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 September 30, 2010
 
o           TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _________ to ___________.
 
Commission File Number 0-15235
 
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
87-0418827
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
8911 Balboa Ave., Suite B
San Diego, California
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
92123
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number: (858) 503-7810
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
(Title of class)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  o  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 Act. Yes  o  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 o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  o  No o
 
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 the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large Accelerated Filer o
 
Accelerated Filer o
 
         
 
Non-Accelerated Filer o
 
Smaller Reporting Company x
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o  No x
 
The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of March 31, 2010 (See definition of affiliate in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) is $7,114,993.
 
There were 18,316,249 shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of October 29, 2010.
 

 

 

MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
 
FORM 10-K
 
For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010
 
Important Note About Forward-Looking Statements
(i)
     
Part I
     
Item 1.
Business.
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
7
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
13
Item 2.
Properties.
13
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
13
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
13
     
Part II
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
13
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
14
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
15
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
19
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
20
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
39
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
39
Item 9B.
Other Information.
40
     
Part III
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
40
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
42
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
45
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
46
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
47
     
Part IV
     
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
48
     
Signatures
 
49
Exhibit Index
 
50

 

 

In this report, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "Mitek," "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Mitek Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
We make forward-looking statements in this report, particularly in Item 1. "Business" and Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", and in the documents that are incorporated by reference into this report, if any.  These forward-looking statements relate to Mitek's outlook or expectations for earnings, revenues, expenses, asset quality or other future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations, or the impact of legal, regulatory or supervisory matters on Mitek's business, results of operations or financial condition.  Specifically, forward looking statements used in this report may include statements relating to future business prospects, revenue, income and financial condition of Mitek.
 
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "may," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" or similar expressions.  These statements reflect Mitek's judgment based on currently available information at September 30, 2010 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
 
In addition to those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of this report, and in Mitek's other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.  These factors include, but are not limited to:
 
 
·
adverse economic conditions;
 
·
general decreases in demand for Mitek's products and services;
 
·
intense competition (including entry of new competitors), including among competitors with substantially greater resources than Mitek;
 
·
loss of key customers or contracts;
 
·
increased or adverse federal, state and local government regulation;
 
·
inadequate capital;
 
·
unexpected costs;
 
·
lower revenues and net income than forecast;
 
·
the risk of litigation;
 
·
the possible fluctuation and volatility of operating results and financial condition;
 
·
adverse publicity and news coverage;
 
·
inability to carry out marketing and sales plans; and
 
·
loss of key employees and executives.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, or in the case of a document incorporated by reference, as of the date of that document.  Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
The above list is not intended to be exhaustive and there may be other factors that would preclude us from realizing the predictions made in the forward-looking statement.  We operate in a continually changing business environment and new factors emerge from time to time.  We cannot predict such factors or assess the impact, if any, of such factors on their respective financial positions or results of operations.
 
 
(i)

 

PART I
 
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.
 
Overview
 
Mitek Systems, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1986.  We are engaged in the development, sale and service of our proprietary software solutions related to mobile imaging applications and intelligent recognition software.
 
For more than 20 years, Mitek has provided financial institutions with advanced imaging and analytics software to authenticate and extract data from imaged checks and other financial documents.  Mitek’s patented technology is currently used by leading financial organizations in the United States to help process more than 10 billion items per year.

Today, Mitek is applying its patented technology and extensive expertise in image correction, optical character recognition and intelligent data extraction to mobile devices.  Using Mitek Mobile Apps, camera-equipped smartphone users can now deposit checks, pay bills, save receipts and fax documents while on the road or sitting at a desk — eliminating trips to the bank, post office and file cabinet.  Users simply take a picture of the document and our products do the rest — correcting image distortion, extracting relevant data, routing images to their desired location, and processing transactions through users’ financial institutions.

During the past fiscal year, we have leveraged our technology and industry customer relationships to enter the rapidly growing market for mobile financial and business applications.  Our new mobile applications use our proprietary technology to capture and read data from photos of documents taken using camera-equipped smartphones.
 
We have developed and deployed Mobile Deposit®, a software application that allows users to remotely deposit a check using their smartphone camera.  Additionally, we have developed and deployed Mobile Receipt™, a receipt archival and expense report application, and Mobile Phax™, a mobile document faxing application using our proprietary technology.  In October, 2010, we announced our newest product, Mobile Photo Bill Pay™, a mobile bill paying application that allows users to pay their bills using their smartphone camera.
 
Products and Related Markets
 
Our product family consists of a) mobile imaging applications and b) intelligent recognition software provided as development toolkits.  During fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, we had one operating segment based on our product and service offerings that use our intelligent character recognition and document capture technology, commonly referred to as Image Analytics.
 
Our proprietary recognition software is used to enable the automation of costly, labor-intensive business functions.  We process images of documents in many ways, including quality analysis, image repair, document identification and the extraction of hand-printed and machine-printed text.  Our capabilities can be deployed on any back office, industrial or desktop scanner, or on mobile devices that have a camera, to optimize and extract data from any scanned or photographed check, invoice or other financial document, as well as any other business form.
 
Our capabilities include:
 
 
·
Image repair and optimization;
 
·
Optical Character Recognition (“OCR”) and Intelligent Character Recognition (“ICR”);
 
·
Dynamic data finding on any document or check;
 
·
Distributed capture;
 
·
Courtesy Amount Recognition (“CAR”) and Legal Amount Recognition (“LAR”);
 
·
Image analysis of signatures; and
 
·
Mobile document capture.

 
1

 
 
Our Proprietary IMagePROVETechnology Products
 
We have invented new pattern recognition software that is able to read and extract data from a photo of any document taken by a smartphone camera, in essence turning smartphone cameras into virtual scanning devices.  Industry analysts forecast that more than 100 million camera-equipped smartphones are shipped annually worldwide.
 
Dubbed IMagePROVE, we have developed a unique form of mobile document capture software that combines our core recognition technology with advanced mobile image processing capabilities that transform a four-color photograph of a document into a digital image that is equivalent in size, resolution and quality to documents scanned with traditional office copiers and fax machines.
 
Unlike scanned documents, mobile photographs of documents captured by smartphones are exposed to variable lighting conditions, various angles and focal distance.  Raw photos of documents taken by a smart phone may be of an unknown size and resolution from the original document and are often geometrically distorted, skewed or warped.  As a result, the “raw” mobile document image is virtually unusable.  IMagePROVE uses advanced algorithms designed to identify and correct geometric and optical distortions and automatically correct each mobile document image.
 
Using IMagePROVE, we have created a suite of business productivity applications specifically for camera-equipped smartphones, including the iPhone and selected BlackBerry, Android and Windows Mobile handsets, and have concentrated our development on products for financial services, an industry in which we have domain expertise.
 
We currently have four primary products that use our IMagePROVE technology:
 
•           Mobile Deposit®;
 
•           Mobile Receipt®;
 
•           Mobile Phax™; and
 
•           Mobile Photo Bill Pay™.
 
The products are primarily used in the financial services industry.  We have secured sales partnerships with leading system integrators for the financial services industry including Fiserv, FIS, NCR, Jack Henry, Wausau, BankServ, RDM, J&B Software and Bluepoint Solutions, among others.  We were instrumental in creating a new product category now known as Mobile Remote Deposit Capture within the financial services industry.  As a result, our flagship product Mobile Deposit is beginning its commercialization phase and has been successfully launched by several leading banks and financial services companies.

The market opportunity for the adoption of our mobile product line is largely driven by the growth of smartphone sales, including the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android models, plus the growth of wireless data usage.  In addition, Mobile Deposit can be integrated into existing Mobile Banking solutions provided to consumers, a market which Javelin Research forecasts to grow from 13 million users in 2010 to over 100 million users by 2014.  A recent independent study by Mercatus indicated that over half of Mobile Banking users find mobile check deposit a highly desirable feature.

Mobile Deposit®
 
Our flagship application, Mobile Deposit, is the first smartphone application to utilize our mobile image analytics and pattern recognition software to allow banks to accept check deposits via photos of checks taken with camera-equipped smartphones.  Mobile Deposit allows users to make deposits by photographing the front and back of a check and submitting the item electronically to their bank from their smartphone.  We began to recognize revenue related to Mobile Deposit in the third fiscal quarter of 2009, and received patent #7,778,497 in August, 2010, for the Method and Systems for Mobile Image Capture and Processing of Checks.
 
 
2

 

Mobile Receipt® and Mobile Phax™

During fiscal 2009, we also launched Mobile Receipt and Mobile Phax.  Mobile Receipt is designed to convert the photo of a receipt taken with a smartphone into a high quality image and with a single touch, converts the data into a professional looking expense report.  Mobile Phax is designed to allow a user to take a photo of any letter sized document or page and send it as a portable document format (“PDF”) file to any email address or fax machine.

Mobile Photo Bill Pay™

In October 2010, we announced our newest product, Mobile Photo Bill Pay.  This application allows users to simply take pictures of their bills with their smartphone cameras and our Mobile Photo Bill Pay product does the rest — correcting image distortion, reading relevant data and processing the transactions through the users’ banks.  The payment is made electronically by debiting the users checking account and using existing online bill pay systems.  With Mobile Photo Bill Pay, users can submit electronic payments from their smartphones without having to write checks, lick stamps, visit a payment location or even use their personal computers.

Mobile Photo Bill Pay is highly secure, accurate, fast and easy to use.  The application allows financial institutions to give their consumer and business customers a convenient and flexible new option for quickly paying their bills.

ImageNet Intelligent Character Recognition Toolkits
 
Our character recognition toolkits are marketed under the brand ImageNet and include a suite of products that leverage our proprietary intelligent character recognition and data extraction software engines.
 
ImageNet products are designed to provide a high level of accuracy in remittance processing, proof of deposit and lock box processing applications.  Our products are used to reduce manual labor by automatically extracting amounts and routing information from checks and distinguishing between common document types, such as personal and business checks, substitute checks (commonly referred to as “IRDs”), pre-authorized drafts and other document types specified by customers.   We sell our ImageNet suite of products to our channel partners who resell them as integrated components of their solutions and services.
 
Our ImageNet suite of products include:
 
•           ImageNet Prep & ID™;
 
•           ImageNet Payments™;
 
•           ImageNet Data Capture™; and
 
•           ImageNet Signatures™.
 
ImageNet Prep & ID is a software toolkit that is designed to provide automatic form ID, form registration and form/template removal.  We believe it significantly improves automatic data capture (ICR/OCR), forms processing, document imaging and storage performance.  Image Net Prep & ID reduces the image size by removing extraneous information such as pre-printed text, lines, and boxes; leaving only the filled-in data.  It repairs the characters that are left to allow better recognition, enhanced throughput, and higher accuracy rates.
 
ImageNet Payments allows for the automatic reading of machine and hand print information found on scanned documents and forms from any structured form as well as bank documents, such as checks, deposit slips, and remittance coupons.  ImageNet Payments integrates technology components from the "CheckReader" product that we license from a vendor that is designed to specifically increase read rates of the currency and legal amounts of checks drawn on U.S. and Canadian financial institutions.
 
 
3

 

ImageNet Data Capture is a software toolkit that captures data from many types of unstructured business documents.  ImageNet Data Capture is used in challenging data capture applications where data must be found and extracted from documents that have no pre-determined format or layout, but share common data elements.  ImageNet Data Capture is designed to locate this data on documents using contextual, positional, format and keyword specific information, even if it appears in a different location on each document.  We have supplied ImageNet Data Capture as a stand alone application programming interface, or "API," to several OEMs in the document processing field.
 
ImageNet SignaturesTM is a software toolkit that locates, extracts and verifies signatures in any document.  It encodes each target signature and compares it with encoded reference examples rather than comparing actual images.  Our image analytics encode 60 characteristics of each signature which allows for accurate signature fraud detection.
 
FraudProtect Systems
 
Our FraudProtect™ System is a comprehensive, automated software application designed to allow banks to detect the most common forms of check fraud from forged signatures and counterfeit checks, as well as the detection of pre-authorized drafts and payee name alterations.
 
Our FraudProtect suite of products include:
 
•           FraudProtect™ SDK;
 
•           PADsafe™; and
 
•           PayeeFind™.
 
Our FraudProtect SDK is a toolkit designed to detect check fraud and forgery using image analytics to uncover inconsistencies and alterations in checks as they are processed by banks.  These products are sold to OEMs and system integrators and can detect forged or illegally modified checks.
 
Our PADsafe product is the first toolkit of its kind using our patented technology to detect fraudulent preauthorized drafts, or "PADs."  PADsafe automatically identifies PADs from checks, and then notifies the user of potentially fraudulent transactions, reducing and often preventing the unauthorized withdrawal of funds.
 
Our PayeeFind™ product is designed to prevent payee-altered checks from clearing.  As a result, PayeeFind can reduce losses and cut administrative costs by eliminating the need for organizations to complete and file affidavits to recover funds from checks that have cleared with fraudulent payees.  PayeeFind is designed to prevent this type of fraud before recovery becomes an issue.
 
ImageScore™
 
ImageScore is our Check 21 readiness solution for any financial institution that truncates or uses check images in an accounts receivables conversion environment.  Integrated solution providers for financial institutions can also buy ImageScore to enhance their products.  ImageScore is designed to quickly, accurately and comprehensively analyze check images to provide the usability and quality information needed to help financial institutions act in accordance with regulatory and industry mandates.  As a result, institutions minimize their risk by increasing the integrity of check images they process, and they reduce costly manual processes associated with managing transactions from bad check images.
 
 
4

 

Research and Development
 
Typically, our software products are developed internally.  We also purchase or license intellectual property rights.  We believe that our future success depends in part on our ability to maintain and improve our core technologies, enhance our existing products and develop new products that meet an expanding range of customer requirements.  We do not believe we are materially dependent upon licenses or other agreements with third parties for the development of our products.
 
Internal research and development allows us to maintain closer technical control over our products and gives us the freedom to designate which modifications and enhancements are most important and when they should be implemented.  We devise innovative solutions to automated character processing problems, such as the enhancement and improvement of degraded images, and the development of user-manipulated tools to aid in document image processing.  We intend to expand our existing product offerings and to introduce new document image processing software solutions.  In the development of new products and enhancements to existing products, we use our own tools extensively.  We perform all quality assurance and develop documentation internally.  We strive to become informed at the earliest possible time about changing usage patterns and hardware advances that may affect software design.  We intend to continue to support industry standard operating environments.
 
Our team of specialists in recognition algorithms, software engineering, user interface design, product documentation and quality improvement is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the performance, quality and usability of all of our products.  In addition to research and development, our engineering staff provides customer technical support on an as needed basis, along with technical sales support.
 
In order to improve the accuracy of our document image processing products, we devote significant research and development resources to enhance our core technology including our database of millions of character images that are used to "train" the neural network software that forms the core of our ICR engine.  In addition, we have expanded our research and development tasks to include pre- and post-processing of data subject to automated processing.
 
Our research and development organization included ten software engineers, including four with advanced degrees, and six consultants as of September 30, 2010.  We balance our engineering resources between development of ICR technology and applications development.  All of our software engineers are involved in applications development, including ICR research and development of the Service Oriented Architecture compliant ImageNet API recognition engine suite, with solutions for Payments Prep & ID, Mobile Capture, Data Capture, Fraud Detection and Signatures, quality assurance, and customer services and support.
 
Intellectual Property
 
Our success depends significantly upon our proprietary technology.  We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights primarily through copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, employee and third party nondisclosure agreements and other measures.  If we are unable to protect our intellectual property or infringe intellectual property of a third party, our operating results could be harmed.
 
As of September 30, 2010, we have been awarded a total of eight patents, three of which were awarded in 2010.  In August 2010, we were granted a patent for our Mobile Deposit mobile Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) application.  The patent covers the process of capturing a color image of a financial document using a mobile device and then transmitting the image to a server where the image can be manipulated such that information in the financial document can be interpreted and retrieved by the financial institution's remote deposit capture capabilities. The patent also covers the steps of detecting the financial document in the image, converting the image and correcting the orientation and size of the image.  In addition, six of our patents generally cover System and Method for Check Fraud detection using Signature Validation.  As of September 30, 2010, we had six additional patent applications on file.  We have 21 registered trademarks and we will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks as appropriate.  We claim common law protection for, and may seek to register, other trademarks.  In addition, we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees.
 
