Diebold faces informal SEC inquiry

NEW YORK, May 9 (Reuters) - Diebold Inc. (DBD.N: Quote, Profile, Research), one of the world's largest makers of automated teller and electronic voting machines, on Tuesday said staff at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have begun an informal inquiry into how the company recognizes revenue.

North Canton, Ohio-based Diebold said it learned recently about the SEC inquiry and is cooperating. The company disclosed the inquiry in its quarterly report filed with the agency.

A Diebold spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment. SEC spokesman John Nester declined to comment.

Diebold has struggled with high manufacturing costs and lower demand in North America for its ATMs. It is incurring some restructuring charges this year as it tries to cut costs and improve profitability.