UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2020
OR
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¨ | 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 0-27266
Westell Technologies, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 36-3154957 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | | Identification Number) |
| |
750 North Commons Drive, Aurora, IL | | 60504 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (630) 898-2500
Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
None | N/A | N/A |
Indicate by check or mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large Accelerated Filer | | ¨ | | Accelerated Filer | | ¨ |
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Non-Accelerated Filer | | x | | Smaller Reporting Company | | x |
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| | | | Emerging Growth Company | | ¨ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of January 29, 2021:
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value – 7,521,271 shares Class B Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value – 3,484,287 shares
WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q INDEX
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Item 4. | | |
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Item 1. | | |
Item 1A. | | |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | |
Item 6. | | |
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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements contained herein that are not historical facts or that contain the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “should,” or derivatives thereof and other words of similar meaning are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the product demand and market acceptance risks, customer spending patterns, need for financing and capital, economic weakness in the United States (“U.S.”) economy and telecommunications market, the effect of international economic conditions and trade, legal, social and economic risks (such as import, licensing and trade restrictions), the impact of competitive products or technologies, competitive pricing pressures, customer product selection decisions, product cost increases, component supply shortages, new product development, excess and obsolete inventory, commercialization and technological delays or difficulties (including delays or difficulties in developing, producing, testing and selling new products and technologies), the ability to successfully consolidate and rationalize operations, the ability to successfully identify, acquire and integrate acquisitions, effects of the Company’s accounting policies, retention of key personnel, the effects and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic or other pandemics, and other risks more fully described in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, under Item 1A - Risk Factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise.
Trademarks
The following terms used in this filing are our trademarks: ClearLink®, EdgeLinkTM, Kentrox®, Optima Management System®, UDIT®, WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES®, and Westell®. All other trademarks appearing in this filing are the property of their holders.
WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited) | | |
| December 31, 2020 | | March 31, 2020 |
Assets | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 14,756 | | | $ | 20,869 | |
| | | |
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $100 at December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020) | 4,923 | | | 4,047 | |
Inventories | 5,742 | | | 6,807 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 961 | | | 1,298 | |
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Total current assets | 26,382 | | | 33,021 | |
Land, property and equipment, gross | 7,694 | | | 7,987 | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (6,736) | | | (6,911) | |
Land, property and equipment, net | 958 | | | 1,076 | |
Intangible assets, net | 1,933 | | | 2,728 | |
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Right-of-use assets on operating leases, net | 2,573 | | | 628 | |
Other non-current assets | 79 | | | 73 | |
Total assets | $ | 31,925 | | | $ | 37,526 | |
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Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Accounts payable | $ | 1,379 | | | $ | 1,065 | |
Accrued expenses | 3,220 | | | 3,136 | |
Deferred revenue | 1,089 | | | 1,099 | |
Note Payable, SBA PPP loan - current | 1,138 | | | 0 | |
Total current liabilities | 6,826 | | | 5,300 | |
Note Payable, SBA PPP loan - non-current | 510 | | | 0 | |
Deferred revenue non-current | 129 | | | 221 | |
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Lease liabilities non-current | 2,023 | | | 250 | |
Other non-current liabilities | 293 | | | 94 | |
Total liabilities | 9,781 | | | 5,865 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | 0 | | 0 |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | |
Class A common stock, par $0.01, Authorized – 109,000,000 shares Outstanding – 7,521,271 and 12,224,450 shares at December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively | 75 | | | 122 | |
Class B common stock, par $0.01, Authorized – 25,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding – 3,484,287 shares at December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020 | 35 | | | 35 | |
Preferred stock, par $0.01, Authorized – 1,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding – NaN | 0 | | | 0 | |
Additional paid-in capital | 420,037 | | | 419,630 | |
Treasury stock at cost – 10,169,753 and 5,215,453 shares at December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively | (44,559) | | | (37,326) | |
| | | |
Accumulated deficit | (353,444) | | | (350,800) | |
Total stockholders’ equity | 22,144 | | | 31,661 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 31,925 | | | $ | 37,526 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 | |
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Revenue | $ | 7,649 | | | $ | 7,159 | | | $ | 23,319 | | | $ | 23,730 | | |
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Cost of revenue | 5,443 | | | 4,379 | | | 15,480 | | | 16,125 | | |
Gross profit | 2,206 | | | 2,780 | | | 7,839 | | | 7,605 | | |
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | |
Research and development | 1,006 | | | 1,222 | | | 2,865 | | | 4,227 | | |
Sales and marketing | 1,200 | | | 1,556 | | | 4,024 | | | 6,147 | | |
General and administrative | 863 | | | 1,093 | | | 3,175 | | | 3,706 | | |
Intangible amortization | 226 | | | 308 | | | 677 | | | 924 | | |
Restructuring | 0 | | | 234 | | | 0 | | | 234 | | |
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Total operating expenses | 3,295 | | | 4,413 | | | 10,741 | | | 15,238 | | |
Operating profit (loss) | (1,089) | | | (1,633) | | | (2,902) | | | (7,633) | | |
Other income, net | 178 | | | 109 | | | 223 | | | 398 | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes | (911) | | | (1,524) | | | (2,679) | | | (7,235) | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | (23) | | | (20) | | | 35 | | | (27) | | |
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Net income (loss) (1) | $ | (934) | | | $ | (1,544) | | | $ | (2,644) | | | $ | (7,262) | | |
Net income (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | |
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Basic | $ | (0.09) | | | $ | (0.10) | | | $ | (0.19) | | | $ | (0.47) | | |
Diluted net income (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | |
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Diluted | $ | (0.09) | | | $ | (0.10) | | | $ | (0.19) | | | $ | (0.47) | | |
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | 10,984 | | | 15,575 | | | 14,125 | | | 15,514 | | |
Effect of dilutive securities: restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units and stock options (2) | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | |
Diluted | 10,984 | | | 15,575 | | | 14,125 | | | 15,514 | | |
_______
(1) Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are the same for the periods reported.
(2) The Company had 0.7 million shares and 0.8 million shares, represented by common stock equivalents for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, and 1.0 million shares and 0.9 million shares for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively, which were not included in the computation of average dilutive shares outstanding because they were anti-dilutive. In periods with a net loss from continuing operations, the basic loss per share equals the diluted loss per share as all common stock equivalents are excluded from the per share calculation.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
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| Common Stock Class A | | Common Stock Class B | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Treasury Stock | | | | Accumulated Deficit | | Total Stockholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, March 31, 2020 | $ | 122 | | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 419,630 | | | $ | (37,326) | | | | | $ | (350,800) | | | $ | 31,661 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (825) | | | (825) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued | 2 | | | — | | | (2) | | | — | | | | | — | | | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of treasury stock | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | (41) | | | | | — | | | (42) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 162 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 162 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, June 30, 2020 | 123 | | | 35 | | | 419,790 | | | (37,367) | | | | | (351,625) | | | 30,956 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (885) | | | (885) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued | 1 | | | — | | | (1) | | | — | | | | | — | | | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of treasury stock | — | | | — | | | — | | | (11) | | | | | — | | | (11) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 148 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 148 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, September 30, 2020 | 124 | | | 35 | | | 419,937 | | | (37,378) | | | | | (352,510) | | | 30,208 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (934) | | | (934) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued | — | | | — | | | 0 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of treasury stock | (49) | | | — | | | — | | | (7,181) | | | | | — | | | (7,230) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 100 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 100 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2020 | $ | 75 | | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 420,037 | | | $ | (44,559) | | | | | $ | (353,444) | | | $ | 22,144 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Stock Class A | | Common Stock Class B | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Treasury Stock | | | | Accumulated Deficit | | Total Stockholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, March 31, 2019 | $ | 119 | | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 418,859 | | | $ | (37,135) | | | | | $ | (340,698) | | | $ | 41,180 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (2,157) | | | (2,157) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued | 3 | | | — | | | (3) | | | — | | | | | — | | | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of treasury stock | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | (172) | | | | | — | | | (173) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 244 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 244 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, June 30, 2019 | 121 | | | 35 | | | 419,100 | | | (37,307) | | | | | (342,855) | | | 39,094 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (3,561) | | | (3,561) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued | 1 | | | — | | | 0 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of treasury stock | 0 | | | — | | | — | | | (16) | | | | | — | | | (16) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 201 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 201 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, September 30, 2019 | 122 | | | 35 | | | 419,301 | | | (37,323) | | | | | (346,416) | | | 35,719 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | (1,544) | | | (1,544) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued | 0 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | — | | | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of treasury stock | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2) | | | | | — | | | (2) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | | 152 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 152 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2019 | $ | 122 | | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 419,453 | | | $ | (37,325) | | | | | $ | (347,960) | | | $ | 34,325 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended December 31, | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | $ | (2,644) | | | $ | (7,262) | | | |
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 986 | | | 1,426 | | | |
| | | | | |
Stock-based compensation | 410 | | | 597 | | | |
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets | 0 | | | (11) | | | |
Restructuring | 0 | | | 234 | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Exchange rate loss (gain) | (18) | | | (2) | | | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | (858) | | | 1,934 | | | |
Inventories | 1,065 | | | 2,179 | | | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 337 | | | 3 | | | |
Other assets | (1,951) | | | (575) | | | |
Deferred revenue | (102) | | | (79) | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 2,381 | | | 332 | | | |
| | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | (394) | | | (1,224) | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | |
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Proceeds from sale of fixed assets | 0 | | | 11 | | | |
Purchase of product licensing rights | 0 | | | (1,950) | | | |
Purchases of property and equipment | (73) | | | (113) | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (73) | | | (2,052) | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | |
Proceeds from note payable to bank, SBA PPP loan | 1,637 | | | 0 | | | |
Purchases of treasury stock | (7,283) | | | (191) | | | |
| | | | | |
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (5,646) | | | (191) | | | |
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (6,113) | | | (3,467) | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 20,869 | | | 25,457 | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 14,756 | | | $ | 21,990 | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
Reverse/Forward Stock Split
On September 29, 2020, the Company filed amendments to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-1,000 reverse stock split of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock, followed immediately by an 1,000-for-1 forward stock split (the “Transaction”). The stockholders approved the Transaction at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 29, 2020. The effective date of the Transaction was October 1, 2020. As a result of the Transaction, the Company paid $7.2 million to repurchase approximately 4.9 million shares of the Class A Common Stock at a purchase price of $1.48 per share.
