
    
262,500
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
6,172
  
 
    
2003
    
262,500
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
4,538
  
 
                                      
 
                                      
Michael F. Hudson
    
2005
  
$
205,000
  
$
20,500
    
*
    
—
  
$
1,248
  
Executive Vice President Officer
    
2004
    
204,750
    
10,250
    
*
    
—
    
1,248
  
 
    
2003
    
204,750
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
—
  
 
                                      
 
                                      
M. Flynt Moreland
    
2005
  
$
175,000
  
$
156,700
    
*
    
—
  
$
—
  
Senior Vice President —
    
2004
    
168,269
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
—
  
Research & Development
    
2003
    
150,000
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
—
  
 
                                      
 
                                      
Troy D. Richard
    
2005
  
$
130,000
  
$
107,380
    
*
    
—
  
$
—
  
Senior Vice President —
    
2004
    
130,000
    
—
    
17,342
    
—
    
—
  
Operations of Tidel
    
2003
    
130,000
    
—
    
15,492
    
—
    
—
  
 
                                      
 
                                      
Matthew C. Johnson
    
2005
  
$
133,600
  
$
66,000
    
*
    
—
  
$
—
  
Vice President —
    
2004
    
127,392
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
—
  
Marketing of Tidel Engineering, L.P.
    
2003
    
126,561
    
—
    
*
    
—
    
—
  

—
We routinely give certain of our officers benefits, the amounts of which are customary in the industry. The aggregate dollar value of such benefits paid to any named executive officer did not exceed the lesser of $50,000, or 10%, of the total annual salary and bonus during each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

—
Mr. Rash died December 19, 2004. Mr. Levenick was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer on December 22, 2004.


Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year

We granted 225,380 stock options to our executive officers during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005.

Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

The following table sets forth information concerning the grant of stock options to the named executive officers during the calendar year ended September 31, 2001.

Individual Grants
  
Potential Realizable Value at Assumed
  
Name
  
Number of Securities Underlying Options Granted (1)
  
Percent of Total Options Granted to Employees in Fiscal Year
  
Exercise Price
($/ sh)
  
Expiration Date
  
Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation for Option Term (2)
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
5% ($)  
  
10% ($) 
  
Hudson, Michael F
    
75,000
    
21
%
  
0.25
    
3/6/2025
    
30,542
    
31,996
  
Levenick, Mark K
    
100,000
    
27
%
  
0.25
    
3/6/2025
    
40,722
    
42,662
  
Johnson, Matthew C.
    
2,880
    
1
%
  
0.25
    
3/6/2025
    
1,173
    
1,229
  
Moreland, M Flynt
    
25,000
    
7
%
  
0.25
    
3/6/2025
    
10,181
    
10,665
  
Richard, Troy D.
    
22,500
    
6
%
  
0.25
    
3/6/2025
    
9,163
    
9,599
  

(1)    Grants vest and become exercisable 50% at the end of three and 100% at the end of year four.

(2)    The dollar gains under these columns result from calculations required by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and are not intended to forecast future price appreciation of the common Stock of the Company It is important to note that options have value to the listed executives only if the stock price increases above the exercises price shown in the table during the effective option


Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Option Values at Fiscal Year End

The following tables provide (i) the number of options exercisable by the respective optionees, and (ii) the respective valuations at September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004.

 
  
Shares
acquired
on exercise
  
Value
realized
  
Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options at
September 30, 2005
(Shares)
  
Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options at
September 30, 2005
($)(2)
  
Name
  
(#)
  
($)
  
Exercisable
  
Unexercisable
  
Exercisable
  
Unexercisable
  
James T. Rash(1)
    
—
    
—
    
175,000
    
—
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Mark K. Levenick
    
—
    
—
    
275,000
    
100,000
    
—
    
6,000
  
Michael F. Hudson
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
75,000
    
—
    
4,500
  
M. Flynt Moreland
    
—
    
—
    
52,400
    
25,000
    
—
    
1,500
  
Troy D. Richard
    
—
    
—
    
25,000
    
7,500
    
—
    
1,350
  
Matthew C. Johnson
    
—
    
—
    
2,500
    
5,380
    
—
    
173
  

 
 
  
Shares
acquired
on exercise
  
Value
realized
  
Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options at
September 30, 2004
(Shares)
  
Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options at
September 30, 2004
($)(2)
  
Name
  
(#)
  
($)
  
Exercisable
  
Unexercisable
  
Exercisable
  
Unexercisable
  
James T. Rash(1)
    
—
    
—
    
175,000
    
—
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Mark K. Levenick
    
—
    
—
    
325,000
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Michael F. Hudson
    
—
    
—
    
150,500
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
M. Flynt Moreland
    
—
    
—
    
42,400
    
10,000
    
—
    
—
  
Troy D. Richard
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
50,000
    
—
    
—
  
Matthew C. Johnson
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
5,000
    
—
    
—
  

(1)
Mr. Rash died December 19, 2004. The 175,000 options exercisable as of September 30, 2004 expired on December 30, 2005.

(2)
Based on the closing price of our common stock of $0.31 and $0.59 per share on September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
Long-Term Incentive Plans — Awards in Last Fiscal Year

We did not grant any awards to any of our executive officers under any long-term incentive plans during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

Director Compensation

During fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, each outside Director earned compensation in the amount of $3,000 per quarter, with no additional compensation for committee representation. During fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, each outside Director earned compensation in the amount of $3,000 per quarter, which was subsequently paid in fiscal year 2005, with no additional compensation for committee representation.

Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change of Control Arrangements

We have entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Levenick, Moreland and Richard, which provide for minimum annual salaries of $262,500, $175,000 and $130,000, respectively, over a three-year term ending December 2007, with certain change of control provisions. In the event of a change of control, the executive officers are entitled to immediate vesting of all restricted stock, performance units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, warrants and employee benefit plans.

On June 22, 2005, we entered into two agreements with Mr. Hudson. The first was a new employment agreement that terminated his prior employment agreement and provided for his continued employment with the Company until the earlier of December 31, 2005 or the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement. Under this new employment agreement, Mr. Hudson’s duties and compensation will continue as under his prior employment agreement.

Mr. Hudson and the Company also entered into the Settlement Agreement, which provided for the settlement of outstanding amounts owed by Mr. Hudson to the Company. In satisfaction of Mr. Hudson’s obligations to the Company, he agreed to (i) the delivery of certain shares of the Company’s common stock held by him for cancellation by the Company; (ii) cancellation by the Company of the majority of the options to purchase common stock held by him; (iii) application of certain bonuses (otherwise payable to him) to the payment of his outstanding obligations to the Company; and (iv) release by Mr. Hudson of any and all claims against the Company. Mr. Hudson also resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee consists of Jerrell G. Clay, Stephen P. Griggs. The Estate of James T. Rash, our former Chairman, Chief Executive and Financial Officer, has a 10% ownership interest in a privately held corporation controlled by Jerrell G. Clay.

 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2005, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by (i) the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our voting securities, (ii) each of our directors and executive officers, as such terms are defined in Item 402 of Regulation S-K, of the Company individually and (iii) by all of our current directors and the executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, each person has sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares shown. Ownership information is based upon information furnished by the respective holders and contained in our records.

Title of Class
  
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
  
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
  
Percent of
Class(1)
Common stock
  
Laurus Master Fund, Ltd
825 Third Avenue, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10022
  
1,251,000
 (2)
  
6.1%
Common stock
  
Alliance Developments
One Yorkdale Rd., Suite 510
North York, Ontario M6A 3A1 Canada
  
1,180,362
 (3)
  
5.7%
Common stock
  
Estate of James T. Rash(9)
2900 Wilcrest, Suite 205
Houston, Texas 77042
  
240,000
 
  
1.2%
Common stock
  
Mark K. Levenick
2310 McDaniel Dr.
Carrollton, Texas 75006
  
390,000
 (4)
  
1.9%
Common stock
  
Jerrell G. Clay
1600 Highway 6, Suite 400
Sugarland, Texas 77478
  
181,405
 
  
*
Common stock
  
M. Flynt Moreland
2310 McDaniel Dr.
Carrollton, Texas 75006
  
82,400
 (5)
  
*
Common stock
  
Raymond P. Landry
2900 Wilcrest, Suite 205
Houston, Texas 77042
  
38,500
 
  
*
Common stock
  
Troy D. Richard
2310 McDaniel Dr.
Carrollton, Texas 75006
  
25,000
 (6)
  
*
Common stock
  
Michael F. Hudson
2310 McDaniel Dr.
Carrollton, Texas 75006
  
22,700
 
  
*
Common stock
  
Matthew C. Johnson
2310 McDaniel Dr.
Carrollton, Texas 75006
  
42,500
 (7)
  
*
Common stock
  
Stephen P. Griggs
2900 Wilcrest, Suite 205
Houston, Texas 77042
  
—
 
  
*
Common stock
  
Directors and Executive
Officers as a group (6 persons)
  
632,605
 (8)
  
3.0%
 
*
Less than one percent.

(1)
Based upon 20,677,210 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2005.

(2)
The number of shares currently beneficially owned by Laurus as of December 31, 2005 is reflected above. As previously discussed, simultaneous with our execution of the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement on January 12, 2006, Laurus converted $5,400,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible Company debt it holds into 18,000,000 shares of our common stock,. Accordingly, as of January 13, 2006, Laurus holds an aggregate 19,251,000 of our outstanding shares representing approximately 49.8% of our common stock. For more information, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Subsequent Events” of this Annual Report.
 
(3)
Includes 150,000 shares which could be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $0.45 per share.

(4)
Includes 275,000 shares which could be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of outstanding options at exercise prices of (i) $1.25 per share as to 100,000 shares, (ii) $1.875 per share as to 75,000 shares and (iii) $2.50 per share as to 100,000 shares.


(5)
Includes 52,400 shares which could be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of outstanding options at exercise prices of (i) $1.25 per share as to 21,600 shares, (ii) $1.875 per share as to 20,000 shares and (iii) $2.50 per share as to 10,800 shares.

(6)
Includes 25,000 shares which could be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of outstanding options at exercise prices of $0.42 per share.

(7)
Includes 2,500 shares which could be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of outstanding options at prices of $0.45 per share.

(8)
Includes the 275,000 shares referred to in Note (4) above which could be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of outstanding options.

(9)
Mr. Rash died on December 19, 2004. These shares are held in the name of the Estate of James T. Rash.
 
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

In September 2000, we loaned $141,563 to Michael F. Hudson, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of our principal operating subsidiary, pursuant to a promissory note maturing October 1, 2002, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. During the year ended September 30, 2001, we loaned an additional $225,000 to Mr. Hudson pursuant to a promissory note maturing October 1, 2002, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. In June of 2005, pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, these loans were satisfied. See Part III, Item 11, “Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change of Control Arrangements” of this Annual Report.

During the year ended September 30, 2001, we loaned $75,625 to Eugene Moore, our Senior Vice President, in a promissory note maturing October 1, 2002, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. The note from Mr. Moore was secured by a pledge of 50,000 shares of our common stock. The note related to the exercise of certain stock option agreements. Mr. Moore died May 28, 2002. We subsequently forgave the remaining unpaid balance of $75,625 in exchange for the return of the 50,000 shares of our common stock.