 
5

 

Sales and Marketing
 
We market our products and services primarily through our internal, direct sales organization.  We contract the services of marketing companies to assist us with our marketing strategy during new product introduction and to provide us insight in marketing materials design.  We employ a technically oriented sales force with management assistance to identify the needs of existing and prospective customers.  Our sales strategy concentrates on OEMs, systems integrators and distributors and software solution companies that we believe are key users and designers of automated document processing systems for high performance, large volume applications, in addition to small and large financial institutions that are positioning themselves in the emerging mobile capture and remote data capture market.  We currently maintain our sales and support office in California.  In addition, we sell and support our products through foreign resellers.  The sales process is supported with a broad range of marketing programs which include trade shows, direct marketing, public relations and advertising.
 
We license our software to organizations on a term or perpetual basis.  We also license software to organizations under enterprise agreements that allow the end-user customer to acquire multiple licenses, without having to acquire separate packaged products.  These enterprise agreements mostly appeal to large organizations that want to acquire perpetual licenses to software products for their entire enterprise.
 
We recorded a significant portion (33%) of our revenues from three customers in fiscal year 2010.  In fiscal year 2009, 16% of our revenues were to one customer.
 
International sales accounted for approximately 10% and 15%, of our net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  International sales in fiscal year 2010 were made to customers in 12 countries including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Finland, Greece, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom.  We sell our products in United States currency only.
 
Maintenance and Support
 
Following the installation of our software at a customer site, we provide ongoing software support services to assist our customers in operating the systems.  We have an internal customer service department that handles installation and maintenance requirements.  The majority of inquiries are handled by telephone.  For more complicated issues, our staff, after customer consent, can log on to our customers' systems remotely.  Occasionally, visits to the customers' facilities are required to resolve support issues.  We maintain our customers' software largely through releases that contain improvements and incremental additions.  Nearly all of our customers purchase post contract support from us.  These services are a significant source of our recurring revenue and they are typically contracted on an annual basis and priced at approximately 18% of the license fee of the particular software product.
 
We typically provide telephone maintenance and support on a contractual basis after the initial 90-day product warranty has expired.  On site support is made at the customer's request along with pre-approval of reimbursable expenses from the customer.  Customers with maintenance coverage receive software updates from us on an if-and-when-available basis only.  Foreign distributors generally provide customer training, service and support for the products they sell.  Additionally, our products are supported internationally by distributors.  Technical support is provided by telephone as well as technical visits if necessary in addition to those previously mentioned.
 
We believe that as the installed base of our products grows and as customers purchase additional complementary products, the software support function will become a larger source of recurring revenues.  Maintenance and support service fees are deferred and recognized as income over the contract period on a straight-line basis.  Costs incurred by us to supply maintenance and support services are charged to cost of sales.
 
Competition
 
Our mobile products address a new market for the use of smartphone cameras and therefore face emerging competition primarily from start-up ventures.  We believe our products are among the first smartphone solutions of their type, but we anticipate growing competition as the market matures.
 
 
6

 

The market for document image processing products is intensely competitive, subject to rapid change and significantly affected by new product introductions and other market activities of industry participants.  We face direct and indirect competition from a broad range of competitors who offer a variety of products and solutions to our current and potential customers.  Our principal competition comes from (i) customer developed solutions; (ii) direct competition from companies offering automated document processing systems; (iii) companies offering competing technologies capable of recognizing hand printed and cursive characters; and (iv) direct competition from companies offering check imaging systems to banks.
 
It is also possible that we will face competition from participants new to the industry.  Moreover, as the market for automated document processing, ICR, check imaging and fraud detection software develops a number of companies with significantly greater resources than we have could attempt to enter or increase their presence in our market either independently or by acquiring or forming strategic alliances with our competitors or to otherwise increase their focus on the industry.  In addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase the ability of their products to address the needs of our current and potential customers.
 
Our products are compliant with Service-Oriented Architecture standards and compete, to various degrees, with products produced by a number of substantial competitors.  Competition among product providers in this market generally focuses on price, accuracy, reliability and technical support.  We believe our primary competitive advantages in this market are (i) recognition accuracy with regard to hand printed characters, (ii) flexibility, because our products may operate in several Microsoft Web Services environments, (iii) scalability and (iv) an architectural software design that allows our products to be more readily modified, improved with added functionality and configured for new products thereby allowing our software to be easily upgraded.  Despite these advantages, Image Net competitors have existed longer and have far greater financial resources and industry connections than we have.
 
Increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins, and loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
 
Employees and Labor Relations
 
As of September 30, 2010, we employed a total of 19 persons, all of which are employed on a full-time basis, consisting of six in sales and marketing, ten in research and development, product management, network administration and support and three in finance, administration and other capacities.  We engaged various consultants in the area of research and development, product development and marketing during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.  We have never had a work stoppage.  None of our employees are represented by a labor organization, and we consider our relations with our employees to be good.
 
Available Information
 
Our Internet address is www.miteksystems.com.  There we make available, free of charge, our annual report, quarterly reports, current reports and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  Our SEC reports can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website.  Our public filings may also be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.
 
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS.
 
The risks described below could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.  These risks are not the only risks that we face.  Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that apply to all businesses operating in the United States and globally, as well as other risks that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations.
 
 
7

 

Risks Associated With Our Business
 
We may need to raise additional capital to fund continuing operations.  If our financing efforts are not successful, we may not be able to continue our operations.
 
We may require additional financing in order to complete our stated plan of operations for the next twelve months.  While we believe that, if additional financing is required, we will be able to secure additional financing through outside financing, there can be no assurance that such financing will be available or, if it is available, that we will be able to structure such financing on terms acceptable to us or that it will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements until we can reach a level of profitable operations and positive cash flows.  If we are unable to obtain the financing necessary to support our operations, we may be required to defer, reduce or eliminate certain planned expenditures or significantly curtail our operations.
 
In addition, the tightening of the credit markets over the last year could make it more difficult to obtain financing through the issuance of equity or debt securities.  Any additional equity financing will be dilutive to our stockholders, and debt financing, if available, may include restrictive covenants and require significant collateral.  Further, if we issue additional equity or debt securities, stockholders may experience additional dilution or the new equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of our shares of common stock.
 
We have a history of losses and we may not achieve profitability in the future.
 
Our operations resulted in a net loss of approximately $682,000 and $1,322,000 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In addition, as a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses related to being a public company.  As a result of these expenditures, we will have to generate and sustain increased revenue to achieve and maintain future profitability.  We may not achieve sufficient revenue to achieve or maintain profitability.  We have incurred and may continue to incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including due to the other risks described in this report, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays, and other unknown factors.  Accordingly, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability and we may continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future.
 
We do not currently have a credit facility in place, or any arrangement that we can draw upon for additional capital.
 
Our current cash on hand and cash generated from operations may not be sufficient to sustain our business for the next twelve months and we can make no assurance that we will not need additional financing during the next twelve months or beyond.  Actual sales, expenses, market conditions or other factors which could have a material affect upon us could require us to obtain additional financing.  If such financing is not available, or if available, is not available on terms acceptable to us, we may be required to defer, reduce or eliminate certain planned expenditures or significantly curtail our operations.
 
Because most of our revenues are from a single type of technology, our product concentration may make us especially vulnerable to market demand and competition from other technologies, which could reduce our sales and revenues and cause us to be unable to continue our business.
 
We currently derive substantially all of our product revenues from licenses and sales of software products to customers incorporating our character recognition technology.  As a result, factors adversely affecting the pricing of or demand for our products and services, such as competition from other products or technologies, any decline in the demand for document image processing, negative publicity or obsolescence of the software environments in which our products operate could result in lower sales or gross margins.
 
 
8

 

If economic or other factors negatively affect the small and medium-sized business sector, our customers may become unwilling or unable to purchase our products and services, which could cause our revenue to decline.
 
Many of our existing and target customers are in the small and medium-sized business sector.  These businesses are more likely to be significantly affected by economic downturns than larger, more established businesses.  Additionally, these customers often have limited discretionary funds, which they may choose to spend on items other than our products and services.  If small and medium-sized businesses experience economic hardship, it could negatively affect the overall demand for our products and services, and could cause our revenue to decline.
 
Competition in our market may result in pricing pressures, reduced margins or the inability of our products and services to achieve market acceptance.
 
We compete against numerous other companies that address the character recognition market, many of which have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do.  Other companies could choose to enter our marketplace.  We may be unable to compete successfully against our current and potential competitors, which may result in price reductions, reduced margins and the inability to achieve market acceptance for our products.  Moreover, from time to time, our competitors or we may announce new products or technologies that have the potential to replace our existing product offerings.  There can be no assurance that the announcement of new product offerings will not cause potential customers to defer purchases of our existing products, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
 
We must continue extensive research and development in order to remain competitive.
 
Our ability to compete effectively with our character recognition product line depends upon our ability to meet changing market conditions and develop enhancements to our products on a timely basis in order to maintain our competitive advantage.  Rapidly advancing technology and rapidly changing user preferences characterize the markets for products incorporating character recognition technology.  Our continued growth will ultimately depend upon our ability to develop additional technologies and attract strategic alliances for related or separate product lines.  There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing and marketing product enhancements and additional technologies, that we will not experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of these products, or that our new products and product enhancements will adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace, will be of acceptable quality, or will achieve market acceptance.
 
Our new products may fail to gain market acceptance.
 
If our new products fail to gain market acceptance, our business, operating results and financial condition would be materially adversely affected by lower sales.
 
Our annual and quarterly results have fluctuated greatly in the past and will likely continue to do so, which may cause substantial fluctuations in our common stock price.
 
Our annual and quarterly operating results have in the past and may in the future vary significantly depending on factors including the timing of customer projects and purchase orders, new product announcements and releases by us and other companies, gain or loss of significant customers, price discounting of our products, the timing of expenditures, customer product delivery requirements, availability and cost of components or labor and economic conditions, generally, and in the information technology market, specifically.  Any unfavorable change in these or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our operating results for a particular quarter or year, which may cause downward pressure on our common stock price.  We expect quarterly and annual fluctuations to continue for the foreseeable future.
 
 
9

 

Our historical order flow patterns, which we expect to continue, have caused forecasting difficulties for us.  If we do not meet our forecasts or analysts' forecasts for us, the price of our common stock may decline.
 
Historically, a significant portion of our sales have resulted from shipments during the last few weeks of the quarter from orders received in the final month of the applicable quarter.  We do, however, base our expense levels, in significant part, on our expectations of future revenue.  As a result, we expect our expense levels to be relatively fixed in the short term.  Any concentration of sales at the end of the quarter may limit our ability to plan or adjust operating expenses.  Therefore, if anticipated shipments in any quarter do not occur or are delayed, expenditure levels could be disproportionately high as a percentage of sales, and our operating results for that quarter would be adversely affected.  As a result, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not and will not necessarily be meaningful, and you should not rely upon them as an indication of future performance.  If our operating results for a quarter are below the expectations of public market analysts and investors, the price of our common stock may be materially adversely affected.
 
Revenue recognition accounting standards and interpretations may change, causing us to recognize lower revenues.
 
The accounting industry and the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff continue to discuss certain provisions of the revenue recognition standards that were incorporated into the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) within ASC Topic 985-605, Software Revenue Recognition (“ASC 985-605”) with the objective of providing additional guidance on potential application of the standards and interpretations.  These discussions could lead to unanticipated changes in revenue recognition standards and, as a result, in our current revenue accounting practices, which could cause us to recognize lower revenues and lead to a decrease in our stock price.
 
Our products may have product defects that could damage our reputation, sales and profitability.
 
Our products are extremely complex and are constantly being modified and improved, and as such they may contain undetected defects or errors when first introduced or as new versions are released.  As a result, we have in the past and could in the future face loss or delay in recognition of revenues as a result of software errors or defects.  In addition, our products are typically intended for use in applications that are critical to a customer's business.  As a result, we believe that our customers and potential customers have a greater sensitivity to product defects than the market for software products in general.
 
There can be no assurance that, despite our testing, errors will not be found in new products or releases after commencement of commercial shipments, resulting in loss of revenues or delay in market acceptance, diversion of development resources, damage to our reputation, adverse litigation, or increased service and warranty costs, any of which would have a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results and financial condition.
 
Our success and our ability to compete are dependent, in part, upon protection of our proprietary technology.
 
We generally rely on trademark, trade secret, copyright and patent law to protect our intellectual property.  For example, the source code for our proprietary software is protected both as a trade secret and as a copyrighted work. We may also rely on creative skills of our personnel, new product developments, frequent product enhancements and reliable product maintenance as means of protecting our proprietary technologies.  There can be no assurance, however, that such means will be successful in protecting our intellectual property.  It may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology without authorization, or to develop one or more technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies.
 
 
10

 

We may have difficulty protecting our proprietary technology in countries other than the United States.
 
We operate in a number of countries other than the United States.  Effective copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain foreign countries.  Moreover, there can be no assurance that the protection provided to our proprietary technology by the laws and courts of foreign countries against piracy and infringement will be substantially similar to the remedies available under the laws of the United States.  Any of the foregoing considerations could result in a loss or diminution in value of our intellectual property.
 
Companies may claim that we infringe their intellectual property or proprietary rights, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling our products.
 
We have in the past had companies claim that certain technologies incorporated in our products infringe their patent rights.  Although we have resolved the past claims and there are currently no claims of infringement pending against us, there can be no assurance that we will not receive notices in the future from parties asserting that our products infringe, or may infringe, on their intellectual property rights.  There can be no assurance that licenses to disputed technology or intellectual property rights would be available on reasonable commercial terms, if at all.
 
Furthermore, we may initiate claims or litigation against parties for infringement of our proprietary rights or to establish the validity of our proprietary rights.  Litigation, either as plaintiff or defendant, could result in significant expense to us or divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel from operations, whether or not such litigation is resolved in our favor.  In the event of an adverse ruling in any such litigation, we might be required to pay substantial damages, discontinue the use and sale of infringing products, expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology or obtain licenses to infringing technology.  There are no assurances that, in the event of a successful claim against us, we would be able to develop or license a substitute technology.
 
We depend upon our key personnel.
 
Our future success depends in large part on the continued service of our key technical and management personnel.  We do not have employment contracts with or "key person" life insurance policies on, any of our employees, including Mr. John M. Thornton, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, and Mr. James B. DeBello, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Loss of services of key employees could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.  We are also dependent on our ability to identify, hire, train, retain and motivate high quality personnel, especially highly skilled engineers involved in the ongoing developments required to refine our technologies and to introduce future applications.  The high technology industry is characterized by a high level of employee mobility and aggressive recruiting of skilled personnel.
 
We cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting, assimilating and retaining additional qualified personnel in the future.  If we were to lose the services of one or more of our key personnel, or if we failed to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, it could materially and adversely affect our customer relationships, competitive position and revenues.
 
The liability of our officers and directors is limited pursuant to Delaware law.
 
Pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation, and as authorized under applicable Delaware law, our directors and officers are not liable for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
Risks Related to Our Stock
 
A few of our stockholders have significant control over our voting stock which may make it difficult to complete some corporate transactions without their support and may prevent a change in control.
 
As of October 29, 2010: (i) John M. Thornton, who is the Chairman of our Board of Directors and his spouse, Sally B. Thornton, who is also a member of our Board of Directors, beneficially owned approximately 16% of our outstanding common stock; (ii) our directors and executive officers as a group, including Mr. and Mrs. Thornton, beneficially owned approximately 25% of our outstanding common stock; and (iii)  John H. Harland Company beneficially owned approximately 13% of our outstanding common stock.  The foregoing stockholders may have considerable influence over the outcome of all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors.  In addition, this ownership could discourage the acquisition of our common stock by potential investors and could have an anti-takeover effect, possibly depressing the trading price of our common stock.
 
 
11

 

Our common stock is quoted on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board.
 