On October 9, 2020, in conjunction with the process of terminating the Company’s public company reporting obligations and delisting the Company’s Class A Common Stock from the NASDAQ Capital Market, the Company filed a Form 25 with the SEC. On October 21, 2020, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) notified the Company that the Class A Common Stock may be quoted and traded in the market for unlisted securities (the "over-the-counter-market or "OTC").
Information concerning the Transaction is set forth in the definitive proxy statement for the Company's 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on August 11, 2020. Stockholders are urged to read the definitive proxy statement carefully.
Description of Business
Westell Technologies, Inc. (the Company) is a holding company. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Westell, Inc., designs and distributes telecommunications products, which are sold primarily to major telephone companies.
COVID-19 Impact
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the spread of a new strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a pandemic. This outbreak continues to spread throughout the U.S. and around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and work force participation, while creating significant disruption and volatility of financial markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and may continue to impact the Company’s sales, supply chain availability and sourcing costs, our workforce and operations, as well as that for our customers, contract manufacturers and other supply chain partners.
Basis of Presentation and Reporting
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States for interim financial reporting, and is consistent with the instructions of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required in the annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position and the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows at December 31, 2020, and for all periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for fiscal year 2021.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and that affect revenue and expenses during the periods reported. Estimates are used when accounting for the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, net realizable value of inventory, product warranty accrued, relative selling prices, stock-based compensation, intangible assets fair value, depreciation, income taxes, right-of-use lease assets and related lease liabilities, and contingencies, among other things. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
(“ASU 2019-12”). The amendments in ASU 2019-12 seek to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application and simplify GAAP in other areas of Topic 740. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company early adopted ASU 2019-12 effective April 1, 2020, with no immediate impact to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). This update modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. Certain disclosure requirements established in Topic 820 have been removed, some have been modified and new disclosure requirements were added. This new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted 2018-13 effective April 1, 2020, with no immediate impact to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (“ASU 2018-15”). The main objective of ASU 2018-15 is to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendments in this update require that a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract follow the guidance in Subtopic 350-40 to determine which implementation costs should be capitalized as an asset and which costs should be expensed and states that any capitalized implementation costs should be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. This new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2018-15 effective April 1, 2020, with no immediate impact to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18 Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) (“ASU 2018-18”). The update provides guidance on the interaction between Revenue Recognition (Topic 606) and Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) by aligning the unit of account guidance between the two topics and clarifying whether certain transactions between collaborative participants should be accounted for as revenue under Topic 606. ASU 2018-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2018-18 effective April 1, 2020, with no immediate impact to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 will replace the current incurred loss approach with a new expected credit loss impairment model for trade receivables, loans, and other financial instruments. Under the new model, the estimate of expected credit losses will be based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For the Company, ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Application of the amendments is through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13 on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 2. Leases
The Company accounts for leases under ASC 842. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company also made the accounting policy election to account for each separate lease component and non-lease component associated with that lease component as a single lease component, thus causing all fixed payments to be capitalized. The Company determines lease terms based on whether or not it is reasonably certain to exercise the lease extensions. The Company determines at inception whether an arrangement is a lease.
Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the net present value of remaining fixed lease payments over the lease
term. Lease terms used to calculate the present value of the lease payments include any options to extend, renew, or terminate the lease, when it is reasonably certain that these options will be exercised. ROU assets also include any advance lease payments made and exclude any lease incentives. As the implicit interest rate for our leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease arrangements with non-lease components that are not in-substance fixed and considered variable, which were not included in the carrying balances of the ROU asset and lease liability. The Company does not have any finance leases. No leases require residual value guarantees.
The Company reviews the impairment ROU assets consistent with the approach applied to other long-lived assets. ROU assets are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value.
The Company's operating leases primarily include building leases for the corporate headquarters in Aurora, IL, an engineering and service center in Dublin, OH, and office space in Manchester, NH.
Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2020, consisted of the following (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | |
Fiscal Year | | Operating Leases |
2021 (1) | | $ | 97 | |
2022 | | 587 | |
2023 | | 587 | |
2024 | | 593 | |
2025 | | 604 | |
Thereafter | | 276 | |
Total lease payments | | 2,744 | |
Less: imputed interest | | (281) | |
Total operating lease liabilities | | $ | 2,463 | |
_______
(1) Represents the future minimum operating lease payments expected to be made over the remaining balance of the fiscal year.
As of December 31, 2020, the weighted-average remaining lease term was 4.8 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 4.5%.
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company executed a lease extension for the Manchester, New Hampshire facility with the lease term extended to August 31, 2022 with an option to further extend the lease for one additional term of two years (the “NH extension”). The Company also executed a lease extension for the Aurora, IL facility in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 that extended the lease to November 30, 2025 with an option to extend the lease for one additional term of five years (the “IL extension”). The IL extension required a deposit, which is expected to be applied to the final two lease payments and is included in the calculation of the total lease liability. Prior to the extension, additional rent payments covering the Company’s portion of operating expenses and taxes were fixed and included in the lease liability balance. The amendment to extend the lease changed these fixed additional rent payments to variable payments with adjustments made based on actual operating expenses and taxes and, as such, would no longer be included in the lease liability balances beginning October 1, 2020.
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2020, as a cost savings effort, the Company executed a new 63 month lease for the Dublin, OH design service center rather than executing the two year option to extend the existing lease as previously assumed. The new lease commenced on December 1, 2019 and has a reduced footprint which is more suitable to our current operation. The new lease includes a renewal option to extend the initial lease term for an additional three years. The lease also includes a termination option effective the last day of the 39th month of the lease term. The cost to terminate under this option would be approximately $70,000. At this time, the Company does not expect to terminate the lease at the end of the 39th month of the lease term and so the cost to terminate is not included in the ROU asset and lease liability balance.
Our building leases include variable lease payments that are not included in the lease liability balances as they are based on the expenses which can vary during the term of each lease. At this time, the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise any of the options for further lease extensions so they are not included in the ROU asset and lease liability balance.
Lease expenses are included in Cost of revenue, Sales and marketing, Research and development, and General and administrative in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The components of lease expense are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | Nine months ended December 31 | |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 | |
Operating lease expense | $ | 150 | | | $ | 202 | | | $ | 448 | | | $ | 610 | | |
Variable lease expense (1) | 64 | | | 25 | | | 103 | | | 88 | | |
Total lease expense (2) | $ | 214 | | | $ | 227 | | | $ | 551 | | | $ | 698 | | |
_______
(1) Variable lease expense is related to our leased real estate and primarily includes labor and operational costs as well as taxes and insurance.
(2) Short-term lease expense is immaterial.
For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, cash paid for operating leases included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The increase in cash paid for operating leases in the nine months ended December 31, 2020 is primarily due to the deposit from the IL extension. All of these payments are presented in Operating activities cash flows on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In addition, the Company obtained approximately $2.4 million of ROU assets in exchange for related operating lease liabilities during the nine months ending December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes the classification of ROU assets and lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | December 31, 2020 | | March 31, 2020 | | Balance Sheet Classification |
Assets: | | | | | | |
ROU assets | | $ | 2,573 | | | $ | 628 | | | Right-of-use assets on operating leases, net |
Liabilities: | | | | | | |
Current operating lease liability | | 440 | | | 339 | | | Accrued expenses |
Non-current operating lease liabilities | | 2,023 | | | 250 | | | Lease liabilities non-current |
Total lease liabilities | | $ | 2,463 | | | $ | 589 | | | |
Note 3. Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue
The Company records revenue based on a five-step model in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (“ASC 606"). The Company's revenue is derived from the sale of products, software, and services identified in contracts. A contract exists when both parties have an approved agreement that creates enforceable rights and obligations, identifies performance obligations and payment terms and has commercial substance. The Company records revenue from these contracts when control of the products or services transfer to the customer. The amount of revenue to be recognized is based upon the consideration, including the impact of any variable consideration, that the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these products and services.