James T. Rash, our Chairman and CEO, had outstanding promissory notes due to us in the aggregate amount of $1,143,554, bearing interest at 10% per annum. The notes matured on September 30, 2004 and January 14, 2005. Mr. Rash died December 19, 2004. These notes were not repaid by Mr. Rash upon maturity. We also issued a convertible note in the amount of $100,000 payable to a private company controlled by Mr. Rash, in connection with the Financing, which was paid in full in March 2004. The Board of Directors approved the transfer of a key-man life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Rash in the amount of $1,000,000 to Mr. Rash in 2002, in connection with Mr. Rash’s then pending retirement. The proceeds were assigned as collateral for outstanding promissory notes totaling a principal balance of $1,143,554 plus accrued interest from Mr. Rash in the amount of $334,980. Proceeds of $1,009,227 were received from the insurance policy in February of 2005 and were applied to the principal amount of the notes. Mr. Rash also received bonuses totaling $350,000, of which $134,327 was applied to the remaining principal balance of the notes. The accrued interest was charged to bad debt expense during fiscal 2004.

From 1994 to 1997, we had provided certain office space and administrative services to two privately held entities with which Mr. Rash previously had an affiliation. The entities are indebted to us in the aggregate amount of $215,866, such amount being the largest aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding at any time during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, we wrote off $182,492 deemed to be uncollectible. We wrote off the remaining balance of $33,374 during the fiscal year 2003.

From 1997 to 1999, we had provided certain office space and administrative services to a privately held corporation in which Mr. Rash and Jerrell G. Clay, one of our Directors, each have a greater than 10% ownership interest and in which Mr. Clay is an executive officer.

Raymond P. Landry, a member of our Board, has provided certain financial consulting services to the Company totaling $106,422 during the fiscal year 2005


Robert D. Peltier was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer in February 2005; and he is the nephew of Raymond P. Landry, one of our current directors. We have used the services of a printing company in which Mr. Peltier has an interest. We believe that the fees paid to the printing company are comparable to fees that would be paid to another printing company for comparable services rendered in an arms-length transaction at approximately $86,000

Leonard L. Carr, one of our vice presidents, is the son-in-law of Mr. Rash, our former CEO, CFO and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Carr has a three-year contract, expiring on December 31, 2007, with certain change of control provisions. Mr. Carr’s salary was $123,200, $116,200, and $112,000 for the years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

We entered into an asset purchase agreement, dated as of January 12, 2006 (the “Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement”), with Sentinel Operating, L.P., a purchaser controlled by a management buyout team led by Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, and Raymond Landry, a member of our Board, for the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Cash Security business (the “Cash Security Business Sale”). The two members of our Board who are unaffiliated with the management buyout of the Cash Security business negotiated the terms of the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement with the management buyout group.

The independent members of our Board received an opinion from an investment advisory firm, CapitaLink, L.C., as to the fairness of the Cash Security Business Sale from a financial point of view to the unaffiliated shareholders. On December 31, 2005, our Board, with Messrs. Levenick and Landry abstaining, voted to approve the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and the Cash Security Business Sale.

The Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement provides for the sale of the Company’s Cash Security business to the purchaser thereunder for a cash purchase price of $17.5 million, less $100,000 as consideration for the purchaser’s potential liability in connection with certain litigation and subject to a closing balance sheet purchase price adjustment. In addition, the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is subject to customary representations and warranties and covenants and the satisfaction of several customary closing conditions, including our obtaining shareholder approval. The closing under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2006. The purchase price payable under the Cash Security Business Sale is subject to the Reorganization Fee and the other amounts payable to Laurus under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million. See Part I, Item 1(c), “Laurus Reorganization Fee” for more information.

In connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus on January 12, 2006, Laurus converted $5,400,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible Company debt it holds into 18,000,000 shares of our common stock. Following Laurus’ conversion of such debt, Laurus holds shares representing approximately 49.8% of our common stock.

On January 12, 2006, we repaid all of our remaining outstanding debt to Laurus in the principal amount of $2,617,988 plus accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $113,333. In connection therewith, the Company paid a prepayment penalty to Laurus in the amount of $59,180.

In addition, in connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and pursuant to the terms of a stock redemption agreement we entered into with Laurus at such time, we have agreed to repurchase from Laurus, upon the closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, all shares of Company common stock held by Laurus at a per share price not less than $.20 per share nor greater than $0.34 per share following the determination of the Company’s assets in accordance with the formula set forth below.

The stock redemption agreement with Laurus provides that the purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) for the shares of our common stock to be repurchased from Laurus (the “Laurus Shares”) shall consist of the Per Share Price (as defined below) multiplied by the number of Laurus Shares. The “Per Share Price” shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the value on the closing date under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement of (A) the sum of the value of all assets of the Company that would be valued by the Company in connection with a liquidation of the Company following the closing of the Cash Security Business Sale (after giving effect to such closing), including, but not limited to: (i) all cash and cash equivalents held by the Company, (ii) all marketable securities held by the Company, and (iii) all other remaining tangible and intangible assets held directly or indirectly by the Company valued at fair market value minus (B) the sum of (i) all fees and expenses of the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the ATM Business Sale and the Cash Security Business Sale incurred through the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale, (ii) all payments and obligations due to, or on behalf of, present and former employees of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred through the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale, (iii) all amounts paid or payable to Laurus pursuant to the Agreement Regarding NCR Transaction and Other Assets Sales dated as of November 26, 2004 by and between the Company and Laurus, (iv) all other liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries, (v) payments due to independent directors of the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $400,000, and (vi) a good faith estimate of the costs and expenses which would be incurred in connection with the liquidation of the Company including, without limitation, legal fees, directors and officers insurance, all fees and expenses relating to SEC and governmental filings and related expenses, by (2) the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Per Share Price shall not be less than $.20 per share nor greater than $0.34 per share.

Following such share repurchase, Laurus will cease to hold any equity interest in the Company. If the Cash Security Business Sale does not occur by March 31, 2006, then pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus at the same time as the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to immediately redeem from Laurus the 18,000,000 shares of our common stock issued to Laurus in connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and Laurus’ conversion of our debt at a redemption price of $5,400,000.


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

(a)
Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed by Hein & Associates LLP for professional services rendered for (i) the audit of our annual financial statements set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, and (ii) the reviews of interim financial statements included in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and quarters ended March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2005, were approximately $225,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 and $400,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004.

(b)
Other Audit-Related Fees

There were no other audit-related fees incurred during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

(c)
Tax Fees

The aggregate fees billed by Hein & Associates LLP for tax services for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 were $75,000 and $16,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004.

(d)
All Other Fees

There were no fees for other professional services rendered during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

Our Audit Committee has advised us that it has determined that the non-audit services rendered by Hein & Associates LLP during the most recent fiscal year are compatible with maintaining the independence of such auditors.

The Audit Committee’s policy has previously been to approve all professional fees associated with audit, tax and audit-related work proposed to us by Hein & Associates LLP and KPMG LLP upon completion of the work. However, we changed the policy effective July 1, 2004, to require the Audit Committee to pre-approve all professional fees associated with audit, tax and audit-related services as they are proposed to us by Hein & Associates LLP and other professional service firms. The Audit Committee approved of 100% of the services described in each of sections A—D above pursuant to 17 CFR 210.2-01(C)(7)(i)(C).


PART IV

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

Documents Filed

Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

Our audited consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedules and the report of an independent registered public accounting firm as required by Item 8 of Form 10-K and Regulation S-X are filed as a part of this Annual Report, as set forth in the accompanying Index to Financial Statements. Such audited financial statements and related financial statement schedules include, in the opinion of our management, all required disclosures in the accompanying notes.

Consolidated Financial Statements of Tidel Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets — September 30, 2005 and 2004

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts — as filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K

Exhibits

The Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and Regulation S-X are filed as a part of this Report, and are listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits.


Index to Financial Statements

 
Page
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
40
Consolidated Balance Sheets — September 30, 2005 and 2004
41
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003
42
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003
43
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003
44
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003
45
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
46
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts — as filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
62

All other schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or the required information is presented elsewhere herein.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Tidel Technologies, Inc.:

We have audited the consolidated 2005 and 2004 financial statements of Tidel Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company has determined that it is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tidel Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 4 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has an accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2005, items that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

/s/ HEIN & ASSOCIATES LLP
 
 
 
Houston, Texas
January 6, 2006, except as to note 19, which is dated as of January 17, 2006


TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  
SEPTEMBER 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
ASSETS
  
 
  
 
  
Current Assets:
  
 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
1,003,663
  
$
258,120
  
Trade accounts receivable
    
250,000
    
250,000
  
Notes and other receivables
    
12,965
    
1,003,723
  
Prepaid expenses and other
    
170,231
    
42,153
  
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,236,167 and $4,950,332 (See Note 2)
    
15,471,113
    
8,574,739
  
Total current assets
    
16,907,972
    
10,128,735
  
Property, plant and equipment
    
55,641
    
44,075
  
Accumulated depreciation
    
(42,848
)
  
(37,871
)
Net property, plant and equipment
    
12,793
    
6,204
  
 
              
Other assets
    
615,763
    
643,305
  
Total assets
  
$
17,536,528
  
$
10,778,244
  
 
              
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
              
Current Liabilities:
              
Current maturities of long term debt, net of debt discount of $0 and $725,259, at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively
  
$
2,325,000
  
$
174,741
  
Accounts payable
    
431,876
    
331,576
  
Accrued interest payable
    
2,135,852
    
793,577
  
Reserve for settlement of class action litigation
    
—
    
1,564,490
  
Other accrued expenses
    
290,871
    
326,675
  
Liabilities held for sale (See Note 2)
    
7,993,154
    
4,998,736
  
Total current liabilities
    
13,176,753
    
8,189,795
  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities and debt discount of $3,746,531and $5,767,988 at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively
    
2,096,457
    
--
  
Total liabilities
    
15,273,210
    
8,189,795
  
 
              
Shareholders’ Equity:
              
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 20,677,210 shares and 17,426,210 shares, respectively
    
206,772
    
174,262
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
30,962,187
    
28,100,674
  
Accumulated deficit
    
(28,905,810
)
  
(25,619,888
)
Receivable from officer
    
—
    
(31,675
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    
169
    
(34,924
)
Total shareholders’ equity
    
2,263,318
    
2,588,449
  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  
$
17,536,528
  
$
10,778,244
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
  
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Revenues
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Cost of sales
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Gross profit
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Selling, general and administrative
    
1,805,484
    
2,011,257
    
1,889,907
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
4,977
    
4,146
    
10,742
  
Operating loss
    
(1,810,461
)
  
(2,015,403
)
  
(1,900,649
)
Other income (expense):
                    
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    
—
    
18,823,000
    
—
  
Gain on sale of securities
    
—
    
1,918,012
    
—
  
Interest expense, net (includes $3,746,531 and 2,549,280) of debt discount amortization in (2005 and 2004) respectively
    
(6,549,069
)
  
(4,200,668
)
  
(2,466,536
)
Total other income (expense)
    
(6,549,069
)
  
16,540,344
    
(2,466,536
)
 
                    
Income (loss) before taxes
    
(8,359,530
)
  
14,524,941
    
(4,367,185
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
    
—
    
(81,229
)
  
—
  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    
(8,359,530
)
  
14,606,170
    
(4,367,185
)
 
                    
Discontinued operations
    
5,073,608
    
(3,288,598
)
  
(4,869,532
)
Net income (loss)
  
$
(3,285,922
)
$
11,317,572
  
$
(9,236,717
)
 
                    
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                    
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  
$
(0.41
)
$
0.84
  
$
(0.25
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    
0.25
    
(0.19
)
  
(0.28
)
Net income (loss)
  
$
(0.16
)
$
0.65
  
$
(0.53
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    
20,292,796
    
17,426,210
    
17,426,210
  
 
                    
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                    
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  
$
(0.41
)
$
0.45
  
$
(0.25
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    
0.25
    
(0.08
)
  
(0.28
)
Net income (loss)
  
$
(0.16
)
$
0.37
  
$
(0.53
)
Weighted average common and dilutive shares outstanding
    
20,292,796
    
38,576,763
    
17,426,210
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 
  
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net income (loss) 
  