Our common stock is currently quoted on the Over-The-Counter ("OTC") Bulletin Board.  If our common stock became ineligible to be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, it would likely continue to be listed on the "pink sheets."  Securities that trade on the OTC Bulletin Board or the "pink sheets" are subject to certain securities regulations that may limit, in certain circumstances, certain trading activities in our common stock, reduce the trading volume in our common stock or the market price of our common stock.  Securities that trade on the OTC market also typically exhibit extreme price and volume fluctuations.  These broad market factors may materially adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.  In the past, individual companies whose securities have exhibited periods of volatility in their market price have had securities class action litigation instituted against that company.  This type of litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and resources.
 
We may issue preferred stock, which could adversely affect the rights of common stock holders.
 
Although our Board of Directors currently has no plans to issue shares of our preferred stock, our Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders.  The rights of the holders of common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future.  The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.  In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law restricts certain business combinations with any "interested stockholder" as defined by such statute.  The statute may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control.
 
Our common stock price has been volatile.  You may not be able to sell your shares of our common stock for an amount equal to or greater than the price at which you acquire your shares of common stock.
 
The market price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile.  During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the closing price of our common stock ranged from $0.56 to $1.78.  Future announcements concerning us or our competitors, quarterly variations in operating results, announcements of technological innovations, the introduction of new products or changes in our product pricing policies or those of our competitors, claims of infringement of proprietary rights or other litigation, changes in earnings estimates by analysts or other factors could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially.  In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices for the common stocks of technology companies and that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.  These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
Applicable SEC rules governing the trading of "penny stocks" limit the trading and liquidity of our common stock which may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
 
So long as our common stock continues to trade below $5.00 per share, our common stock is considered a "penny stock" and is subject to SEC rules and regulations that impose limitations upon the manner in which our shares can be publicly traded.  These regulations require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure document explaining the penny stock market and the associated risks.  Under these regulations, brokers who recommend penny stocks to persons other than established customers or certain accredited investors must make a special written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to a transaction prior to sale.  These regulations, and the practices required by them, have the effect of limiting the trading activity of our common stock and reducing the liquidity of an investment in our common stock.
 
 
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We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
 
We have never declared or paid a dividend on our common stock.  We intend to retain earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
 
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
None.
 
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.
 
Our principal executive office, as well as our research and development facility, is located in an office building in San Diego, California that we lease under a non-cancelable operating lease.  The lease costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  The term of the lease on this facility commenced in December 2005 and expires in December 2012.  In February 2009, the lease was amended to allow us to defer the payment of 50% of the basic rent due for the months of February through September 2009.  We repaid the deferred rent with interest at an annual rate of 6% in equal monthly installments between October 2009 and March 2010.  In addition, in connection with the February 2009 amendment, we waived our right to exercise an early termination option.  The base monthly rent for the facility in fiscal 2009 under this lease was approximately $27,080.  In September 2009, the lease was further amended to reduce the amount of office space subject to the lease by approximately 1,722 square feet from approximately 15,927 square feet to approximately 14,205 square feet, which reduced our basic rent proportionately starting in December 2009.  The base monthly rent for our facility in fiscal 2010 under this lease was approximately $24,900.  The base monthly rent increases every twelve months by approximately 3%.
 
Our facility is covered by adequate insurance and we believe the leased space is sufficient for our current and future needs.
 
ITEM 3. 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
We are not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that we believe may have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, cash flow or liquidity.
 
ITEM 4.
(REMOVED AND RESERVED).
 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
Market Information
 
Our common stock is traded on the Over-The-Counter ("OTC") Bulletin Board under the symbol MITK.OB.  The closing bid price of our common stock on October 29, 2010 was $2.45.
 
 
13

 

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal period indicated, the high and low closing bid prices for our common stock as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board.  The quotations for our common stock traded on the OTC Bulletin Board may reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
 
   
High
   
Low
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
           
Fourth Quarter
  $ 1.78     $ 0.80  
Third Quarter
    0.95       0.56  
Second Quarter
    0.85       0.60  
First Quarter
    1.04       0.60  
                 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
               
Fourth Quarter
  $ 1.01     $ 0.11  
Third Quarter
    0.35       0.10  
Second Quarter
    0.13       0.05  
First Quarter
    0.34       0.06  

Holders
 
As of October 29, 2010, there were 412 shareholders of record of our common stock.
 
Dividends
 
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock.  We currently intend to retain earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  In addition, under the terms of the debentures we issued in December 2009, as long as any portion of such debentures remain outstanding, we may not pay cash dividends or distributions on any of our equity securities without the prior written consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the principal amount of the then outstanding debentures.
 
Repurchases
 
We did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the year ended September 30, 2010.
 
Sales of Equity Securities During the Period
 
All equity securities that we sold during the period covered by this report that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 has been previously reported in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or on our current reports on Form 8-K.  Following the period covered by this report, in October 2010, we sold 500,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share to accredited investors in a private placement, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $750,000.  The sale of such shares was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 under Section 4(2) thereof and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The foregoing private placement did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering.  Appropriate legends were affixed to the share certificates issued in the private placement.
 
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
Disclosure not required as a result of the Company's status as a smaller reporting company.
 
 
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ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this report.  This discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on information that is currently available to us, speak only as of the date hereof, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties.  See "IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS," at the beginning of this report.  Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.  In evaluating such statements, we urge you to carefully consider various factors identified in this report, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of this report, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales were approximately $5,119,000 and $3,619,000 for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, an increase of approximately $1,500,000, or 41%.  Sales of software licenses increased by approximately $1,518,000 or 90% to approximately $3,211,000 in the year ended September 30, 2010 from approximately $1,693,000 in the year ended September 30, 2009.  The increase in software license sales in the current fiscal year primarily relates to an increase in sales of our Mobile Deposit software application of approximately $980,000 and a one-time sale of a license of one of our core products of approximately $524,000 to an existing key customer.  Sales of maintenance and professional services were approximately $1,908,000 and $1,926,000 in the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, a decrease of approximately $18,000 or 1%, primarily due to the timing of the renewals of maintenance contracts.
 
We recognized no revenue from the sale of software licenses to John H. Harland Company and its subsidiary, Harland Financial Solutions, in fiscal 2010, compared to approximately $6,000 in fiscal 2009.  Revenue recognized from professional services, including software maintenance, were approximately $59,000 and $60,000 in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.  John H. Harland Company and its subsidiary, Harland Financial Solutions, is a related party.  See Note 7 to our financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Cost of sales was approximately $950,000 in the year ended September 30, 2010, compared to approximately $669,000 in the year ended September 30, 2009, an increase of approximately $281,000 or 42%, primarily the result of the increase in sales in the current fiscal year.  Stated as a percentage of sales, cost of sales was 19% for the year ended September 30, 2010, compared to 18% for the year ended September 30, 2009.
 
Operations Expenses
 
As a result of the workforce reduction in January 2009 and the elimination of the operations department, there were no operations expenses for the year ended September 30, 2010, compared to approximately $30,000 for the year ended September 30, 2009.  Operations expenses included payroll, employee benefits, and other personnel-related costs associated with purchasing, shipping and receiving.  Stated as a percentage of sales, operations expenses were 0% and 1% for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Selling and Marketing Expenses
 
Selling and marketing expenses include payroll, employee benefits, and other headcount-related costs associated with sales and marketing personnel and advertising, promotions, trade shows, seminars, and other programs.  Selling and marketing expenses were approximately $930,000 and $857,000 for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, an increase of approximately $73,000 or 9%.  Stated as a percentage of net sales, selling and marketing expenses in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were 18% and 24%, respectively.  The increase in the current fiscal year is primarily due to increased direct operating expenses, such as outside services, travel expenses and stock-based compensation, partially offset by decreased personnel costs.
 
 
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Research and Development Expenses
 
Research and development expenses include payroll, employee benefits, consultant expenses and other headcount-related costs associated with product development.  These costs are incurred to develop new products and to maintain and enhance existing products.  We retain what we believe to be sufficient staff to sustain our existing product lines, including development of new, more feature-rich versions of our existing product, as we determine the marketplace demands.  We also employ research personnel, whose efforts are instrumental in ensuring product paths from current technologies to anticipated future generations of products within our area of business.
 
Research and development expenses for fiscal 2010 were approximately $2,002,000, compared to approximately $1,901,000 for fiscal 2009, an increase of approximately $101,000 or 5%.  The increase in the current fiscal period primarily relates to increased direct operating expenses, such as software licenses, equipment rental, outside services, travel expenses and stock-based compensation.  Stated as a percentage of net sales, research and development expenses were 39% and 53% in fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses include payroll, employee benefits, and other personnel-related costs associated with the finance, facilities, and legal, accounting and other administrative fees.  General and administrative expenses were approximately $1,620,000 in fiscal 2010 compared to approximately $1,481,000 in fiscal 2009, an increase of approximately $139,000 or 9%.  The increase in the current fiscal year was primarily due to increased personnel costs due to payment of a one-time management performance bonus, salary increases and increases in other direct operating expenses, such as stock-based compensation expense, legal and travel reimbursements, partially offset by decreases in accounting-related fees and other outside services.  Stated as a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 32% and 41% in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Interest and Other Income (Expense)
 
Interest and other expense increased by approximately $292,000 for the year ended September 30, 2010 to approximately $298,000, compared to approximately $6,000 for the same period last fiscal year.  The increase in the current period primarily relates to accretion of the discount on the convertible debentures issued in December 2009 and accrued interest on the principal amount of those convertible debentures.  Interest income was approximately $2,000 and $5,000 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Income Taxes
 
For the fiscal 2010 and 2009, we recorded tax provisions of approximately $2,300 and $1,800, respectively, for income taxes which was primarily state franchise tax.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
On September 30, 2010, we had approximately $1,305,000 in cash and cash equivalents compared to approximately $674,000 on September 30, 2009, an increase of approximately $631,000 or 94%.  The increase in cash was primarily due to our successfully securing additional financing during the past twelve months.  In December 2009, in a private placement with accredited investors, we issued 5% senior secured convertible debentures in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,000,000 which resulted in aggregate net proceeds of approximately $922,000.  These debentures are convertible at the option of the holder at any time and from time to time through December 2011 at a conversion price per share of $0.75. Interest on these debentures at the rate of 5% per annum is payable, at our option, in cash or in shares of our common stock, subject to us meeting certain conditions.  In June 2010, in a separate private placement, we sold 460,000 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share to accredited investors which resulted in aggregate net proceeds of approximately $345,000.
 
 
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In addition to the proceeds we raised from the December 2009 and the June 2010 private placements, we financed our cash needs during the past twelve months from collections of accounts receivable and existing cash and cash equivalents.  Prior to the December 2009 private placement, we financed our cash needs from the collection of accounts receivable and existing cash and cash equivalents.  The balance of accounts receivable was approximately $1,222,000 and $361,000 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, an increase of approximately $861,000 or 239%.  The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to increased sales and the timing of customer billings and the receipt of payments.
 
Deferred revenue, which consists of maintenance and support service fees that are deferred and recognized as income over the contract period on a straight-line basis, was approximately $831,000 and $701,000 at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We believe that as the installed base of our products grows and as customers purchase additional complementary products, the maintenance and support service fees that are deferred, as well as those recognized as income over the contract term, will increase.
 
Net cash used in operating activities during the year ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $806,000, compared to approximately $553,000 during the year ended September 30, 2009, an increase of approximately $253,000 or 46%.  The primary uses of cash from operating activities during the year ended September 30, 2010 included the net loss of approximately $682,000, increases in accounts receivable of approximately $861,000 and deferred maintenance fees of approximately $32,000, and decreases in accounts payable of approximately $128,000, deferred rent of approximately $119,000 and other accrued liabilities of approximately $22,000, partially offset by an increase in deferred revenue of approximately $131,000.  Net cash used in operating activities in the current fiscal year also included non-cash stock-based compensation of approximately $406,000, non-cash interest expense on convertible debt of approximately $295,000, amortization of software development costs of approximately $137,000, depreciation and amortization of fixed assets of approximately $36,000 and amortization of debt issuance costs of approximately $36,000.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $9,000 during the year ended September 30, 2010, compared to approximately $73,000 during the year ended September 30, 2009.  The decrease in cash used in investing activities in the current period is primarily due to a decrease of approximately $64,000 in software development costs related to our Mobile Deposit software application, which costs we ceased capitalizing when we completed our first production general release in November 2008.
 
Cash generated from financing activities during the year ended September 30, 2010, included:
 
(i) the sale in December 2009 of 5% senior secured convertible debentures in the principal amount of approximately $1,000,000 and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 337,501 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $0.91 per share in a private placement with accredited investors, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $922,000;
 
(ii) the sale in June 2010 of 460,000 shares of our common stock at $0.75 per share in a private placement with accredited investors, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $345,000; and
 
(iii) proceeds of approximately $179,000 from the exercise of warrants and stock options.
 
We had working capital of approximately $1,420,000 and a 2.1 current ratio at September 30, 2010, compared to negative working capital of approximately $280,000 and a 0.80 current ratio at September 30, 2009.  At September 30, 2010, our total liability to equity ratio was 2.00 to 1 compared to 11.73 to 1 on September 30, 2009.
 
After the current fiscal year, in October 2010, we sold 500,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share to accredited investors in a private placement, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $750,000.  Although our working capital has increased in the past twelve months as a result of the recent financings, we do not currently have any credit facilities in place, or any arrangement that we can draw upon for additional capital.
 
Based on our current operating plan, we believe the current cash balance and cash expected to be generated from operations will be adequate to satisfy our working capital needs for the next twelve months.  In the absence of positive cash flows from operations, we may need to raise, and our business may be dependent upon raising, significant additional funds to continue our activities.  If adequate funds are not available, we may be forced to significantly curtail our operations or to obtain funds through entering into additional collaborative agreements or other arrangements that may be on unfavorable terms.  If additional funds are required, our failure to raise sufficient additional funds on favorable terms, or at all, would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.
 
 
17

 

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
The possible effect on our financial statements of new accounting pronouncements that have been issued for future implementation is discussed in Note 1 to our audited financial statements included in this report.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“ASC 105-10”), formerly known as SFAS No. 168,  The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162.  The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) will be the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  ASC 105-10 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  All existing accounting standards are superseded as described in ASC 105-10.  All other accounting literature not included in the Codification is non-authoritative.  The adoption of ASC 105-10 did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP").  Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses.  These estimates by management are affected by management's application of accounting policies are subjective and may differ from actual results.  Our critical accounting policies include revenue recognition, allowance for accounts receivable, fair value of equity instruments and accounting for income taxes.
 
Revenue Recognition

We enter into contractual arrangements with integrators, resellers and end users that may include licensing of the our software products, product support and maintenance services, consulting services, resale of third-party hardware, or various combinations thereof, including the sale of such products or services separately.  Our accounting policies regarding the recognition of revenue for these contractual arrangements is fully described in the notes to our audited financial statements included in this report.

We consider many factors when applying GAAP to revenue recognition.  These factors include, but are not limited to:

 
·
the actual contractual terms, such as payment terms, delivery dates, and pricing of the various product and service elements of a contract;
 
·
time period over which services are to be performed;
 
·
creditworthiness of the customer;
 
·
the complexity of customizations to our software required by service contracts;
 
·
the sales channel through which the sale is made (direct, VAR, distributor, etc.);
 
·
discounts given for each element of a contract; and
 
·
any commitments made as to installation or implementation “go live” dates.

Each of the relevant factors is analyzed to determine its impact, individually and collectively with other factors, on the revenue to be recognized for any particular contract with a customer.  Management is required to make judgments regarding the significance of each factor in applying the revenue recognition standards, as well as whether or not each factor complies with such standards.  Any misjudgment or error by management in its evaluation of the factors and the application of the standards, especially with respect to complex or new types of transactions, could have a material adverse affect on our future revenues and operating results.

 
18

 

Accounts Receivable

We constantly monitor collections from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses that is based on historical experience and on specific customer collection issues.  While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past.  Since our revenue recognition policy requires customers to be deemed creditworthy, our accounts receivable are based on customers whose payment is reasonably assured.  Our accounts receivable are derived from sales to a wide variety of customers.  We do not believe a change in liquidity of any one customer or our inability to collect from any one customer would have a material adverse impact on our financial position.

