================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006 or [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No Fee Required) For the transition period from ___________ to ___________ Commission file number: 0-11254 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPYTELE, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Delaware 11-2622630 - ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ (State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) of Incorporation or Organization) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 900 Walt Whitman Road Melville, NY 11747 (631) 549-5900 (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.01 par value Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [_] No [x] Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [_] No [x] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [_] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statement 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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [_] Accelerated filer [x] Non-accelerated filer [_] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [_] No [x] Aggregate market value of the voting stock (which consists solely of shares of Common Stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of April 28, 2006 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter), computed by reference to the closing sale price of the registrant's Common Stock on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board on such date ($0.80): $74,212,833 On January 9, 2007, the registrant had outstanding 101,398,510 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, which is the registrant's only class of common stock. ================================================================================ DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: NONE PART I Item 1. Business. Forward-Looking Statements Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "likely," "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under "Item 1A. - Risk Factors" below. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Overview Our principal operations are the development, production and marketing of a thin, flat low-voltage phosphor display (our "LVNDTM display") and the development, production and marketing of multi-functional encryption products that provide information security for domestic and international users over virtually every communications media. LVNDTM Display In fiscal 2006, we continued to develop our LVNDTM display technology. Our LVNDTM display incorporates a proprietary thin film technology (TFT)-based pixel matrix electron control system ("PMECS") that can operate with virtually any electron emission system. We use different types of proprietary electron emission systems, including carbon nanotubes, both reflective and non-reflective planar edge, and thin films. The different emission systems are suitable for different display application requirements. Our LVNDTM displays incorporating PMECS consist of two thin glass substrates. Using our unique rapid low temperature and low profile vacuum technology, we create a vacuum between the substrates and seal them. The PMECS, which is located on one of the substrates, is being exclusively produced for us by an Asian company utilizing its mass production TFT LCD (liquid crystal display) facilities. We have demonstrated our LVNDTM display technology by exhibiting it at display symposiums and through private demonstrations to potentially interested companies. We have presented the LVNDTM display's capabilities and features by showing TV programs and movies from DVD players. 1 We have continued to develop a variation of our LVND(TM) display utilizing carbon nanotubes and proprietary low voltage color phosphors. We have developed engineering models which demonstrate the display's ability to show images from computers by controlling the brightness of selected individual pixels utilizing our carbon nanotube display technology. The carbon nanotubes, which are being supplied to us by a U.S. company, require a low voltage for electron emission and are extremely small - approximately 10,000 times thinner than the width of a human hair. The 5.5 inch (diagonal) display we developed has 960 x 234 pixels and utilizes a new memory-based active matrix thin film technology (AMTFT) with each pixel phosphor activated by electrons emitted by a proprietary carbon nanotube network located approximately 10 microns (1/10th of a human hair) from the pixels. As a result, each pixel phosphor brightness is controlled using a maximum of only 40 volts. The carbon nanotubes and proprietary color phosphors are precisely placed and separated utilizing our proprietary nanotube and phosphor deposition technology. The carbon nanotube election emission display technology utilizes the same TFT color matrix structures as the thin film electron emission technology. Some other characteristics of our LVND(TM) display technology are as follows: o We have developed a proprietary system which allows us to evacuate our display; to rapidly vacuum seal it at a low temperature to accommodate the TFT matrix; and to create lithographic type spacers to assemble our LVNDTM display utilizing only 0.7mm glass. We thus obtain a display thickness of approximately 1/16th of an inch, thinner than LCD and PDP (plasma) displays. o The display matrix, carbon nanotubes, phosphors, and drivers are all on one substrate. A second substrate is utilized only to allow a vacuum to be created within the display. o Our display is able to select and change the brightness of each individual pixel within the AMTFT, requiring only 40 volts on each pixel phosphor to change the brightness from black to white. This compares to thousands of volts required for other video phosphor based displays, which leads to inherent breakdowns and short life. o Our LVNDTM display has no backlight. Because power is only consumed when a pixel is turned on, low power is needed to activate the whole display. The display requires less than 1/5th the power required by an LCD. This low power consumption could potentially allow use of rechargeable batteries to operate TV products for wireless applications and extend the battery operation time for portable devices. o The same basic display technology could potentially be utilized in various size applications, from hand-held to TV size displays. 2 o Our proprietary AMTFT matrix structure can be produced utilizing existing mass production TFT LCD facilities. o Our display eliminates display flicker by having memory in each pixel and eliminates pixel cross-talk. o Our display has an approximately 1,000 times faster video response time than an LCD, and matches the response time of a cathode ray tube (CRT). o Our display can be viewed with high contrast over approximately a 180 degree viewing angle, in both the horizontal and vertical directions, which exceeds the viewing angle of LCDs. o Also like CRTs, our display is capable of operating over a temperature range (-40(degree)C to 85(degree)C) which exceeds the range over which LCDs can operate, especially under cold temperature conditions. We believe our LVNDTM displays could potentially have a cost similar to a CRT and thus less than current LCD or PDP displays (our display does not contain a backlight, or color filter or polarizer, which represent a substantial portion of the cost of an LCD). We are continuing to optimize our LVND(TM) display technology performance including its reliability, size and potential cost. We are discussing our technology and business arrangements with several companies that have expressed a desire to either produce portions of our display or license our display for use in conjunction with their products. Our Asian supplier has supplied us with 5.5 inch (diagonal) TFT color matrix structures with 960 X 234 pixels which incorporate PMECS. We are now producing, with the assistance of Volga Svet Ltd. ("Volga"), a Russian display company that we have been working with for more than nine years, LVNDTM displays using these structures in combination with our proprietary thin film electron emission technology. We are working with Volga to perform acceptance tests on our 5.5 inch (diagonal) display utilizing thin film electron emitters, based on requests from car and truck producers in Russia for navigational and informational purposes. We have successfully tested our displays under various environmental conditions. This included subjecting our displays to shock, vibration, and operating temperatures from -40(degree)C to 85(degree)C. Our displays are capable of operating under both sunlight and nighttime conditions. As a result, we believe that our displays can meet performance requirements for both outdoor and indoor applications. Encryption Products and Technology Over the past year, we have directed our marketing efforts toward both the government and commercial security markets. Our government market has been primarily handled by Boeing and its large distributors of the Thuraya satellite phones. As a result, we have our security products operating over the Thuraya network in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Thuraya is 3 scheduled to start providing, early next year, satellite service to the Far East, which could potentially create larger marketing opportunities for our encryption products. Our security products for the Thuraya network are being used by government agencies, the military and domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We have supplied USS-900, DCS-1400, and DCS-1200 products to major Thuraya distributors for use by government agencies and NGOs in Middle Eastern, European and African countries. We are hopeful that these recent developments will lead to larger commitments for our security products. In addition, we have supplied our USS-900AF automatic fax encryption product to a major U.S. defense contractor to secure its worldwide fax communications and have supplied our encryption solution to a major U.S. company to secure its executive teleconferencing system. We have an agreement with Boeing under which Boeing is the exclusive distributor of our DCS-1400D (docker voice encryption device), USS-900T (satellite fax encryption device), USS-900TL (landline to satellite fax encryption device), USS-900WF (satellite and cellular fax encryption device), USS-900WFL (landline to satellite and cellular fax encryption device) and USS-900TC (satellite fax encryption to computer) products. Boeing now distributes 13 of our products. Boeing sells these products under the brand name of Thuraya. We have also developed for Boeing a voice product to operate over the Thuraya network having a higher level of security. We are cooperating with Asia Pacific Satellite Industries ("APSI"), the supplier of the next generation voice and data handsets for the Thuraya network, and with Boeing to integrate our encryption solution into APSI's handset. As a first step, we have received samples of the next generation satellite telephone from APSI and have designed an interconnect cable that offers compatibility between the new phone and our current DCS-1200, DCS-1400 and USS-900T models. This solution has been tested by APSI, and is currently under field testing by Boeing. We believe that the same interconnect cable will provide compatibility with APSI's next generation cellular/satellite phone that will be released shortly. We also plan to develop, together with APSI and Boeing, a small voice-only encryption device that will directly connect to the satellite phone, offering simplified operation in a highly convenient package. In connection with Boeing becoming the exclusive distributor of certain of our products, Boeing authorized us to use its name on our website. Accordingly, customers desiring to purchase these encryption products can find authorized Boeing sales information on the "Encryption Products" page of our website or on the Thuraya website at http://www.thuraya.com/content/thuraya-products-boe.html. In May 2006, Boeing demonstrated our encryption products to Thuraya service providers at the annual Service Providers Conference. 