$
(3,285,922
)
$
11,317,572
  
$
(9,236,717
)
Other comprehensive income:
                    
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment in 3CI
    
35,093
    
34,923
    
41,908
  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(3,250,829
)
$
11,352,495
  
$
(9,194,809
)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

 
  
SHARES
ISSUED AND
OUTSTANDING
  
COMMON
STOCK
  
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
CAPITAL
  
RETAINED
EARNINGS
(ACCUMULATED
DEFICIT)
  
OTHER
  
TOTAL
SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY (DEFICIT)
  
Balances, September 30, 2002
    
17,426,210
   
$
174,262
   
$
19,275,433
   
$
(27,700,743
)  
$
(328,943
)  
$
(8,579,991
)
Net loss
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
(9,236,717
)
  
—
    
(9,236,717
)
Writedown of stock subscription receivable
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
75,625
    
75,625
  
Unrealized gain on investment in 3CI
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
41,908
    
41,908
  
Issuance of warrants in connection with debt
    
—
    
—
    
20,572
    
—
    
—
    
20,572
  
Balances, September 30, 2003
    
17,426,210
    
174,262
    
19,296,005
    
(36,937,460
)
  
(211,410
)
  
(17,678,603
)
Net income
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
11,317,572
    
—
    
11,317,572
  
Receivable from officer
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
(31,675
)
  
(31,675
)
Settlement of Hudson stock subscription receivable
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
141,563
    
141,563
  
Unrealized gain on investment in 3CI
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
34,923
    
34,923
  
Issuance of warrants in connection with debt with beneficial conversion premium on convertible debt
    
—
    
—
    
8,804,669
    
—
    
—
    
8,804,669
  
Balances, September 30, 2004
    
17,426,210
    
174,262
    
28,100,674
    
(25,619,888
)
  
(66,599
)
  
2,588,449
  
Net loss
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
(3,285,922
)
  
—
    
(3,285,922
)
Issuance of shares to Laurus in payment of fees
    
1,251,000
    
12,510
    
625,500
    
—
    
—
    
638,010
  
Issuance of shares in connection with settlement of class-action litigation
    
2,000,000
    
20,000
    
1,544,490
    
—
    
—
    
1,564,490
  
Shares received from officer in connection with settlement
   
—
    
—
    
(31,675
)
  
—
    
31,675
    
—
  
Unrealized gain on investment in 3CI
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
35,093
    
35,093
  
Issuance of warrants in connection with debt with beneficial conversion premium on convertible debt
    
—
    
—
    
723,198
    
—
    
—
    
723,198
  
Balances, September 30, 2005
   $
20,677,210
  
$
206,772
  
$
30,962,187
  
$
(28,905,810
) 
$
169
  
$
2,263,318
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Cash flows from operating activities:
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
(3,285,922
)
$
11,317,572
  
$
(9,236,717
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in continuing operating activities:
                    
Depreciation and amortization
    
4,977
    
4,146
    
10,742
  
Amortization of debt discount and financing costs
    
3,816,178
    
2,529,864
    
—
  
Gain on extinguishment of convertible debentures
    
—
    
(18,823,000
)
  
—
  
Gain on sale of securities
    
—
    
(1,918,012
)
  
—
  
Loss from disposal of fixed assets
    
—
    
—
    
4,482
  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                    
Trade accounts receivable, net
    
—
    
—
    
250,000
  
Notes and other receivables
    
1,022,433
    
490,620
    
2,082,233
  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    
(131,140
)
  
(12,633
)
  
(512,420
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    
2,013,106
    
1,739,582
    
2,643,430
  
Net operating cash flows provided by (used in) discontinued operations
    
(3,901,956
)
  
1,846,545
    
4,122,270
  
Net cash used in operating activities
    
(462,324
)
  
(2,825,316
)
  
(635,980
)
 
                    
Cash flows from investing activities:
                    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net
    
(11,566
)
  
—
    
—
  
Proceeds from sale of securities
    
—
    
2,451,444
    
—
  
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
(11,566
)
  
2,451,444
    
—
  
 
                    
Cash flows from financing activities:
                    
Proceeds from borrowings
    
2,100,000
    
7,409,921
    
300,000
  
Repayments of notes payable
    
(600,000
)
  
(3,297,261
)
  
—
  
Borrowing on revolver
    
2,251,203
    
—
    
—
  
Repayments of revolver
    
(2,251,203
)
  
—
    
—
  
Repayments of convertible debentures
    
—
    
(6,000,000
)
  
—
  
Decrease in restricted cash
    
—
    
2,200,000
    
13,233
  
Increase in deferred financing costs
    
(280,567
)
  
(595,765
)
  
—
  
Net cash provided by discontinued financing activities
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
1,219,433
    
(283,105
)
  
313,233
  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    
745,543
    
(656,977
)
  
(322,747
)
 
                    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    
258,120
    
915,097
    
1,237,844
  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  
$
1,003,663
  
$
258,120
  
$
915,097
  
 
                    
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                    
Cash paid for interest
  
$
755,808
  
$
209,957
  
$
132,891
  
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received
  
$
—
  
$
(81,229
)
$
(437,557
)
 
                    
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
                    
Discount on issuance of debt with beneficial conversion premium and detachable warrants
  
$
723,198
  
$
8,804,669
  
$
20,572
  
Issuance of shares to lender in payment of fees
  
$
638,010
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Issuance of shares in connection with settlement of class-action litigation
  
$
1,564,490
  
$
—
  
$
—
  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2005, 2004 AND 2003


(1)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for Continued Operations

Description of Business

Tidel Technologies, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a Delaware corporation which, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, sells and supports automated teller machines (“ATMs”) and electronic cash security systems, consisting of the Timed Access Cash Controller (“TACC”) products and the Sentinel products (together, the “Cash Security” products), which are designed for the management of cash within various specialty retail markets, primarily in the United States.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany items have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of consolidated financial statement presentation and reporting cash flows, all liquid investments with original maturities at the date of purchase of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized; expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

Intangible Assets

All intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over a period ranging from 5 to 10 years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Our long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any assets may not be recoverable. In performing the review for recoverability, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of our assets and our eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized.
 
Federal Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in determining income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.

Investment Securities

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”), we classify our investment in 3CI Complete Compliance Corporation (“3CI”) as available for sale, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. The investment in 3CI is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Declines in fair value below the amortized cost basis of the investments that are determined to be other than a temporary decline are charged to earnings.


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) includes all non-equity holder changes in shareholders’ equity. As of September 30, 2005 and 2004, our only component of accumulated other comprehensive loss relates to unrealized losses on our investment in 3CI.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS No. 128”), we compute and present both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, and excludes the effect of potentially dilutive securities (such as options, warrants and convertible securities), which are convertible into common stock. Dilutive EPS reflects the potential dilution from options, warrants and convertible securities.

Stock-Based Compensation

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”), requires companies to recognize stock-based expense based on the estimated fair value of employee stock options. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 allows companies to retain the current approach set forth in APB Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” provided that expanded footnote disclosure is presented. We apply APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for our employee stock options and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for our stock options in the consolidated financial statements. Had we determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for our stock options and warrants under SFAS No. 123, our net income (loss) would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated as follows:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net income (loss) as reported
  
$
(3,285,922
)
$
11,317,572
  
$
(9,236,717
)
Deduct:
                    
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under SFAS 123, net of taxes
    
(19,433
)
  
(1,392
)
  
(15,363
)
Net income (loss), pro forma
  
$
(3,305,355
)
$
11,316,180
  
$
(9,252,080
)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                    
As reported
    
(0.16
)
  
0.65
    
(0.53
)
Pro forma
    
(0.16
)
  
0.65
    
(0.53
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                    
As reported
    
(0.16
)
  
0.37
    
(0.53
)
Pro forma
    
(0.16
)
  
0.37
    
(0.53
)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements requires the use of estimates by management in determining our assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” requires the disclosure of estimated fair values for financial instruments. Fair value estimates are made at discrete points in time based on relevant market information. These estimates may be subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore, cannot be determined with precision. We believe that the carrying amounts of our financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate the fair value of such items due to their short-term nature.

The carrying amount of long-term debt, excluding the discounts related to the warrants issued with the debt, approximates its fair value because the interest rates approximate market.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), which amends SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25. SFAS No. 123(R) requires compensation expense to be recognized for all share-based payments made to employees based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant, eliminating the intrinsic value alternative allowed by SFAS No. 123. Generally, the approach to determining fair value under the original pronouncement has not changed. However, there are revisions to the accounting guidelines established, such as accounting for forfeitures, that will change our accounting for stock-based awards in the future.


SFAS No. 123(R) must be adopted in the first interim or annual period for fiscal year periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The statement allows companies to adopt its provisions using either of the following transition alternatives:

•
The modified prospective method, which results in the recognition of compensation expense using SFAS 123(R) for all share-based awards granted after the effective date and the recognition of compensation expense using SFAS 123 for all previously granted share-based awards that remain unvested at the effective date; or

•
The modified retrospective method, which results in applying the modified prospective method and restating prior periods by recognizing the financial statement impact of share-based payments in a manner consistent with the pro forma disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123. The modified retrospective method may be applied to all prior periods presented or previously reported interim periods of the year of adoption.

We adopted SFAS No. 123(R) on October 1, 2005, using the modified prospective method. This change in accounting did not materially impact our financial position. However, because we accounted for share-based payments to our employees using the intrinsic value method, our results of operations did not include the recognition of compensation expense for the issuance of stock option awards. Had we applied the fair-value criteria established by SFAS No. 123(R) to previous stock option grants, the impact to our results of operations would have approximated the impact of applying SFAS No. 123, which was a decrease to net income of approximately $19,433 in 2005 and $1,392 in 2004. The impact of applying SFAS No. 123 to previous stock option grants is further summarized above in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

We will be required to recognize expense related to stock options and other types of equity-based compensation beginning in our fiscal year ending in 2006 and such cost must be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The requisite service period is usually the vesting period. The standard also requires us to estimate the number of instruments that will ultimately be issued, rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur. Additionally, we may be required to change our method for determining the fair value of stock options.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets,” an amendment of APB No. 29. This amendment eliminates the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. This statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after the date this statement was issued. Retroactive application is not permitted. We are analyzing the requirements of this new statement and believe that its adoption will not have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In November 2002, FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN 45 requires certain guarantees to be measured at fair value upon issuance and recorded as a liability. In addition, FIN 45 expands current disclosure requirements regarding guarantees issued by an entity, including tabular presentation of the changes affecting an entity’s aggregate product warranty liability. The recognition and measurement requirements of the interpretation are effective prospectively for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective immediately and are provided in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, “Commitments and Contingencies.” The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2002, SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB No. 13, and Technical Corrections,” was issued. This statement provides guidance on the classification of gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt and on the accounting for certain specified lease transactions, as well as other items. As a result, gains or losses arising from the extinguishment of debt are no longer required to be reported as extraordinary items. We reported a gain on extinguishment of debt in the fiscal year 2004 in the amount of $18,823,000.

Effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, and interim periods within those fiscal years, SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”), changed the criteria for determining when the disposal or sale of certain assets meets the definition of “discontinued operations.” At the November 2004 EITF meeting, the final consensus was reached on EITF Issue No. 03-13, “Applying the Conditions in Paragraph 42 of FASB Statement No. 144 in Determining Whether to Report Discontinued Operations” (“EITF Issue No. 03-13”). This Issue is effective prospectively for disposal transactions entered into after January 1, 2005, and provides a model to assist in evaluating (i) which cash flows should be considered in the determination of whether cash flows of the disposal component have been, or will be, eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity and (ii) the types of continuing involvement that constitute significant continuing involvement in the operations of the disposal component. The Company considered the model outlined in EITF Issue No. 03-13 in its evaluation of the February 19, 2005 asset purchase agreement of the ATM division with NCR (see Note 2 below for more information). We have concluded that we will be required to report the ATM assets of this sale as discontinued operations net of any applicable income taxes for the first fiscal year, 2005.