Disaggregation of revenue
The following table disaggregates our revenue by major source:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Revenue: | | | | | | | |
Products | $ | 6,227 | | | $ | 5,842 | | | $ | 19,386 | | | $ | 19,974 | |
Software | 15 | | | 92 | | | 179 | | | 272 | |
Services | 1,407 | | | 1,225 | | | 3,754 | | | 3,484 | |
Total revenue | $ | 7,649 | | | $ | 7,159 | | | $ | 23,319 | | | $ | 23,730 | |
Deferred Revenue
The following is the expected future revenue recognition timing of deferred revenue as of December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | < 1 year | | 1-2 years | | > 2 years |
Deferred Revenue | $ | 1,089 | | | $ | 90 | | | $ | 39 | |
During the nine months ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company recognized $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of revenue related to contract liabilities at the beginning of the periods.
The Company allows certain customers to return unused product under specified terms and conditions. The Company estimates product returns based on historical sales and return trends and records a corresponding refund liability. The refund liability is included within Accrued expenses on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company records an asset based on historical experience for the amount of product we expect to return to inventory as a result of the return, which is recorded in Prepaid and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gross product return asset was $0.1 million at both December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020. The product returns liability was $0.2 million at both December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020.
Note 4. Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank
The Company has a Paycheck Protection Program loan (“PPP Loan”) implemented by the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”). On April 14, 2020, the Company obtained an unsecured PPP Loan through JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPM”) in the amount of $1,637,522. The loan was made through the SBA as part of the Paycheck Protection Program under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The interest rate is fixed at 0.98% per year. Under the CARES Act, all or a portion of this loan may be forgiven if certain requirements are met. The Company believes that it has used 100% of the PPP Loan proceeds to fund allowable expenses permitted by the PPP loan, but no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan, in whole or in part. The Company applied for loan forgiveness with JPM on December 21, 2020, and is awaiting a determination from the SBA. If all or a portion of a loan is ultimately forgiven, the Company plans to record income from the extinguishment of its loan obligation when it is legally released from the PPP Loan in accordance with ASC 405-20-40-1. Based on original terms of the loan, if the loan is not forgiven, the Company will pay principal and interest payments of approximately $92,000 every month, beginning seven months from the effective date of the PPP Loan, but not before the SBA forgiveness determination. The Company can repay the PPP Loan without any prepayment penalty. All remaining principal and accrued interest is due and payable 2 years from the effective date of the PPP Loan. The current portion and non-current portions of the PPP Loan is $1,138,000 and $510,000 respectively, based on the original terms of the loan. The Company had no other debt as of December 31, 2020 or March 31, 2020. On January 22, 2021, the Company applied for a second draw PPP loan (the “PPP2”) pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”) that was signed into law in December 2020, but the Company can provide no assurance that the Company will obtain the PPP2.
Note 5. Interim Segment Information
Segment information is presented in accordance with a “management approach", which designates the internal reporting used by the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM") for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company's reportable segments. Westell’s Chief Executive Officer is the CODM. The CODM defines segment profit as gross profit less research and development expenses. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those for Westell Technologies, Inc. described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended March 31, 2020, and as updated in this filing.
The Company’s 3 reportable segments are as follows:
In-Building Wireless (“IBW") Segment
The IBW segment solutions enable cellular and public safety coverage in stadiums, arenas, malls, buildings, and other indoor areas not served well or at all by the existing "macro" outdoor wireless network. For cellular service, solutions include distributed antenna system (“DAS") conditioners and digital repeaters. For the public safety market, solutions include Class A repeaters, Class B repeaters, and battery backup units. IBW also offers ancillary products that consist of passive system components and antennas for both the cellular service and public safety markets.
Intelligent Site Management (“ISM") Segment
ISM segment solutions include a suite of remote units, which provide machine-to-machine (“M2M") communications that enable operators to remotely monitor, manage, and control physical site infrastructure and support systems. Remote units can
be and often are combined with the Company's Optima management software system. ISM also offers support services (i.e., maintenance agreements) and deployment services (i.e., installation).
Communications Network Solutions (“CNS") Segment
CNS segment solutions include a broad range of hardened network infrastructure offerings suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The offerings consist of integrated cabinets, power distribution products, copper and fiber network connectivity panels, and T1 network interface units (“NIUs").
Segment information for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, is set forth below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended December 31, 2020 | | |
(in thousands) | | IBW | | ISM | | CNS | | Total | | |
Revenue | | $ | 1,648 | | | $ | 2,677 | | | $ | 3,324 | | | $ | 7,649 | | | |
Cost of revenue | | 1,564 | |
| 1,242 | | | 2,637 | | | 5,443 | | | |
Gross profit | | 84 | | | 1,435 | | | 687 | | | 2,206 | | | |
Gross margin | | 5.1 | % | | 53.6 | % | | 20.7 | % | | 28.8 | % | | |
Research and development | | 404 | | | 409 | | | 193 | | | 1,006 | | | |
Segment profit | | $ | (320) | | | $ | 1,026 | | | $ | 494 | | | 1,200 | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales and marketing | | | | | | | | 1,200 | | | |
General and administrative | | | | | | | | 863 | | | |
Intangible amortization | | | | | | | | 226 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit (loss) | | | | | | | | (1,089) | | | |
Other income, net | | | | | | | | 178 | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | | | | | | | | (23) | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | | | $ | (934) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended December 31, 2019 | | |
(in thousands) | | IBW | | ISM | | CNS | | Total | | |
Revenue | | $ | 2,466 | | | $ | 2,456 | | | $ | 2,237 | | | $ | 7,159 | | | |
Cost of revenue | | 1,657 | | | 991 | | | 1,731 | | | 4,379 | | | |
Gross profit | | 809 | | | 1,465 | | | 506 | | | 2,780 | | | |
Gross margin | | 32.8 | % | | 59.6 | % | | 22.6 | % | | 38.8 | % | | |
Research and development | | 470 | | | 505 | | | 247 | | | 1,222 | | | |
Segment profit (loss) | | $ | 339 | | | $ | 960 | | | $ | 259 | | | 1,558 | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales and marketing | | | | | | | | 1,556 | | | |
General and administrative | | | | | | | | 1,093 | | | |
Intangible amortization | | | | | | | | 308 | | | |
Restructuring | | | | | | | | 234 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit (loss) | | | | | | | | (1,633) | | | |
Other income, net | | | | | | | | 109 | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | | | | | | | | (20) | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | | | $ | (1,544) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine months ended December 31, 2020 | | |
(in thousands) | | IBW | | ISM | | CNS | | Total | | |
Revenue | | $ | 7,618 | | | $ | 6,632 | | | $ | 9,069 | | | $ | 23,319 | | | |
Cost of revenue | | 5,300 | |
| 3,017 | | | 7,163 | | | 15,480 | | | |
Gross profit | | 2,318 | | | 3,615 | | | 1,906 | | | 7,839 | | | |
Gross margin | | 30.4 | % | | 54.5 | % | | 21.0 | % | | 33.6 | % | | |
Research and development | | 1,068 | | | 1,195 | | | 602 | | | 2,865 | | | |
Segment profit | | $ | 1,250 | | | $ | 2,420 | | | $ | 1,304 | | | 4,974 | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales and marketing | | | | | | | | 4,024 | | | |
General and administrative | | | | | | | | 3,175 | | | |
Intangible amortization | | | | | | | | 677 | | | |
Operating profit (loss) | | | | | | | | (2,902) | | | |
Other income, net | | | | | | | | 223 | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | | | | | | | | 35 | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | | | $ | (2,644) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine months ended December 31, 2019 | | |
(in thousands) | | IBW | | ISM | | CNS | | Total | | |
Revenue | | $ | 8,007 | | | $ | 8,197 | | | $ | 7,526 | | | $ | 23,730 | | | |
Cost of revenue | | 5,813 | | | 4,111 | | | 6,201 | | | 16,125 | | | |
Gross profit | | 2,194 | | | 4,086 | | | 1,325 | | | 7,605 | | | |
Gross margin | | 27.4 | % |
| 49.8 | % | | 17.6 | % | | 32.0 | % | | |
Research and development | | 1,272 | | | 1,825 | | | 1,130 | | | 4,227 | | | |
Segment profit (loss) | | $ | 922 | | | $ | 2,261 | | | $ | 195 | | | 3,378 | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
Sales and marketing | | | | | | | | 6,147 | | | |
General and administrative | | | | | | | | 3,706 | | | |
Intangible amortization | | | | | | | | 924 | | | |
Restructuring | | | | | | | | 234 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating profit (loss) | | | | | | | | (7,633) | | | |
Other income, net | | | | | | | | 398 | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | | | | | | | | (27) | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | | | $ | (7,262) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Segment asset information is not reported to or used by the CODM.
Note 6. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. The components of net inventories are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 31, 2020 | | March 31, 2020 |
Raw materials | $ | 1,841 | | | $ | 2,188 | |
| | | |
Finished goods | 3,901 | | | 4,619 | |
Total inventories | $ | 5,742 | | | $ | 6,807 | |
The Company records provisions against inventory for excess and obsolete inventory, which are determined based on the Company's best estimates of future demand, product lifecycle status and product development plans. These provisions reduce the inventory cost basis. The charges for the provision for excess and obsolete inventory for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were both negligible. The Company recorded provisions for excess and obsolete inventory
with charges of $0.3 million and $2.0 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. These costs are presented in Cost of revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions underlying its provisions are reasonable. However, there is risk that additional charges may be necessary if future demand is less than current forecasts due to rapid technological changes, uncertain customer requirements, or other factors.