4 Our encryption products also can be used to encrypt data over the Globalstar network. Globalstar provides satellite voice and data service throughout a world-wide coverage area. Our DCS-1200 and DCS-1400 encryption devices are included on the Globalstar webpage, http://www.globalstarusa.com/en/products /encryption.php. We have developed a prototype hardware device to encrypt Short Message Service ("SMS"), an inexpensive text message communication protocol that is used in many cellular and satellite phones and networks. We currently plan to utilize this encryption solution in conjunction with the Thuraya handsets, but it can be used for data communications across other platforms as well. Our products provide secure communications with many different satellite phones, including the Thuraya 7100/7101 handheld terminal ("HHT"), Globalstar GSP-1600 HHT, Telit SAT-550/600 HHT, Globalstar GSP-2800/2900 fixed phone, Iridium 9500/9505/9505A HHT, Inmarsat M4 and Mini "M" HHT units from Thrane & Thrane and Nera. Through the use of our products, encrypted satellite communications are available for many Thuraya docking units, including Teknobil's Next Thuraya Docker, Thuraya's Fixed Docking Adapter, APSI's FDU-2500 Fixed Docking Unit, and Sattrans's SAT-OFFICE Fixed Docking Unit and SAT-VDA Hands-Free Car Kit. We are continuing to pursue commercial security opportunities created by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and other corporate governance requirements. The TCP/IP encryption provided by our DCS-1700 is being evaluated by firms that require secure data communications when using multifunctional office products. The DCS-1700 secures the network or internet connection between the multifunctional product and a corporate server, protecting sensitive information during its transmission from origin to destination. A new DCS-1700 application that we are co-developing with another organization is to provide encrypted TCP/IP communications between computers and backup servers. The easy-to-use turnkey product could be utilized by large organizations to facilitate the turnover of a computer from one employee to another, or to upgrade the software on an employee's computer. The automated system allows sensitive information, such as program license keys and user databases, to be protected over the network or internet connections to the controlling server. We are investigating additional DCS-1700 applications in the automobile industry. An interactive customer-friendly electronic selling device is being designed by a company to help business managers monitor the automobile sales process. CopyTele's encryption technology could help keep the customer's financial information secure while the sales records are stored at the dealership and during the sales process. In February 2006, we licensed to Digital Info Security Co., Inc. ("DISC"), an encryption system that integrates our encryption technology into DISC's secure e-mail services. DISC is now test marketing this system. The system, our DCS-2200, is intended to allow companies to encrypt all e-mail transactions in a manner transparent to the individual user. DISC is adding our 5 e-mail encryption system to their suite of management products and services, which includes e-mail compliance and archiving, remote backup and recovery, and Spam and antivirus protection functions. The CopyTele DCS-2200 e-mail system consists of an encryption/decryption module, which is used within Microsoft Outlook(R) to transparently encrypt and decrypt e-mails at the source or destination, and an e-mail server, which receives clear text or encrypted e-mail communication, archives a copy and re-encrypts it for forwarding to the recipient. Archive copies are saved in accordance with the tracking and monitoring requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act as well as other regulatory requirements. In furtherance of the relationship between us and DISC, we exchanged 100,000 shares of our common stock for 5,000,000 shares of DISC's common stock in February 2006. Since then, we have purchased an additional 7,200,000 shares of DISC's common stock and exchanged an additional 300,000 shares of our common stock for an additional 5,000,000 shares of DISC's common stock. As of January 9, 2007 we own approximately 14 percent of the outstanding common stock of DISC. We are continuing to seek patents to protect our encryption technologies. We recently received a patent for a system to provide additional security for information sent over any communication network. We were incorporated on November 5, 1982 under the laws of the State of Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 900 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747, our telephone number is 631-549-5900, and our Internet website address is www.copytele.com. We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule 14A, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. New Technologies Under Development LVNDTM Display Technology We are continuing to pursue our efforts to develop new technologies for our color and monochrome LVNDTM displays. In particular we are optimizing our carbon nanotube LVNDTM display technology, which incorporates our proprietary low voltage and low power carbon nanotube electron emission system as part of PMECS. We are also utilizing our E-Paper(TM) technology in connection with development of our PMECS incorporating our carbon nanotube electron emission technology. There can be no assurance that we can mass produce our LVNDTM displays using our PMECS and carbon nanotube technology. 6 Encryption Technology We are continually engaged in the development of additional capabilities for our current product lines as well as the development of new products to meet current and anticipated customer applications. We are further developing an encryption solution to secure data links among corporate servers and scanners, include to secure data backup, to meet HIPAA, Sabanes-Oxley, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, and other corporate government requirements. We are also developing an encryption system to secure e-mail services. In February 2006, we licensed to DISC an encryption system that integrates our encryption technology into DISC's secure e-mail services. DISC is now test marketing this system. The system, our DCS-2200, is intended to allow companies to encrypt all e-mail transactions in a manner transparent to the individual user. DISC is adding our e-mail encryption system to their suite of management products and services, which includes e-mail compliance and archiving, remote backup and recovery, and SPAM and antivirus protection functions. We developed and have produced a prototype of an encryption product to encrypt the next generation voice and data handset over the Thuraya network. Production Flat Panel Video Display Products We are producing models, with the assistance of Volga, of both color and monochrome LVNDTM displays using the 5.5 inch (diagonal) TFT color matrix structures with 960 x 234 pixels which incorporate PMECS supplied to us by our Asian supplier. The displays also incorporate our hardware and software to generate color and monochrome information on our displays. Volga is performing acceptance tests on our 5.5 inch (diagonal) display utilizing thin film electron emitters based on requests from car and truck producers in Russia for navigation and information purposes. We are discussing our technology with several companies that have expressed a desire to either produce portions of our display or license our display for use in conjunction with their products. Encryption Products Our encryption products consist of a printed circuit board populated with electronic components and connectors enclosed in a plastic case. We design all the hardware, software, packaging and operating manuals for our products. The four main electronic components - the Citadel(TM) CCX encryption chip or hardware key generator chip; a digital signal processor; a vocoder; and modems - are contained on a printed circuit board. We are currently using several U.S.-based electronics-production contractors to procure the printed circuit boards and mount the associated electronics components on the circuit board. We currently use approximately a dozen primary component and printed circuit-board suppliers and one production assembly contractor. Given normal lead times, we anticipate having a readily available supply of all electronic components that we require for assembling our encryption products. 7 Our production contractors produce and visually inspect the completed circuit boards. We perform final assembly, including installation of the software, by enclosing the completed printed circuit boards into the product and performing functionality testing of all units at our premises at Melville, New York prior to shipment to our customers. We test our finished products using internally developed product assurance testing procedures. We currently produce our line of products in quantities to meet marketing requirements. Marketing and Sales Flat Panel Video Display Products We are continuing to pursue marketing and licensing opportunities for our display technology, however to date we have not had any revenue from sales or licensing of our LVNDTM display. We have utilized models of our 5.5 inch (diagonal) color and monochrome displays to demonstrate the capabilities of our display and its advantages over LCD, Plasma and CRT displays. We have displayed our LVNDTM display at exhibitions. In June 2006, we exhibited our Flat Panel LVNDTM display to personnel from more than one hundred companies and government agencies at the Society for Information Display International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition, the premier international gathering of scientists, engineers, manufacturers and users for the discussion, presentation, viewing and exhibiting of information display technology. We are discussing our technology and business arrangements with several companies that have expressed a desire to either produce portions of our display or license our display for use in conjunction with their products. We have continued to work with Volga to produce and supply both our monochrome and color LVNDTM displays to a Russian customer that provides informational modules to vehicles, for the customer's evaluation. Encryption Products During the past year we have continued to direct our marketing efforts to participate in the security opportunities created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Department, and the enactment of laws such as HIPAA, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which mandate that government and private sector firms provide higher levels of information privacy and security. For example, HIPAA requires certain privacy protection for medical records and other health care information for individuals. We are working with three companies on applications involving our encryption technology that offer simple, straight-forward compliance measures for these laws and we have agreements with several large companies to provide them with both our hardware and software solutions to meet their security requirements. We have licensed to DISC an encryption system that integrates our encryption technology into DISC's secure e-mail services. DISC is now test marketing this system. 