(2)
Discontinued Operations

ATM Business

On February 19, 2005, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “NCR Asset Purchase Agreement”) with NCR EasyPoint LLC f/k/a/ NCR Texas LLC (“NCR EasyPoint”), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCR Corporation, for the sale of our ATM Business (the “ATM Business Sale”).

On December 28, 2005, the holders of 62.2% of our shares of outstanding common stock approved the NCR Asset Purchase Agreement.

On January 3, 2006, we completed the ATM Business Sale. The total purchase price was approximately $10.4 million of which $8.2 million was paid to Laurus into a collateral account to be held by Laurus as collateral for the satisfaction of all monetary obligations payable to Laurus, $0.5 million was paid into an escrow account pending a post closing net asset value adjustment, and the remaining $1.7 million was paid to the Company to be used for necessary working capital. This termination resulted in a book gain of approximately $3.8 million.

We have classified the ATM business as Assets Held for Sale as of September 30, 2005 and 2004.

An analysis of the discontinued operations of the ATM business is as follows:


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — ATM BUSINESS
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
  
September 30,
2005
  
September 30,
2004
  
ASSETS
  
 
  
 
  
Current Assets:
  
 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of approximately $1,125,000 and $1,070,000, respectively
    
2,310,262
    
1,983,931
  
Inventories
    
7,323,439
    
3,432,828
  
Prepaid expenses and other
    
392,972
    
157,490
  
Total current assets
    
10,026,673
    
5,574,249
  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
    
4,337,677
    
4,286,617
  
Accumulated depreciation
    
(4,216,152
)
  
(3,977,412
)
Net property, plant and equipment
    
121,525
    
309,205
  
Other assets
    
27,297
    
27,297
  
Total assets
  
$
10,175,495
  
$
5,910,751
  
LIABILITIES
              
Current Liabilities:
              
Accounts payable
  
$
1,681,288
  
$
1,686,732
  
Other accrued expenses
    
1,814,634
    
836,289
  
Total liabilities
  
$
3,495,922
  
$
2,523,021
  


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — ATM BUSINESS
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
  
Years Ended September 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net sales
  
$
15,497,834
  
$
15,047,292
  
$
10,435,118
  
Cost of sales
    
9,508,120
    
11,762,082
    
9,675,580
  
Gross profit
    
5,989,714
    
3,285,210
    
759,538
  
Selling, general and administrative
    
4,768,880
    
4,709,478
    
3,944,795
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
255,967
    
292,543
    
647,640
  
Operating loss
    
964,867
    
(1,716,811
)
  
(3,832,897
)
Non-operating (income) expense
    
—
    
16,456
    
66,581
  
Net income (loss)
 
$
964,867
  
$
(1,733,267
)
$
3,899,478
  


Cash Security Business

We entered into an asset purchase agreement, dated as of January 12, 2006 (the “Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement”), with Sentinel Operating, L.P., a purchaser controlled by a management buyout team led by Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, and Raymond Landry, a member of our Board, for the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Cash Security business (the “Cash Security Business Sale”). The two members of our Board who are unaffiliated with the management buyout of the Cash Security business negotiated the terms of the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement with the management buyout group.

The independent members of our Board received an opinion from an investment advisory firm, Capitalink, L.C., as to the fairness of the Cash Security Business Sale from a financial point of view to the unaffiliated shareholders. On December 31, 2005, our Board, with Messrs. Levenick and Landry abstaining, voted to approve the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and the Cash Security Business Sale.

The Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement provides for the sale of the Company’s Cash Security business to the purchaser thereunder for a cash purchase price of $17.5 million, less $100,000 as consideration for the purchaser’s potential liability in connection with certain litigation and subject to a closing balance sheet purchase price adjustment. In addition, the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is subject to customary representations and warranties and covenants and the satisfaction of several customary closing conditions, including our obtaining shareholder approval. The closing under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2006. The purchase price payable under the Cash Security Business Sale is subject to the Reorganization Fee and the other amounts payable to Laurus under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement.

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million. See Part I, Item 1(c), “Laurus Reorganization Fee” for more information.

In connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and  pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus on January 12, 2006, Laurus converted $5,400,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible Company debt it holds into 18,000,000 shares of our common stock. Following Laurus’ conversion of such debt, Laurus holds shares representing approximately 49.8% of our common stock.

On January 12, 2006, we repaid all of our remaining outstanding debt to Laurus in the principal amount of $2,617,988 plus accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $113,333. In connection therewith, the Company paid a prepayment penalty to Laurus in the amount of $59,180.

In connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement, pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus at such time, Laurus agreed to convert into 18,000,000 shares of our common stock, $5,400,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible Company debt it holds. Following Laurus’ conversion of such debt, we expect that Laurus will hold shares representing approximately 49.8% of our common stock.

We have classified the Cash Security Business product as a discontinued operation as of September 30, 2005, including for the comparative period in the prior year. We have classified the Cash Security Business as Assets Held for Sale as of September 30, 2004 and 2005. 

An analysis of the discontinued operations of the Cash Security business is as follows:

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — CASH SECURITY BUSINESS
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
  
September 30,
2005
  
September 30,
2004
  
ASSETS
  
 
  
 
  
Current Assets:
  
 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of approximately $7,500 and $6,200, respectively
    
1,856,523
    
1,076,362
  
Inventories
    
3,137,818
    
1,350,631
  
Prepaid expenses and other
    
198,057
    
93,087
  
Total current assets
    
5,192,398
    
2,520,080
  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
    
1,097,604
    
1,091,197
  
Accumulated depreciation
    
(1,020,015
)
  
(972,920
)
Net property, plant and equipment
    
77,589
    
118,277
  
Other assets
    
25,631
    
25,631
  
Total assets
  
$
5,295,618
  
$
2,663,988
  
LIABILITIES
              
Current Liabilities:
              
Current maturities
  
$
1,852
  
$
8,951
  
Accounts payable
    
1,397,394
    
1,380,054
  
Other accrued expenses
    
3,069,278
    
1,058,001
  
Total current liabilities
    
4,468,524
    
2,447,006
  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    
28,708
    
28,709
  
Total liabilities
  
$
4,497,232
  
$
2,475,715
  


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — CASH SECURITY BUSINESS
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(UNAUDITED)

 
  
Years Ended September 30,
  
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net sales
  
$
19,435,222
  
$
7,467,194
  
$
7,359,181
  
Cost of sales
    
10,870,947
    
5,350,108
    
4,936,867
  
Gross profit
    
8,564,275
    
2,117,086
    
2,422,314
  
Selling, general and administrative
    
4,449,550
    
3,550,491
    
3,184,314
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
29,868
    
84,008
    
141,473
  
Operating income (loss)
    
4,084,857
    
(1,517,413
)
  
(903,473
)
Non-operating expense
    
(23,884
)
  
37,918
    
66,581
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
4,108,741
  
$
(1,555,331
)
$
(970,054
)


(3)
Accounting Policies Related toDiscontinued Operations which are Classified as Assets Held For Sale

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the standard cost method and includes materials, labor and production overhead which approximates an average cost method. Reserves are provided to adjust any slow moving materials or goods to net realizable values.

Warranties

Certain products are sold under warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one to two years. A provision for estimated warranty costs is included in accrued liabilities and is charged to operations at the time of sale.

Accounts Receivable

We have significant investments in billed receivables as of September 30, 2005 and 2004. Billed receivables represent amounts billed upon the shipments of our products under our standard contract terms and conditions. Allowances for doubtful accounts and estimated non-recoverable costs primarily provide for losses that may be sustained on uncollectible receivables and claims. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, we evaluate our contract receivables and thoroughly review historical collection experience, the financial condition of our customers, billing disputes and other factors. When we ultimately conclude that a receivable is uncollectible, the balance is charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts. As of September 30, 2005 and 2004, the allowance for doubtful contract receivables was $1,132,000 and $1,076,000, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized at the time products are shipped to customers. We have no continuing obligation to provide services or upgrades to our products, other than a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. We only recognize such revenues if there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the products have been delivered; there is a fixed or determinable sales price and a reasonable assurance of our ability to collect from the customer.

Our products contain imbedded software that is developed for inclusion within the equipment. We have not licensed, sold, leased or otherwise marketed such software separately. We have no continuing obligations after the delivery of our products and we do not enter into post-contract customer support arrangements related to any software embedded into our equipment.

Research and Development Cost

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs charged to expense were approximately $2,060,071, $2,613,000, and 2,668,000 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Cost

Shipping and handling costs billed to customers totaled $781,442, $647,459 and $599,069, for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. We incurred shipping and handling costs of $978,957, $738,340 and $685,726 for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003 respectively. The net expense of $197,515 and $90,881 and $660,807 is included in selling expenses in the accompanying statement of operations for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.


(4)
Liquidity

Our liquidity has been negatively impacted by our inability to collect outstanding receivables and claims as a result of the bankruptcy of a significant customer in 2001, the inability to collect outstanding receivables from several other significant customers, under-absorbed fixed costs associated with the production facilities, and reduced sales of our products resulting from general difficulties in the ATM market. In order to meet our liquidity needs during the past four years, we have incurred a substantial amount of debt.

As of, and for the years ended September 30, 2005, we had net income (loss) of $(3,285,922) and working capital of approximately $3,700,000 compared to September 30, 2004 in which we had net income of $11,317,572 and working capital of approximately $1,900,000. As of September 30, 2005 and 2004, we had shareholders’ equity of $2,263,318 and $2,588,449, respectively. This is primarily due to the recorded gain from extinguishment of debt of $18,823,000 (including accrued interest through the date of extinguishment) in fiscal year 2004 related to the refinancing. Absent the affect of this gain from extinguishment of debt, we are continuing to experience operating losses. This, coupled with increasing debt, has continued to negatively impact our financial condition. If the operating conditions do not improve, there can be no assurance we will continue operations. There can be no assurance that our current financing facilities will be sufficient to meet our current working capital needs or that we will have sufficient working capital in the future. If we need to seek additional financing, there can be no assurances that we will obtain such additional financing for working capital purposes. The failure to obtain such additional financing could cause a material adverse effect upon our financial condition. We have committed to sell both the ATM Business and Cash Security Business, see Note 2 for further discussion.
 
(5)
Major Customers and Credit Risks

We generally retain a security interest in the underlying equipment that is sold to customers until it receives payment in full. We would incur an accounting loss equal to the carrying value of the accounts receivable, less any amounts recovered from liquidation of collateral, if a customer failed to perform according to the terms of the credit arrangements.

Only one customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales for the fiscal years 2005 and 2004. Not one customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales for the fiscal year 2003. Two customers accounted for more than 10% of our total outstanding trade receivable as of September 30, 2005, and one customer accounted for approximately 34% of our total outstanding trade receivable as of September 30, 2004.

The vast majority of our sales in fiscal 2005 and 2004 were to customers within the United States. Sales to customers outside the United States, as a percentage of total revenues, were approximately 14%, 16% and 25%, in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Most of our foreign sales were to one customer.