Fair Value of Equity Instruments

The valuation of certain items, including valuation of warrants, beneficial conversion feature related to convertible debt and compensation expense related to stock options granted, involve significant estimations with underlying assumptions judgmentally determined.  The valuation of warrants and stock options are based upon a Black Scholes valuation model, which involve estimates of stock volatility, expected life of the instruments and other assumptions.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  We maintain a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset due to uncertainty regarding the future realization based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences.  Until such time as we can demonstrate that we will no longer incur losses or if we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income we could be required to maintain the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.
 
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Disclosure not required as a result of the Company's status as a smaller reporting company.
 
 
19

 

ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Mitek Systems, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Mitek Systems, Inc. as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mitek Systems, Inc. as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
/s/Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
San Diego, California
November 16, 2010
 
 
20

 
 
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC
BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,305,049     $ 674,115  
Accounts receivable including related party of $3,705 and $10,003, respectively, net of allowance of $6,003 and $24,268, respectively
    1,221,599       360,817  
Deferred maintenance fees
    93,337       60,683  
Inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets
    87,335       49,910  
Total current assets
    2,707,320       1,145,525  
                 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
    34,293       60,367  
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS, net
    228,596       365,753  
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS
    38,247       29,465  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,008,456     $ 1,601,110  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 228,514     $ 356,305  
Accrued payroll and related taxes
    196,531       206,197  
Deferred revenue
    831,372       700,714  
Deferred rent, current
    9,193       118,732  
Other accrued liabilities
    21,870       44,023  
Total current liabilities
    1,287,480       1,425,971  
                 
Convertible debt
    679,801       -  
Deferred rent, non-current
    39,716       49,374  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    2,006,997       1,475,345  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 17,816,249 and 16,751,137 issued and outstanding, respectively
    17,816       16,751  
Additional paid-in capital
    16,477,981       14,920,999  
Accumulated deficit
    (15,494,338 )     (14,811,985 )
Total stockholders' equity
    1,001,459       125,765  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 3,008,456     $ 1,601,110  

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 
21

 
 
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   
For the years ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
SALES
           
Software
  $ 3,210,660     $ 1,692,707  
Maintenance and professional services
    1,908,241       1,925,908  
                 
      5,118,901       3,618,615  
                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
               
Cost of sales-software
    720,212       438,385  
Cost of sales-maintenance and professional services
    229,933       230,972  
Operations
    -       29,840  
Selling and marketing
    929,685       857,088  
Research and development
    2,002,399       1,901,327  
General and administrative
    1,620,357       1,480,666  
Total costs and expenses
    5,502,586       4,938,278  
                 
OPERATING LOSS
    (383,685 )     (1,319,663 )
                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
               
Interest and other expense
    (298,124 )     (5,572 )
Interest income
    1,794       5,071  
Total other expense - net
    (296,330 )     (501 )
                 
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (680,015 )     (1,320,164 )
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    (2,338 )     (1,800 )
                 
NET LOSS
  $ (682,353 )   $ (1,321,964 )
                 
NET LOSS PER SHARE - BASIC AND DILUTED
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.08 )
                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED
    16,946,263       16,751,137  

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 
22

 

MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

   
Common Stock
         
Additional
         
Total
 
   
Outstanding
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Accumulated
   
Stockholders
 
   
(Shares)
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Equity
 
                               
Balance, September 30, 2008
    16,751,137     $ 16,751     $ 14,804,884     $ (13,490,021 )   $ 1,331,614  
                                         
Stock-based compensation expense
    -       -       116,115       -       116,115  
Net loss
    -       -       -       (1,321,964 )     (1,321,964 )
                                         
Balance, September 30, 2009
    16,751,137     $ 16,751       14,920,999       (14,811,985 )     125,765  
                                         
Discount on convertible debt
                    627,636       -       627,636  
Issuance of common stock
    460,000       460       344,540       -       345,000  
Exercise of warrants
    163,646       164       148,755       -       148,919  
Exercise of stock options
    72,488       72       30,151       -       30,223  
Cashless exercise of warrants
    300,012       300       (300 )     -       -  
Cashless exercise of stock options
    68,966       69       (69 )     -       -  
Stock-based compensation expense
    -       -       406,269       -       406,269  
Net loss
    -       -       -       (682,353 )     (682,353 )
                                         
Balance, September 30, 2010
    17,816,249     $ 17,816     $ 16,477,981     $ (15,494,338 )   $ 1,001,459  

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 
23

 

MITEK SYSTEMS, INC
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
For the years ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net loss
  $ (682,353 )   $ (1,321,964 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Stock-based compensation expense
    406,269       116,115  
Non-cash interest expense on convertible debt
    294,887       -  
Depreciation and amortization
    172,598       83,631  
Amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs
    36,382       -  
Provision for bad debts
    (18,265 )     (23,609 )
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    -       1,767  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (842,517 )     575,623  
Deferred maintenance fees
    (32,654 )     (60,683 )
Inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets
    7,738       50,090  
Accounts payable
    (127,791 )     (47,620 )
Accrued payroll and related taxes
    (9,666 )     (83,103 )
Deferred revenue
    130,658       24,629  
Deferred rent
    (119,197 )     112,361  
Other accrued liabilities
    (22,153 )     19,311  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (806,064 )     (553,452 )
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (9,367 )     (9,050 )
Investment in software development costs
    -       (63,734 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    -       70  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,367 )     (72,714 )
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from the issuance of convertible debt-net
    922,223       -  
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
    345,000       -  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
    148,919       -  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    30,223       -  
Net cash cash provided by financing activities
    1,446,365       -  
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    630,934       (626,166 )
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    674,115       1,300,281  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 1,305,049     $ 674,115  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 2,540     $ 3,724  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 2,338     $ 1,800  
                 
NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Debt discount on convertible note due to warrants
  $ 226,068     $ -  
Beneficial conversion feature related to convertible debt issued
  $ 401,568     $ -  

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 
24

 

MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AND 2009

 
1.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Nature of Operations
 
Mitek Systems, Inc. (the "Company") is primarily engaged in the development, sale and service of its proprietary software solutions related to mobile imaging applications and intelligent character recognition software.  The Company’s technology is currently used to process checks by banks and is used in other markets for specialized applications.
 
The Company's new mobile applications use its proprietary technology to capture and read data from photos of documents taken using camera-equipped smartphones.  The Company has developed and deployed Mobile Deposit®, a software application that allows users to remotely deposit a check using their smartphone camera.  Additionally, the Company has developed and deployed Mobile Receipt®, a receipt archival and expense report application, and Mobile Phax™, a mobile document faxing application using its proprietary technology.  In October, 2010, the Company announced its newest product, Mobile Photo Bill Pay™, which allows a user to pay any bill or invoice by simply snapping a photograph with their smartphone camera.
 
Basis of Accounting
 
The financial statements are prepared under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification TM (“ASC”) Topic 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“ASC 105-10”), in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Liquidity
 
During the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company has incurred losses of approximately $682,000 and $1,322,000, respectively, and has an accumulated deficit of approximately $15,500,000 as of September 30, 2010.  Cash used for operations increased from approximately $553,000 in 2009 to approximately $806,000 in 2010.  Cash used in investing activities during the year ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $9,000, compared to approximately $73,000 in the year ended September 30, 2009.  Cash provided by financing activities in the year ended September 30, 2010 was approximately $1,400,000.  No cash was provided by financing activities in fiscal 2009.  The Company has a cash balance of approximately $1,300,000 as of September 30, 2010.
 
During the past fiscal year, and despite severe economic constraints, the Company embarked on a strategy to create mobile applications using its existing and newly developed imaging technology to deposit checks captured by smartphone cameras.  As a result of these activities, the Company has generated interest among the banking industry and has secured original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) partnerships with the leading system integrators for the financial services industry.
 
The Company has successfully secured additional financing during the past fiscal year.  In December 2009, in a private placement with accredited investors, the Company issued 5% senior secured convertible debentures in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,000,000 which resulted in aggregate net proceeds of approximately $922,000.  These debentures are convertible at the option of the holder at any time and from time to time through December 2011 conversion price per share of $0.75. Interest on these debentures at the rate of 5% per annum is payable, at the Company’s option, in cash or in shares of common stock, subject to the Company meeting certain conditions.  In June 2010, in a separate private placement, the Company sold 460,000 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share to accredited investors which resulted in aggregate net proceeds of approximately $345,000.  In addition, on October 1, 2010, the Company sold 500,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share to accredited investors in a private placement, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $750,000.
 
 
25

 
 
Based on its current operating plan, the Company believes the current cash balance and cash expected to be generated from operations will be adequate to satisfy its working capital needs for the next twelve months.  In the absence of positive cash flows from operations, the Company may need to raise and its business may be dependent upon raising significant additional funds to continue its activities.  If adequate funds are not available, the Company may be forced to significantly curtail its operations or to obtain funds through entering into additional collaborative agreements or other arrangements that may be on unfavorable terms.  If additional funds are required, the Company's failure to raise sufficient additional funds on favorable terms, or at all, would have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial position.
 
Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses.  Examples include estimates of loss contingencies and product life cycles, and assumptions such as the elements comprising a software arrangement, including the distinction between upgrades or enhancements and new products; and when technological feasibility is achieved of new products.  Balance sheet items that are significantly impacted by estimates include the contingencies related to the collectability of accounts receivable, the useful lives of fixed assets and the associated depreciation expense thereupon, and the valuation of tax losses and credits.  In addition, the Company uses assumptions to estimate the fair value of stock-based compensation. Actual results may differ from management's estimates and assumptions.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities are considered representative of their respective fair values because of the short-term nature of those instruments.  The Company believes the carrying value of its debt approximates fair value.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue from sales of software licenses sold through direct and indirect channels, which do not contain multiple elements, are recognized upon shipment of the related product, if the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 985-605, Software Revenue Recognition (“ASC 985-605”), are met.  If the requirements of ASC 985-605, including evidence of an arrangement, delivery, fixed or determinable fee, collectability or vendor specific objective evidence about the fair value of an element are not met at the date of shipment, revenue is not recognized until such elements are known or resolved.  Customer support services, or maintenance revenues, include post-contract support and the rights to unspecified upgrades and enhancements.  Vendor specific objective evidence, or VSOE, of fair value for customer support is determined by reference to the price the customer pays for such element when sold separately; that is, the renewal rates offered to customers.  In those instances when objective and reliable evidence of fair value exists for the undelivered items but not for the delivered items, the residual method is used to allocate the arrangement consideration.  Under the residual method, the amount of arrangement consideration allocated to the delivered items equals the total arrangement consideration less the aggregate fair value of the undelivered items.  Revenue from post-contract customer support is recognized ratably over the term of the contract.  Revenue from professional services is recognized when such services are delivered and accepted by the customer.  When a software sales arrangement requires professional services related to significant production, modification or customization of software, or when a customer considers our professional services essential to the functionality of the software product, revenue is recognized based on predetermined milestone objectives required to complete the project as those milestone objectives are deemed to be substantive in relationship to the work performed.  Any expected losses on contracts in progress are recorded in the period in which the losses become probable and reasonably estimable.
 
Guarantees
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is not subject to potential obligations under guarantees that fall within the scope of FASB ASC Topic 460, Guarantees (“ASC 460”), except for standard indemnification and warranty provisions that are contained within many of the Company’s customer license and service agreements and certain supplier agreements, and give rise only to the disclosure requirements prescribed by ASC 460.

 
26

 

Indemnification and warranty provisions contained within the Company’s customer license and service agreements and certain supplier agreements are generally consistent with those prevalent in the Company’s industry.  The Company has not incurred significant obligations under customer indemnification or warranty provisions historically and does not expect to incur significant obligations in the future.  Accordingly, the Company does not maintain accruals for potential customer indemnification or warranty-related obligations.
 
Deferred Revenue
 
Deferred revenue represents customer billings, paid either upfront or annually at the beginning of each billing period, with revenue recognized ratably over the billing coverage period.  For certain other licensing arrangements revenue attributable to undelivered elements, including post contract customer support which typically includes telephone support and the right to receive unspecified upgrades and enhancements of software on a when-and-if-available basis, is based upon the sales price of those elements when sold separately and is recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), formerly SFAS No. 123 (R), Share-Based Payments.  The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The fair value of stock options granted is recognized as expense over the requisite service period.  Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method.
 
The Black-Scholes model requires subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which greatly affect the calculated values.  The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior.  The risk-free rate selected to value any particular grant is based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponds to the expected life of the grant effective as of the date of the grant.  The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock price.  These factors could change in the future, affecting the determination of stock-based compensation expense in future periods.
 
Advertising Expense
 
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $40,000 and $18,000 during the years ended September 30, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents are defined as highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less.  A substantial portion of the Company’s cash is deposited with two financial institutions.  The Company monitors the financial condition of these financial institutions and it does not believe that funds on deposit are subject to a significant degree of risk.  In May 2009, in response to the crisis in the banking industry, the FDIC extended the increased basic deposit insurance limit of $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2013, at which time the limit will return to $100,000.  Any financial problems with the financial institutions in which the Company deposits its funds may impact the Company’s cash balances.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company's best estimate for probable losses inherent in accounts receivable balances.  Management determines the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence.
 
Inventories
 
Inventories primarily consisting of media storage devices are recorded at the lower of cost or market.
 
 
27

 
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are carried at cost.  Following is a summary of property and equipment as of September 30, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Property and equipment - at cost:
           
Equipment
  $ 651,525     $ 642,158  
Furniture and fixtures
    143,701       143,701  
Leasehold improvements
    49,300       49,300  
      844,526       835,159  
                 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (810,233 )     (774,792 )
Total property and equipment, net
  $ 34,293     $ 60,367  
 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are provided using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from three to five years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the lease or seven years.  Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment totaled approximately $36,000 and $38,000 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations.  Total repairs and maintenance expenses were approximately $30,000 and $9,000 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Long-Lived Assets
 
The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets including license agreements and other intangible assets when events and circumstances indicate that these assets may be impaired or whether any revision to the related amortization periods should be made.  This evaluation is based on management's projections of the undiscounted future cash flows associated with each product or asset.  If management's evaluation were to indicate that the carrying values of these intangible assets were impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  The Company did not record any impairment for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
Research and Development
 
Research and development costs are expensed in the period incurred.
 
Capitalized Software Development Costs
 
The Company evaluates its capitalized software development costs at each balance sheet date to determine if the unamortized balance related to any given product exceeds the estimated net realizable value of that product.  Any such excess is written off through accelerated amortization in the quarter it is identified.  Determining net realizable value, as defined by FASB ASC Topic 985-20, Costs of Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Marketed ("ASC 985-20"), requires making estimates and judgments in quantifying the appropriate amount to write off, if any.  Actual amounts realized from the software products could differ from those estimates.  Also, any future changes to the Company's product portfolio could result in significant increases to its cost of license revenue as a result of the write-off of capitalized software development costs.  The Company completed its first production general release of ImageNet Mobile Deposit in October 2008, and entered into an agreement with a major financial institution in November 2008 to conduct a performance evaluation of the product.  In accordance with ASC 985-20, the Company ceased capitalizing software development costs related to this product on the date that it completed its first production general release.
 
 
28

 

  In June 2009, the Company began to recognize revenue from the sale of ImageNet Mobile Deposit, at which time it started amortizing the capitalized software development costs associated with the product in accordance with ASC 985-20.  Under ASC 985-20, the annual amortization shall be the greater of the amount computed using (a) the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that or (b) the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product including the period being reported on.  The Company determined it was appropriate to amortize the related capitalized software development costs over the remaining economic life of the product, estimated to be three years.  The Company recorded amortization of software development costs of approximately $137,000 and $46,000 in the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740").  Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years.
 
Management evaluates the available evidence about future taxable income and other possible sources of realization of deferred tax assets.  The valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets to an amount that represents management's best estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that more likely than not will be realized.  See Note 5.
 
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
 
The Company calculates net income (loss) per share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share ("ASC 260").  Basic net income (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share also gives effect to all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period, such as convertible debt, options and warrants, if dilutive.  During fiscal 2010 and 2009 the Company had outstanding stock options to acquire 4,534,328 and 3,533,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, which were excluded from this calculation, as they would have been antidilutive.  In addition, outstanding warrants to acquire 895,283 and 1,381,428 shares of the Company’s common stock at September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were excluded from this calculation, as they would reduce net loss per share.
 