8 We have a long term agreement with Boeing, which is distributing our line of encryption products. These include voice, fax and data products on both an exclusive and non-exclusive basis. We also have entered into an agreement with a major Thuraya service provider to distribute our encryption equipment. Through these efforts, we have recently begun receiving initial orders and requests from city, state, U.S. government agencies and financial institutions. We expect that these orders could result in requirements for larger quantities of units for their security applications. In addition, we presently use a network of distributors in the security field and original equipment manufacturers which market our encryption products on a non-exclusive basis. These distributors, along with our internal marketing group, have sold and marketed our encryption products to multinational corporations, U.S. and foreign governments and local and federal law enforcement agencies. We continue to provide training and technical support to our customers and to our distributors and dealers. Customers During fiscal 2006, we recognized approximately $204,000 in net sales from GloCall Middle East FZE, a subsidiary of France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications and a Thuraya service provider, approximately 40% of our total net sales. During fiscal 2005, we recognized approximately $339,000 in net sales from The Boeing Company, approximately 77% of our total net sales. During fiscal 2004 we recognized approximately $300,000 in net sales from The Boeing Company, or approximately 61% of total net sales, and approximately $93,000 in net sales from Outfitter Satellite, Inc., or approximately 19% of total net sales. All of such sales were in our Encryption Products and Services Segment. Competition The market for encryption products and flat panel displays worldwide is highly competitive and subject to technological changes. Although successful product and systems development is not necessarily dependent on substantial financial resources, most of our competitors are larger than us and possess financial, research, service support, marketing, manufacturing and other resources significantly greater than ours. There are several other companies that sell hardware and/or software encryption products and there are many large companies that sell flat panel displays. We believe, however, that the technology contained in our encryption products and our flat panel displays have features that distinguish them from the products being sold by our competitors. The encryption security and flat panel display markets are likely to be characterized by rapid advances in technology and the continuing introduction of new products that could render our products obsolete or non-competitive. We cannot give you any assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in the market for our encryption products and our flat panel displays. 9 Patents We have received patents from the United States and certain foreign patent offices, expiring at various dates between 2007 and 2022. We have also filed or are planning to file patent applications for our LVNDTM display technologies, including our PMECS and nanotube technologies, and for our encryption technologies. We have received from the U.S. patent office patents for six variations of our video display technology. We have also received patents related to the design, structure and method of construction of the E-Paper(TM) flat panel display, methods of operating the display, particle generation, applications using the E-Paper(TM) flat panel display, and for our solid state and thin film video color display. In addition, three of our patent applications describing our display technology have recently been published. We have received from the U.S. patent office four patents related to our encryption technology. Two other of our patent applications describing our fax, voice and data encryption over satellite and cellular communication networks have recently been published. We cannot assure you that patents will be issued for any of our pending applications. In addition, we cannot assure you that any patents held or obtained will sufficiently protect us against our competitors. We are not aware that any of our encryption products are infringing upon the patents of others. We cannot assure you, however, that other products developed by us, if any, will not infringe upon the patents of others, or that we will not have to obtain licenses under the patents of others, although we are not aware of any such infringement at this time. We believe that the foregoing patents are significant to our future operations. Research and Development Research and development expenses were approximately $4,614,000, $2,267,000, and $2,164,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" below and our Financial Statements. Employees and Consultants We had 21 full-time and 1 part-time employees and 9 consultants as of October 31, 2006. Eighteen of these individuals, including our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Office and our President, are engaged in research and development. Their backgrounds include expertise in physics, chemistry, optics and electronics. Five individuals are engaged in marketing and the remaining individuals are engaged in administrative and financial functions for us. None of our employees is represented by a labor organization or union. 10 Financial Information About Segments and Geographical Areas See our Financial Statements Item 1A. Risk Factors. Our business involves a high degree of risk and uncertainty, including the following risks and uncertainties: o We have experienced significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations and they may continue. We have had net losses and negative cash flows from operations in each year since our inception, and we may continue to incur substantial losses and experience substantial negative cash flows from operations. We have incurred substantial costs and expenses in developing our encryption and flat panel display technologies and in our efforts to produce commercially marketable products incorporating our technology. We have had limited sales of products to support our operations from inception through October 31, 2006. We have set forth below our net losses, research and development expenses and net cash used in operations for the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2006: Fiscal Years Ended October 31, ------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 2004 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net loss $7,600,901 $4,451,257 $3,360,655 Research and development expenses 4,614,300 2,266,911 2,164,427 Net cash used in operations 1,847,108 1,720,332 1,205,122 o We may need additional funding in the future which may not be available on acceptable terms and, if available, may result in dilution to our stockholders, and our auditors have issued a "going concern" audit opinion. We anticipate that, if cash generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy our requirements, we will require additional funding to continue our research and development activities and market our products. The auditor's report on our financial statements as of October 31, 2006 states that the net loss incurred during the year ended October 31, 2006, our accumulated deficit as of that date, and the other factors described in Note 1 to the Financial Statements raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The auditor's report on our financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004 contained a similar statement. Our financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. 11 We believe that our existing cash and accounts receivable, together with cash flows from expected sales of encryption products and flat panel displays, and other potential sources of cash flows, will be sufficient to enable us to continue in operation until at least the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2008. We anticipate that, thereafter, we will require additional funds to continue marketing, production, and research and development activities, and we will require outside funding if cash generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements. However, our projections of future cash needs and cash flows may differ from actual results. If current cash and cash that may be generated from operations are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell debt or equity securities or to obtain a line of credit prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt could result in dilution to our stockholders. We can give no assurance that we will be able to generate adequate funds from operations, that funds will be available to us from debt or equity financings or that, if available; we will be able to obtain such funds on favorable terms and conditions. We currently have no arrangements with respect to additional financing. If we cannot obtain such funds if needed, we would need to curtail or cease some or all of our operations. o We may not generate sufficient revenue to support our operations in the future or to generate profits. We are engaged in two principal operations: (i) the development, production and marketing of our LVNDTM display and (ii) the development, production and marketing of multi-functional encryption products that provide information security for domestic and international users over virtually every communications media. We have only recently started to produce color and monochrome versions of our display and to date, we have not had any revenue from sales or licensing of our display. Our encryption products are only in their initial stages of commercial production. Our investments in research and development are considerable. Our ability to generate sufficient revenues to support our operations in the future or to generate profits will depend upon numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including: o Our ability to successfully market our line of LVNDTM displays and encryption products. o The capability of Volga to produce color and monochrome LVNDTM displays and supply them to us. o Our ability to enter into arrangements with other companies to produce and market our LVNDTM displays. o Our production capabilities and those of our suppliers as required for the production of our encryption products. o Long-term performance of our products. o The capability of our dealers and distributors to adequately service our encryption products. o Our ability to maintain an acceptable pricing level to end-users for both our encryption and display products. o The ability of suppliers to meet our requirements and schedule. 