(6)
Notes Receivable — Officers

The current and long-term portion of notes and other receivables related to continued operations consisted of the following at September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
Notes receivable — Officers
  
$ 
—
  
$
1,003,723
  
Other accounts receivable
    
12,965
    
—
  
 
    
12,965
    
1,003,723
  
Allowance for notes receivable
    
—
    
—
  
Less: Current portion
    
(12,965
)
  
(1,003,723
)
Long-term portion
  
$
—
  
$
—
  

In September 2000, we loaned $141,563 to Michael F. Hudson, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of our principal operating subsidiary, in a promissory note maturing October 1, 2002, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. During the year ended September 30, 2001, we loaned an additional $225,000 to Mr. Hudson in a promissory note maturing October 1, 2002, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. The notes from Mr. Hudson are secured by a pledge of 83,500 shares of our common stock. The note to Mr. Hudson in the amount of $141,563 relates to the exercise of certain stock option agreements. These notes were not repaid by Mr. Hudson upon maturity. Subsequent to September 30, 2004, we entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Hudson regarding satisfaction of these notes, including, among other things, recoveries through the pledged shares and certain salary and bonuses due to Mr. Hudson. As a result of the settlement with Mr. Hudson, we recorded a provision for bad debts totaling $104,055 in fiscal 2003 related to accrued interest on the notes and a provision for settlement of the claims totaling $279,918 in fiscal 2004. In addition, we reduced the notes receivable balances by $60,750 as an offset against accrued bonuses due to Mr. Hudson. Effective with the sale of the ATM business, Mr. Hudson is no longer employed by the Company.


In September 2001, we loaned $843,554 to James T. Rash, our former Chairman and CEO, in a promissory note maturing September 30, 2004, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. In January 2002, we loaned an additional $300,000 to Mr. Rash in a promissory note maturing January 14, 2005, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. In December 2004, Mr. Rash died. We have named Mark K. Levenick as Interim Chief Executive Officer but no permanent Chairman or Chief Executive Officer has been hired or appointed as of the date hereof. The Board of Directors approved the transfer of a key-man life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Rash in the amount of $1,000,000 to Mr. Rash in 2002, in connection with Mr. Rash’s then pending retirement. The proceeds were assigned as collateral for the notes due from Mr. Rash in the aggregate principal amount of $1,143,554. Proceeds of $1,009,227 were received from the insurance policy in February 2005, which were applied to the principal amount of the notes. Mr. Rash also received bonuses totaling $350,000 of which $134,327 was applied to the remaining principal balance of the notes. We recorded a provision for bad debt totaling $220,625 in fiscal 2003 related to accrued interest on the notes.

(7)
Inventories

Inventories related to discontinued operations consisted of the following at September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
Raw materials
  
$
7,594,510
  
$
5,459,865
  
Work in process
    
114,365
    
605,376
  
Finished goods
    
2,714,331
    
532,804
  
Other
    
138,609
    
85,414
  
 
    
10,561,815
    
6,683,459
  
Inventory reserve
    
(100,558
)
  
(1,900,000
)
Total- all classified as assets held for sale
 
$
10,461,257
  
$
4,783,459
  

(8)
Investment in CashWorks

In December 2001, we invested $500,000 in CashWorks, Inc. (“CashWorks”), a development-stage financial technology solutions provider, in the form of convertible debt of CashWorks. In December 2002, we converted the notes, plus accrued but unpaid interest, into 2,133,728 shares of CashWorks’ Series B preferred shares plus warrants to purchase 125,000 shares of CashWorks’ common stock at $2.00 per share. In March 2004, we consented to the sale of our interest in CashWorks to GE Capital Corp. for approximately $2,451,000, resulting in the recognition of a gain of $1,918,012.

(9)
Investment in 3CI

We formerly owned 100% of 3CI Complete Compliance Corporation (“3CI”) a company engaged in the transportation and incineration of medical waste, until we divested our majority interest in February 1994. As of September 30, 2004, we continue to own 698,889 shares of the common stock of 3CI. We have no immediate plan for the disposal of these shares. At September 30, 2004, all the shares were pledged to secure borrowings in connection with the Financing. See Note 7, “Investment in 3CI” to “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part IV of this Annual Report. The value of the investment in 698,889 shares of 3CI was written down and was marked to the market values of $209,539 ($0.30 per share), $244,462 ($0.35 per share), and $279,556 ($0.40 per share) at September 30, 2003, 2004, and 2005 respectively.

(10)
Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
Useful Life
  
Machinery and equipment
  
$
3,452,061
  
$
3,204,552
    
2—10 years
  
Computer equipment and systems
    
950,349
    
1,719,119
    
2—7 years
  
Furniture, fixtures and other improvements
    
1,032,871
    
498,218
    
3—5 years
  
 
  
$
5,435,281
  
$
5,421,889
        
Less classified as discontinued
    
(5,422,488
)
  
(5,428,093
)
      
 Total- property, plant and equipment for continued operations
  
$
12,793
  
$
6,204
        
 
Depreciation expense was $285,835, $509,693 and $789,112, for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Repairs and maintenance expense was $86,043, $83,532 and $92,376, for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
 
(11)
Other Assets

Other assets consisted of the following at September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
 
  
2005
  
2004
  
Deferred financial costs
  
$
714,261
  
$
550,945
  
Investment in 3 CI
    
279,556
    
244,462
  
Other
    
56,928
    
53,866
  
Accumulated amortization
    
(382,054
)
  
(153,040
)
 
  
$
668,691
  
$
696,233
  
Less Discontinued Operation
    
(52,928
 )  
(52,928
)
Total Other Assets for Continued Operations
  
$
615,763
  
$
643,305
  
 
(12)
Long-Term Debt and Convertible Debentures

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt related to continued operations consisted of the following at September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
Laurus financing (net of $3,746,531 and $6,493,247 discount), respectively
    
4,392,749
    
174,741
  
Other- Five-Year Note
    
28,708
    
(37,659
)
Total short-term and long-term debt
    
4,421,457
    
174,741
  
Less: current maturities
    
(2,325,000
)
  
(174,741
)
Long-term debt, less current maturities
  
$
2,096,457
  
$
0
  

Laurus Financing

On November 25, 2003, we completed a $6,850,000 financing transaction (the “Financing”) with Laurus pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) by and between the Company and Laurus dated as of November 25, 2003. The Financing was comprised of a three-year convertible note in the amount of $6,450,000 and a one-year convertible note in the amount of $400,000, both of which bear interest at a rate of prime plus 2% and are convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $0.40 per share. In addition, Laurus received warrants to purchase 4,250,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. The proceeds of the Financing were allocated to the notes and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the notes and the warrants (see Note 12 for discussion of warrant valuation) with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the notes. In addition, the conversion terms of the notes result in a beneficial conversion feature, further discounting the carrying value of the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges totaling $6,850,000 over the terms of the notes related to these discounts. Laurus was also granted registration rights in connection with the shares of common stock issuable in connection with the Financing. Proceeds from the Financing in the amount of $6,000,000 were used to fully retire the $18,000,000 in convertible debentures issued to two investors (the “Holders”) in September 2000, together with all accrued interest, penalties and fees associated therewith.

We recorded a gain from extinguishment of debt of $18,823,000 (including accrued interest through the date of extinguishment) in fiscal year 2004 related to the Financing. In March 2004, the $400,000 note was repaid in full from the proceeds of the CashWorks transaction described in Note 8. Transaction costs of $550,945 (see Note 11 above) were incurred relating to the Financing. These costs were a combination of cash and warrants (valued at approximately $229,000).

In connection with the closing of the Financing, all of the warrants and convertible debentures held by the Holders were terminated, all outstanding litigation without limitation was dismissed, and a revolving credit facility with a bank (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) was repaid through the release of the restricted cash used as collateral for the Revolving Credit Facility (see definition below).

In August 2004, Laurus notified us that an Event of Default had occurred and had continued beyond any applicable grace period as a result of our non-payment of interest and principal on the $6,450,000 convertible note as required under the terms of the Financing, as well as noncompliance with certain other covenants of the Financing documents. In exchange for Laurus’s waiver of the Event of Default until September 17, 2004, we agreed, among other things, to lower the conversion price on the $6,450,000 convertible note and the exercise price of the warrants from $0.40 per share to $0.30 per share. The reduction in conversion price resulted in an additional discount against the carrying value of the notes. As a result, we will record additional interest charges totaling approximately $1,900,000 over the remaining terms of the notes related to the discounts.

Bridge Loans

Beginning in September 2003, we issued the following unsecured, short-term promissory notes totaling $720,000 to shareholders or their affiliates as part of a bridge financing transaction (the “Bridge Loans”):

In September 2003, we issued a shareholder, Alliance Developments, Ltd. (“Alliance”), an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated September 26, 2003 in the principal amount of $300,000 due December 24, 2003; plus accrued interest at 9% per annum, payable at maturity. In consideration for the original loan, Alliance received three-year warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The note was renewed on December 24, 2003 until March 24, 2004. In consideration for the renewal, Alliance received additional three-year warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the Alliance note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, we recorded additional interest charges totaling $20,572 in fiscal 2003 related to the discounts. Balance at September 30, 2003 was $300,000. The note was paid in full on March 5, 2004.


We issued to a shareholder and former director an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated October 2, 2003 in the principal amount of $120,000 due April 2, 2004, plus accrued interest at 9% per annum, payable monthly. In consideration for the loan, the shareholder received three-year warrants to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, we recorded additional interest charges totaling $7,611 in fiscal 2004 related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 8, 2004.

We also issued to the shareholder and former director an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated October 21, 2003 in the principal amount of $90,000 due April 21, 2004, plus accrued interest at 9% per annum, payable monthly. In consideration for the loan, the shareholder received three-year warrants to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, we recorded additional interest charges totaling $6,608 in fiscal 2004 related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on November 26, 2003.

The Company issued to an affiliate of a shareholder an unsecured, short-term promissory note dated November 20, 2003 in the principal amount of $210,000 due May 20, 2004, plus accrued interest at 8% per annum, payable at maturity. In consideration for the loan, the note holder received three-year warrants to purchase 70,000 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share. The proceeds of the note were allocated to the note and the related warrants based on the relative fair value of the note and the warrants, with the value of the warrants resulting in a discount against the note. As a result, the Company will record additional interest charges totaling $30,619 over the term of the note related to the discounts. The note was paid in full on March 5, 2004 from proceeds obtained in the Financing.

(13)
Accrued Expenses

Other accrued expenses consisted of the following at September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
Reserve for warranty charges
  
$
1,143,643
  
$
1,062,188
  
Taxes:
              
Sales and use
    
656,177
    
179,588
  
Ad valorem
    
76,389
    
41,443
  
Wages and related benefits
    
1,456,818
    
391,730
  
Other
    
1,550,885
    
546,016
  
Other accrued expenses related to Continued Operations
    
290,871
    
326,675
  
Total accrued expenses
  
$
5,174,783
  
$
2,547,640
  
Less discontinued liabilities
   
4,883,912
    
2,220,965
  
Total Accrued Expenses Related to Continued Operations
  
$
290,871
  
$
326,675
  

(14)
Warrants

At September 30, 2005, we had outstanding warrants to purchase 5,890,000 shares of common stock that expire at various dates through November 2010. The warrants have exercise prices ranging from $0.30 to $0.68 per share and, if exercised, would generate proceeds to us of approximately $2,035,500. At September 30, 2004, we had outstanding warrants to purchase 5,079,473 shares of common stock that expire at various dates through November 2010. The warrants have exercise prices ranging from $0.30 to $11.27 per share and, if exercised, would generate proceeds to us of approximately $3,626,387.