Note 7. Stock-Based Compensation
The Westell Technologies, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2019 Plan”) was approved at the annual meeting of stockholders on September 17, 2019. The 2019 Plan replaced the Westell Technologies, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2019 Plan includes a total of 1,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (Shares) plus the number of Shares reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan that have not been granted or reserved for issuance under an outstanding award that may be issued under the 2019 Omnibus Plan. If any award granted under the 2019 Plan or the 2015 Plan is canceled, terminates, expires, or lapses for any reason, any Shares subject to such award shall again be available for the grant of an award under the 2019 Plan. Shares subject to an award shall not again be made available for issuance under the Plan if such Shares are: (a) delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the grant or purchase price of an award, or (b) delivered to or withheld by the Company to pay the withholding taxes related to an award. Any awards or portions thereof that are settled in cash and not in Shares shall not be counted against the foregoing Share limit.
The stock options, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) awarded under the 2019 Plan generally vest in equal annual installments over 3 years for employees and 1 year for non-employee directors. Performance stock units (“PSUs”) earned vest over the performance period. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the 2019 Plan), or when provided within individual employment contracts. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. The Company issues new shares for stock awards under the 2019 Plan.
The following table is a summary of total stock-based compensation expense resulting from stock options, restricted stock, RSUs and PSUs, during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 100 | | | $ | 152 | | | $ | 410 | | | $ | 597 | |
Income tax benefit | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Total stock-based compensation expense, after taxes | $ | 100 | | | $ | 152 | | | $ | 410 | | | $ | 597 | |
Stock Options
Stock option activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2020, is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share | | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) |
Outstanding on March 31, 2020 | 221,812 | | | $ | 1.87 | | | 5.4 | | $ | 0 | |
Granted | 0 | | | 0 | | | | | |
Exercised | 0 | | | 0 | | | | | |
Forfeited | (5,000) | | | 4.73 | | | | | |
Expired | 0 | | | 0 | | | | | |
Outstanding on December 31, 2020 | 216,812 | | | $ | 1.80 | | | 4.7 | | $ | 0 | |
_______
(1)The intrinsic value for the stock options is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the Westell Technologies’ closing stock price as of the respective reporting date.
Restricted Stock
The following table sets forth restricted stock activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Non-vested as of March 31, 2020 | 128,584 | | | $ | 1.39 | |
Granted | 24,192 | | | 1.24 | |
Vested | (128,584) | | | 1.39 | |
Forfeited | (4,032) | | | 1.24 | |
Non-vested as of December 31, 2020 | 20,160 | | | $ | 1.24 | |
RSUs
The following table sets forth the RSU activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Non-vested as of March 31, 2020 | 441,108 | | | $ | 2.31 | |
Granted | 271,140 | | | 0.78 | |
Vested | (226,929) | | | 2.51 | |
Forfeited | (40,000) | | | 1.17 | |
Non-vested as of December 31, 2020 | 445,319 | | | $ | 1.38 | |
PSUs
PSUs will be earned primarily based upon achievement of performance goals tied to growing revenue and to non-GAAP profitability targets for fiscal year 2021. Upon vesting, the PSUs convert into shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company on a one-for-one basis.
The following table sets forth the PSU activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Non-vested as of March 31, 2020 (at target) | 5,000 | | | $ | 1.38 | |
Granted, at target | 229,303 | | | 0.78 | |
Vested | 0 | | | 0 | |
Forfeited | (5,000) | | | 1.38 | |
Non-vested as of December 31, 2020 (at target) | 229,303 | | | $ | 0.78 | |
| | | |
Note 8. Product Warranties
The Company’s products carry a limited warranty ranging from one to five years for the products within the IBW segment, typically one year for products within the ISM segment, and one to seven years for products within the CNS segment. The specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary depending upon the customer and the products sold. Factors that affect the estimate of the Company’s warranty reserve include: the number of units shipped, anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the reserve as necessary. The current portions of the warranty reserve are $88,000 and $120,000 as of December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively, and are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accrued expenses. The non-current portions of the warranty reserves are $42,000 and $40,000 as of December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively, and are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other non-current liabilities.
The following table presents the changes in the Company’s product warranty reserve:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Total product warranty reserve at the beginning of the period | $ | 130 | | | $ | 130 | | | $ | 160 | | | $ | 130 | |
Warranty expense to cost of revenue | 11 | | | 17 | | | 90 | | | 51 | |
Utilization | (11) | | | (17) | | | (120) | | | (51) | |
Total product warranty reserve at the end of the period | $ | 130 | | | $ | 130 | | | $ | 130 | | | $ | 130 | |
Note 9. Variable Interest Entity and Guarantee
The Company has a 50% equity ownership in AccessTel Kentrox Australia PTY LTD (AKA). AKA distributes network management solutions provided by the Company and the other 50% owner to one customer. The Company holds equal voting control with the other owner. All actions of AKA are decided at the board level by majority vote. The Company evaluated ASC 810, Consolidations, and concluded that AKA is a variable interest entity (VIE) and the Company has a variable interest in the VIE. The Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of AKA and, therefore, consolidation is not required. The carrying amount of the Company's investment in AKA was approximately $0.1 million as of both December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, which is presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Other non-current assets. In the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company received a cash dividend payment of $36,000 from AKA.
The Company's revenue from sales to AKA for both the three months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, was $0.3 million. The Company's revenue from sales to AKA for the nine months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, was $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Accounts receivable from AKA was $0.2 million as of both December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020. AKA deferred revenue, which primarily relates to maintenance contracts, was $0.3 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively. The Company also has provided an unlimited guarantee for the performance of the other 50% owner in AKA, which primarily provides support and engineering services to the customer. This guarantee was put in place at the request of the AKA customer. The guarantee, which is estimated to have a maximum potential future payment of $0.7 million, will stay in place as long as the contract between AKA and the customer is in place. The Company would have recourse against the other 50% owner in AKA in the event the guarantee is triggered. The Company determined that it could perform on the obligation it guaranteed at a positive rate of return and, therefore, did not assign value to the guarantee. The Company's exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with AKA, exclusive of lost profits, is limited to the items noted above.
Note 10. Income Taxes
At the end of each interim period, the Company makes its best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year and uses that rate to provide for income taxes on a current year-to-date basis before discrete items. If a reliable estimate cannot be made, the Company may make a reasonable estimate of the annual effective tax rate, including use of the actual effective rate for the year-to-date. The impact of discrete items is recorded in the quarter in which they occur. The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes and deferred taxes, which are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities given the enacted tax laws. The Company evaluates the need for valuation allowances on the net deferred tax assets under the rules of ASC 740, Income Taxes. In assessing the realizability of the Company's deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. In making this determination, the Company assessed all of the evidence available at the time, including recent earnings, forecasted income projections and historical performance. The Company determined that the negative evidence outweighed the objectively verifiable positive evidence and previously recorded a full valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company will continue to reassess realizability going forward.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had net deferred tax assets of approximately $40.8 million before a valuation allowance of $40.8 million. The Company’s ability to utilize NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes to reduce future federal taxable income is subject to potential limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (“Section 382”) and its related tax regulations. The utilization of these attributes may be limited if certain ownership changes by 5% stockholders (as defined in Treasury regulations pursuant to Section 382) and the effects of stock issuances by the Company during any three-year period result in a cumulative change of more than 50% in the beneficial ownership of the Company. The Company is currently conducting Section 382 analysis to determine if an ownership change has occurred. If it is determined that an ownership change has occurred under these rules, the Company would generally be subject to an annual limitation on the use of pre-ownership change NOL carryforwards and certain other losses and/or credits. In addition, certain future transactions
regarding the Company's equity, including the cumulative effects of small transactions as well as transactions beyond the Company’s control, could cause an ownership change and therefore a potential limitation on the annual utilization of the deferred tax assets.
As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $348,000 of tax receivables associated with a prior AMT credit carryforward. The Company recovered the entire amount of the receivable in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 via a tax refund.
The Company recorded $23,000 of income tax expense and $35,000 of income tax benefit in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, using an effective income tax rate of (0.30)% plus discrete items. The Company recorded $20,000 and $27,000 of income tax expense in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, using an effective rate of (0.10)% plus discrete items. The effective income tax rate in both periods is impacted by the intraperiod allocation as a result of income or loss from continuing operations, and states which base tax on gross margin and not pretax income.
Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation and Contingency Reserves
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various assertions, claims, proceedings and requests for indemnification concerning intellectual property, including patent infringement suits involving technologies that may be incorporated in the Company’s products, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. These matters are in various stages of investigation and litigation, and they are being vigorously defended. Although the Company does not expect that the outcome in any of these matters, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations, litigation is inherently unpredictable. Therefore, judgments could be rendered, or settlements entered, that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results or cash flows in a particular period. The Company routinely assesses all of its litigation and threatened litigation as to the probability of ultimately incurring a liability, and it records its best estimate of the ultimate loss in situations where it assesses the likelihood of loss as probable. As of December 31, 2020, and March 31, 2020, the Company has not recorded any contingent liability attributable to existing litigation.