Segment Reporting
 
FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), requires the use of a management approach in identifying segments of an enterprise.  Management has determined that the Company operates in only one segment, document image processing and image analytics.
 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
There are no differences between net income and comprehensive income and, accordingly, no amounts have been reflected in the accompanying financial statements and a statement of comprehensive loss is not presented.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (“ASU 2009-13”), which amends ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition.  ASU 2009-13 revises the current accounting treatment to specifically address how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting.  This guidance is applicable to revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified during the first fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2010.  The guidance may be applied either prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year for new or materially modified arrangements or retrospectively.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial statements.
 
 
29

 
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-14, Certain Revenue Arrangements That Include Software Elements (“ASU 2009-14”), which amends ASC Topic 985, Software.  ASU 2009-14 amends the ASC to change the accounting model for revenue arrangements that include both tangible products and software elements, such that tangible products containing both software and non-software components that function together to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality are no longer within the scope of software revenue guidance.  The changes to the ASC as a result of this update are effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial statements.

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, which amends the FASB ASC for the issuance of FASB Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), to require a comprehensive qualitative analysis be performed to determine whether a holder of variable interests in a variable interest entity also has a controlling financial interest in that entity.  In addition, the amendments require the same type of analysis be applied to entities that were previously designated as qualified special-purpose entities.  This guidance is effective as of the start of the first annual reporting period beginning after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within the first annual reporting period, and for all subsequent annual and interim reporting periods.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASU 2010-06”), which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, adding new requirements for disclosures for Levels 1 and 2, separate disclosures of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements and clarification of existing fair value disclosures.  ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the requirement to provide Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010; although, early adoption is permitted.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, Subsequent Events – Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2010-09”) that amends ASC Subtopic 855-10, Subsequent Events – Overall.  ASU 2010-09 requires an SEC filer to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are issued but removed the requirement to disclose this date in the notes to the entity’s financial statements.  The amendments are effective upon issuance of the final update and accordingly, the Company has adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-09.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial statements.

In March 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-11, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASU 2010-11”): Scope Exception Related to Credit Derivatives.  ASU 2010-11 improves disclosures originally under SFAS No. 161.  ASU 2010-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2010.  The Company does not anticipate the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the financial statements.

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-17, Milestone Method of Revenue Recognition ("ASU 2010-17") to (i) limit the scope of this ASU to research or development arrangements and (ii) require that guidance in this ASU be met for an entity to apply the milestone method (record the milestone payment in its entirety in the period received).  However, the FASB clarified that, even if the requirements in ASU 2010-17 are met, entities would not be precluded from making an accounting policy election to apply another appropriate accounting policy that results in the deferral of some portion of the arrangement consideration.  ASU 2010-17 will apply to milestones in both single-deliverable and multiple-deliverable arrangements involving research or development transactions.  ASU 2010-17 will be effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those fiscal years) beginning on or after June 15, 2010; although, early adoption is permitted.  Entities can apply this guidance prospectively to milestones achieved after adoption; however, retrospective application to all prior periods is also permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that adoption of ASU 2010-17 will have on its financial statements.
 
 
30

 
 
 
2.
CONVERTIBLE DEBT
 
On December 10, 2009, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue in exchange for aggregate consideration of approximately $1,000,000 the following securities: (i) 5% senior secured convertible debentures in the principal amount of approximately $1,000,000, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 337,501 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.91 per share.  Each investor received a warrant to purchase that number of shares of the Company’s common stock that equals 25% of the quotient obtained by dividing such investor’s aggregate subscription amount by $0.75.  The transaction resulted in proceeds to the Company of approximately $922,000, net of transaction costs and expenses.

Interest is payable in cash or stock at the rate of 5% per annum on each conversion date (as to the principal amount being converted), on each early redemption date (as to the principal amount being redeemed) and on the maturity date.  The principal amount of the debentures, if not paid earlier, is due and payable on December 10, 2011.  The Company has the right to redeem all or a portion of the debentures before maturity by payment in cash of the outstanding principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest being redeemed.  The Company agreed to honor any notices of conversion that it receives from the holder before the date the Company pays off the debentures.  The debentures are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at the discretion of the holder at a conversion price per share of $0.75, subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and the like.  The Company has the right to force conversion of the debentures if (i) the closing price of its common stock exceeds 200% of the then effective conversion price for 20 trading days out of a consecutive 30 trading day period or (ii) the average daily trading volume for its common stock exceeds 100,000 shares per trading day for 20 trading days out of a consecutive 30 trading day period and the closing price of its common stock exceeds 100% of the then effective conversion price for 20 trading days out of a consecutive 30 trading day period.  The debentures impose certain covenants on the Company including restrictions against paying cash dividends or distributions on shares of its outstanding common stock.  The debentures are secured by all of the Company’s assets under the terms of a security agreement it entered into with the investors dated December 10, 2009.

In evaluating the accounting for the convertible debentures, the Company considered whether the conversion option related to the convertible debentures required bifurcation and separate accounting as a liability at fair value.  Because the conversion option entitles the holder to convert to a fixed number of shares at a fixed price, the Company believes it is not required to bifurcate the conversion option and the related debt host.  Similarly, the warrant contract entitles the holder to convert to a fixed number of shares at a fixed price and is therefore recorded in stockholders’ equity.

Of the gross proceeds, approximately $786,000 was allocated to the debentures and approximately $226,000 to the warrants.  The value of the warrants was estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. The amount allocated to the warrants was recorded as a discount on the debentures and is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the debentures.  In addition, based on the conversion price of $0.75 and relative value of the debentures, a beneficial conversion feature of approximately $402,000 was recorded as an additional discount on the debentures and is being amortized to interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations over the term of the debentures.
 
The fair value of the vested warrants was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions:
 
Risk-free interest rate
    2.19 %
Expected life (in years)
    5.00  
Expected volatility
    207 %
Expected dividends
 
None
 
 
 
31

 
 
The following represents the principal amount of the liability component, the unamortized discount, and the net carrying amount of the debentures at September 30, 2010:
 
Principal, including accrued interest of $42,113
  $ 1,054,663  
Unamortized discount
    (374,862 )
Net carrying amount
  $ 679,801  
 
 
3.
INVENTORY, PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
 
Inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following at September 30, 2010:
 
Inventories
  $ 2,669  
Prepaid insurance
    14,713  
Prepaid expenses
    65,403  
Deposits
    4,550  
    $ 87,335  
 
 
4.
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Common Stock
 
On October 1, 2010, the Company sold 500,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share to accredited investors in a private placement, resulting in net proceeds of $750,000.
 
Warrants
 
Historically, the Company has granted warrants to purchase its common stock to service providers and investors.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company had warrants to purchase 895,283 shares of its common stock outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $0.70 to $0.92 per share, subject to adjustment per the terms of the agreements.  These warrants expire from June 2011 to December 2014.
 
Included in the warrants discussed above, the Company entered into a warrant agreement with John H. Harland Company, a related party, pursuant to which the Company granted to John H. Harland Company the right to purchase 321,428 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.70 per share, subject to adjustment per the terms of the agreement.  These warrants expire from February 2012 to May 2012.
 
In connection with the issuance of the convertible debentures in December 2009, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 337,501 shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $0.91 per share as discussed in greater detail in Note 2 to the financial statements included in this report.
 
The following table summarizes warrant activity in the year ended September 30, 2010:
 
   
Number
   
Weighted-average
 
   
of warrants
   
exercise price
 
Oustanding and exercisable at September 30, 2009
    1,381,428     $ 0.80  
Issued
    337,501     $ 0.91  
Exercised
    (823,646 )   $ 0.81  
Expired
    -       -  
Oustanding and exercisable at September 30, 2010
    895,283     $ 0.84  
 
 
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Stock-based Compensation
 
ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  The estimated average forfeiture rate for the year ended September 30, 2010 of approximately 15% for all stock option grants was based on historical forfeiture experience.  The estimated expected remaining contractual life of stock option grants as of September 30, 2010 was 1.3 years on grants to directors and 6.7 years on grants to employees.
 
ASC 718 requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options to be classified as financing cash flows.  Due to the Company's valuation allowance from losses in the previous years, there was no such tax benefits during the year ended September 30, 2010.  Prior to the adoption of ASC 718 those benefits would have been reported as operating cash flows had the Company received any tax benefits related to stock option exercises.
 
The fair value calculations for stock-based compensation awards to employees for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were based on the following assumptions:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Risk-free interest rate
   
0.32% - 2.58%
     
0.44% - 2.46%
 
Expected life (years)
   
5.3
     
5.3
 
Expected volatility
   
213%
     
192%
 
Expected dividends
 
None
   
None
 
 
The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to stock options under ASC 718 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 which was allocated as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Sales and marketing
  $ 68,227     $ 13,424  
Research and development
    99,499       33,974  
General and administrative
    238,543       68,717  
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options included in operating expenses
  $ 406,269     $ 116,115  
 
The following table summarizes vested and unvested options, fair value per share weighted average remaining term and aggregate intrinsic value at September 30, 2010:
 
   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
   
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (in
Years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
 
                         
Vested
    3,208,327     $ 0.40       4.97     $ 3,724,222  
Unvested
    1,326,001     $ 0.72       9.19       1,383,633  
Total
    4,534,328     $ 0.49       6.21     $ 5,107,855  
 
As of September 30, 2010, the Company had $920,027 of unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.
 
 
33

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Company's stock option plans during the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:
 
               
Weighted Average
 
         
Weighted Average
   
Remaining
 
   
Number of
   
Exercise Price Per
   
Contractual Term
 
   
Shares
   
Share
   
(in Years)
 
Oustanding, September 30, 2008
    3,740,158     $ 0.71       6.52  
                         
Granted:
                       
Board of Directors
    150,000     $ 0.09          
Executive Officers
    249,000     $ 0.09          
Employees
    540,000     $ 0.13          
Cancelled
    (1,146,158 )   $ 0.67          
                         
Oustanding, September 30, 2009
    3,533,000     $ 0.56       6.10  
                         
Granted:
                       
Board of Directors
    150,000     $ 0.79          
Executive Officers
    250,000     $ 0.79          
Employees
    870,500     $ 1.02          
Exercised
    (161,172 )   $ 0.36          
Cancelled
    (108,000 )   $ 1.22          
                         
Oustanding, September 30, 2010
    4,534,328     $ 0.66       6.21  
 
The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of September 30, 2010:
 
           
Weighted
               
Weighted
       
           
Average
               
Average
       
     
Number of
   
Remaining
   
Weighted
   
Number of
   
Exercise Price of
   
Number of
 
Range of
   
Options
   
Contractual Life
   
Average
   
Exercisable
   
Exercisable
   
Unvested
 
Exercise Prices
   
Outstanding
   
(in Years)
   
Exercise Price
   
Options
   
Options
   
Options
 
$0.07 - $0.09
      809,828       7.08     $ 0.09       479,413     $ 0.09       330,415  
$0.35 - $0.69
      1,361,500       5.31     $ 0.41       1,307,854     $ 0.41       53,646  
$0.70 - $0.79
      985,500       8.07     $ 0.79       357,593     $ 0.78       627,907  
$0.80 - $1.06
      739,000       4.16     $ 0.95       674,967     $ 0.96       64,033  
$1.07 to $2.32
      638,500       6.50     $ 1.38       388,500     $ 1.29       250,000  
        4,534,328       6.21     $ 0.66       3,208,327     $ 0.63       1,326,001  
                                                   
The per-share weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ended September 30, 2010 was $0.93.
 
Stock Option Plans
 
The Company currently has four stock option plans that allow the Company to grant options to purchase common stock to the Company's directors, executive officers and key individuals who make, or are expected to make, significant contributions to the Company.  The Company also currently maintains one stock option plan, the 1999 Stock Option Plan that has options outstanding that were previously granted under the plan but under which no further options may be granted.
 
 
34

 
 
Under the terms of the 2000 Stock Option Plan, the 2002 Stock Option Plan, the 2006 Stock Option Plan and the 2010 Stock Option Plan, each of which provides for the grant of incentive and non-qualified options: (i) incentive stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the grant date and for a term of not more than ten years; (ii) non-qualified stock options may be granted with an exercise price of not less than 85% of fair market value of the Company's common stock at the grant date and for a term of not more than five years; and (iii) the exercise price of options granted to persons owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company's stock is not to be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock as determined on the date of the grant of the options. To date, the Company has elected to grant non-qualified stock options under these plans with a three year term.
 
The 1999 Plan provides for the purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock.  The 1999 Plan terminated on June 10, 2009; however options granted under the plan that were outstanding at such date remain in effect until such options are exercised or expire.  As of September 30, 2010, options to purchase 651,750 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding and no options were available for grant under the 1999 Plan.
 
The 2000 Plan, which will terminate on December 13, 2010, provides for the purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock.  As of September 30, 2010, options to purchase 821,116 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding and no options were available for grant under the 2000 Plan.
 
The 2002 Plan provides for the purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock.  As of September 30, 2010, options to purchase 924,662 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding and options to purchase up to 9,795 shares of the Company's common stock were available for grant under the 2002 Plan.
 
The 2006 Plan provides for the purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock.  As of September 30, 2010, options to purchase 921,216 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding and options to purchase up to 7,100 shares of the Company's common stock were available for grant under the 2006 Plan.
 
The 2010 Plan provides for the purchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock.  As of September 30, 2010, options to purchase 815,584 shares of the Company's common stock were outstanding and options to purchase 1,184,416 shares of the Company's common stock were available for grant under the 2010 Plan.

 
5.
INCOME TAXES
 
On October 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), formerly FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company's financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  Further, ASC 740 gives guidance regarding the recognition of a tax position based on a "more likely than not" recognition threshold; that is, evaluating whether the position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.  The adoption of ASC 740 did not impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company's unrecognized tax benefits:
 
Balance at September 30, 2009
 None
Increases related to current year tax positions
 None
Expiration of statue of limitation of the assessment of taxes
 None
Other
 None
Balance at September 30, 2010
 None
 
 
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For the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 the provisions for income taxes were as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Federal - current
  $ -     $ -  
State - current
    2,338       1,800  
Total
  $ 2,338     $ 1,800  
 
Under ASC 740, deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
 
Significant components of our net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
           
Net operating loss carryforwards
  $ 5,591,000     $ 5,777,000  
Capitalized research and development costs
    1,137,000       865,000  
Stock based compensation
    108,000       223,000  
Prepaid License Fees
    97,000       143,000  
AMT credit carryforwards
    69,000       69,000  
Other
    68,000       115,000  
Research credit carryforwards
    44,000       44,000  
Total deferred assets
    7,114,000       7,236,000  
Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets
    (7,114,000 )     (7,236,000 )
Total
  $ -     $ -  
 
The Company has provided a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets recorded as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 due to uncertainties regarding the realization of such assets.
 
The net change in the total valuation allowance for the year ended September 30, 2010 was a decrease of approximately $122,000.  The net change in the total valuation allowance for the year ended September 30, 2009 was a decrease of approximately $514,000.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  The Company considers projected future taxable income and planning strategies in making this assessment.  Based on the level of historical operating results and projections for the taxable income for the future, the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Accordingly, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to zero.  There can be no assurance that the Company will ever be able to realize the benefit of some or all of the federal and state loss carryforwards or the credit carryforwards, either due to ongoing operating losses or due to ownership changes, which limit the usefulness of the loss carryforwards.
 
As of September 30, 2010, the Company has available net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $15,000,000 for federal income tax purposes, which will start to expire in 2018.  The net operating loss carryforwards for state purposes are approximately $8,200,000 and will start to expire in 2016.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company has available federal research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $29,000 and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of approximately $69,000.  The research and development credits will start to expire in 2023.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company has available California research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $22,000.  The state research and development credits have no expiration date.