Common Stock Purchase Warrants:

 
  
Warrants
  
Expiration Date
  
Exercise
Price
  
Relative Fair
Value(1)
  
New issue — Alliance Developments(1)
    
100,000
    
11/24/2010
    
0.45
    
22,085
  
New issue — Alliance Developments (2)
    
50,000
    
11/24/2010
    
0.45
    
13,450
  
New issue — Laurus Master Fund(3)
    
4,250,000
    
11/24/2010
    
0.30
    
1,918,451
  
Other parties in connection with Laurus financing(3)
    
350,000
    
11/24/2010
    
0.40
    
226,749
  
AIG/National Union Fire Insurance Co.(4)
    
500,000
    
11/01/2007
    
0.67
    
224,490
  
Laurus Master Fund(5)
    
500,000
    
11/26/2010
    
0.30
    
226,751
  
Bridge Loan(6)
    
40,000
    
10/6/2006
    
0.45
    
8,186
  
Bridge Loan(7)
    
30,000
    
10/21/2006
    
0.45
    
7,132
  
Bridge Loan(8)
    
70,000
    
11/20/2006
    
0.45
    
35,845
  
Outstanding Warrants as of September 30, 2005
    
5,890,000
              
$
2,683,139
  


Value calculated using Black-Scholes:

 
  
 
  
Stock Price
At Issuance
  
Expected Term
  
Volatility
  
Risk Free Rate
  
(1)
    
Variables
  
$
0.35
    
3 years
    
111.00%
 
  
2.06%
 
(2)
    
Variables
  
$
0.41
    
3 years
    
111.00%
 
  
2.06%
 
(3)
    
Variables
  
$
0.72
    
7 years
    
111.00%
 
  
3.72%
 
(4)
    
Variables
  
$
0.67
    
3 years
    
108.00%
 
  
3.85%
 
(5)
    
Variables
  
$
0.51
    
7 years
    
97.000%
 
  
3.98%
 
(6)
    
Variables
  
$
0.33
    
3 years
    
111.00%
 
  
1.96%
 
(7)
    
Variables
  
$
0.37
    
3 years
    
111.00%
 
  
2.41%
 
(8)
    
Variables
  
$
0.69
    
3 years
    
111.00%
 
  
2.35%
 
 
(15)
Employee Stock Option Plans

We adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan in 1997 (the “1997 Plan”) pursuant to which our Board of Directors may grant stock options to officers and key employees. The 1997 Plan, as amended, authorizes grants of options to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock. Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock at the date of grant. Options granted under the 1997 Plan vest over four-year periods and expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. Under the 1997 Plan, there were 1,099,810 options outstanding and 855,890 shares available and 736,000 options outstanding and 1,219,700 shares available for grant at September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. 363,810 stock options were granted during the fiscal year ended 2005 and no stock options were granted during the fiscal year ended 2004.

Our predecessor employee stock option plan, the 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the “1989 Plan”), was terminated in June 1999. At the date of termination of the 1989 Plan, there were outstanding options to purchase 438,250 shares of common stock, of which none were outstanding at September 30, 2005, and 50,000 were outstanding at September 30, 2004.

In addition to stock options granted under the 1997 Plan and 1989 Plan noted above, we have issued warrants to our directors for remuneration (see Note 14).

At September 30, 2005, the range of exercise prices was $2.50 to $0.25 per share under the 1997 Plan. At September 30, 2005 and 2004, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of the outstanding options was 5.32 years and 4.0 years, respectively. Combined stock option and directors’ warrant activity during the periods indicated was as follows:

 
  
Number of
Shares
  
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  
Balance at September 30, 2002
    
1,344,700
  
$
1.93
  
Granted
    
—
    
—
  
Exercised
    
—
    
—
  
Canceled
    
(63,700
)
  
1.85
  
Balance at September 30, 2003
    
1,281,000
    
1.93
  
Granted
    
—
    
—
  
Exercised
    
—
    
—
  
Canceled
    
(495,000
)
  
2.35
  
Balance at September 30, 2004
    
786,000
    
1.67
  
Granted
    
363,810
    
0.25
  
Exercised
    
—
        
Canceled
    
(50,000
)
  
1.16
  
Balance at September 30, 2005
    
1,099,810
    
1.22
  

The above table includes warrants issued for directors’ remuneration that are also included in outstanding warrants in Note 12. At September 30, 2004, the number of options exercisable was 683,500 and 731,000, respectively, at weighted average prices of $1.80 per share and $1.76 per share, respectively. Included in the 495,000 shares cancelled during 2004 were 300,000 warrants issued to directors.

(16)
Income Taxes

Income tax benefit attributable to income from operations consisted of the following for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Federal current tax benefit
  
$
—
  
$
(81,229
)
$
—
  
Federal deferred tax benefit
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
State tax
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
 
  
$ 
 —  
$
(81,229
)
$
—
  


Income tax benefit differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 34% to income (loss) before taxes as a result of the following:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Computed “expected” tax expense (benefit)
  
$
(1,117,213
)
$
3,847,974
  
$
(3,140,484
)
Change in valuation allowances
    
1,638,969
    
(5,278,972
)
  
2,145,166
  
State taxes, net of benefit
    
—
    
—
    
—
  
Nondeductible items and permanent differences
    
(521,756
)
  
1,376,064
    
995,318
  
Other
    
—
    
(26,295
)
  
—
  
 
  
$
(0
)
$
(81,229
)
$
(0
)

The tax effects of temporary differences that were the sources of the deferred tax assets consisted of the following at September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
Deferred tax assets:
  
 
  
 
  
Fixed assets
  
$
379,000
  
$
374,870
  
Intangible assets
    
-
    
129,872
  
Accounts receivable
    
383,000
    
547,541
  
Inventories
    
808,000
    
1,186,753
  
Investment in 3CI
    
438,000
    
703,032
  
Accrued expenses
    
490,000
    
867,871
  
Other
    
39,000
    
39,332
  
Minimum tax credit
    
-
    
144,575
  
Net operating losses
    
3,672,000
    
3,854,123
  
Total gross deferred tax assets
    
6,209,000
    
7,847,969
  
Less: valuation allowance
    
(6,209,000
)
  
(7,847,969
)
Net deferred tax assets
    
—
    
—
  
Other deferred tax liabilities
    
—
    
—
  
Net deferred tax assets
  
$
—
  
$
—
  

In assessing the realizability of deferred assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company has established a valuation allowance for such deferred tax assets to the extent such amounts are not utilized to offset existing deferred tax liabilities reversing in the same periods.

As of September 30, 2005, the Company had remaining net operating losses of approximately $10,800,000 which will begin to expire in 2023.

(17)
Earnings Per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted computations for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 
  
2005
  
2004
  
2003
  
Net Income (loss) (numerator for basic earnings per share)
  
$
(3,285,922
)
$
11,317,572
  
$
(9,236,717
)
Interest expense attributable to convertible note (including non-cash)
    
—
    
2,898,225
    
—
  
Adjusted net income (loss) (numerator for diluted earnings per share)
  
$
(3,285,922
)
$
14,215,797
  
$
(9,236,717
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator for basic earnings per share)
    
20,292,796
    
17,426,210
    
17,426,210
  
Dilutive shares outstanding
    
—
    
21,150,553
    
—
  
Weighted average common and dilutive shares outstanding
    
20,292,796
    
38,576,763
    
17,426,210
  
Basic earnings per share
  
$
(0.16
)
$
.65
  
$
(0.53
)
Diluted earnings per share
  
$
(0.16
)
$
.37
  
$
(0.53
)

Common stock equivalents consisting of warrants, options and convertible debt of 29,717,185 and 4,640,000 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect for the years ended September 30, 2005 and 2003.

(18)
Commitments and Contingencies

The Supply, Facility and Share Warrant Agreements

In September 2004, our subsidiary entered into separate supply and credit facility agreements (the “Supply Agreement”, the “Facility Agreement” and the “Share Warrant Agreement” respectively) with a foreign distributor related to our ATM products. The Supply Agreement required the distributor, during the initial term of the agreement, to purchase ATMs only from us, effectively making us its sole supplier of ATMs. During each of the subsequent terms, the distributor is required to purchase from us not less than 85% of all ATMs purchased by the distributor. The initial term of the agreement was set as of the earlier of: (i) the expiration or termination of the debenture, (ii) a termination for default, (iii) the mutual agreement of the parties, and (iv) August 15, 2009.


The Facility Agreement provides a credit facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,280,000 to the distributor with respect to outstanding invoices already issued to the distributor and with respect to invoices which may be issued in the future related to the purchase of our ATM products. Repayment of the credit facility is set by schedule for the last day of each month beginning November 2004 and continuing through August 2005. The distributor fell into default due to non-payment during February 2005. As of September 30, 2004, we had an outstanding balance of approximately $720,000 related to this facility. Notwithstanding our current commitment to aggressively pursue our rights to collect the outstanding balance of the facility and in view of the uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, we recorded a reserve in the amount of approximately $185,000 during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 due to the payment delinquency of the invoices related to 2004 billings. During 2005, we increased the reserve to approximately $830,000 due to the payment delinquency of the majority of the invoices issued in the fiscal year 2005. In July of 2005, we collected a partial payment of approximately $350,000 related to the 2004 billings. This collection reduced the outstanding balance on this facility to approximately $1,700,000, of which we have reserved a total of $830,000 as of July 31, 2005. We have also received a commitment commencing August 5, 2005 from the distributor to submit at least approximately $35,000 per week until the balance is paid in full. We have received approximately $560,000 consisting of 16 weekly payments reducing the accounts receivable balance.

The Share Warrant Agreement provides for the issuance to our subsidiary of a warrant to purchase up to 5% of the issued and outstanding Share Capital of the distributor. The warrant restricts the distributor from (i) creating or issuing a new class of stock or allotting additional shares, (ii) consolidating or altering the shares, (iii) issuing a dividend, (iv) issuing additional warrants and (v) amending articles of incorporation. Upon our exercise of the warrant, the distributors balance outstanding under the Facility Agreement would be reduced by $300,000. We exercised this option during December of 2005, therefore, reducing the receivable by an additional $300,000 resulting in a balance of $833,000 at January 05, 2006.

Class Action Litigation

We and several of our officers and directors were named as defendants (the “Defendants”) in a purported class action filed on October 31, 2001 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Southern District”), George Lehockey v. Tidel Technologies, et al., H-01-3741. Prior to the suit’s filing, four identical suits were also filed in the Southern District. On or about March 18, 2002, the Court consolidated all of the pending class actions and appointed a lead plaintiff under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Reform Act”). On April 10, 2002, the lead plaintiff filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint (“CAC”) that alleged that the Defendants made material misrepresentations and omissions concerning our financial condition and prospects between January 14, 2000 and February 8, 2001 (the putative class period). In June 2004, we reached an agreement in principle to settle these class action lawsuits. The settlement, which was subject to a definitive agreement and court approval, provided for a cash payment of $3 million to be funded by our liability insurance carrier and our issuance of two million shares of common stock. In October 2004, the Court approved the settlement and the shares were issued in November 2004. In addition, in August 2004, we reached an agreement with the liability insurance carrier to issue warrants to the carrier to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.67 per share in exchange for the carrier’s acceptance of the terms of the class action lawsuit. We provided a reserve of $1,564,490 in fiscal 2002 to cover any losses from this litigation, which consisted of $1,340,000 related to the shares of common stock issued and $224,490 related to the value of the warrants issued. The common stock was valued using the stock price on the date issued and the warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes pricing method.

The Development Agreement

In August 2001, we entered into a Development Agreement (the “Development Agreement”) with a national petroleum retailer and convenience store operator (the “Retailer”) for the joint development of a new generation of “intelligent” TACCs, now known as the Sentinel product. The Development Agreement provided for four phases of development with the first three phases to be funded by the Retailer at an estimated cost of $800,000. In February 2002, we agreed to provide the Retailer a rebate on each unit of the Sentinel product for the first 1,500 units sold, provided the product successfully entered production, until the Retailer had earned amounts equal to the development costs paid by the Retailer. The development of the product was completed and production commenced. The aggregate development costs for the Sentinel product paid for by the Retailer totaled $651,500. As of September 30, 2004, we had credited back approximately $87,629 to the retailer resulting in an accrued liability of $564,231 for the benefit of the Retailer. As of September 30, 2005, the accrued balance was $529,400.