Lease Obligations
The Company currently occupies office space under operating leases, with various expiration dates through November 2025. The Company’s office leases provide for rental payments on a graduated scale. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For further details, refer to Note 2. Leases.
Note 12. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), as the price that would be received upon selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
•Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
•Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
•Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
The Company’s money market funds are measured using Level 1 inputs.
The following table presents available-for-sale securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | Total Fair Value of Asset or Liability | | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | Balance Sheet Classification |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | 11,441 | | | $ | 11,441 | | | — | | | — | | | Cash and cash equivalents |
The following table presents available-for-sale securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | Total Fair Value of Asset or Liability | | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | Balance Sheet Classification |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | 20,690 | | | $ | 20,690 | | | — | | | — | | | Cash and cash equivalents |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
The fair value of the money market funds approximates their carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The decrease in the money market funds balance as of December 31, 2020, was primarily due to the transfer of funds to a cash deposit account for payments related to the reverse-forward split Transaction. See Note 13, Share Repurchases.
Note 13. Share Repurchases
Reverse/Forward Stock Split
On September 29, 2020, the Company filed amendments to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-1,000 reverse stock split of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock, followed immediately by an 1,000-for-1 forward stock split (the “Transaction”). The stockholders approved the Transaction at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 29, 2020. The effective date of the Transaction was October 1, 2020. As a result of the Transaction, the Company paid $7.2 million to repurchase approximately 4.9 million shares of the Class A Common Stock at a purchase price of $1.48 per share.
Share Repurchase Programs
In May 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $2.0 million of its outstanding Class A Common Stock (the “2017 authorization”). The 2017 authorization is in addition to the $0.1 million that was remaining from the August 2011 $20.0 million authorization (the “2011 authorization”). There were 0 shares repurchased under the 2017 authorization during the nine months ended December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately $0.7 million remaining for additional share repurchases under the 2017 authorization.
Additionally, in the nine months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 65,488 and 92,183 shares of Class A Common Stock, respectively, from certain employees that were surrendered to satisfy the minimum statutory tax withholding obligations on the vesting of restricted stock, RSUs and PSUs. These repurchases were not included in the authorized share repurchase programs and had a weighted-average purchase price of $0.81 and $2.07 per share, respectively.
Note 14. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include customer relationships, trade names, developed technology, product licensing rights, and other intangibles. Intangible assets with determinable lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company determined there were indications of impairment on the intangible assets primarily due to the duration of the COVID-19, which have delayed construction projects impacting the amount and timing of revenue. The Company performed the recoverability test described above and concluded the carrying amounts were recoverable. The Company concluded it was not necessary to perform a recoverability test during the quarter ended December 31, 2020. There was 0 intangible asset impairment during the nine months ended December 31, 2020, or the nine months ended December 31, 2019.
The Company amortizes intangible assets with finite lives using either a straight line method or the consumption period based on expected cash flows from the underlying intangible asset, with an initial range from 2 to 10 years.
The summary of amortization expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Cost of revenue | | 39 | | | 98 | | | 118 | | | 163 | |
Operating expenses | | 226 | | | 308 | | | 677 | | | 924 | |
Total | | $ | 265 | | | $ | 406 | | | $ | 795 | | | $ | 1,087 | |
The summary of other intangible assets, net, is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2020 | | March 31, 2020 |
(in thousands) | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization and Impairment | | Net Carrying Amount | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization and Impairment | | Net Carrying Amount |
Backlog | | $ | 1,530 | | | $ | (1,530) | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 1,530 | | | $ | (1,530) | | | $ | 0 | |
Customer relationships | | 23,260 | | | (22,289) | | | 971 | | | 23,260 | | | (21,872) | | | 1,388 | |
Licensing agreement | | 1,950 | | | (1,385) | | | 565 | | | 1,950 | | | (1,267) | | | 683 | |
Product technology | | 45,195 | | | (44,798) | | | 397 | | | 45,195 | | | (44,538) | | | 657 | |
Non-compete | | 510 | | | (510) | | | 0 | | | 510 | | | (510) | | | 0 | |
Trade name and trademark | | 1,473 | | | (1,473) | | | 0 | | | 1,473 | | | (1,473) | | | 0 | |
Total finite-lived intangible, assets, net | | $ | 73,918 | | | $ | (71,985) | | | $ | 1,933 | | | $ | 73,918 | | | $ | (71,190) | | | $ | 2,728 | |
The following is the expected future amortization by fiscal year:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | | 2021 (1) | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | Thereafter |
Intangible amortization expense | | $ | 266 | | | $ | 923 | | | $ | 535 | | | $ | 157 | | | $ | 52 | | | $ | 0 | |
(1) Represents the future intangible amortization expense expected to be made over the remaining balance of the fiscal year.
Note 15. Accrued Expenses
The components of accrued expenses are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 31, 2020 | | March 31, 2020 |
Accrued compensation | $ | 858 | | | $ | 596 | |
Accrued contractual obligation | 1,445 | | | 1,445 | |
| | | |
Current operating lease liability | 440 | | | 339 | |
Other accrued expenses | 477 | | | 756 | |
Total accrued expenses | $ | 3,220 | | | $ | 3,136 | |
Note 16. Land, Property, and Equipment
Long-lived assets consist of land, property and equipment. Long-lived assets that are held and used should be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived assets might not be recoverable. There was 0 long-lived asset impairment during the nine months ended December 31, 2020, or December 31, 2019.
The components of fixed assets are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 31, 2020 | | March 31, 2020 |
Land | $ | 672 | | | $ | 672 | |
Machinery and equipment | 1,430 | | | 1,415 | |
Office, computer and research equipment | 4,804 | | | 5,112 | |
Leasehold improvements | 788 | | | 788 | |
Land, property and equipment, gross | 7,694 | | | 7,987 | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (6,736) | | | (6,911) | |
Land, property and equipment, net | $ | 958 | | | $ | 1,076 | |
Note 17. Restructuring Charges
In the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a restructuring expense of $234,000 related to employee termination costs that spanned all three segments. The Company did not record any restructuring expense in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following discussion should be read together with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes thereto and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. All references herein to the term “fiscal year” shall mean a year ended March 31 of the year specified.
Westell Technologies, Inc., (the “Company”) is a leading provider of high-performance network infrastructure solutions focused on innovation and differentiation at the edge of communication networks where end users connect. The Company’s portfolio of products and solutions enable service providers and network operators to improve performance and reduce operating expenses. With millions of products successfully deployed worldwide, Westell is a trusted partner for transforming networks into high performance, reliable systems.
COVID-19 Impact
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a pandemic. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, this outbreak grew and continues to spread throughout the U.S. and around the world. As a result, authorities continue to implement numerous measures to try to contain the virus, including restrictions on travel, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, business restrictions and shut-downs. The Company is considered an “essential business” due to the industries and customers we serve, including critical telecommunications infrastructure. Accordingly, we have followed CDC recommendations and have continued operations with enhanced safety precautions throughout the pandemic.
To support the health and well-being of our workforce, customers, partners and communities, all of our employees who do not have critical in-person functions have been working remotely to lower the number of people working on-site at any given time. For those employees working in our facilities, we have instituted mediation measures including increased distancing of workstations, more frequent cleanings, face mask requirements, restricting access to our premises, and other safety precautions. We expect to continue our mediation efforts for the foreseeable future.
The impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve. There is significant uncertainty around the U.S. and global economy, future customer demand, supply chain availability, increased airfreight costs, cash collections, costs related to our mediation efforts and costs and timing related to anticipated easing of shelter-in-place and shut-down orders going forward into the remainder of the fiscal year. These uncertainties include the duration and severity of the pandemic and containment measures and how our compliance with these measures will impact our day-to-day operations as well as that of our customers, contract manufacturers and other supply chain partners.
We are continuing to monitor developments related to the pandemic on our own operations as well as on our suppliers, contract manufacturers and customers. We intend to adapt to the evolving environment while acting to ensure the health and safety of our employees.
On April 14, 2020, the Company received $1.6 million pursuant to a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) administered by the Small Business Association. The Company used all of the funds from this loan only for the purposes included in the PPP, but no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan, in whole or in part. The Company applied for loan forgiveness on December 21, 2020, and is awaiting a determination from the SBA. On January 22, 2021, the Company applied for a second draw PPP loan (the “PPP2”) pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”) that was signed into law in December 2020, but the Company can provide no assurance that the Company will obtain the PPP2. (See Liquidity and Capital Resources).
Segments
The Company’s three reportable segments are as follows:
In-Building Wireless (“IBW") Segment
The IBW segment solutions enable cellular and public safety coverage in stadiums, arenas, malls, buildings, and other indoor areas not served well or at all by the existing "macro" outdoor wireless network. For cellular service, solutions include distributed antenna system (“DAS") conditioners and digital repeaters. For the public safety market, solutions include Class A repeaters, Class B repeaters, and battery backup units. IBW also offers ancillary products that consist of passive system components and antennas for both the cellular service and public safety markets.