12 o Our ability to successfully develop other new products under development. o Rapidly changing consumer preferences. o The possible development of competitive products that could render our products obsolete or unmarketable. o Our future negotiations with Volga with respect to payments and other arrangements under our Joint Cooperation Agreement with Volga. Because our revenue is subject to fluctuation, we may be unable to reduce operating expenses quickly enough to offset any unexpected revenue shortfall. If we have a shortfall in revenue in relation to expenses, our operating results would suffer. Our operating results for any particular fiscal year may not be indicative of future operating results. You should not rely on year-to-year comparisons of results of operations as an indication of our future performance. o We are dependent upon a few key executives and the loss of their services could adversely affect us. Our future success is dependent on our ability to hire, retain and motivate highly qualified personnel. In particular, our success depends on the continued efforts of our Chief Executive Officer, Denis A. Krusos, and our President, Frank J. DiSanto, who founded our company in 1982 and are engaged in the management and operations of our business, including all aspects of the development, production and marketing of our encryption products and flat panel display technology. In addition, Messrs. Krusos and DiSanto, as well as our other skilled management and technical personnel, are important to our future business and financial arrangements. We do not have employment agreements with, nor do we maintain "key person" life insurance on, either Mr. Krusos or Mr. DiSanto. The loss of the services of any such persons could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. o The very competitive markets for our encryption products and flat panel display technology could have a harmful effect on our business and operating results. The markets for our encryption products and flat panel display technology worldwide are highly competitive and subject to rapid technological changes. Most of our competitors are larger than us and possess financial, research, service support, marketing, manufacturing and other resources significantly greater than ours. Competitive pressures may have a harmful effect on our business and operating results. o Our common stock is subject to the SEC's penny stock rules which may make our shares more difficult to sell. Our stock fits the definition of a penny stock. The SEC rules regarding penny stocks may have the effect of reducing trading activity in our common stock and making it more difficult for investors to sell their shares. The rules require a broker to deliver a risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny 13 stock market. The broker must also give bid and offer quotations and broker and salesperson compensation information to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting a transaction and in writing with the confirmation. The SEC rules also require a broker to make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction before completion of the transaction. These requirements may result in a lower trading volume of our common stock and lower trading prices. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None. Item 2. Properties. We lease approximately 12,000 square feet of office and laboratory research facilities at 900 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York (our principal offices) from an unrelated party pursuant to a lease that expires November 30, 2008. Our base rent is approximately $261,000 per annum with a 3% annual increase and an escalation clause for increases in certain operating costs. This lease does not contain provisions for its renewal and management will continue to evaluate the future adequacy of this facility. We anticipate securing a lease renewal for this facility at the end of the lease term if we determine to remain there. See Note 10 to our Financial Statements. We believe that the facilities described above are adequate for our current requirements. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. We are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on October 31, 2006, four directors were elected and the selection of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2006 was ratified. The following is a tabulation of the voting with respect to the foregoing matters: (a) Election of Directors: Nominee For Withheld ------- --- -------- Denis A. Krusos 86,690,952 3,126,688 Frank J. DiSanto 87,354,163 2,463,477 Henry P. Herms 87,510,607 2,307,033 George P. Larounis 87,497,607 2,320,033 14 (b) Ratification of selection of Grant Thornton LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2006: For Against Abstain --- ------- ------- 89,113,989 428,306 275,344 15 PART II Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Our common stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, under the symbol "COPY". The high and low sales prices as reported by the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board for each quarterly fiscal period during our fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2006 have been as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal Period High Low - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st quarter 2005 $1.08 $0.72 2nd quarter 2005 0.77 0.43 3rd quarter 2005 0.67 0.35 4th quarter 2005 0.68 0.44 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st quarter 2006 1.06 0.52 2nd quarter 2006 1.09 0.73 3rd quarter 2006 1.00 0.62 4th quarter 2006 $0.70 $0.51 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of January 9, 2006, the approximate number of record holders of our common stock was 1,354 and the closing price of our common stock was $0.92 per share. No cash dividends have been paid on our common stock since our inception. We have no present intention to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. 16 Item 6. Selected Financial Data. The following selected financial data has been derived from our audited Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements, and the notes related thereto, which are included in this report. As of and for the years ended October 31, ------------------------------------------------------------ 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue - Net Sales $ 508,651 $ 439,785 $ 494,462 $ 244,221 $ 645,027 Collaborative agreement - - - - 4,541,667 ------------------------------------------------------------ Total revenue 508,651 439,785 494,462 244,221 5,186,694 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of revenue - Cost of goods and services sold 156,446 132,966 176,112 123,140 327,056 Provision for excess inventory - 586,662 - 52,804 100,000 Collaborative agreement - - - - 1,444,002 ------------------------------------------------------------ Total cost of revenue 156,446 719,628 176,112 175,944 1,871,058 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Profit (Loss) 352,205 (279,843) 318,350 68,277 3,315,636 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Development Expenses 4,614,300 2,266,911 2,164,427 1,807,742 1,625,974 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 3,365,521 1,919,010 1,518,911 1,379,614 2,177,608 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Impairment Loss on Commercial Trade Barter Credits - - - - 2,820,800 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest Income 26,715 14,507 4,333 4,668 23,506 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Loss (7,600,901) (4,451,257) (3,360,655) (3,114,411) (3,285,240) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock - Basic and Diluted ($.08) ($.05) ($.04) ($.04) ($.05) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Assets 1,863,629 1,466,253 2,316,050 2,330,491 2,731,509 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Term Obligations - - - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholders' Equity 1,281,841 1,118,023 1,872,930 1,988,206 2,317,490 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Dividends Per Share of Common Stock - - - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Forward-Looking Statements Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "likely," "will," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those 17 concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors." We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. General Our principal operations are the development, production and marketing of a thin, flat low-voltage phosphor display (our "LVNDTM display") and the development, production and marketing of multi-functional encryption products that provide information security for domestic and international users over virtually every communications media. In fiscal 2006, we continued to develop our LVNDTM display technology. Our LVNDTM display incorporates a proprietary thin film technology (TFT)-based pixel matrix electron control system ("PMECS") that can operate with virtually any electron emission system. We use different types of proprietary electron emission systems, including carbon nanotubes, both reflective and non-reflective planar edge, and thin films. The different emission systems are suitable for different display application requirements. Our LVNDTM displays incorporating PMECS consist of two thin glass substrates. Using our unique rapid low temperature and low profile vacuum technology, we create a vacuum between the substrates and seal them. The PMECS, which is located on one of the substrates, is being exclusively produced for us by an Asian company utilizing its mass production TFT LCD (liquid crystal display) facilities. We have demonstrated our LVNDTM display technology by exhibiting it at display symposiums and through private demonstrations to potentially interested companies. We have presented the LVNDTM display's capabilities and features by showing TV programs and movies from DVD players. We have continued to develop a variation of our LVND(TM) display utilizing carbon nanotubes and proprietary low voltage color phosphors. We have developed engineering models which demonstrate the display's ability to show images from computers by controlling the brightness of selected individual pixels utilizing our carbon nanotube display technology. The carbon nanotubes, which are being supplied to us by a U.S. company, require a low voltage for electron emission and are extremely small - approximately 10,000 times thinner than the width of a human hair. The 5.5 inch (diagonal) display we developed has 960 x 234 pixels and utilizes a new memory-based active matrix thin film technology (AMTFT) with each pixel phosphor activated by electrons emitted by a proprietary carbon nanotube network located approximately 10 microns (1/10th of a human hair) from the pixels. As a result, each pixel phosphor brightness is controlled using a maximum of only 40 volts. The carbon nanotubes and proprietary color phosphors are precisely placed and separated utilizing our proprietary nanotube and phosphor deposition technology. The carbon nanotube election emission display technology utilizes the same TFT color matrix structures as the thin film electron emission technology. 