Other Matters

We and our subsidiaries are each subject to certain other litigation and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. In our management’s opinion, the amounts ultimately payable, if any, resulting from such litigation and claims will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position.

We lease office and warehouse space, transportation equipment and other equipment under terms of operating leases which expire through 2006. Rental expense under these leases for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, was approximately $532,000, $453,000 and $479,000, respectively.


(19)
Subsequent Events

Sale of ATM Business

On February 19, 2005, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidel Engineering, L.P., entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “NCR Asset Purchase Agreement”) with NCR EasyPoint LLC f/k/a/ NCR Texas LLC (“NCR EasyPoint”), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCR Corporation, for the sale of our ATM Business (the “ATM Business Sale”).

On December 28, 2005, the holders of 62.2% of our shares of outstanding common stock approved the NCR Asset Purchase Agreement.

On January 3, 2006, we completed the ATM Business Sale. The total purchase price was approximately $10.4 million of which $8.2 million was paid to Laurus into a collateral account to be held by Laurus as collateral for the satisfaction of all monetary obligations payable to Laurus, $0.5 million was paid into an escrow account pending a post closing net asset value adjustment, and the remaining $1.7 million was paid to the Company to be used for necessary working capital. This termination resulted in a book gain of approximately $3.8 million.

We have classified our ATM business as Assets Held for Sale as of September 30, 2005 and 2004.

Sale of Our Cash Security Business and Related Agreements with Laurus

We entered into an asset purchase agreement, dated as of January 12, 2006, (the “Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Sentinel Operating, L.P., a purchaser controlled by a management buyout team led by Mark K. Levenick, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board, and Raymond Landry, a member of our Board, for the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Cash Security business (the “Cash Security Business Sale”). The two members of our Board who are unaffiliated with the management buyout of the Cash Security business negotiated the terms of the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement with the management buyout group.

The independent members of our Board received an opinion from an investment advisory firm, Capitalink, L.C., as to the fairness of the Cash Security Business Sale from a financial point of view to the unaffiliated shareholders. On December 31, 2005, our Board, with Messrs. Levenick and Landry abstaining, voted to approve the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and the Cash Security Business Sale.

The Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement provides for the sale of the Company’s Cash Security business to the purchaser thereunder for a cash purchase price of $17.5 million, less $100,000 as consideration for the purchaser’s potential liability in connection with certain litigation and subject to a closing balance sheet purchase price adjustment. In addition, the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is subject to customary representations and warranties and covenants and the satisfaction of several customary closing conditions, including our obtaining shareholder approval. The closing under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2006. The purchase price payable under the Cash Security Business Sale is subject to the Reorganization Fee and the other amounts payable to Laurus under the terms of the Asset Sales Agreement.

Upon closing of the Cash Security Business Sale we estimate the Reorganization Fee payable to Laurus will be in the range of $9 million to $11 million. See Part I, Item 1(c), “Laurus Reorganization Fee” for more information.

In connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus on January 12, 2006, Laurus converted $5,400,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible Company debt it holds into 18,000,000 shares of our common stock. Following Laurus’ conversion of such debt, Laurus holds shares representing approximately 49.8% of our common stock.

On January 12, 2006, we repaid all of our remaining outstanding debt to Laurus in the principal amount of $2,617,988 plus accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $113,333. In connection therewith, the Company paid a prepayment penalty to Laurus in the amount of $59,180.

In addition, in connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and pursuant to the terms of a stock redemption agreement we entered into with Laurus at such time, we have agreed to repurchase from Laurus, upon the closing of the Cash Security Business Sale, all shares of Company common stock held by Laurus at a per share price not less than $.20 per share nor greater than $.34 per share following the determination of the Company’s assets in accordance with the formula set forth below.


The stock redemption agreement with Laurus provides that the purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) for the shares of our common stock to be repurchased from Laurus (the “Laurus Shares”) shall consist of the Per Share Price (as defined below) multiplied by the number of Laurus Shares. The “Per Share Price” shall equal the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the value on the closing date under the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement of (A) the sum of the value of all assets of the Company that would be valued by the Company in connection with a liquidation of the Company following the closing of the Cash Security Business Sale (after giving effect to such closing), including, but not limited to: (i) all cash and cash equivalents held by the Company, (ii) all marketable securities held by the Company, and (iii) all other remaining tangible and intangible assets held directly or indirectly by the Company valued at fair market value minus (B) the sum of (i) all fees and expenses of the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with the ATM Business Sale and the Cash Security Business Sale incurred through the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale, (ii) all payments and obligations due to, or on behalf of, present and former employees of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred through the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale, (iii) all amounts paid or payable to Laurus pursuant to the Agreement Regarding NCR Transaction and Other Assets Sales dated as of November 26, 2004 by and between the Company and Laurus, (iv) all other liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries, (v) payments due to independent directors of the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $400,000, and (vi) a good faith estimate of the costs and expenses which would be incurred in connection with the liquidation of the Company including, without limitation, legal fees, directors and officers insurance, all fees and expenses relating to SEC and governmental filings and related expenses, by (2) the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the closing date of the Cash Security Business Sale. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Per Share Price shall not be less than $.20 per share nor greater than $.34 per share.

Following such share repurchase, Laurus will cease to hold any equity interest in the Company. If the Cash Security Business Sale does not occur by March 31, 2006, then pursuant to the terms of the Exercise and Conversion Agreement we entered into with Laurus at the same time as the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to immediately redeem from Laurus the 18,000,000 shares of our common stock issued to Laurus in connection with the Cash Security Asset Purchase Agreement and Laurus’ conversion of our debt at a redemption price of $5,400,000.

(20)
Related Party Transactions

At September 30, 2002, James T. Rash, our Chairman and CEO, had outstanding promissory notes due to us in the aggregate amount of $1,143,554, bearing interest at 10% per annum. The notes matured on September 30, 2004 and January 14, 2005. Mr. Rash died December 19, 2004. These notes were not repaid by Mr. Rash upon maturity. We also issued a convertible note in the amount of $100,000 payable to a private company controlled by Mr. Rash in connection with the Financing. The note payable to Mr. Rash, which was convertible at any time into a maximum of 250,000 shares of our common stock, was paid in full in March 2004. The Board of Directors approved the transfer of a key-man life insurance policy on the life of Mr. Rash in the amount of $1,000,000 to Mr. Rash in 2002, in connection with Mr. Rash’s then pending retirement. The proceeds were assigned as collateral for outstanding promissory notes due from Mr. Rash. This amount, which we have not yet received, will be applied to the repayment of the notes. The remaining receivable amount will be collected from anticipated bonuses due to Mr. Rash.

In September 2000, we loaned $141,563 to Michael F. Hudson, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of our principal operating subsidiary, in a promissory note maturing October 1, 2002, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. During the year ended September 30, 2001, we loaned an additional $225,000 to Mr. Hudson in a promissory note maturing October 1, 2002, and bearing interest at 10% per annum. The notes from Mr. Hudson are secured by a pledge of 83,500 shares of our common stock. The note to Mr. Hudson in the amount of $141,563 relates to the exercise of certain stock option agreements. These notes were not repaid by Mr. Hudson upon maturity. We negotiated with Mr. Hudson regarding satisfaction of these notes, including, among other things, recoveries through certain salary and bonuses due to Mr. Hudson.

On June 22, 2005, we entered into two agreements with Mr. Hudson. The first was a new employment agreement that terminated his prior employment agreement and provided for his continued employment with the Company until the earlier of December 31, 2005 or the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement. Under this new employment agreement, Mr. Hudson’s duties and compensation will continue as under his prior employment agreement.

Mr. Hudson and the Company also entered into the Settlement Agreement, which provided for the settlement of outstanding amounts owed by Mr. Hudson to the Company. In satisfaction of Mr. Hudson’s obligations to the Company, he agreed to (a) the delivery of certain shares of the Company’s common stock held by him for cancellation by the Company; (b) cancellation by the Company of the majority of the options to purchase common stock held by him; (c) application of certain bonuses (otherwise payable to him) to the payment of his outstanding obligations to the Company; and (d) release by Mr. Hudson of any and all claims against the Company. Mr. Hudson also resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company.

(21)
Patent Litigation

On June 9, 2005, Corporate Safe Specialists, Inc. (“CSS”) filed a lawsuit against Tidel Technologies, Inc. and Tidel Engineering, L.P. The lawsuit, Civil Action No. 02-C-3421, was filed in the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. CSS alleges that the Sentinel product sold by Tidel Engineering, L.P. infringes one or more patent claims found in CSS patent U.S. Patent No. 6,885,281 (the ‘281 patent). CSS seeks injunctive relief against future infringement, unspecified damages for past infringement and attorney’s fees and costs. Tidel Technologies, Inc. was released from this lawsuit, but Tidel Engineering, L.P. remains a defendant. Tidel Engineering, L.P. is vigorously defending this litigation.


The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the case CSS filed in Illinois, and Tidel Engineering, L.P. has filed a motion to transfer the Illinois case to the Eastern District of Texas. The Company and Tidel Engineering, L.P. has also filed a declaratory judgment action pending in the Eastern District of Texas. In that action, both the Tidel entities are asking the Eastern District of Texas to find, among other things, that neither the Company nor Tidel Engineering have infringed on CSS’s ‘281 patent. Both companies have also requested that an injunction be issued by the Eastern District of Texas against CSS for intentional interference with the sale or bid process for Tidel Engineering L.P.’s cash security business. The Company is vigorously pursuing this declaratory judgment action.


SCHEDULE II
TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Classification
  
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
  
Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
  
Charged to
Other
Accounts
  
Deductions
  
Balance at
End of Period
  
For the year ended September 30, 2005:
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable
  
$
1,076,055
  
$
56,327
    
—
    
—
  
$
1,132,382
  
Reserve for settlement of class action litigation
    
1,564,490
    
—
    
—
    
1,564,490
    
—
  
Inventory reserve
    
1,900,000
    
—
    
—
    
1,799,442
    
100,558
  
 
  
$
4,540,545
  
$
56,327
    
—
  
$
3,363,932
  
$
1,232,940
  
For the year ended September 30, 2004:
                                
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable
  
$
847,815
  
$
228,240
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
$
1,076,055
  
Reserve for settlement of class action litigation
    
1,564,490
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
1,564,490
  
Inventory reserve
    
1,285,389
    
614,611
    
—
    
—
    
1,900,000
  
 
  
$
3,697,694
  
$
842,851
  
$
—
  
$
—
  
$
4,540,545
  
For the year ended September 30, 2003:
                                
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable
  
$
27,713,416
  
$
624,511
  
$
—
  
$
27,490,112
  
$
847,815
  
Reserve for settlement of class action litigation
    
1,564,490
    
—
    
—
    
—
    
1,564,490
  
Inventory reserve
    
1,400,000
    
615,000
    
—
    
729,611
    
1,285,389
  
 
  
$
30,677,906
  
$
1,239,511
  
$
—
  
$
28,219,723
  
$
3,697,694
  


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 
TIDEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Company)
 
 
 
 
January 17, 2006
/s/ Mark K. Levenick
 
 
Mark K. Levenick
 
 
Interim Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
January 17, 2006
/s/ Robert D. Peltier
 
 
Robert D. Peltier
 
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer
 

James T. Rash, our former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, died on December 19, 2004. We appointed Mark K. Levenick to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer but no permanent Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer has been hired or appointed as of the date hereof. Robert D. Peltier was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer in February 2005.