 
36

 
 
The difference between the provision for income taxes and income taxes computed using the U.S. federal income tax rate for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Amount computed using statutory rate
  $ (232,000 )   $ (443,000 )
Net change in valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets
    (122,000 )     514,000  
Non-deductible items
    187,000       4,000  
Expired credit
    -       -  
Other
    175,000       -  
State income tax
    (8,000 )     (73,200 )
State tax expense
    2,338       -  
Provision for income taxes
  $ 2,338     $ 1,800  
 
 
6.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Legal Matters
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is at times subject to various legal proceedings.  Management is not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that it believes may have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, operating results, cash flow or liquidity.
 
Employee 401(k) Plan
 
The Company has a 401(k) plan that allows participating employees to contribute up to 15% of their salary, subject to annual limits.  The Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, approve matching contributions by the Company.  During fiscal 2010 and 2009, the Board of Directors did not approve any Company matching contributions to the plan.
 
Leases
 
The Company’s principal executive office, as well as its research and development facility, is located in an office building in San Diego, California that the Company leases under a non-cancelable operating lease.  The lease costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  The lease on this facility commenced in December 2005 and expires in December 2012.  In February 2009, the lease was amended to allow the Company to defer the payment of 50% of the basic rent due for the months of February through September 2009.  The Company repaid the deferred rent with interest at an annual rate of 6% in equal monthly installments between October 2009 and March 2010.  In addition, in connection with the February 2009 amendment, the Company waived its right to exercise an early termination option.  The base monthly rent for the facility in fiscal 2009 under this lease was approximately $27,080.  In September 2009, the lease was further amended to reduce the amount of office space subject to the lease by approximately 1,722 square feet from approximately 15,927 square feet to approximately 14,205 square feet, which reduced the Company’s basic rent proportionately starting in December 2009.  The base monthly rent for the facility in fiscal 2010 under this lease was approximately $24,900.  The base monthly rent increases every twelve months by approximately 3%.
 
The facility is covered by insurance and the Company believes the leased space is sufficient for its current and future needs.
 
 
37

 
 
Future annual minimum rental payments payable under the lease are as follows:
 
Years ending September 30:
     
2011
    304,697  
2012
    313,220  
2013
    52,559  
2014 and thereafter
    -  
Total
  $ 670,476  
 
Rent expense for operating leases for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 totaled $292,821 and $324,114, respectively.
 
 
7.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
John H. Harland Company ("JHH Co.") made investments in the Company in February and May 2005.  JHH Co. acquired a total of 2,142,856 shares of unregistered common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1,500,000 or $0.70 per share.  As part of the acquisition of shares, JHH Co. received warrants to purchase 321,428 additional shares of common stock at $0.70 per share.  This transaction resulted in JHH Co. and its subsidiary, Harland Financial Solutions (collectively "John Harland"), being considered related parties of the Company due to the amount of the Company's common stock beneficially owned by John Harland.  John Harland is not involved in the management decisions of the Company and does not participate in any board meetings, unless invited.
 
The following table summarizes revenue realized from John Harland during the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenue
           
Software licenses
  $ -     $ 6,237  
Maintenance and professional services
    58,941       60,385  
Total Revenue
  $ 58,941     $ 66,622  

At September 30, 2010 and 2009, there was an outstanding accounts receivable balance of approximately $4,000 and $10,000, respectively, due from John Harland.
 
 
8.
PRODUCT REVENUES AND CONCENTRATIONS
 
Product Revenues
 
During the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company's revenues were derived primarily from its Character Recognition Product line.
 
Below is a summary of the revenues by product lines:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenue
           
Software licenses
  $ 3,210,660     $ 1,692,707  
Maintenance and professional services
    1,908,241       1,925,908  
Total Revenue
  $ 5,118,901     $ 3,618,615  
 
The Company sells its products primarily to OEMs, system integrators and resellers who ultimately sell to depository institutions.
 
 
38

 

For the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had the following sales concentrations:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Customers to which sales were in excess of 10% of total sales:
           
Number of customers
    3       1  
Aggregate percentage of sales
    33.0 %     15.5 %
 
Sales to customers in excess of 10% of total sales were approximately $1,678,000 and $561,000 for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.  The balance of accounts receivable from customers with sales in excess of 10% of total sales was approximately $580,000 as of September 30, 2010, compared to $1,000 as of September 30, 2009.
 
International sales accounted for approximately 10% and 15%, of the Company's net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  International sales in fiscal year 2010 were made to customers in 12 countries including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Finland, Greece, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom.  The Company sells its products in United States currency only.
 
Vendor Concentrations
 
During fiscal 2010, the Company had purchases from one major vendor that comprised approximately 14% of total purchases for the year.  The Company had purchases comprising approximately 12% of total purchases from one major vendor during fiscal 2009.  Management does not believe the Company is exposed to any significant concentration risk related to purchases from these vendors.  The balance of accounts payable due to vendors to which purchases were in excess of 10% of total purchases was approximately $31,000 as of September 30, 2010, compared to approximately $62,000 as of September 30, 2009.
 
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2010.
 
39

 
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
 
The Company’s management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  The Company’s management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2010.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The Company has not made any changes in its internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d - 15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B.                     OTHER INFORMATION.
 
None.
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10.                      DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Directors and Executive Officers
 
Pursuant to our Bylaws, the Board of Directors has fixed the number of authorized directors at seven.  The members of the Board of Directors serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors have been elected.  The officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.  The following table includes the names and certain information about our directors and executive officers.
 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
         
John M. Thornton
 
78
 
Chairman of the Board
         
James B. DeBello
 
52
 
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
       
Officer and Director
         
Michael W. Bealmear (1) (2) (3)
 
63
 
Director
         
Vinton P. Cunningham (2)
 
74
 
Director
         
Gerald I. Farmer, Ph. D. (1) (2) (3)
 
76
 
Director
         
Sally B. Thornton
 
76
 
Director
         
William P. Tudor (1)
 
65
 
Director

(1) 
Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
(2) 
Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
(3) 
Member of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors
 
 
40

 
 
John M. Thornton.  Mr. Thornton has been a director of Mitek since March 1986.  He was appointed Chairman of the Board as of October 1, 1987 and served as President from May 1991 to July 1991, as Chief Executive Officer from May 1991 to February 1992 and again as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from September 1998 to May 2003, when he resigned from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer.  He resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer in May 2005.  He continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.  From 1976 through 1988, Mr. Thornton served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board at Micom Systems, Inc.  Mr. Thornton is also Chairman of the Board of Thornton Winery Corporation in Temecula, California.
 
James B. DeBello.  Mr. DeBello has been a director of Mitek since November 1994.  He has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitek since May 2003.  In January 2009, Mr. DeBello was named Mitek’s Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, in addition to his other positions.  Prior to joining Mitek Systems, he was Chief Executive Officer of AsiaCorp Communications, Inc., a wireless data infrastructure and software company, from July 2001 to May 2003.  He was Venture Chief Executive Officer for IdeaEdge Ventures, Inc., a venture capital company, from June 2000 to June 2001.  From May 1999 to May 2000 he was President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of CollegeClub.com, an Internet company.  From November 1998 to April 1999 he was Chief Operating Officer of WirelessKnowledge, Inc., a joint venture company formed between Microsoft and Qualcomm, Inc.  Before that, from November 1996 to November 1998, Mr. DeBello held positions as Vice President, Assistant General Manager and General Manager of Qualcomm, Inc.'s Eudora Internet Software Division, and Vice President of Product Management of Qualcomm, Inc.'s Subscriber Equipment Division.  Mr. DeBello holds a B.A., magna cum laude and MBA from Harvard Business School and was a Rotary Scholar at the University of Singapore where he studied economics and Chinese.
 
Michael W. Bealmear.  Mr. Bealmear has been a director of Mitek since April 2004.  He has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyperroll since 2004.  He was EVP and President of Worldwide Operations at Sybase, Inc. from 2002 to 2004.  From 2001 to 2000 he was CEO at Convansys, Inc., from 1999 to 2000 he was CEO at Spear Technologies, and from 1997 to 1998 he was EVP at Cadence Design Systems.
 
Vinton P. Cunningham.  Mr. Cunningham has been a director of Mitek since May 2005.  Retired since 2002, he served as Sr. Vice-President-Finance of EdVision Corporation from 1993 to 2002.  Mr. Cunningham was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Founders Club Golf Company from 1990 to 1993.  He was Vice President-Finance of Amcor Capital, Inc. from 1985 to 1990.  Mr. Cunningham was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Superior Farming Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Superior Oil Company, from 1981 to 1985.
 
Gerald I. Farmer.  Dr. Farmer has been a director of Mitek since May 1994.  He was Executive Vice President of Mitek from November 1992 until June 1997.  Before joining Mitek, from January 1987 to November 1992, Dr. Farmer was Executive Vice President of HNC Software, Inc.  He has held senior management positions with IBM Corporation, Xerox, SAIC and Gould Imaging and Graphics.
 
Sally B. Thornton.  Ms. Thornton has been a director of Mitek since April 1988.  She has been a private investor for more than 40 years.  She served as a director of Micom Systems, Inc. from 1976 to 1988.  From 1987 until 1996 she served as Chairman of Medical Materials, Inc, a composite plastics manufacturer.  Ms. Thornton is on the Board of Directors of Thornton Winery Corporation in Temecula, California.  She has been a Trustee of the Sjorgren's Syndrome Foundation in New York and Stephens College in Missouri.  Ms. Thornton is also a Life Trustee of the San Diego Museum of Art.  Ms. Thornton is the spouse of John M. Thornton, Chairman of the Board.
 
William P. Tudor.  Mr. Tudor has been a director of Mitek since September 2004.  He is President of International Learning Corporation.  Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President of Scantron Corporation from July 2002 to July 2005.  He was Chief Executive Officer of EdVision from June 1990 to July 2002.
 
41

 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC.  Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.  Based solely on a review of Forms, 3, 4, and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us, we are not aware of any director, officer or beneficial owner of 10% of our common stock that failed to file on a timely basis as disclosed on the above forms, reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during fiscal year 2010.
 
Code of Ethics
 
We have adopted the Mitek Systems, Inc. Financial Code of Professional Conduct (the "Finance Code of Ethics"), a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other finance organization employees.  The Finance Code of Ethics is publicly available on our website at www.miteksystems.com, under the About Us tab.  We will provide a copy of the Finance Code of Ethics, free of charge, to any stockholder upon written request to our Corporate Secretary at Mitek Systems, Inc., 8911 Balboa Ave., Suite B, San Diego, CA 92123.  If we make any amendments to the Finance Code of Ethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to our Chief Executive Office or Chief Financial Officer that requires disclosure under applicable SEC rules, we intend to disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website.
 
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
 
We have an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(a) of the Exchange Act.  The members of the Audit Committee include Messrs. Bealmear, Cunningham and Farmer.  The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Cunningham is an "audit committee financial expert" and is "independent" as defined under applicable SEC and NASDAQ Marketplace rules.
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The following table summarizes compensation paid to or earned by each of our named executive officers:
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
 
 
 
Salary
   
Bonus
   
Option
Awards
   
Total
Compensation
 
Name and Principal Position
 
Year
 
($)
   
($)
   
($)(1)
   
($)
 
                             
James B. DeBello
 
2010
  $ 335,357     $ 85,257     $ 92,195     $ 512,809  
President, CEO and CFO
 
2009
  $ 318,683           $ 47,890     $ 366,573  

(1)           Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement report purposes with respect to the fiscal year in accordance with ASC 718.  Please see "NOTE 4. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY," to our financial statements included in this report for the relevant assumptions used to determine the valuation of our option awards.
 
We do not have an employment agreement in place with James B. DeBello, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. DeBello's annual salary for our 2009 fiscal year was approximately $333,000.  In connection with the workforce reduction we implemented in January 2009, Mr. DeBello's annual salary was reduced by 10% for the period May 11, 2009 through September 30, 2009, the end of our 2009 fiscal year.  Mr. DeBello's annual salary for our 2010 fiscal year was reinstated to the full amount of approximately $333,000.  In May 2010, the Board of Directors awarded Mr. DeBello a discretionary bonus of approximately $84,000 in recognition of our company's improved performance.  Mr. DeBello was also awarded a discretionary bonus of approximately $1,500 with respect to a patent that we filed in 2010.  In February 2010, we granted Mr. DeBello a stock option to purchase up to 250,000 shares of our common stock that vests monthly over a 36-month term and has an exercise price of $0.79 per share, which was the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant.
 
 
42

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
 
The following table presents the outstanding equity awards held by each of the named executive officers as of the September 30, 2010.  The only outstanding equity awards are stock options.  All options we granted to our named executive officers during our fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, vest monthly over a three-year period and have ten-year terms, subject to earlier termination on the occurrence of certain events related to termination of employment.  In addition, the full vesting of options is accelerated if there is a change in control of the Company.

   
Option Awards
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
   
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
   
Equity 
Incentive 
Plan Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned 
Options
   
Option 
Exercise 
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
James B. DeBello
    400,000       -       -     $ 1.06  
05/19/13
      400,000       -       -     $ 0.50  
11/17/14
      100,000       -       -     $ 0.80  
10/19/15
      100,000       -       -     $ 0.82  
11/18/15
      150,000       -       -     $ 1.10  
07/10/16
      425,000       25,000       -     $ 0.35  
12/04/17
      131,408       117,592       -     $ 0.09  
02/25/19
 
    48,608       201,392       -     $ 0.79  
02/24/20

Option Exercises and Stock Vested at Fiscal Year End
 
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, no stock options were exercised by any named executive officer.
 
Pension Benefits
 
We do not have any defined benefit plans at this time.
 
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
 
None of our named executive officers participate in or have account balances in non-qualified defined contribution plans or other deferred compensation plans.
 
Employment Arrangements and Change in Control Arrangements
 
The stock option agreements of our named executive officers provide that, generally, in case of a change of control, the option will be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation.  If the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, then immediately before and contingent on the consummation of the change in control, the optionee will fully vest in and have the right to exercise his or her options.
 
 
43

 

As of September 30, 2010, the value of the unvested, in-the-money options of our named executive officers that would accelerate upon a change of control, based on the difference between the closing bid price on the last trading day of the year of $1.78 per share and the exercise price of the respective options, was as follows:
 
Name
 
Option Value as of
September 30, 2010
 
James B. DeBello
  $ 433,859  

Director Compensation
 
The Chairman of our Board of Directors receives $2,250 [per meeting attended in person or by phone] and all of our other non-employee directors receives $1,500 for each regularly scheduled board meeting attended in person and $500 per meeting attended by phone.  In addition, each director receives $500 for each regularly scheduled committee meeting attended either in person or by phone on which such director serves.  We also reimburse our directors for their reasonable expenses incurred in attending board and committee meetings.  The members of our Board of Directors are eligible for reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with their service on the board.
 
The following table provides director compensation information for the year ended September 30, 2010.
 
Name 
 
Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
   
Option Awards
($)(1)(2)
   
All Other
Compensation
($)
   
Total
Compensation
($)
 
John M. Thornton
  $ 12,480     $ 19,173     $ -     $ 31,653  
Michael W. Bealmear
  $ 6,500     $ 19,173     $ -     $ 25,673  
Vinton P. Cunningham
  $ 8,000     $ 19,173     $ -     $ 27,173  
Gerald I. Farmer
  $ 8,000     $ 19,173     $ -     $ 27,173  
Sally B. Thornton
  $ 6,000     $ 19,173     $ -     $ 25,173  
William P. Tudor
  $ 6,000     $ 19,173     $ -     $ 25,173  
 
(1)
Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement report purposes with respect to the fiscal year in accordance with ASC 718.  Please see "NOTE 4. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY," to our financial statements included in this report for the relevant assumptions used to determine the valuation of our option awards.
 
(2)
As of September 30, 2010, our directors held outstanding options to purchase the number of shares of common stock set forth below:
 
 
John M. Thornton, 100,000 shares;
 
Michael W. Bealmear, 75,000 shares;
 
Vinton P. Cunningham, 50,000 shares;
 
Gerald I. Farmer, 75,000 shares;
 
Sally B. Thornton, 75,000 shares; and
 
William P. Tudor, 75,000 shares.

 
44

 

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
The following table presents information concerning the beneficial ownership of the shares of our common stock as of October 29, 2010, by:
 
 
·
each person we know to be the beneficial owner of 5% of more of our outstanding shares of common stock;
 
·
each of our named executive officers and current directors; and
 
·
all of our current executive officers and directors as a group.
 