18 Some other characteristics of our LVND(TM) display technology are as follows: o We have developed a proprietary system which allows us to evacuate our display; to rapidly vacuum seal it at a low temperature to accommodate the TFT matrix; and to create lithographic type spacers to assemble our LVNDTM display utilizing only 0.7mm glass. We thus obtain a display thickness of approximately 1/16th of an inch, thinner than LCD and PDP (plasma) displays. o The display matrix, carbon nanotubes, phosphors, and drivers are all on one substrate. A second substrate is utilized only to allow a vacuum to be created within the display. o Our display is able to select and change the brightness of each individual pixel within the AMTFT, requiring only 40 volts on each pixel phosphor to change the brightness from black to white. This compares to thousands of volts required for other video phosphor based displays, which leads to inherent breakdowns and short life. o Our LVNDTM display has no backlight. Because power is only consumed when a pixel is turned on, low power is needed to activate the whole display. The display requires less than 1/5th the power required by an LCD. This low power consumption could potentially allow use of rechargeable batteries to operate TV products for wireless applications and extend the battery operation time for portable devices. o The same basic display technology could potentially be utilized in various size applications, from hand-held to TV size displays. o Our proprietary AMTFT matrix structure can be produced utilizing existing mass production TFT LCD facilities. o Our display eliminates display flicker by having memory in each pixel and eliminates pixel cross-talk. o Our display has an approximately 1,000 times faster video response time than an LCD, and matches the response time of a cathode ray tube (CRT). o Our display can be viewed with high contrast over approximately a 180 degree viewing angle, in both the horizontal and vertical directions, which exceeds the viewing angle of LCDs. 19 o Also like CRTs, our display is capable of operating over a temperature range (-40(degree)C to 85(degree)C) which exceeds the range over which LCDs can operate, especially under cold temperature conditions. We believe our LVNDTM displays could potentially have a cost similar to a CRT and thus less than current LCD or PDP displays (our display does not contain a backlight, or color filter or polarizer, which represent a substantial portion of the cost of an LCD). We are continuing to optimize our LVND(TM) display technology performance including its reliability, size and potential cost. We are discussing our technology and business arrangements with several companies that have expressed a desire to either produce portions of our display or license our display for use in conjunction with their products. Our Asian supplier has supplied us with 5.5 inch (diagonal) TFT color matrix structures with 960 X 234 pixels which incorporate PMECS. We are now producing, with the assistance of Volga Svet Ltd. ("Volga"), a Russian display company that we have been working with for more than nine years, LVNDTM displays using these structures in combination with our proprietary thin film electron emission technology. We are working with Volga to perform acceptance tests on our 5.5 inch (diagonal) display utilizing thin film electron emitters, based on requests from car and truck producers in Russia for navigational and informational purposes. We have successfully tested our displays under various environmental conditions. This included subjecting our displays to shock, vibration, and operating temperatures from -40(degree)C to 85(degree)C. Our displays are capable of operating under both sunlight and nighttime conditions. As a result, we believe that our displays can meet performance requirements for both outdoor and indoor applications. Over the past year, we have directed our encryption marketing efforts toward both the government and commercial security markets. Our government market has been primarily handled by Boeing and its large distributors of the Thuraya satellite phones. As a result, we have our security products operating over the Thuraya network in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Thuraya is scheduled to start providing, early next year, satellite service to the Far East, which could potentially create larger marketing opportunities for our encryption products. Our security products for the Thuraya network are being used by government agencies, the military and domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We have supplied USS-900, DCS-1400, and DCS-1200 products to major Thuraya distributors for use by government agencies and NGOs in Middle Eastern, European and African countries. We are hopeful that these recent developments will lead to larger commitments for our security products. In addition, we have supplied our USS-900AF automatic fax encryption product to a major U.S. defense contractor to secure its worldwide fax communications and have supplied our encryption solution to a major U.S. company to secure its executive teleconferencing system. 20 We have an agreement with Boeing under which Boeing is the exclusive distributor of our DCS-1400D (docker voice encryption device), USS-900T (satellite fax encryption device), USS-900TL (landline to satellite fax encryption device), USS-900WF (satellite and cellular fax encryption device), USS-900WFL (landline to satellite and cellular fax encryption device) and USS-900TC (satellite fax encryption to computer) products. Boeing now distributes 13 of our products. Boeing sells these products under the brand name of Thuraya. We have also developed for Boeing a voice product to operate over the Thuraya network having a higher level of security. We are cooperating with Asia Pacific Satellite Industries ("APSI"), the supplier of the next generation voice and data handsets for the Thuraya network, and with Boeing to integrate our encryption solution into APSI's handset. As a first step, we have received samples of the next generation satellite telephone from APSI and have designed an interconnect cable that offers compatibility between the new phone and our current DCS-1200, DCS-1400 and USS-900T models. This solution has been tested by APSI, and is currently under field testing by Boeing. We believe that the same interconnect cable will provide compatibility with APSI's next generation cellular/satellite phone that will be released shortly. We also plan to develop, together with APSI and Boeing, a small voice-only encryption device that will directly connect to the satellite phone, offering simplified operation in a highly convenient package. In connection with Boeing becoming the exclusive distributor of certain of our products, Boeing authorized us to use its name on our website. Accordingly, customers desiring to purchase these encryption products can find authorized Boeing sales information on the "Encryption Products" page of our website or on the Thuraya website at http://www.thuraya.com/content/thuraya-products-boe.html. In May 2006, Boeing demonstrated our encryption products to Thuraya service providers at the annual Service Providers Conference. Our encryption products also can be used to encrypt data over the Globalstar network. Globalstar provides satellite voice and data service throughout a world-wide coverage area. Our DCS-1200 and DCS-1400 encryption devices are included on the Globalstar webpage, http://www.globalstarusa.com/en/products /encryption.php. We have developed a prototype hardware device to encrypt Short Message Service ("SMS"), an inexpensive text message communication protocol that is used in many cellular and satellite phones and networks. We currently plan to utilize this encryption solution in conjunction with the Thuraya handsets, but it can be used for data communications across other platforms as well. Our products provide secure communications with many different satellite phones, including the Thuraya 7100/7101 handheld terminal ("HHT"), Globalstar GSP-1600 HHT, Telit SAT-550/600 HHT, Globalstar GSP-2800/2900 fixed phone, Iridium 9500/9505/9505A HHT, Inmarsat M4 and Mini "M" HHT units from 21 Thrane & Thrane and Nera. Through the use of our products, encrypted satellite communications are available for many Thuraya docking units, including Teknobil's Next Thuraya Docker, Thuraya's Fixed Docking Adapter, APSI's FDU-2500 Fixed Docking Unit, and Sattrans's SAT-OFFICE Fixed Docking Unit and SAT-VDA Hands-Free Car Kit. We are continuing to pursue commercial security opportunities created by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and other corporate governance requirements. The TCP/IP encryption provided by our DCS-1700 is being evaluated by firms that require secure data communications when using multifunctional office products. The DCS-1700 secures the network or internet connection between the multifunctional product and a corporate server, protecting sensitive information during its transmission from origin to destination. A new DCS-1700 application that we are co-developing with another organization is to provide encrypted TCP/IP communications between computers and backup servers. The easy-to-use turnkey product could be utilized by large organizations to facilitate the turnover of a computer from one employee to another, or to upgrade the software on an employee's computer. The automated system allows sensitive information, such as program license keys and user databases, to be protected over the network or internet connections to the controlling server. We are investigating additional DCS-1700 applications in the automobile industry. An interactive customer-friendly electronic selling device is being designed by a company to help business managers monitor the automobile sales process. CopyTele's encryption technology could help keep the customer's financial information secure while the sales records are stored at the dealership and during the sales process. In February 2006, we licensed to Digital Info Security Co., Inc. ("DISC"), an encryption system that integrates our encryption technology into DISC's secure e-mail services. DISC is now test marketing this system. The system, our DCS-2200, is intended to allow companies to encrypt all e-mail transactions in a manner transparent to the individual user. DISC is adding our e-mail encryption system to their suite of management products and services, which includes e-mail compliance and archiving, remote backup and recovery, and Spam and antivirus protection functions. The CopyTele DCS-2200 e-mail system consists of an encryption/decryption module, which is used within Microsoft Outlook(R) to transparently encrypt and decrypt e-mails at the source or destination, and an e-mail server, which receives clear text or encrypted e-mail communication, archives a copy and re-encrypts it for forwarding to the recipient. Archive copies are saved in accordance with the tracking and monitoring requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act as well as other regulatory requirements. In furtherance of the relationship between us and DISC, we exchanged 100,000 shares of our common stock for 5,000,000 shares of DISC's common stock in February 2006. Since then, we have purchased an additional 7,200,000 shares of DISC's common stock and exchanged an additional 300,000 shares of our common stock for an additional 5,000,000 shares of DISC's common stock. As of January 9, 2007 we own approximately 14 percent of the outstanding common stock of DISC. 22 We are continuing to seek patents to protect our encryption technologies. We recently received a patent for a system to provide additional security for information sent over any communication network. Our operations and the achievement of our objectives in marketing, production, and research and development are dependent upon an adequate cash flow. Accordingly, in monitoring our financial position and results of operations, particular attention is given to cash and accounts receivable balances and cash flows from operations. Since our initial public offering, our cash flows have been primarily generated through the sales of common stock in private