Intelligent Site Management (“ISM") Segment
ISM segment solutions include a suite of remote units, which provide machine-to-machine (“M2M") communications that enable operators to remotely monitor, manage, and control physical site infrastructure and support systems. Remote units can be and often are combined with the Company's Optima management software system. ISM also offers support services (i.e., maintenance agreements) and deployment services (i.e., installation).
Communications Network Solutions (“CNS") Segment
CNS segment solutions include a broad range of hardened network infrastructure offerings suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The offerings consist of integrated cabinets, power distribution products, copper and fiber network connectivity panels, and T1 network interface units (“NIUs").
Customers
The Company’s customer base includes communications service providers, systems integrators, neutral-host operators, and distributors. Service providers include wireless and wireline carriers, cable or multiple systems operators (“MSOs”), and Internet service providers (“ISPs”). Due to stringent customer quality specifications and regulated environments in which many customers operate, the Company must undergo lengthy approval and procurement processes prior to selling most of its products. Accordingly, the Company must make significant up-front investments in product and market development prior to actual commencement of sales of new products. The prices for the Company's products vary based upon volume, customer specifications, and other criteria, and are subject to change for a variety of reasons, including cost and competitive factors.
To remain competitive, the Company must continue to invest in new product development and/or in targeted sales and marketing efforts to launch new product lines and features. Failure to increase revenues from new products, whether due to lack of market acceptance, competition, technological change, purchasing decisions, meeting technical specifications or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations. The Company expects to continue to evaluate new product opportunities and invest in research and development activities.
In view of the Company’s reliance on the communications infrastructure market for revenues, the project nature of the business, the unpredictability of orders, and pricing pressures, the Company believes that period-to-period comparisons of its financial results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. The Company has experienced quarterly fluctuations in customer ordering and purchasing activity due primarily to the project-based nature of the business and to budgeting and procurement patterns toward the end of the calendar year or the beginning of a new calendar year. While these factors can result in the greatest fluctuations in the Company's third and fourth fiscal quarters, this is not always consistent and may not always correlate to financial results.
Other Matters
At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 29, 2020, the stockholders approved a transaction whereby the Company would effect a reverse/forward stock split of the Company’s shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, in conjunction with terminating the Company’s public company reporting obligations and delisting the Company’s Class A Common Stock from the NASDAQ Capital Market. This transaction was effectuated on October 1, 2020. As a result of the
Transaction, the Company paid $7.2 million to repurchase approximately 4.9 million shares of the Class A Common Stock at a purchase price of $1.48 per share.
The Company’s ability to utilize NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes to reduce future federal taxable income is subject to potential limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (“Section 382”) and its related tax regulations. The utilization of these attributes may be limited if certain ownership changes by 5% stockholders (as defined in Treasury regulations pursuant to Section 382) and the effects of stock issuances by the Company during any three-year period result in a cumulative change of more than 50% in the beneficial ownership of the Company. The Company is currently conducting Section 382 analysis to determine if an ownership change has occurred. If it is determined that an ownership change has occurred under these rules, the Company would generally be subject to an annual limitation on the use of pre-ownership change NOL carryforwards and certain other losses and/or credits. In addition, certain future transactions regarding the Company's equity, including the cumulative effects of small transactions as well as transactions beyond the Company’s control, could cause an ownership change and therefore a potential limitation on the annual utilization of the deferred tax assets.
On October 9, 2020, in conjunction with the process of terminating the Company’s public company reporting obligations and delisting the Company’s Class A Common Stock from the NASDAQ Capital Market, the Company filed a Form 25 with the SEC. On October 21, 2020, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) notified the Company the Class A Common Stock may be quoted and traded in the market for unlisted securities (the "over-the-counter-market” or “OTC”). Westell Class A Common Stock is currently trading on the Pink Open Markets under the symbol “WSTL”.
Information concerning the transaction is set forth in the definitive proxy statement for the Company's 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on August 11, 2020. Stockholders are urged to read the definitive proxy statement carefully.
Results of Operations
Below is a table that compares revenue for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, by segment.
Revenue
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
IBW | $ | 1,648 | | | $ | 2,466 | | | $ | (818) | | | $ | 7,618 | | | $ | 8,007 | | | $ | (389) | |
ISM | 2,677 | | | 2,456 | | | 221 | | | 6,632 | | | 8,197 | | | (1,565) | |
CNS | 3,324 | | | 2,237 | | | 1,087 | | | 9,069 | | | 7,526 | | | 1,543 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated revenue | $ | 7,649 | | | $ | 7,159 | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | 23,319 | | | $ | 23,730 | | | $ | (411) | |
IBW
IBW revenue decreased by approximately $0.8 million and $0.4 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same respective periods in the prior year.
The following is a more detailed analysis of the IBW product revenue in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same respective periods in the prior year and anticipated trends:
•The Company recognized revenue of approximately $0.1 million and $0.7 million from the new Crossfire Cellular DAS product line in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, respectively. The Crossfire system is a digital transport system extending cellular signals throughout buildings where existing cellular coverage is poor. Due to the project-based nature for this revenue, it is difficult to make a determination on future trends, but we anticipate the new Crossfire product line is a growth opportunity.
•Sales of DAS conditioners, which includes our Universal DAS Interface Tray (“UDIT”) active conditioner, were down $0.3 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same periods in the prior year. During fiscal year 2020, sales of DAS conditioners decreased compared to prior years due to network architecture shifts to alternative solutions in large venues such as stadiums and arenas, as well as integration of RF signal power attenuation (the primary function of conditioners) into larger network elements. Going forward, we do not anticipate sales of conditioners to rebound to previous levels, but we do expect on-going demand where customers may add capacity to the existing embedded base of large-venue DAS networks, as well as in smaller in-building DAS deployments that require a stand-alone conditioner.
•Sales of cellular repeaters were down approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. While still a reliable and proven solution for amplifying cellular coverage inside a building, lower sales of cellular repeaters are reflective of the continuing downward-demand trend as our larger customers have had a stronger preference for small cells to provide
in-building cellular coverage. We expect the cellular repeater market to decline as customers continue to shift to other forms of commercial in-building coverage, such as small cells.
•Despite the slowdown of installations due to COVID-19 during the nine months ended December 31, 2020, sales are relatively flat for our public safety products, which include Class A Repeaters, Class B Repeaters and battery backup units, compared to the same periods in the prior year. These public safety repeaters perform similarly to cellular repeaters and extend public safety radio signals inside buildings where existing radio coverage does not reach. The products are dedicated only to public safety frequency bands and meet the strict National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) regulatory requirements. We expect the market for public safety products to grow as more local municipalities pass and enforce ordinances that require in-building wireless communication coverage for first responders and emergency personnel.
•Ancillary products (passive RF system components and antennas) sales decreased by $0.2 million and $0.5 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Future ancillary product revenue could potentially increase with the increase in public safety revenue, but may follow the same flat-to-down trend as DAS conditioners and cellular repeaters.
Many IBW products are installed during new construction projects and major renovations. Restricted travel to customer worksites or government regulations and economic impacts due to COVID-19 may reduce or delay construction projects impacting the amount and timing of IBW product revenue.
ISM
ISM revenue was $2.7 million and $6.6 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $2.5 million and $8.2 million in the same respective periods in the prior year. The changes in revenue in both periods ended December 31, 2020, were primarily driven by demand for sales of remote units. Due to the project-based nature of our ISM business, it is difficult to make a determination on future trends.
COVID-19 related travel restrictions are expected to continue to impact timing of new installations while government and customer restrictions remain in place. Although it is uncertain, we may see an increased demand for our ISM remote monitoring equipment and software given the current market conditions, customers may choose to accurately monitor remote locations so they dispatch the correct repair personnel, especially in areas where there are limited personnel, local travel restrictions, and a need to limit face-to-face interactions.
CNS
CNS revenue was $3.3 million and $9.1 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, respectively, compared to $2.2 million and $7.5 million in the same respective periods in the prior year. The increases in revenue for both periods ended December 31, 2020, were primarily due to increased sales from integrated cabinets.
Sales of integrated cabinets, which are heavily project-based, are likely to remain uneven, but we expect them to decrease near term due to the completion of a recent rural broadband project. We expect sales of power distribution products and copper/fiber connectivity panels to remain steady, while we expect revenue from T1 NIUs and TMAs, which are older technology with declining use, to continue to decrease over time.
COVID-19 restrictions on travel, quarantines and shelter-in-place orders by local authorities could increase demand for our CNS integrated cabinets used in rural broadband, which is expected to expand to support a larger number of people working remotely. However, customers could also feel pressure to delay their capital spending to preserve cash.
Gross Margin
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
IBW | 5.1 | % | | 32.8 | % | | (27.7) | % | | 30.4 | % | | 27.4 | % | | 3.0 | % |
ISM | 53.6 | % | | 59.6 | % | | (6.0) | % | | 54.5 | % | | 49.8 | % | | 4.7 | % |
CNS | 20.7 | % | | 22.6 | % | | (1.9) | % | | 21.0 | % | | 17.6 | % | | 3.4 | % |
Consolidated gross margin | 28.8 | % | | 38.8 | % | | (10.0) | % | | 33.6 | % | | 32.0 | % | | 1.6 | % |
The consolidated gross margin decreased by 10.0% in the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a less favorable revenue mix between segments, higher costs associated with excess and obsolete inventory. The primary factors that caused the period-over-period decreases within each segment are as follows:
•IBW segment gross margin decreased by 27.7%, due primarily to fixed costs spread over lower revenue, along with higher excess and obsolete and other inventory related costs, and a less favorable product mix with lower sales of UDIT and ancillary products.
•ISM segment gross margin decreased by 6.0%, due primarily to higher excess and obsolete inventory costs along with a less favorable mix.
•CNS segment gross margin decreased by 1.9%, due primarily to increased product costs from alternative source suppliers to meet customer demands given the COVID-19 supply chain disruptions.
The consolidated gross margin increased by 1.6% in the nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to lower costs associated with excess and obsolete inventory, offset in part by a less favorable revenue mix between segments. The Company recorded provisions for excess and obsolete inventory with charges of $0.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in the nine months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The primary factors that caused the period-over-period increases within each segment are as follows:
•IBW segment gross margin increased by 3.0%, due primarily to lower excess and obsolete inventory costs offset in part by a less favorable product mix, and increased freight-related costs.
•ISM segment gross margin increased by 4.7%, due primarily to lower excess and obsolete inventory costs, offset in part by lower revenue against fixed costs.
•CNS segment gross margin increased by 3.4%, due primarily to lower excess and obsolete inventory costs, partially offset by increased product costs from alternative source suppliers to meet customer demands given the COVID-19 supply chain disruptions.
Research and Development
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
IBW | $ | 404 | | | $ | 470 | | | $ | (66) | | | $ | 1,068 | | | $ | 1,272 | | | $ | (204) | |
ISM | 409 | | | 505 | | | (96) | | | 1,195 | | | 1,825 | | | (630) | |
CNS | 193 | | | 247 | | | (54) | | | 602 | | | 1,130 | | | (528) | |
Consolidated research and development expense | $ | 1,006 | | | $ | 1,222 | | | $ | (216) | | | $ | 2,865 | | | $ | 4,227 | | | $ | (1,362) | |
Research and development expenses decreased by $0.2 million and $1.4 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same respective periods in the prior year. The decreases in both periods ended December 31, 2020, were primarily attributable to a lower expense structure resulting from the Company's overall cost reduction efforts across all three reporting segments, including the restructuring in the quarter ended December 31, 2019 and in the nine month period by lower R&D expense due to a temporary salary reduction during the first quarter in response to COVID-19.
Sales and Marketing
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated sales and marketing expense | $ | 1,200 | | | $ | 1,556 | | | $ | (356) | | | $ | 4,024 | | | $ | 6,147 | | | $ | (2,123) | |
Sales and marketing expense decreased $0.4 million and $2.1 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to same respective periods in the prior fiscal year. The decreases in both periods ended December 31, 2020, were largely attributable to a lower expense structure from the restructuring in the quarter ended December 31, 2019 and the Company's overall cost reduction efforts. The decreases also reflect lower travel and entertainment expenses primarily due to COVID-19 restricted travel. The decrease in the nine months ended December 31, 2020, also included a temporary salary reduction during the first quarter in response to COVID-19.
General and Administrative
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated general and administrative expense | $ | 863 | | | $ | 1,093 | | | $ | (230) | | | $ | 3,175 | | | $ | 3,706 | | | $ | (531) | |
Consolidated general and administrative expense decreased $0.2 million and $0.5 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same respective periods in the prior fiscal year. The decreases were largely attributable to a lower expense structure from the restructuring in the quarter ended December 31, 2019 and the Company's overall cost
reduction efforts. The decrease in the nine months ended December 31, 2020 also included a temporary salary reduction during the quarter ended June 30, 2020, in response to COVID-19.
Intangible amortization
Acquisition-related amortization
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
Consolidated intangible amortization | $ | 226 | | | $ | 308 | | | $ | (82) | | | $ | 677 | | | $ | 924 | | | $ | (247) | |
Amortization in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, were non-cash expenses related to ISM intangible assets established through a prior acquisition. These intangible assets consist of product technology, customer relationships, and trade names derived from the acquisitions. The decreases in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same respective periods in the prior fiscal year, resulted primarily from trademark intangibles becoming fully amortized during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
Product Licensing Rights
On July 31, 2019, the Company entered into a five year License and Service Agreement with a public safety manufacturing company pursuant to which the Company obtained worldwide product licensing rights for existing products to be manufactured at our contract manufacturer for our IBW segment (the "Agreement"). The acquired product licensing rights will be amortized straight-line over the term of the Agreement. The amortization related to this intangible asset is presented in Cost of revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020 was approximately $39,000 and $118,000, compared to $98,000 and $163,000 during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The decreases in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same respective periods in the prior fiscal year, resulted primarily from a non-cash impairment charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
Restructuring Charges
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
Restructuring charges | $ | — | | | $ | 234 | | | $ | (234) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 234 | | | $ | (234) | |
In the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a restructuring expense of $234,000 related to employee termination costs that spanned all three segments. The Company did not record any restructuring expense in the nine months ended December 31, 2020.
Other income, net
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended December 31, | | Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change |
Consolidated other income (expense) | $ | 178 | | | $ | 109 | | | $ | 69 | | | $ | 223 | | | $ | 398 | | | $ | (175) | |
Other income, net contains (a) interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents and (b) foreign currency gains/losses related primarily to receivables and cash denominated in Australian and Canadian currencies. The three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, also include a $158,000 gain on the sale of IPV4 addresses. The three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the respective periods in the prior fiscal year, were negatively impacted by decreased cash balances and lower interest rates on investments.
Income tax expense
As of March 31, 2020, the Company had $348,000 of federal alternative minimum tax ("AMT") credit carryforward. The Company recovered the entire amount of the receivable in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 via a tax refund.
The Company recorded $23,000 of income tax expense and $35,000 of income tax benefit in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, using an effective income tax rate of (0.30)% plus discrete items. The Company recorded $20,000 and $27,000 of income tax expense in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, using an effective income tax rate of (0.10)% plus discrete items. The effective income tax rate in both periods is impacted by the intraperiod allocation as a result of income or loss from continuing operations, and states which base tax on gross margin and not pretax income.
Net income (loss)
Net loss was $0.9 million and $2.6 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the net loss of $1.5 million and $7.3 million in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The changes were a result of the cumulative effects of the variances identified above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Due to significant uncertainty around the U.S. and global economy, future customer demand, supply chain availability, increased airfreight costs, cash collections, costs related to our mediation efforts and costs and timing related to anticipated easing of shelter-in-place and shut-down orders, our ability to sustain our operations as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we are proactively managing costs and working capital in order to protect our financial position and maintain our workforce. Effective April 1, 2020, we reduced operating expenses through director fee reductions, elimination of non-essential travel, and reduced discretionary spending. At December 31, 2020, the Company had $14.8 million in cash and cash equivalents consisting of bank deposits and money market funds that invest only in government securities.
To preserve cash and liquidity, we are delaying non-essential capital expenditures and will delay usage of funds authorized under our stock repurchase program. On April 14, 2020, the Company obtained an unsecured PPP Loan through JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in the amount of $1,637,522. The loan was made through the SBA as part of the Paycheck Protection Program under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The Company believes that it has used 100% of the PPP Loan proceeds to fund allowable expenses permitted by the PPP loan, but no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan, in whole or in part. The Company applied for loan forgiveness with JPM on December 21, 2020, and is awaiting a determination from the SBA. The Company also participated in the payroll tax deferral program permitted by the CARES Act. The Company continues to monitor government economic stabilization efforts, including the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”) that was signed into law in December 2020. Among the many provisions of the CAA, expenses related to the receipt of PPP loans that were previously determined to be non-deductible by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) may now be deducted for federal income tax purposes.
As discussed above, on October 1, 2020, the Company effected the stockholder approved reverse/forward split transaction. As a result of that transaction, the Company paid $7.2 million to repurchase approximately 4.9 million shares of the Class A Common Stock at a purchase price of $1.48 per share. We expect our existing cash balance will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the next twelve months.
Cash Flows
The significant changes in cash flows were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 |
Net cash flow provided by (used in): | | | |
Operating activities | $ | (394) | | | $ | (1,224) | |
Investing activities | (73) | | | (2,052) | |
Financing activities | (5,646) | | | (191) | |
| | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (6,113) | | | $ | (3,467) | |
Net cash used by operating activities was $0.4 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1.2 million used in the same period of the prior year. The change resulted primarily from the decreased net loss in the current period adjusted for non-cash items offset in part by an increase in cash used by working capital when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Net cash used by investing activities in the nine months ended December 31, 2020, was to purchase property and equipment. During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, in addition to the purchase of property and equipment, the Company invested in a product licensing rights intangible asset for the IBW segment, which is fully reflected in investing activities.