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.
 
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 18,316,249 shares of common stock outstanding on October 29, 2010.  In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed as outstanding shares of common stock subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of October 29, 2010.  We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
 
Except as indicated by the footnotes below, the business address for each of these stockholders is c/o Mitek Systems, Inc., 8911 Balboa Ave., Suite B, San Diego, CA 92123.
 
Name of Beneficial Owner or Identify of Group
 
Number of shares of
common stock
Beneficially Owned
   
Percent 
of Class
 
             
Directors and Executive Officers
           
John M. and Sally B. Thornton (1)
    2,889,959       15.63 %
James B. DeBello (2)
    1,821,597       9.05 %
William P. Tudor (3)
    110,000       *  
Michael W. Bealmear (4)
    90,000       *  
Vinton P. Cunningham (5)
    75,000       *  
Gerald I. Farmer (6)
    75,000       *  
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (seven individuals)(7)
    5,061,556       24.59 %
                 
Five Percent Stockholders
               
John M. and Sally B. Thornton (1)
    2,889,959       15.63 %
John Harland Company (8)
    2,464,284       13.22 %
Prescott Group Capital Management LLC (9)
    1,666,985       9.10 %
Isaac and Frieda Schlesinger (10)
    1,000,000       5.46 %
Itasca Capital Partners, LLC (11)
    613,466       3.29 %
White Pine Capital, LLC (11)
    381,700       2.08 %
 
*
Less than 1%.
(1)
John M. Thornton and Sally B. Thornton, husband and wife, are trustees of a family trust, and are each directors of the Company.  Includes 175,000 shares of common stock subject to options.
(2)
Consists of 1,821,597 shares of common stock subject to options.
(3)
Includes 75,000 shares of common stock subject to options.
(4)
Consists of 75,000 shares of common stock subject to options.
(5)
Consists of 50,000 shares of common stock subject to options.
(6)
Consists of 75,000 shares of common stock subject to options.
(7)
Includes 2,271,597 shares of common stock subject to options.

 
45

 
 
(8)
Based solely on Schedule 13G filed by the beneficial owner with the SEC on May 13, 2005. The stockholder's address is 2939 Miller Road, Decatur, Georgia 30035.
(9)
Based solely on Schedule 13G/A filed by the beneficial owner with the SEC on February 14, 2008.  This stockholder's address is 1924 South Utica, Suite 1120, Tulsa, OK 74104-6529.
(10)
Based solely on Schedule 13G/A filed by the beneficial owner with the SEC on March 6, 2008.  Consists of 1,000,000 shares of common stock as to which Isaac Schlesinger and Frieda Schlesinger have shared voting and dispositive power. This stockholder's address is c/o Bishop, Rosen & Co, Inc., 100 Broadway 16th Floor, New York, NY 10005.
(11)
The power to vote and dispose of the securities held by Itasca Capital Partners, LLC and White Pine Capital, LLC are held by the same party.  Itasca's holdings include 333,333 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of a convertible debenture.  Combined the two entities beneficially own approximately 5.37% of the outstanding shares of common stock.  These stockholders' address is 60 South 6th Street, Suite 2530 Minneapolis, MN  55402.
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.
 
The table below sets forth information as of September 30, 2010, with respect to compensation plans under which our common stock is authorized for issuance.  The figures related to the equity compensation plan approved by security holders relate to our 1999 Stock Option Plan, 2000 Stock Option Plan, 2002 Stock Option Plan, 2006 Stock Option Plan and 2010 Stock Option Plan.  We do not have any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by security holders.
 
   
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
   
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
   
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
 
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders
    4,534,328     $ 0.66       1,201,311  

Our 1999 Stock Option Plan, which provided for the purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock through incentive and non-qualified stock options, terminated on June 10, 2009; however options granted under the plan that were outstanding at such date remain in effect until such options are exercised or expired.  As of September 30, 2010, there were options outstanding to purchase 651,750 shares of our common stock.
 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Related Transactions
 
Except as noted below, there have been no related party transactions with any of our directors, executive officers or five percent stockholders in the last three fiscal years.
 
John H. Harland Company beneficially owns more than five percent of our outstanding common stock.  We realized revenue of approximately $59,000 and $67,000 from transactions between us and John H. Harland Company and its subsidiary, Harland Financial Solutions (collectively "John Harland"), during the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  At September 30, 2010, there was an outstanding accounts receivable balance of approximately $4,000 due from John Harland, compared to a balance of approximately $10,000 at September 30, 2009.
 
Director Independence
 
Our board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Bealmear, Cunningham, Farmer and Tudor are "independent" under the criteria established by the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules for independent board members.  In addition, our board of directors has determined that the members of our audit committee meet the additional independence criteria required for audit committee membership.

 
46

 
 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Audit Fees
 
The fees for professional services rendered for the audit of our financial statements for each of the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, and the reviews of our interim financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or services normally provided by Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., our independent registered public accounting firm, in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements were approximately $129,300 for both the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
 
Audit Related Fees
 
There were no audit related fees for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 or September 30, 2009.
 
Tax Fees
 
There were no fees for tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning billed or expected to be billed by our independent auditors for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 or September 30, 2009.
 
All Other Fees
 
Other than described above, there were no other fees paid to our independent auditors.
 
Independence
 
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors believes there were no services provided by our independent auditors which would affect their independence.
 
Pre-Approval Policies
 
In accordance with the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has established policies and procedures by which it approves in advance any audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by our independent auditors.  Under these procedures, prior to the engagement of the independent auditor for pre-approved services, requests or applications for the auditors to provide services must be submitted to the Audit Committee and must include a detailed description of the services to be rendered.  Our chief financial officer and the independent auditors must ensure that the independent auditors are not engaged to perform the proposed services unless those services are within the list of services that have received the Audit Committee's pre-approval and must cause the Audit Committee to be informed in a timely manner of all services rendered by the independent auditors and the related fees.
 
Each request or application must include:
 
 
·
a recommendation by our chief financial officer as to whether the Audit Committee should approve the request or application; and
 
 
·
a joint statement of our chief financial officer and the independent auditors as to whether, in their view, the request or application is consistent with the SEC's and the requirements for auditor independence of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB").

 
47

 
 
The Audit Committee also will not permit the independent auditors to be engaged to provide any services to the extent that the SEC has prohibited the provision of those services by independent auditors, which generally include:
 
 
·
bookkeeping or other services related to accounting records or financial statements;
 
·
financial information systems design and implementation;
 
·
appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports;
 
·
actuarial services;
 
·
internal audit outsourcing services;
 
·
management functions;
 
·
human resources;
 
·
broker-dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services;
 
·
legal services;
 
·
expert services unrelated to the audit; and
 
·
any service that the PCAOB determines is not permissible.
 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
 
 
(1)
Financial Statements:
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010 and 2009
Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
Notes to Financial Statements

 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedule:
 
None.
 
 
(3)
Exhibits.
 
See subsection (b) below.
 
 
(b)
Exhibits. The exhibits set forth in the Exhibit Index following the signature page of this report are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
48

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
 
November 16, 2010
MITEK SYSTEMS, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ James B. De Bello
   
James B. DeBello
   
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
   
Financial Officer
     
   
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal
   
Financial Officer)
     
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby severally constitutes and appoints James B. DeBello, his or her true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
/s/ John M. Thornton
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director
 
November 16, 2010
John M. Thornton
       
         
/s/ James B. DeBello
 
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer
 
November 16, 2010
James B. DeBello
 
and Director (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
   
         
/s/ Michael W. Bealmear
 
Director
 
November 16, 2010
Michael W. Bealmear
       
         
/s/ Vinton P. Cunningham
 
Director
 
November 16, 2010
Vinton P. Cunningham
       
         
/s/ Gerald I. Farmer
 
Director
 
November 16, 2010
Gerald I. Farmer
       
         
/s/ Sally B. Thornton
 
Director
 
November 16, 2010
Sally B. Thornton
       
         
/s/ William P. Tudor
 
Director
 
November 16, 2010
William P. Tudor
       

 
 
49

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Incorporated by
Reference from
Document
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation of Mitek Systems, Inc.
 
(1)
3.2
 
Bylaws of Mitek Systems, Inc
 
(1)
4.1
 
Form of debenture issued on December 10, 2009
 
(2)
4.2
 
Form of warrant issued on December 10, 2009
 
(2)
10.1
 
Mitek Systems, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan.
 
(3)
10.2
 
Mitek Systems, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan.
 
(4)
10.3
 
Mitek Systems, Inc. 2002 Stock Option Plan.
 
(5)
10.4
 
Mitek Systems, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan.
 
(6)
10.5
 
Mitek Systems, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan
 
(7)
10.6
 
Securities purchase agreement dated December 10, 2009
 
(2)
10.7
 
Security agreement dated December 10, 2009
 
(2)
10.8
 
Securities purchase agreement dated September 30, 2010
 
Filed herewith
23.1
 
Consent of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
 
Filed herewith
24.1
 
Power of Attorney
 
Incorporated by reference from the signature page of this report
31.1
 
Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Filed herewith
31.2
 
Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Filed herewith
32.1
 
Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Furnished herewith
32.2
  
Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
Furnished herewith
 

(1)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1987.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K originally filed with the SEC on December 16, 2009.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 originally filed with the SEC on June 11, 1999
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 originally filed with the SEC on March 30, 2001
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 originally filed with the SEC on July 7, 2003.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 originally filed with the SEC on May 3, 2006
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 originally filed with the SEC on July 9, 1996

 
50

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
CORPORATE OFFICE
Mitek Systems, Inc.
8911 Balboa Ave, Suite B
San Diego, California 92123
(858) 503-7810
 
CORPORATE OFFICERS
James B. DeBello, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

TRANSFER AGENT
Mellon Investor Services LLC
480 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07310-1900
www.mellon.com
 
REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Mayer Hoffman McCann, P.C.
10616 Scripps Summit Court, San Diego, California 92131
 
DIRECTORS
John M. Thornton, Chairman of the Board
Sally B. Thornton, Investor
Michael W. Bealmear (1) (2) (3)
James B. DeBello, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Gerald I. Farmer, Ph.D. (1) (2) (3)
William P. Tudor (1)
Vinton P. Cunningham (2)
 
NOTES
(1) Compensation Committee
(2) Audit Committee
(3) Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee
 
FORM 10-K REPORT
Copies of our Form 10-K report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, are available free to stockholders and may be obtained by writing or calling Secretary, Mitek Systems, Inc., 8911 Balboa Ave., Suite B, San Diego, California 92123, phone (858) 503-7810.

 

 
 
Exhibit 10.8
 
SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
This Securities Purchase Agreement (this "Agreement") dated as of September 30, 2010 is entered into by and among Mitek Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and each purchaser identified on the signature pages hereto (each, including its successors and assigns, a "Purchaser" and collectively the "Purchasers").
 
RECITALS
 
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder, the Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser, severally and not jointly, desires to purchase from the Company, shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company as more fully described in this Agreement.
 
In consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and each Purchaser agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
1.1           Definitions.  In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1:
 
"Accredited Investor Questionnaire" means the accredited investor questionnaire, in a form acceptable to the Company, delivered by the Purchasers to the Company at the Closing.
 
"Affiliate" means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such term is used in and construed under Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.  With respect to a Purchaser, any investment fund or managed account that is managed on a discretionary basis by the same investment manager as such Purchaser will be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Purchaser.
 
"Business Day" means Monday through Friday, excluding any day of the year on which banks are required or authorized to close in the State of California.
 
"Closing" means the closing of the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to Section 2.1.
 
"Closing Date" means the Business Day on which all of the Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered by the applicable parties thereto pursuant to Sections 2.2(a) and 2.2(b), and all conditions precedent to (i) the Purchasers' obligations to pay the Subscription Amount and (ii) the Company's obligations to deliver the Securities, in each case, have been satisfied or waived.
 
"Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
"Governmental Entity" means any foreign, federal, state, municipal or local government, governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency, instrumentality or commission or any United States court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body of any nature; or any United States body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory or taxing authority or power of any nature.

 
1

 
 
"Person" means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated association, corporation, limited liability company, entity or Governmental Entity.
 
"Per Share Purchase Price" shall mean $1.50.
 
"Rule 144" means Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same effect as such rule.
 
"Securities" means the shares of Common Stock being sold by the Company to the Purchasers hereunder.
 
"SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
"Shares Purchased" means, as to each Purchaser, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock purchased at the Closing and as specified below such Purchaser's name on the signature page of this Agreement and next to the heading "Shares Purchased."
 
"Short Sales" include (i) all "short sales" as defined in Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act, whether or not against the box, and all types of direct and indirect stock pledges, forward sale contracts, options, puts, calls, short sales, swaps, "put equivalent positions" (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act) and similar arrangements (including on a total return basis), and (ii) sales and other transactions through non-U.S. broker dealers or foreign regulated brokers.
 
"Subscription Amount" means, as to each Purchaser, the aggregate amount to be paid for the Securities purchased at the Closing by such Purchaser and as specified below such Purchaser's name on the signature page of this Agreement and next to the heading "Subscription Amount," in United States dollars in immediately available funds. The Subscription Amount, as to each Purchaser, shall be the product of (i) the aggregate number of Securities being purchased at the Closing by such Purchaser and (ii) the Per Share Purchase Price.
 
"Trading Day" means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for business.
 
"Trading Market" means the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE Amex; the NASDAQ Capital Market; the NASDAQ Global Market; the NASDAQ Global Select Market; the New York Stock Exchange; or the OTC Bulletin Board.
 
"Transaction Documents" means this Agreement and all exhibits and schedules hereto and any other agreements executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
"Transfer Agent Instruction Letter" means an irrevocable letter on behalf of the Company addressed to the transfer agent for the Common Stock instructing such transfer agent to issue to such Purchaser as soon as reasonably practicable such number of Securities being purchased by such Purchaser hereunder.
 
ARTICLE II
 
PURCHASE AND SALE
 
2.1          The Securities; Closings.
 
(a)           Issuance of Securities.  Subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof, the Company agrees to sell to each Purchaser and each Purchaser, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company, in exchange for such Purchaser's Subscription Amount, the number of Securities as specified below such Purchaser’s name on the signature page of this Agreement and next to the heading “Shares Purchased”, which number shall not be less than 500,000.

 
2

 
 
(b)           Closing.  Each purchase and sale of the shares of Common Stock shall take place at a Closing to be held at such time and location as the Company and the Purchasers participating in such Closing shall mutually agree and upon satisfaction of the covenants and conditions set forth in Section 2.2.  At each Closing, each Purchaser participating in such Closing shall deliver to the Company via wire transfer of immediately available funds equal to such Purchaser's Subscription Amount as set forth on the signature page hereto executed by such Purchaser, and the Company shall deliver to such Purchaser a copy of the Transfer Agent Instruction Letter duly executed on behalf of the Company.  In addition, at each Closing, the Company and each Purchaser shall deliver the items set forth in Section 2.2 deliverable at the Closing.  At each Closing, the Company shall update the Schedule of Purchasers attached as Schedule I hereto to identify the relevant Closing Date and list the name and address for each Purchaser participating in such Closing, together with such Purchaser's Subscription Amount, which update shall not require any formal amendment hereunder pursuant to Section 5.5.
 
2.2          Closing Conditions.
 
(a)          The obligations of the Company to a Purchaser hereunder in connection with a Closing are subject to the following conditions being met, to the extent not waived by the Company in writing:
 
(1)           the accuracy in all respects when made and on such Closing Date of the representations and warranties of such Purchaser contained herein;
 
(2)           all obligations, covenants and agreements of such Purchaser required to be performed at or prior to such Closing Date shall have been performed; and
 
(3)           the Company shall have received:
 
(A)          this Agreement duly executed by such Purchaser;
 
(B)           the full amount of such Purchaser's Subscription Amount by wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Company; and
 
(C)           the Accredited Investor Questionnaire completed and duly executed by such Purchaser.
 
(b)          The respective obligations of the Purchasers hereunder in connection with a Closing are subject to the following conditions being met to the extent not waived by such Purchaser:
 
(1)          (A) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement that are qualified by reference to materiality, material adverse effect  or words of like effect shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date); and (B) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement that are not qualified by reference to materiality, material adverse effect or words of like effect shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date);
 
(2)          all obligations, covenants and agreements of the Company required to be performed at or prior to such Closing Date shall have been performed; and
 
(3)          such Purchaser shall have received:
 
(A)           this Agreement duly executed by the Company;
 
(B)           a copy of the Transfer Agent Instruction Letter duly executed on behalf of the Company; and

 
3

 
 
(C)           a certificate signed by the Company's Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, in such Person's capacity as an officer of the Company, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Company in Section 3.1 are true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent that such representations and warranties are qualified by materiality, material adverse effect, or words of like effect, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true in all respects) as of, and as if made on, the date of this Agreement and as of such Closing Date and that the Company has satisfied in all material respects all of the conditions set forth in this Section 2.2(b); provided, however, that the foregoing certificate shall not be required if such Closing Date occurs on the date of this Agreement.
 
ARTICLE III
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
3.1          Representations and Warranties of the Company.  The Company hereby represents and warrants as of the date hereof and as of the applicable Closing Date to each Purchaser as follows:
 
(a)           Organization and Qualification.  The Company is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Company is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, would not result in (i) a material adverse effect on the business of the Company taken as a whole, or (ii) a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under any Transaction Document.
 
(b)           Authorization.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is a party and each of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby have been duly and validly authorized by the Company, and no other corporate act or proceeding on the part of the Company, its board of directors or its stockholders is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement or any Transaction Document to which it is a party or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and this Agreement constitutes, and the other Transaction Documents upon execution and delivery by the Company will each constitute, a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
 
(c)           No Conflict.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of each of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will not (i) violate or conflict with the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Company, (ii) violate, conflict with, result in any material breach of, constitute a default under, result in the termination of, result in the acceleration of any obligations under, result in a material change in terms of, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel, or require any consent or notice under, or create an event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would be a default under or material breach of, any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or demand of any Governmental Entity that materially affects the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any assets or any of the equity of the Company, or which affects the ability to conduct its business as conducted prior to the date of this Agreement or perform its obligations under this Agreement, (iv) require any declaration, filing or registration with, or authorization, consent or approval of, exemption or other action by or notice to, any Governmental Entity or other Person under the provisions of any law or any agreement to which the Company is subject other than the filing of a Form D with the SEC and such filings as are required to be made under applicable state securities laws.

 
4

 
 
(d)           Legal Proceedings.  There is no action, claim, suit or proceeding pending by or against the Company that challenges or may have the effect of preventing, delaying, making illegal or otherwise interfering with the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the performance of the Company hereunder or thereunder.
 
(e)           Issuance of Securities.  The Securities are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the applicable Transaction Documents, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all liens imposed by the Company other than restrictions on transfer provided for in the Transaction Documents.
 
(f)           SEC Reports.  The Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) thereof, since October 1, 2009 (the foregoing materials filed since October 1, 2009, including the exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, being collectively referred to herein as the "SEC Reports") on a timely basis or has received a valid extension of such time of filing and has filed any such SEC Reports prior to the expiration of any such extension. As of their respective dates, the SEC Reports (i) were complete and accurate in all material respects and (ii) complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable.
 
(g)           Preemptive and Other Rights.  No Person has any right of first refusal, preemptive right, right of participation, or any similar right to participate in the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
 
(h)           Financial Statements.  The SEC Reports fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of and for the dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended, subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal, year-end audit adjustments.
 
(i)           Private Placement.  Assuming the accuracy of each Purchaser's representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.2, no registration under the Securities Act is required for the offer and sale of the Securities by the Company to the Purchasers as contemplated hereby.
 
3.2          Representations and Warranties of the Purchasers.  Each Purchaser, for itself and for no other Purchaser, hereby represents and warrants as of the date hereof and as of the applicable Closing Date to the Company as follows:
 
(a)           Organization; Authority.  Such Purchaser, if not a natural person, is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization with full right, corporate or partnership power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and performance by such Purchaser of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or similar action on the part of such Purchaser.  Each Transaction Document to which it is a party has been duly executed by such Purchaser, and when delivered by such Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of such Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
 
(b)           Own Account.  Such Purchaser (i) understands that the Securities are "restricted securities" and have not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law (ii) is acquiring the Securities as principal for its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Securities (within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act) or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, (iii) has no present intention of distributing any of such Securities in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law and (iv) has no direct or indirect arrangement or understandings with any other Persons to distribute or regarding the distribution of such Securities (this representation and warranty not limiting such Purchaser's right to sell the Securities in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws).

 
5

 
 
(c)           Purchaser Status.  At the time such Purchaser was offered the Securities, it was, and at the date hereof it is, an "accredited investor" as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act.  Such Purchaser is not required to be registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act.
 
(d)           Residency.  Such Purchaser's principal executive offices (or residence, in the case of a Purchaser that is an individual) are in the jurisdiction set forth in the Accredited Investor Questionnaire.
 
(e)           Experience of Such Purchaser.  Such Purchaser, either alone or together with its representatives (who are unaffiliated with and who are not compensated by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company and who are not selling agents of the Company), has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment in the Securities, and has so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment.  Such Purchaser is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Securities and, at the present time, is able to afford a complete loss of such investment.
 
(f)           No Representations.  Such Purchaser confirms that neither the Company nor any of its authorized agents has made any representation or warranty to such Purchaser about the Company or the Securities other than those set forth in this Agreement, and that such Purchaser has not relied upon any other representation or warranty, express or implied, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
(g)           Investment Risks.  Such Purchaser acknowledges and is aware that: (i) there are substantial restrictions on the transferability of the Securities, (ii) the Securities will not be, and such Purchaser does not have the right to require that the Securities be, registered under the Securities Act, and (iii) the certificates representing the Securities shall bear a legend similar to the legend set out in Section 4.1.
 
(h)           Opportunity to Ask Questions.  During the course of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, and before acquiring the Securities, such Purchaser has had the opportunity (i) to be provided with financial and other written information about the Company, and (ii) to ask questions and receive answers concerning the business of the Company and its finances. Such Purchaser has, to the extent it has availed itself of this opportunity, received satisfactory information and answers.
 
(i)            General Solicitation. Such Purchaser is not purchasing the Securities as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Securities published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or meeting or, to its knowledge, in any other form of general solicitation or general advertisement.
 
(j)            Investor Questionnaire.  The Accredited Investor Questionnaire completed by such Purchaser is accurate, true and complete in all respects.
 
(k)           No Governmental Review.  Such Purchaser understands that no Governmental Entity has passed on or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities or the fairness or suitability of the investment in the Securities nor have such authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Securities.
 
(l)            Regulation M.  Such Purchaser is aware that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of Common Stock and other activities with respect to the Common Stock by the Purchasers.
 
(m)          Brokers and Finders.  No Person will have, as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any valid right, interest or claim against or upon the Company or such Purchaser for any commission, fee or other compensation pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into by or on behalf of such Purchaser.

 
6

 
 
(n)           Certain Trading Activities.  Other than with respect to the transactions contemplated herein, since the time that such Purchaser was first contacted regarding the transactions contemplated hereby until the date hereof, neither such Purchaser nor any Affiliate of such Purchaser that (i) had knowledge of the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) has or shares discretion relating to such Purchaser's investments or trading or information concerning such Purchaser's investments, including in respect of the Securities, and (iii) is subject to such Purchaser's review or input concerning such Affiliate's investments or trading (collectively, "Trading Affiliates") has directly or indirectly, nor has any Person acting on behalf of or pursuant to any understanding with such Purchaser or Trading Affiliate, effected or agreed to effect any transactions in the securities of the Company (including any Short Sales involving the Company's securities).
 
(o)           Reliance by the Company.  Such Purchaser understands that the foregoing representations and warranties are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for exemption of the sale of the Securities under the Securities Act and under the securities laws of all applicable states and for other purposes.
 
ARTICLE IV
 
OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
 
4.1          Transfer Restrictions.
 
(a)           The Securities may only be disposed of in compliance with state and federal securities laws.  In connection with any transfer of Securities other than pursuant to an effective registration statement or in compliance with Rule 144 or to the Company, the Company may require the transferor thereof to provide to the Company, at the transferor's sole expense, an opinion of counsel selected by the transferor and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the form and substance of which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such transfer does not require registration of such transferred Securities under the Securities Act and such transfer is in compliance with applicable state securities laws.  As a condition of transfer, any such transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and shall have the rights of a Purchaser under this Agreement.
 
(b)           The Purchasers agree to the imprinting, so long as is required by this Section 4.1, of a legend on any certificate representing any of the Securities in the following form:
 
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE "COMMISSION") UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), IN RELIANCE UPON ONE OR MORE EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION AFFORDED BY THE SECURITIES ACT AND/OR RULES PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION PURSUANT THERETO. THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE ALSO NOT BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED (AS THE CASE MAY BE) UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES (THE "BLUE SKY LAWS"), IN RELIANCE UPON ONE OR MORE EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION (AS THE CASE MAY BE) AFFORDED UNDER SUCH SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR THE HOLDER'S OWN ACCOUNT FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT WITH A VIEW FOR RESALE OR DISTRIBUTION.
 
4.2          Securities Laws Disclosure; Publicity.  The Company shall have sole control over any press release, public announcement, statement or acknowledgment with respect to this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.
 
4.3          Form D; Blue Sky Filings.  The Company agrees to timely file a Form D with respect to the Securities as required under Regulation D. The Company shall take such action as the Company shall reasonably determine is necessary to obtain an exemption for or to qualify the Securities for sale to the Purchasers at the Closing under applicable securities or "Blue Sky" laws of the states of the United States.

 
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ARTICLE V
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
5.1           Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by either the Company or any Purchaser (as to such Purchaser's obligations hereunder only and without any effect whatsoever on the obligations between the Company and the other Purchasers), by written notice to the other parties, if a Closing hereunder has not been consummated on or before October 1, 2010; provided, however, that such termination will not affect the right of any party to sue for any breach by the other party (or parties) and provided that this ARTICLE V shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect.
 
5.2           Fees and Expenses.  Each party shall pay the fees and expenses of its advisers, counsel, accountants and other experts, if any, and all other expenses incurred by such party incident to the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.  The Company shall pay all transfer agent fees, stamp taxes and other taxes and duties levied in connection with the delivery of any Securities to the Purchasers.
 
5.3           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect to such matters, which the parties acknowledge have been merged into such documents, exhibits and schedules.
 
5.4           Notices.  All notices or other communications which are required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently given if (a) delivered personally or (b) sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid or (c) sent by overnight courier with a nationally recognized courier, or (d) sent via facsimile confirmed in writing in any of the foregoing manners, as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto if delivered to Purchasers, or as follows if delivered to the Company:
 
 
Mitek Systems, Inc.
 
8911 Balboa Ave., Suite B
 
San Diego CA 92123
 
Attention:  James B. DeBello
 
Fax:  858.503.7820
   
With a copy to:     
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP
 
501 W. Broadway, 19th Floor
 
San Diego, CA 92101
 
Attention:  Robert G. Copeland, Esq.
 
Fax:  619.515.4128
 
If sent by mail, notice shall be considered delivered five Business Days after the date of mailing, and if sent by any other means set forth above, notice shall be considered delivered upon receipt thereof.  Any party may by notice to the other parties change the address or facsimile number to which notice or other communications to it are to be delivered or mailed.
 
5.5           Amendments; Waivers.  No provision of this Agreement may be waived, modified, supplemented or amended except in a written instrument signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company and Purchasers holding at least two-thirds of the aggregate number of Securities then held by Purchasers or, in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom enforcement of any such waived provision is sought.  No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of any party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right.
 
5.6           Headings.  The headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

 
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5.7           Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and permitted assigns (including by merger, share exchange or other similar corporate reorganization or similar transaction).
 
5.8           No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person.
 
5.9           Governing Law.  All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of the Transaction Documents shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.  Each party agrees that all legal proceedings concerning the interpretation, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by any of the Transaction Documents (whether brought against a party hereto or its respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents) shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
 
5.10         Survival.  The representations and warranties of the Company and each Purchaser shall survive the Closing and the delivery of the Securities for the applicable statute of limitations.
 
5.11         Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.  Facsimile and PDF signatures shall be treated as if they were originals.
 
5.12         Severability.  If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any circumstance shall, in any jurisdiction, be invalid or unenforceable, such term or provision shall be ineffective as to such jurisdiction to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating or rendering unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction, the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or the application of such terms and provisions to circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or enforceable.
 
5.13         Remedies.  In addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein or granted by law, including recovery of damages, each of the Purchasers and the Company will be entitled to specific performance under this Agreement.  The parties agree that monetary damages may not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of any breach of obligations contained in the Transaction Documents and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert in any action for specific performance of any such obligation the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.
 
5.14         Independent Nature of Purchasers' Obligations and Rights; Separate Counsel.  The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance or non-performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under this Agreement or any other related agreement. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of any related agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.  Each Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that such Purchaser has been represented by its own separate legal counsel in their review and negotiation of the Agreement.
 
5.15         Attorney's Fees.  In any proceeding arising out of this Agreement, including with respect to any instrument, document or agreement made under or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs and actual attorneys' fees.  As used in this Agreement, "actual attorneys' fees" shall mean the full and actual cost of any legal services actually performed in connection with the matters involved, calculated on the basis of the usual hourly fees charged by the attorneys performing such services.

 
9

 
 
5.16         Construction.  This Agreement has been negotiated by the parties and is to be interpreted according to its fair meaning as if the parties had prepared it together and not strictly for or against any party.  For purposes of this Agreement, (a) the words "include," "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation"; (b) the word "or" is not exclusive; and (c) the words "herein," "hereof," "hereby," "hereto" and "hereunder" refer to this Agreement as a whole.  Currency amounts referenced herein, unless otherwise specified, are in U.S. dollars. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (i) to the masculine, feminine or neuter gender includes others (ii) to articles, sections, schedules and exhibits are to articles, sections, schedules and exhibits of or to this Agreement; (iii) to an agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and (iv) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
[Signature Pages Follow]

 
10

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.
 
 
Mitek Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
 
 
Title:
 
 
[Signature Pages For Purchasers Follow]

 
11

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.
 
Name of Purchaser:
   
Signature of Authorized Signatory of Purchaser:
   
Name of Authorized Signatory:
   
Title of Authorized Signatory:
   
Facsimile Number of Purchaser:
   
Address for Notice of Purchaser:
   
     
Address for Delivery of Securities for Purchaser (if not same as address for notice):
   
Subscription Amount:
   
Shares Purchased:
   
EIN Number:
   

 
12

 

Exhibit 23.1
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
As independent registered public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-80567, 333-58032, 333-106843 and 333-133765 on Form S-8 of our report dated November 16, 2010, relating to the financial statements of Mitek Systems, Inc. as of and for the year ended September 30, 2010, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.
 
/s/ Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
 
San Diego, California
 
November 16, 2010
 

 
 

 

Exhibit 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
I, James B. DeBello, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Mitek Systems, Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or cause such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: November 16, 2010
/s/ James B. DeBello
 
James B. DeBello, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
I, James B. DeBello, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Mitek Systems, Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or cause such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: November 16, 2010
/s/ James B. DeBello
 
James B. DeBello, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
I, James B. DeBello, Chief Executive Officer of Mitek Systems, Inc. (the "Registrant"), do hereby certify pursuant to Rule 13a of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code that:
 
(1)
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Registrant for the year ended September 30, 2010 (the "Report"), to which this statement is filed as an exhibit, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a)  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
 
Date: November 16, 2010
/s/ James B. DeBello
 
James B. DeBello
Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 

Exhibit 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
I, James B. DeBello, Chief Financial Officer of Mitek Systems, Inc. (the "Registrant"), do hereby certify pursuant to Rule 13a of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code that:
 
(1)
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Registrant for the year ended September 30, 2010 (the "Report"), to which this statement is filed as an exhibit, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
 
Date: November 16, 2010
/s/ James B. DeBello
 
James B. DeBello
Chief Financial Officer