POWER OF ATTORNEY

Tidel Technologies, Inc. and each of the undersigned do hereby appoint Mark K. Levenick its or his true and lawful attorney to execute on behalf of Tidel Technologies, Inc. and the undersigned any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; each of such attorneys shall have the power to act hereunder with or without the other.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

SIGNATURE
 
TITLE
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jerrell G. Clay
 
Director
 
January 17 , 2006
Jerrell G. Clay
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Mark K. Levenick
 
Interim Chief Executive Officer,
 
January 17 , 2006
Mark K. Levenick
 
President and Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Raymond P. Landry
 
Director
 
January 17 , 2006
Raymond P. Landry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Stephen P. Griggs
 
Director
 
January 17 , 2006
Stephen P. Griggs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Robert D. Peltier
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer
 
January 17 , 2006
Robert D. Peltier
 
 
 
 


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Except as otherwise indicated, the following documents are incorporated by reference as Exhibits to this Report:

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
2.01.
 
Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 19, 2005 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., NCR Texas LLC and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.01 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004 and 2003).
 
 
 
3.01.
 
Certificate of Incorporation of American Medical Technologies, Inc. (filed as Articles of Domestication with the Secretary of State, State of Delaware on November 6, 1987 and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of our Form 10 dated November 7, 1988 as amended by Form 8 dated February 2, 1989).
 
 
 
3.02.
 
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated July 16, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997).
 
 
 
3.03.
 
Our By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of our Form 10 dated November 7, 1988 as amended by Form 8 dated February 2, 1989).
 
 
 
4.01.
 
Credit Agreement dated April 1, 1999 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.02.
 
First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated April 1, 1999 by and between Tidel Engineering, L.P., Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.03.
 
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated September 8, 2000 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., The Chase Manhattan Bank and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000).
 
 
 
4.04.
 
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated September 29, 2000 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., The Chase Manhattan Bank, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 29, 2000).
 
 
 
4.05.
 
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated November 30, 2000 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., The Chase Manhattan Bank, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2000).
 
 
 
4.06.
 
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Forbearance Agreement dated June 1, 2001 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., The Chase Manhattan Bank, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2001).
 
 
 
4.07.
 
Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver dated December 18, 2001 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., JP Morgan Chase, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.07 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
 
 
 
4.08.
 
Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver Agreement dated April 30, 2002 by and among JP Morgan Chase Bank, Tidel Engineering, L.P. and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002).
 
 
 
4.09.
 
Promissory Note dated April 1, 1999 executed by Tidel Engineering, L.P. payable to the order of Chase Bank of Texas Commerce, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.03 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.10.
 
Term Note dated April 1, 1999, executed by Tidel Engineering, L.P. and us, payable to the order of Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.11.
 
Revolving Credit Note dated September 30, 1999, executed by Tidel Engineering, L.P., payable to the order of Chase Bank of Texas, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.12.
 
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note dated November 30, 2000 by and between Tidel Engineering, L.P. and The Chase Manhattan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2000).

 
4.13.
 
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note dated April 30, 2002 by and between Tidel Engineering, L.P. and JP Morgan Chase Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002).
 
 
 
4.14.
 
Security Agreement (Personal Property) dated as of April 1, 1999, by and between Tidel Engineering, L.P. and Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.05 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.15.
 
Security Agreement (Personal Property) dated as of April 1, 1999, by and between Tidel Cash Systems, Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.16.
 
Security Agreement (Personal Property) dated as of April 1, 1999, by and between Tidel Services, Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.07 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.17.
 
Unconditional Guaranty Agreement dated April 1, 1999, executed by Tidel Technologies, Inc. for the benefit of Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.08 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.18.
 
Unconditional Guaranty Agreement dated April 1, 1999, executed by Tidel Services, Inc. for the benefit of Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.09 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.19.
 
Unconditional Guaranty Agreement dated April 1, 1999, executed by Tidel Cash Systems, Inc. for the benefit of Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.20.
 
Pledge and Security Agreement (Stock) dated April 1, 1999, executed by Tidel Technologies, Inc. for the benefit of Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.21.
 
Pledge and Security Agreement (Limited Partnership Interest) dated April 1, 1999, executed by Tidel Services, Inc. for the benefit of Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.22.
 
Pledge and Security Agreement (Limited Partnership Interest) dated April 1, 1999, executed by Tidel Cash Systems, Inc. for the benefit of Chase Bank of Texas, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999).
 
 
 
4.23.
 
Form of Agreement under our 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of our Form S-8 dated February 14, 2000).
 
 
 
(1)4.24.
 
Form of Agreement under our 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of our Form S-8 dated February 14, 2000).
 
 
 
4.25.
 
Common stock Purchase Warrant issued to Montrose Investments Ltd. dated September 8, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000).
 
 
 
4.26.
 
Common stock Purchase Warrant issued to Montrose Investments Ltd. dated September 8, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000).

 
4.27.
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated September 8, 2000 by and between Montrose Investments Ltd. and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000).
 
 
 
4.28.
 
Joinder and Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated September 29, 2000 by and between Acorn Investment Trust and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 29, 2000).
 
 
 
4.29.
 
Amendment and Supplement to Intercreditor Agreement dated September 6, 2001 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., NCR Corporation, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
 
 
 
4.30.
 
Amended and Restated Intercreditor Agreement dated September 24, 2001 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., NCR Corporation, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
 
 
 
4.31.
 
Our Convertible Debenture issued to Montrose Investments, Ltd. dated September 8, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000).
 
 
 
4.32.
 
Subordination Agreement dated September 8, 2000 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., Montrose Investments, Ltd., The Chase Manhattan Bank, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000).
 
 
 
4.33.
 
Convertible Debenture issued to Acorn Investment Trust dated September 29, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 29, 2000).
 
 
 
4.34.
 
Subordination Agreement dated September 29, 2000 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., Acorn Investment Trust, The Chase Manhattan Bank, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 29, 2000).
 
 
 
4.35.
 
Convertible Term Note in favor of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. in the principal amount of $6,450,000 dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.35 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.36.
 
Convertible Term Note in favor of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. in the principal amount of $400,000 dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.37.
 
Convertible Term Note in favor of Laidlaw Southwest, LLC in the principal amount of $100,000 dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.38.
 
Security Agreement by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., Tidel Cash Systems, Inc., AnyCard International, Inc., Tidel Services, Inc., and us, dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.39.
 
Equity Pledge Agreement by and between Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. and us dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.40.
 
Partnership Interest Pledge Agreement by and among Tidel Cash Systems, Inc., Tidel Services, Inc. and Laurus Master Fund, Ltd., dated as of November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.41.
 
Registration Rights Agreement by and between Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. and us, dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.42.
 
Our common stock Purchase Warrant issued to Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.42 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.43.
 
Blocked Account Control Agreement by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. and JP Morgan Chase Bank, dated as of November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.43 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.44.
 
Guaranty by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., Tidel Cash Systems, Inc., Tidel Services, Inc., Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. and us, dated as of November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.44 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
4.45.
 
Payoff Letter of Wallis State Bank dated November 24, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.45 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).

 
4.46.
 
Convertible Term Note in favor of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. in the principal amount of $600,000 dated November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
4.47.
 
Convertible Term Note in favor of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. in the principal amount of $1,500,000 dated November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
4.48.
 
Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. dated November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
4.49.
 
Agreement of Amendment and Reaffirmation by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., Tidel Cash Systems, Inc., AnyCard International, Inc., Tidel Services, Inc., Laurus Master Fund, Ltd., and us, dated as of November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
4.50.
 
Convertible Promissory Note in favor of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. in the principal amount of $1,250,000 dated November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
4.51.
 
Guaranty in favor of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. dated as of November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
(1)10.01.
 
1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form S-8 dated February 14, 2000).
 
 
 
(1)10.02.
 
1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Form S-8 dated February 14, 2000).
 
 
 
10.03.
 
Lease Agreement dated February 21, 1992 between San Felipe Plaza, Ltd. and us, related to the occupancy of our executive offices (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1992).
 
 
 
10.04.
 
Amendment to Lease Agreement dated September 15, 1997 between San Felipe Plaza, Ltd. and us, related to the occupancy of our executive offices (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997).
 
 
 
10.05.
 
Lease dated as of December 9, 1994 (together with the Addendum and Exhibits thereto) between Booth, Inc. and Tidel Engineering, Inc. related to the occupancy of our principal operating facility in Carrollton, Texas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994).
 
 
 
10.06.
 
Agreement dated October 30, 1991 between Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (“ACS”) and Tidel Engineering, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1992).
 
 
 
10.07.
 
EFT Processing Services Agreement dated February 3, 1995 by, between and among ACS, AnyCard International, Inc. and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995).
 
 
 
10.08.
 
Amendment to EFT Processing Services Agreement dated as of September 14, 1995 by, between and among ACS, AnyCard International, Inc. and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year fiscal ended September 30, 1995).
 
 
 
10.09.
 
Purchase Agreement dated February 3, 1995 between ACS and AnyCard International, Inc. related to the purchase by ACS of ATMs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995).

 
10.10.
 
Amendment to Purchase Agreement dated September 14, 1995 between ACS and AnyCard International, Inc. related to the purchase by ACS of ATMs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995).
 
 
 
(1)10.11.
 
Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2000 between James T. Rash and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000).
 
 
 
(1)10.12.
 
Form of Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2000 between Tidel Engineering, L.P. and Mark K. Levenick, Michael F. Hudson, M. Flynt Moreland and Eugene Moore, individually (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
 
 
 
10.13.
 
Convertible Debenture Purchase Agreement dated September 8, 2000 by and between Montrose Investments Ltd. and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000).
 
 
 
10.14.
 
Convertible Debenture Purchase Agreement dated September 29, 2000 by and between Acorn Investment Trust and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 29, 2000).
 
 
 
10.15.
 
ATM Inventory Purchase Agreement dated September 7, 2001 by and among Tidel Engineering, L.P., NCR Corporation, and us (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001).
 
 
 
10.16.
 
Note Purchase Agreement by and between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wallis State Bank, with the consent and agreement of Tidel Engineering, L.P., Tidel Technologies, Inc., Tidel Services, Inc., and Tidel Cash Systems, Inc. dated June 30, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
10.17.
 
Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. and us dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
10.18.
 
Termination Agreement by and between Montrose Investments Ltd. and us dated November 24, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
10.19.
 
Termination Agreement by and between Columbia Acorn Trust and us dated November 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, filed February 1, 2005).
 
 
 
10.20.
 
Securities Purchase Agreement by and between Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. and us dated November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
10.21.
 
Purchase Order Finance and Security Agreement dated as of November 26, 2004 between Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. and Tidel Engineering, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2004).
 
 
 
10.22.
 
Agreement Regarding NCR Transaction and Other Asset Sales by and between Laurus Master Fund, Ltd., and us, dated November 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004 and 2003).
 
 
 
(1)10.23.
 
Tidel/Peltier Agreement dated February 23, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 8-K dated February 23, 2005).
 
 
 
(1)*10.24.
 
Settlement Agreement by and between Tidel Engineering, L.P., Michael F. Hudson and us, dated June 22, 2005.
 
 
 
14.01.
 
Code of Conduct and Ethics of Tidel Technologies, Inc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.01 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004 and 2003).
 
 
 
21.01.
 
Subsidiaries.
 
 
 
*31.1.
 
Certification of Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mark K. Levenick, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*31.2.
 
Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer, Robert D. Peltier, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*32.1.
 
Certification of Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mark K. Levenick, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
*32.2.
 
Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer, Robert D. Peltier, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
____________

*
Filed herewith.

(1)
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
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