Net cash used by financing activities was $5.6 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $0.2 million used in the same period of the prior year. The change resulted primarily from the Transaction in the quarter ended December 31, 2020 where the Company paid $7.2 million to repurchase 4.9 million shares of Class A Common stock as part of the Transaction, offset in part by the proceeds from the PPP loan when compared to the same period in the prior year.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had net deferred tax assets of approximately $40.8 million before a valuation allowance of $40.8 million, which are subject to potential limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (“Section 382”)
and its related tax regulations. Also, as of December 31, 2020, the Company had a $1.8 million tax contingency reserve related to uncertain tax positions, which is offset against deferred tax assets. The federal net operating loss carryforward begins to expire in fiscal year 2022. Realization of deferred tax assets associated with the Company’s future deductible temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to their expiration, among other factors. The Company weighed positive and negative evidence to assess the need for a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and whether a tax benefit should be recorded when taxable losses are incurred. The existence of a valuation allowance does not limit the availability of tax assets to reduce taxes payable when taxable income arises. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and may adjust the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets accordingly.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has a 50% equity ownership in AccessTel Kentrox Australia PTY LTD (AKA). AKA distributes network management solutions provided by the Company and the other 50% owner to one customer. The Company holds equal voting control with the other owner. All actions of AKA are decided at the board level by majority vote. The Company also has provided an unlimited guarantee for the performance of the other 50% owner in AKA, which primarily provides support and engineering services to the customer. This guarantee was put in place at the request of the AKA customer. The guarantee, which is estimated to have a maximum potential future payment of $0.7 million, will stay in place as long as the contract between AKA and the customer is in place. The Company would have recourse against the other 50% owner in AKA in the event the guarantee is triggered. The Company determined that it could perform on the obligation it guaranteed at a positive rate of return and, therefore, did not assign value to the guarantee.
Critical Accounting Policies
A complete description of the Company’s significant accounting policies is discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. There have been no material changes in the Company's critical accounting policies from those disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS.
Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s senior management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the Evaluation Date). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded as of the Evaluation Date that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to the Company, including consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the Company’s business and its previously owned operations. In the ordinary course of operations the Company is routinely audited and subject to inquiries by governmental and regulatory agencies or receives claims that could have an unfavorable outcome. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these or other unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, management believes that the outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated operations or financial condition.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
See “Risk Factors” in Part 1 – Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020, for information about risk factors. There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors from those disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2020, except as follow:
The Company has delisted the Class A Common Stock from the Nasdaq Stock Market and intends to become a non-reporting company.
In October 2020, we filed a Form 25 and Form 15 with the SEC to deregister and delist our Class A Common Stock. As a result, our Class A Common Stock is no longer listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trading in our Class A Common Stock will only occur in privately negotiated sales and potentially on the OTC Pink Open Markets, if one or more brokers continues to choose to make a market for our Class A Common Stock there and complies with applicable regulatory requirements; however, there can be no assurances regarding any such trading. Because of the limited liquidity for our Class A Common Stock, the planned termination of our obligation to publicly disclose financial and other information, and the deregistration of our Class A Common Stock under the Exchange Act, our stockholders may potentially experience a significant decrease in the value of their Class A Common Stock.
We intend to continue to prepare audited annual financial statements and periodic unaudited financial statements and plan to make available to our stockholders audited annual financial statements through March 31, 2021 and may choose to do so thereafter after first considering the expenses. Nonetheless, stockholders will have significantly less information about the Company and our business, operations, and financial performance than they have currently. We do intend to continue to hold stockholder meetings as required under Delaware law, including annual meetings, or to take actions by written consent of our stockholders in lieu of meetings.
Following the completion of the deregistration process, we will no longer be subject to the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the liability provisions of the Exchange Act. Our executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders will no longer be required to file reports relating to their transactions in our common stock with the SEC. In addition, our executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders will no longer be subject to the recovery of profits provision of the Exchange Act, and persons acquiring 5% of our common stock are no longer required to report their beneficial ownership under the Exchange Act. Additionally, we will not have the ability to access the public capital markets or to use public securities in attracting and retaining executives and other employees, and we will have a decreased ability to use stock to acquire other companies.
Additionally, our public reporting obligations could again be reinstated if on the first day of any fiscal year we have more than 300 stockholders of record, in which instance we would be required to resume reporting pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
While our Class A Common Stock is traded on the OTC Pink Open Markets, its price is characterized by significant price volatility.
While our Class A Common Stock is traded on the OTC Pink Open Markets, its trading price is characterized by significant volatility when compared to the shares of larger, more established companies that have large public floats, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than the shares of such larger, more established companies traded on the major markets for the indefinite future. The volatility in our share price is attributable to a number of factors. First, as noted above, our Class A Common Stock is, compared to the shares of such larger, more established companies, sporadically and thinly traded. As a consequence of this limited liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our stockholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of our common stock is sold on the market without commensurate demand. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a larger, more established company that has a large public float. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our Class A Common Stock, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our Class A Common Stock will be at any time, including as to whether our Class A Common Stock will sustain its current market price, or
as to what effect that the sale of shares or the availability of Class A Common Stock for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price, or if our Class A Common Stock will continue to be traded on the OTC Pink Open Markets.
Our business operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the spread of a new strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a pandemic. This outbreak continues to spread throughout the U.S. and around the world. As a result, federal, state and local authorities continue to implement numerous measures to try to contain the virus, including restrictions on travel, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, business restrictions and complete shut-downs. As a result, we have and may continue to experience reduced hands-on product demonstrations, face-to-face customer meetings and the inability to attend industry tradeshows. All of these disruptions may negatively impact our ability to generate new business. Restricted travel to customer worksites, which is required for our ISM products, may have an adverse impact on our business. Government regulations or economic impacts due to COVID-19 may also reduce or delay construction projects, for many of our products, such as IBW products, that are installed during new construction and major renovations.
We have and may continue to experience delays in receiving necessary parts and supplies from our vendors. We may have to source parts from alternate suppliers with higher costs or expediting fees that cannot be passed along to the end customers. Our headquarters is located in Aurora, Illinois, statistically one of the leading states of infection by COVID-19, and our manufacturing facility could be shut down if there is a significant spread of illness in the plant.
On April 14, 2020, the Company received $1.6 million pursuant to a loan from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) as administered by the U.S. Small Business Association (the “SBA”). Funds from the loan may only be used for certain purposes, including payroll, benefits, rent and utilities. On January 22, 2021, the Company applied for a second draw PPP loan (the “PPP2”) pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 that was signed into law in December 2020, but the Company can provide no assurance that the Company will obtain the PPP2. The Company will carefully monitor qualifying expenses and other requirements in an effort to properly maximize loan forgiveness, but the Company can provide no assurance that the PPP loan (or the PPP2 loan, to the extent it is obtained) will be forgiven in whole or in part.
At this time, we cannot foresee whether the outbreak of COVID-19 will be effectively contained. If the outbreak of COVID- 19 is not effectively and timely controlled, our business operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by a general reduction in global economic activity. There is significant uncertainty around sales, supply chain availability, cash collections, costs related to our mediation efforts and costs and timing related to anticipated easing of shelter-in-place and shut-down orders. These uncertainties include the duration and severity of the pandemic and containment measures and how our compliance with these measures will impact our day-to-day operations as well as that of our customers, contract manufacturers and other supply chain partners. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment and cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict at this time and that may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information about the Company’s repurchase activity for its Class A Common Stock during the three months ended December 31, 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased (a) | | Average Price Paid per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (b) | | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs (b) |
October 2020 | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 680,957 | |
November 2020 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 680,957 | |
December 2020 | | 745 | | | 0.7900 | | | — | | | 680,957 | |
Total | | 745 | | | $ | 0.7900 | | | — | | | $ | 680,957 | |
(a)In the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 745 shares from employees that were surrendered to satisfy the minimum statutory tax withholding obligations on the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units. These repurchases were not included in the authorized share repurchase program and had a weighted-average purchase price of $0.79 per share. Also, on September 29, 2020, the Company filed amendments to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-1,000 reverse stock split of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock, followed immediately by an 1,000-for-1 forward stock split (the “Transaction”). The stockholders approved the Transaction at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 29, 2020. The effective date of the Transaction was October 1, 2020. As a result of the Transaction, the Company paid
$7.2 million to repurchase approximately 4.9 million shares of the Class A Common Stock at a purchase price of $1.48 per share (the 4.9 millions shares are not reported in the table above).
(b)In May 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $2.0 million of its outstanding Class A Common Stock in addition to the $0.1 million remaining from the August 2011 authorization. The August 2011 authorization was exhausted during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 and there was approximately $0.7 million remaining under the May 2017 authorization as of December 31, 2020.
Items 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Exhibit Number | | Description |
| | | |
| Exhibit 10.1 | | |
| | | |
| Exhibit 31.1 | | |
| | |
| Exhibit 31.2 | | |
| | |
| Exhibit 32.1 | | |
| | |
| Exhibit 101 | | The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2020, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | WESTELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
| | | (Registrant) |
| | |
DATE: | February 12, 2021 | | By: | /s/ Timothy L. Duitsman |
| | | | Timothy L. Duitsman |
| | | | Chief Executive Officer |
| | |
| | | By: | /s/ Jeniffer L. Jaynes |
| | | | Jeniffer L. Jaynes |
| | | | Chief Financial Officer |