placements and upon exercise of stock options. Since 1999 we have also generated cash flows from sales of our encryption products. During the past year we have continued to direct our encryption marketing efforts to participate in the security opportunities created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Department, and the enactment of laws such as HIPAA, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which mandate that government and private sector firms provide higher levels of information privacy and security. We are continuing to pursue marketing and licensing opportunities for our display technology; however, to date, we have not had any revenue from sales or licensing of our LVNDTM display. We anticipate that current cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and cash generated from the exercise of employee options will be adequate to fund our operations at least through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2008. In reviewing Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, you should refer to our Financial Statements and the notes thereto. Critical Accounting Policies Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United State of America. As such, we are required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. We believe the following critical accounting polices affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements. Revenue Recognition Revenues from sales are recorded when all four of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred and title has transferred or services have been 23 rendered; (iii) our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, including material, labor and overhead, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market, which represents our best estimate of market value. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand, particularly finished goods, and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on forecasts of future product demand. During fiscal 2005, we recorded a provision for excess inventory due to changes in product requirements of approximately $587,000. Our net loss is directly affected by management's estimate of the realizability of inventories. To date, sales of our products have been limited. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will not be required to reduce the selling price of our inventory below our current carrying value in the future. Stock-Based Compensation Prior to November 1, 2005, we accounted for stock options granted to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB Opinion No. 25") and complied with the disclosure provision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" and SFAS No. 148 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS No. 123". In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123R"), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which a company receives employee services in exchange for either equity instruments of the company or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the company's equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. SFAS No. 123R eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method and requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method and recognized as expense in the statement of operations. Effective November 1, 2005, we adopted SFAS No. 123R. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as an expense ratably over the requisite service period of the award. We recorded approximately $2,973,000 of stock-based compensation expense, related to stock options granted to employees and directors, for the year ended October 31, 2006. Under the accounting method we followed prior to November 1, 2005, we did not record any stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted to employees and directors for the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004. If we had included the cost of employee stock option compensation in the financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, our net loss would have increased by approximately $2,805,000 and $2,909,000, respectively, based on the fair value of the stock options granted to employees. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional information. 24 Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, forfeiture rates and expected life. If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of SFAS No. 123R in future periods, the compensation expense that we record under SFAS No. 123R may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period. Results of Operations Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2006 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2005 Net Sales and Gross Profit Net Sales. Net sales increased by approximately $69,000 in fiscal 2006, to approximately $509,000, as compared to approximately $440,000 in fiscal 2005. All sales during both periods were from encryption products and services. The increase in net sales was due to an increase in revenue from encryption services of approximately $71,000 to approximately $131,000 in fiscal 2006, offset by a decrease in unit sales of encryption products of approximately $2,000 to approximately $378,000 in fiscal 2006. The revenue from encryption services in fiscal 2006 resulted from engineering services billed to DISC. Our encryption sales have been limited and are sensitive to individual large transactions. We believe that changes in sales of our encryption products between periods generally represent the nature of the early stage of our product and sales channel development. Revenue from sales of encryption services is generally non-recurring due to the nature of the individual transactions. Gross Profit (Loss). Gross profit (loss) from sales of encryption products and services increased by approximately $632,000 in fiscal 2006, to a profit of approximately $352,000, as compared to a loss of approximately $280,000 in fiscal 2005. The increase in gross profit is primarily the result of the provision for excess inventory due to changes in product requirements of approximately $587,000 recorded in fiscal 2005, compared to no such provision in fiscal 2006, and the increased revenue from encryption services in fiscal 2006. Gross profit as a percent of sales in fiscal 2006 was approximately 69%. Gross profit (loss) as a percent of sales in fiscal 2005 is not meaningful, since we recorded a loss, due to the inventory adjustment during the year. Because of the limited number of transactions during each of the periods, gross profit percentages, excluding the effect of inventory adjustments, are sensitive to individual transactions. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses increased by approximately $2,347,000 in fiscal 2006, to approximately $4,614,000, from approximately $2,267,000 in fiscal 2005. The increase in research and development expenses was principally due to employee stock option compensation expense of approximately $2,028,000 in 25 fiscal 2006 compared to $-0- in fiscal 2005, an increase of approximately $157,000 in outside research and development expense primarily relating to development of our LVNDTM display technology, an increase in patent related expenses of approximately $102,000 and an increase in employee compensation, other than stock option expense, and related costs of approximately $68,000. The employee stock option compensation expense included in our financial statements in fiscal 2006 is a result of our adopting SFAS No. 123R, effective November 1, 2005. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $1,447,000 to approximately $3,366,000 in fiscal 2006 from approximately $1,919,000 in fiscal 2005. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was principally due to employee stock option compensation expense of approximately $945,000 in fiscal 2006 compared to $-0- in fiscal 2005, an increase in professional fees of approximately $372,000 and an increase in employee compensation, other than stock option expense, and related costs of approximately $112,000. The employee stock option compensation expense included in our financial statements in fiscal 2006 is a result of our adopting SFAS No. 123R, effective November 1, 2005. Interest Income Interest income was approximately $27,000 in fiscal 2006, compared to approximately $15,000 in the comparable prior-year period. The increase in interest income was principally due to an increase in prevailing interest rates. Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2005 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2004 Net Sales and Gross Profit Net Sales. Net sales decreased by approximately $54,000 in fiscal 2005, to approximately $440,000, as compared to approximately $494,000 in fiscal 2004. All sales during both periods were from encryption products and services. The decrease in net sales was principally due to a decrease in unit sales of approximately $114,000, offset by an increase in revenue from encryption services of approximately $60,000. Our encryption sales have been limited and are sensitive to individual large transactions. We believe that changes in sales of our encryption products between periods generally represent the nature of the early stage of our product and sales channel development. Revenue from sales of encryption services is generally non-recurring due to the nature of the individual transactions. Gross Profit (Loss). Gross profit (loss) from sales of encryption products and services decreased by approximately $598,000 in fiscal 2005, to a loss of approximately $280,000, as compared to a gross profit of approximately $318,000 in fiscal 2004. The decrease in gross profit was primarily the result of the provision for excess inventory due to changes in product requirements of approximately $587,000 recorded in fiscal 2005. The 26 decrease in gross profit also resulted from the decrease in net sales, which was offset by the decrease in cost of sales from goods and products sold to approximately $133,000 in fiscal 2005, as compared to approximately $176,000 in fiscal 2004. Gross profit as a percent of sales in fiscal 2004 was approximately 64%. Gross profit (loss) as a percent of sales in fiscal 2005 is not meaningful, since we recorded a loss, due to the inventory adjustment during the year. Because of the limited number of transactions during each of the periods, gross profit percentages, excluding the effect of inventory adjustments, are sensitive to individual transactions. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses increased by approximately $103,000 in fiscal 2005, to approximately $2,267,000, from approximately $2,164,000 in fiscal 2004. The increase in research and development expenses was principally due to an increase in employee compensation and related costs of approximately $262,000, primarily resulting from the grant of employee bonuses, and an increase in patent related expenses of approximately $34,000, offset by a decrease of approximately $192,000 in outside research and development expense relating to our development of our flat panel display technology. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately $400,000 to approximately $1,919,000 in fiscal 2005 from approximately $1,519,000 in fiscal 2004. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was principally due to an increase in professional fees of approximately $276,000, approximately $50,000 of which was incurred with respect to a theft by a former employee (see "Investigation and Recovery Efforts Regarding Misappropriated Funds"), an increase in employee compensation and related costs of approximately $128,000 and a net increase in the provision for doubtful accounts of approximately $111,000, offset a charge to expense of approximately $75,000 in fiscal 2004 related to the theft by a former employee. The net increase in the provision for doubtful accounts of approximately $111,000 was due to a provision of approximately $38,000 in fiscal 2005 and a decrease in the provision of approximately $73,000 in fiscal 2004 due to a partial collection of the outstanding receivable to which the provision related. Interest Income Interest income was approximately $15,000 in fiscal 2005, compared to approximately $4,000 in the comparable prior-year period. The increase in interest income was principally due to an increase in prevailing interest rates and the higher interest rates received on funds invested in certificates of deposit in fiscal 2005. Liquidity and Capital Resources From our inception, we have met our liquidity and capital expenditure needs primarily through the proceeds from sales of common stock in our initial public offering, in private placements, upon exercise of warrants 27 issued in connection with the private placements and public offering, and upon the exercise of stock options. In 2001 and 2002, we also received payments under a technology development agreement. In addition, commencing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, we began to generate cash flows from sales of our encryption products. During fiscal 2006, our cash used in operating activities was approximately $1,847,000. This resulted from payments to suppliers, employees and consultants of approximately $2,398,000, which was offset by cash of approximately $524,000 received from collections of accounts receivable and other receivables related to sales of encryption products and approximately $27,000 of interest income received. Our cash provided by investing activities during fiscal 2006 was approximately $242,000, which resulted from approximately $761,000 received upon maturities of short-term investments consisting of certificates of deposit, offset by purchases of short-term investments consisting of certificates of deposit of approximately $398,000, disbursements of $110,000 to acquire DISC common stock and purchases of approximately $11,000 of equipment. Our cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2006 of approximately $2,380,000 resulted from cash received upon the exercise of stock options. Accordingly, during fiscal 2006 our cash and cash equivalents increased by approximately $775,000 and our short-term investments decreased by approximately $362,000. As a result, our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, at October 31, 2006 increased to approximately $1,320,000 from approximately $907,000 at the end of fiscal 2005. Accounts receivable decreased by approximately $22,000 from approximately $32,000 at the end of fiscal 2005 to approximately $10,000 at October 31, 2006. The decrease in accounts receivable is a result of the timing of collections. Inventories decreased approximately $124,000 from approximately $385,000 at October 31, 2005 to approximately $261,000 at October 31, 2006, as a result of the timing of shipments and production schedules. Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased by approximately $48,000 from approximately $80,000 at the end of fiscal 2005 to approximately $32,000 at October 31, 2006. The decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets is primarily due to prepaid outside research and development expenses of approximately $50,000 as of October 31, 2005. Investments increased to $207,000 at October 31, 2006 compared to $-0- at the end of fiscal 2005, due to investments in DISC. Other assets decreased $24,000 from approximately $35,000 at the end of fiscal 2005 to approximately $11,000 at October 31, 2006. The decrease in other assets is a result of a provision for bad debts related to a specific receivable included in other assets. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by approximately $234,000 from approximately $348,000 at the end of fiscal 2005 to approximately $582,000 at October 31, 2006, as a result of increased professional fees payable and the timing of payments. As a result of these changes, working capital at October 31, 2006 decreased to approximately $1,041,000 from approximately $1,056,000 at the end of fiscal 2005. 28 Our working capital includes inventory of approximately $261,000 and $385,000 at October 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Management has recorded our inventory at the lower of cost or our current best estimate of net realizable value. During fiscal 2005, we recorded a provision for excess inventory of approximately $587,000 due to changes in product requirements. To date, sales of our products have been limited. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will not be required to reduce the selling price of our inventory below our current carrying value. During fiscal years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, we issued shares of common stock to certain employees for services rendered, principally in lieu of cash compensation. We recorded compensation expense for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 of approximately $1,897,000, $1,822,000 and $1,507,000, respectively, for shares of common stock issued to employees. In addition during fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, we issued shares of common stock to consultants for services rendered. We recorded consulting expense for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 of approximately $287,000, $37,000 and $342,000, respectively, for shares of common stock issued to consultants. During fiscal 2006, we recorded approximately $2,973,000 of stock-based compensation expense, related to stock options granted to employees and directors, for the year ended October 31, 2006. Under the accounting method we followed prior to November 1, 2005, we did not record any stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted to employees and directors for the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004. If we had included the cost of employee stock option compensation in the financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, our net loss would have increased by approximately $2,805,000 and $2,909,000, respectively, based on the fair value of the stock options granted to employees. The auditor's report on our financial statements as of October 31, 2006 states that the net loss incurred during the year ended October 31, 2006, our accumulated deficit as of that date, and the other factors described in Note 1 to the Financial Statements raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The auditor's report on our financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004 contained a similar statement. Our financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty We believe that our existing cash and accounts receivable, together with cash flows from expected sales of encryption products and flat panel displays, and other potential sources of cash flows, will be sufficient to enable us to continue in operation until at least the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2008. We anticipate that, thereafter, we will require additional funds to continue our marketing, production, and research and development activities, and we will require outside funding if cash generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements. However, our projections of future cash needs and cash flows may differ from actual results. If current cash and cash that may be generated from operations are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell debt or equity securities or to 29 obtain a line of credit prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt could result in dilution to our stockholders. We currently have no arrangements with respect to additional financing. There can be no assurance that we will generate sufficient revenues in the future (through sales or otherwise) to improve our liquidity or sustain future operations, that our production capabilities will be adequate, that other products will not be produced by other companies that will render our products obsolete, or that funds will be available to us from debt or equity financings or that, if available; we will be able to obtain such funds on favorable terms and conditions. If we cannot obtain such funds if needed, we would need to curtail or cease some or all of our operations. We are seeking to improve our liquidity through increased sales or license of products and technology. In an effort to generate sales, we have marketed our encryption products directly to U.S. and international distributors, dealers and original equipment manufacturers that market our encryption products and to end-users. We have been working with several large organizations to provide them with both our hardware and software encryption solutions for them to evaluate whether the solutions meet their security requirements and have begun supplying several major U.S. companies with our encryption products. We are also continuing to pursue marketing and licensing opportunities for our display technology; however, to date, we have not had any revenue from sales or licensing of our LVNDTM display. During fiscal 2006, we have recognized revenue from sales of encryption products and services of approximately $509,000. The following table presents our expected cash requirements for contractual obligations outstanding as of October 31, 2006: Payments Due by Period ------------------------------------------------------------- Less Contractual than 1-3 4-5 After Obligations 1 year years years 5 years Total - ----------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- Consulting Agreement $ 43,000 - - - $ 43,000 Noncancelable Operating Leases $ 268,000 $ 299,000 - - $ 567,000 ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------- Total Contractual Cash Obligations $ 311,000 $ 299,000 - - $ 610,000 =========== =========== ========== ========== =========== We have no variable interest entities or other off-balance sheet obligation arrangements. 30 Investigation and Recovery Efforts Regarding Misappropriated Funds In December 2004, we determined that a former accounting employee embezzled funds from us. We initially conducted an internal investigation, and subsequently engaged an independent accounting firm to conduct an independent investigation of this matter. Through our internal investigation, we determined that the amount embezzled by the employee during fiscal 2004 and the first month of fiscal 2005 was approximately $189,000. We also discovered approximately $4,000 in deposits to our account during these periods that we believe were made by the employee in an effort to conceal his fraudulent activity, for a net loss to us during this period of approximately $185,000. The independent accounting firm agreed with this conclusion. The independent accounting firm determined that the employee had committed additional fraudulent activity during fiscal 2003, and we subsequently conducted a further internal review of activity by the employee since his hiring in 2001 and determined that the employee had committed additional fraudulent activity in fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001, as well. The total losses from such activity during fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 was approximately $28,000. The independent accounting firm also agreed with these conclusions. We have recovered approximately $110,000 of the losses through insurance proceeds. We applied $100,000 of such recovery to fiscal 2004, and recorded a charge to expense of approximately $75,000 in fiscal 2004, representing the remainder of the fiscal 2004 loss. We applied the remaining $10,000 of such recovery to fiscal 2005, representing the entire loss identified in such period. During fiscal 2005, we also recovered approximately $4,000 from financial institutions, which we recorded as a recovery when received. The losses in fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2003 were the result of false expenses for which no corresponding asset was received. Accordingly, such amounts were previously expensed in the years such funds were embezzled. If we recover any additional amounts, such amounts will be recorded as recoveries in future periods when they are received. Based on the amount and nature of the embezzlement and the expected recoveries, we do not believe that the fraudulent activity had a material effect on any of our previously issued financial statements. We incurred approximately $50,000 of accounting and other professional fees related to this matter during fiscal 2005. Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections" ("SFAS 154"). SFAS 154 replaces the Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, "Accounting Changes" and SFAS No. 3, "Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements," to require retrospective application to prior periods' financial statements of changes in accounting principle. The provisions of SFAS 154 are effective for accounting changes made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 154 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements. 31 In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes," an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements. The interpretation requires that the Company determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority. If a tax position meets the more likely than not recognition criteria, FIN 48 requires the tax position be measured at the largest amount of benefit greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. This accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of FIN 48 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements. In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements" ("SAB No. 108"). SAB No. 108 provides interpretative guidance on how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. There have been two common approaches used to quantify such errors. Under an income statement approach (the "roll-over" method) the error is quantified as the amount by which the current year income statement is misstated. Alternatively, under a balance sheet approach (the "iron curtain" method) the error is quantified as the cumulative amount by which the current year balance sheet is misstated. In SAB No. 108, the SEC established an approach that requires quantification of financial statement misstatements based on the effects of the misstatements on each of the company's financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. This model is commonly referred to as a "dual approach" because it requires quantification of errors under both the roll-over and iron curtain methods. SAB No. 108 is effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB No. 108 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS 157"). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 157 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. We have invested a portion of our cash on hand in short term, fixed rate and highly liquid instruments that have historically been reinvested when they mature throughout the year. Although our existing instruments are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on these securities could be affected at the time of reinvestment, if any. 32 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. See accompanying "Index to Financial Statements." Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. None. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of fiscal 2006. Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in the Securities and Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006. This assessment of our internal control over financial reporting used the criteria for effective internal control established in Internal Control -- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2006. Management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report below. Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. 33 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Board of Directors and Shareholders CopyTele, Inc. We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that CopyTele, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the "COSO criteria"). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 34 In our opinion, management's assessment that CopyTele, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheets of the Company as of October 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2006, and our report dated January 11, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon and included an explanatory paragraph as to the uncertainty of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP Melville, New York January 11, 2007 Item 9B. Other Information. None. 35 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to all of our directors and executive officers: Director and/or Name Position with the Company and Age Executive Principal Occupation Officer Since - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Denis A. Krusos Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 79 1982 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank J. DiSanto Director and President 82 1982 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry P. Herms Director, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance 61 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- George P. Larounis Director 78 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Krusos has served as one of our Directors and as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since November 1982. He holds an M.S.E.E. degree from Newark College of Engineering, a B.E.E. degree from City College of New York and a J.D. degree from St. John's University. Mr. DiSanto has served as one of our Directors and as our President since November 1982. He holds a B.E.E. degree from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and an M.E.E. degree from New York University. Mr. Herms has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance since November 2000 and as one of our Directors since August 2001. Mr. Herms was also our Chief Financial Officer from 1982 to 1987. He is also a former audit manager with the firm of Arthur Andersen LLP and a CPA. He holds a B.B.A. degree from Adelphi University. Mr. Larounis has served as one of our Directors since September 1997, prior to which he served as a consultant to us. Mr. Larounis is currently retired. From 1960 to 1993, he held numerous positions as a senior international executive of The Bendix Corporation and Allied Signal Inc., which is now known as Honeywell International, Inc. He has also served on the Boards of Directors of numerous affiliates of Allied Signal in Europe, Asia and Australia. He holds a B.E.E. degree from the University of Michigan and a J.D. degree from New York University. 36 Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), requires our directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders are required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based upon a review of these filings, we believe that all required Section 16(a) reports were made on a timely basis during fiscal year 2006, except that Frank J. DiSanto failed to timely file reports with respect to four transactions during the period from October 6, 2006 through October 10, 2006. Such transactions involved shares sold at the direction of Edward A. Ambrosino, a receiver for certain of Mr. DiSanto's assets appointed in a divorce proceeding, pursuant to a court order authorizing Mr. Ambrosino to cause the sale of such shares. Although Mr. DiSanto made numerous requests of Mr. Ambrosino to provide the information necessary for filing on a timely basis, the information was first provided by Mr. Ambrosino on December 5, 2006, at which date Mr. DiSanto completed the filing. Code of Ethics In July 2005, our Board of Directors adopted a formal code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. We will provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of such code of ethics. Requests may be made in writing at CopyTele, Inc., 900 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747, Attn: Secretary, or by telephone at 631-549-5900. Audit Committee Financial Expert The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requiring public companies to disclose information about "audit committee financial experts." We do not have a standing Audit Committee. The functions of the Audit Committee have been assumed by our full Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has not concluded that Mr. Larounis, the sole non-management director, meets the definition of "audit committee financial expert." The Securities and Exchange Commission's rules do not require us to have an audit committee financial expert, and our Board of Directors has determined that it possesses sufficient financial expertise to effectively discharge its obligations. Item 11. Executive Compensation. Messrs. Denis A. Krusos, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Frank J. DiSanto, President and Director, and Henry P. Herms, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President - Finance and Director, are our executive officers. Mr. Krusos and Mr. Herms were the only executive officers to receive an annual salary and bonus in excess of $100,000 during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006. We do not have employment agreements with 37 any of Mssrs. Krusos, DiSanto, and Herms. The following is compensation information regarding Mr. Krusos and Mr. Herms for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal Name and Year Annual Long-Term Principal Position Ended Compensation Compensation Awards - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Salary (1) Securities Underlying Options (#) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Denis A. Krusos, 10/31/06 $170,400 1,000,000 Chairman of the Board, 10/31/05 $147,200 2,500,000 Chief Executive Officer and Director 10/31/04 $135,075 1,750,000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry P. Herms 10/31/06 $111,532 50,000 Chief Financial Officer, Vice 10/31/05 $100,000 200,000 President- Finance and Director 10/31/04 $98,750 120,000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The salary received by Mr. Krusos in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 included approximately $80,000, $97,000 and $135,000, respectively, which was paid in the form of common stock. The salary received by Mr. Herms in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 included approximately $8,000, $8,000 and $19,000, respectively, which was paid in the form of common stock. The following is information regarding stock options granted to Mr. Krusos and Mr. Herms pursuant to the 2003 Share Incentive Plan, during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006: