MIND Technology (MIND) 10-Q2024 Q1 Quarterly report

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1. Organization and Liquidity

MIND Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), formerly Mitcham Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation, was incorporated in 1987. Effective August 3, 2020 the Company effectuated a reincorporation to the state of Delaware. Concurrent with the reincorporation the name of the Company was changed to MIND Technology, Inc. 

The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Seamap Pte Ltd, MIND Maritime Acoustics, LLC, Seamap (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Seamap (UK) Ltd (collectively “Seamap”), and Klein Marine Systems, Inc. (“Klein”), designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of proprietary products for the seismic, hydrographic and offshore industries with product sales and support facilities based in Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the states of New Hampshire and Texas. Prior to July 31, 2020, the Company, through its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Mitcham Canada, ULC (“MCL”), its wholly owned Hungarian subsidiary, Mitcham Europe Ltd. (“MEL”), and its branch operations in Colombia, provided full-service equipment leasing, sales and service to the seismic industry worldwide (the “Leasing Business”). Effective July 31, 2020, the Leasing Business has been classified as held for sale and the financial results reported as discontinued operations (see Note 3 – “Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations” for additional details). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The Company has a history of generating losses and negative cash from operating activities and may not have access to sources of capital that were available in prior periods. In addition, emerging supply chain disruptions and recent volatility in oil prices have created significant uncertainty in the global economy which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations and liquidity. Accordingly, substantial doubt has arisen regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result should the Company not be able to continue as a going concern.

Management has identified the following mitigating factors regarding adequate liquidity and capital resources to meet its obligations:

Notwithstanding the mitigating factors identified by management, there remains substantial doubt regarding the Company's ability to meet its obligations as they arise over the next twelve months. 

2. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2023, for the Company has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position as of April 30, 2023, the results of operations for the three-months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, the cash flows for the three months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, and the statement of stockholders’ equity for the three-months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, have been included in these condensed consolidated financial statements. The foregoing interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending January 31, 2024 (“fiscal 2024”).

3. Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

On July 27, 2020, the Board determined to exit the Leasing Business. As a result, the assets, excluding cash, and liabilities of the Leasing Business were considered held for sale and its results of operations were reported as discontinued operations through the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023. As of February 1, 2023, discontinued operations were considered materially completed.

The results of operations from discontinued operations for the three-months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 consist of the following:

The significant operating and investing noncash items and capital expenditures related to discontinued operations are summarized below:

4. New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, to address timing on recognition of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. This update requires all organizations to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 was effective during the three months ended April 30, 2023. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

5. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by reportable segment and timing of revenue recognition:

The revenue from products manufactured and sold by our Seamap and Klein businesses, is generally recognized at a point in time, or when the customer takes possession of the product, based on the terms and conditions stipulated in our contracts with customers. However, from time to time our Seamap and Klein businesses provide repair and maintenance services, or perform upgrades, on customer owned equipment in which case revenue is recognized over time. In addition, our Seamap business provides annual Software Maintenance Agreements (“SMA”) to customers who have an active license for software embedded in Seamap products. The revenue from SMA is recognized over time, with the total value of the SMA recognized in equal monthly amounts over the life of the contract.

The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by geography, based on the shipping location of our customers:

As of April 30, 2023, and January 31, 2023, contract assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

Considering the products manufactured and sold by our Seamap and Klein businesses and the Company’s standard contract terms and conditions, we expect our contract assets and liabilities to turn over, on average, within a period of three to nine months.

With respect to the disclosures above, sales and transaction-based taxes are excluded from revenue, and we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less. Also, we expense costs incurred to obtain contracts because the amortization period would be one year or less. These costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

6. Balance Sheet

As of January 31, 2023, the Company completed an annual review of property and equipment noting no indications that the recorded value of assets may not be recoverable and no impairment was recorded for fiscal 2023. Since January 31, 2023, there have been no changes to the market, economic or legal environment in which the Company operates or overall performance of the Company in the three months ended April 30, 2023, that would, in the aggregate, indicate additional impairment analysis is necessary as of April 30, 2023.

7. Leases

The Company has certain non-cancelable operating lease agreements for office, production and warehouse space in Texas, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. Our lease obligation in Canada was terminated as of March 31, 2022, and our lease obligation in Hungary was terminated November 30, 2022.

Lease expense for the three months ended April 30, 2023 was approximately $221,000, and during the three months ended April 30, 2022 was approximately $203,000, and were recorded as a component of operating income (loss). Included in these costs was short-term lease expense of approximately $2,000  for the three months ended April 30, 2023, and during the three months ended April 30, 2022 was approximately $9,000.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of April 30, 2023 and January 31, 2023 were as follows:

Lease-term and discount rate details as of April 30, 2023 and January 31, 2023 were as follows:

The incremental borrowing rate was calculated using the Company's weighted average cost of capital.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

Maturities of lease liabilities at April 30, 2023 were as follows:

8. Intangible Assets

Approximately $923,000 of the gross carrying amount of intangible assets, primarily in proprietary rights, are related to technology development projects that have not yet been completed. As a result, these intangible assets are not currently being amortized.

On January 31, 2023, the Company completed an annual review of amortizable intangible assets. Based on a review of qualitative factors it was determined that there were no events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of amortizable intangible assets was not recoverable. During the three months ended April 30, 2023, there have been no substantive indicators of impairment.

Aggregate amortization expense was $276,000 and $271,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of April 30, 2023, future estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was estimated to be:

9. Notes Payable

On February 2, 2023, we entered into a $3.75 million Loan and Security Agreement (“the Loan”). The Loan is due February 1, 2024, and bears interest at 12.9% per annum, payable monthly. The Company has incurred approximately $814,000 of debt acquisition costs associated with the loan including approximately $254,000 in origination and other transaction fees and approximately $484,000 of prepaid interest, which is the interest due through maturity. These costs have been recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our debt and are amortized to interest expense straight-line over the term of the Loan. Approximately $204,000 of amortization of debt acquisition costs have been recorded as interest expense for the three months ended April 30, 2023.  The Loan may be repaid at any time without penalty. The Loan is secured by mortgages on certain real estate owned by the Company. The Loan contains terms customary with this type of transaction including representations, warranties, covenants, and reporting requirements.

10. Income Taxes

For the three-month period ended April 30, 2023, the income tax expense from continuing operations was approximately $ 418,000 on a pre-tax income from continuing operations of approximately $ 178,000. For the three-month period ended April 30, 2022, the income tax expense from continuing operations was approximately$ 211,000 on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $2.6 million. The variance between our actual provision and the expected provision based on the U.S. statutory rate is due primarily to recording valuation allowances against the increase in our deferred tax assets in the respective periods, permanent differences between book income and taxable income.

The Company files U.S. federal and state income tax returns as well as separate returns for its foreign subsidiaries within their local jurisdictions. The Company's U.S. federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal years ended January 31, 2019 through 2023. The Company’s tax returns may also be subject to examination by state and local tax authorities for fiscal years ended January 31, 2017 through 2023. In addition, the Company's tax returns filed in foreign jurisdictions are generally subject to examination for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2017 through 2023.

The Company has determined that the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are not deemed to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States as of April 30, 2023. Furthermore, the Company has concluded that any deferred taxes with respect to the undistributed foreign earnings would be immaterial. Therefore, the Company has not recorded a deferred tax liability associated with the undistributed foreign earnings as of April 30, 2023.

For the three-month period ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not recognize any tax expense or benefit related to uncertain tax positions.

11. Earnings per Share

Net income per basic common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock. Net income per diluted common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding common stock options having a dilutive effect and from the assumed vesting of unvested shares of restricted stock. For the three months ended April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022, dilutive potential common shares outstanding were immaterial and had no effect on the calculation of earnings per share because shares were anti-dilutive. The total basic weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended April 30, 2023 and April 30,2022, was approximately 13.8 million shares.

12. Related Party Transaction

In September 2020 we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. (the “Agent”). The Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-President of the Agent is the Non-Executive Chairman of our Board. Pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Company may sell up to 500,000 shares of 9.00% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Preferred Stock”) and 5,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock (“Common Stock”) through an at-the-market offering program (the “ATM Offering Program”) administered by the Agent. Under the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Agent is entitled to compensation of up to 2.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of Preferred Stock and Common Stock under the ATM Offering Program.

During the three-month period ended April 30, 2023, and 2022 the Company sold no shares of Preferred Stock under the ATM Offering Program.

During the three-month period ended April 30, 2023, and 2022 the Company sold no shares of Common Stock under the ATM Offering Program. 

With respect to the Loan (see Note-9 "Notes Payable" for additional details). the Agent acted as the broker and received approximately $50,000 in related fees. Our Non-Executive Chairman of the Board received no portion of this compensation.

13. Equity and Stock-Based Compensation

As of April 30, 2023, there are approximately 1,683,000 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding with an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $43.9 million, which amount includes approximately $3.8 million in undeclared cumulative dividends. Holders of our Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board out of funds of the Company available for the payment of distributions, quarterly cumulative preferential cash dividends of $0.5625 per share of the $25.00 per share stated liquidation preference on our Preferred Stock. Dividends on the Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears, on April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31, of each year. During the three months ended April 30, 2023, the Board did not declare, and the Company did not pay a quarterly dividend on our Preferred Stock. As a result, the Company has approximately $3.8 million of cumulative undeclared preferred dividends as of April 30, 2023. During the three months ended April 30, 2022, the Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5625 per share on our Preferred Stock. 

Total compensation expense recognized for stock-based awards granted under the Company’s equity incentive plan during the three-month period ended April 30, 2023 was approximately $ 50,000, and during the three-month period ended April 30, 2022, was approximately $ 236,000.

14. Segment Reporting

The Company operates in two segments, Seamap and Klein.  Seamap operates from facilities in Singapore, Malaysia the United Kingdom and Texas.  Klein operates from a location in New Hampshire.

Prior to the year ended January 31, 2023, Seamap Marine Products and Klein Marine Products operating segments had been reported on an aggregated basis under our Marine Technology Products segment. We subsequently determined that we misapplied the provisions of ASC 280, Segment Reporting, regarding aggregation of operating segments. For the three months ended April 30, 2023, we correctly reported segment activity pursuant to the provisions of ASC 280, and we have restated segment information for the three months ended April 30, 2022, to correct our error and conform to our current presentation. As a matter of Company policy, corporate overhead is not allocated on a quarterly basis.

Sales from the Klein Marine Products to the Seamap Marine Products segment are eliminated in consolidated revenues. Consolidated income before taxes reflects the elimination of profit from intercompany sales and the cost to manufacture the equipment.

The following table presents a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to loss from continuing operations before income taxes (in thousands):

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this Form 10-Q other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts of our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized below:

For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our projected results, please see (1) Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q, (2) Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, and (3) the Company’s other filings filed with the SEC from time to time.

There may be other factors of which the Company is not currently aware that may affect matters discussed in the forward-looking statements and may also cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date they are made, whether as the result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We operate in two segments, Seamap and Klein.  Seamap designs, produces and sells seismic exploration equipment. Its customers include foreign and domestic commercial marine survey companies and various governmental institutions.  Klein designs, produces and sells sonar equipment.  Its customers include foreign and domestic commercial marine survey companies and governmental organizations, including navies.

Prior to the year ended January 31, 2023, Seamap Marine Products and Klein Marine Products operating segments had been reported on an aggregated basis under our Marine Technology Products segment. We subsequently determined that we misapplied the provisions of ASC 280, Segment Reporting, regarding aggregation of operating segments. For the three months ended April 30, 2023, we correctly reported segment activity pursuant to the provisions of ASC 280, and we have restated segment information for the three months ended April 30, 2022, to correct our error and conform to our current presentation.

Management believes that the performance of our Seamap and Klein businesses is indicated by revenues from sales of products and by gross profit from those sales. Management monitors EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, both as defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), in the following table, as key indicators of our overall performance and liquidity.

We design, manufacture and sell a variety of products used primarily in oceanographic, hydrographic, defense, seismic and maritime security industries. Seamap’s primary products include (i) the GunLink seismic source acquisition and control systems; (ii) the BuoyLink RGPS tracking system used to provide precise positioning of seismic sources and streamers (marine recording channels that are towed behind a vessel) and (iii) SeaLink marine sensors and solid streamer systems (collectively, the “SeaLink” product line or “towed streamer products”). These towed streamer products are primarily designed for three-dimensional, high-resolution marine surveys in hydrographic industry applications. Klein designs, manufactures and sells side scan sonar systems to commercial, governmental and military customers throughout the world.

Our results of operations can experience fluctuations in activity levels due to a number of factors outside of our control. These factors include budgetary or financial concerns, difficulties in obtaining licenses or permits, security problems, labor or political issues, inclement weather, and global pandemics. See Part II, Item 1A-- “Risk Factors.”

Business Outlook

Our financial performance has improved significantly in recent periods.  Although we have a history of operating losses, we have produced positive operating income in each of the last two fiscal quarters.  We believe this is due to increased demand within our primary markets, alleviation of the impacts of the global pandemic and efforts to reduce costs and improve product margins.

We have experienced increased inquiries and bid activity for our marine technology products in both the Seamap and Klein segments. As of April 30, 2023, our backlog of firm orders was approximately $22.6 million, as compared to approximately $20.7 million as of January 31, 2023, and $13.4 million as of April 30, 2022. In addition, we continue to pursue a number of other significant opportunities and expect to secure additional orders. The level of backlog at a particular point in time may not necessarily be indicative of results in subsequent periods as the size and delivery period of individual orders can vary significantly.

Our revenues tend to fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to delivery schedules and other factors. We expect revenue in fiscal 2024 to exceed that of fiscal 2023. However, no assurances of such results can be made, and there are a number of risks which could cause results to be less than anticipated. Those risks include the following:

We continue to address three primary markets in our Seamap and Klein businesses:

Specific applications within those markets include sea-floor survey, search and recovery, mineral and geophysical exploration, mine counter measures and anti-submarine warfare. We have existing technology and products that meet needs across all these markets such as:

We see a number of opportunities to add to our technology and to apply existing technology and products to new applications.

We also continue to pursue initiatives to further expand our product offerings. These initiatives include new internally developed technology, introduction of new products based on our existing technology, technology obtained through partnering arrangements with others and a combination of all of these. There can be no assurance that any of these initiatives will ultimately have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. Certain of the business opportunities that we are pursuing are with military or other governmental organizations. The sales cycle for these projects can be quite long and can be impacted by a variety of factors, including the level of competition and budget limitations. Therefore, the timing of contract awards is often difficult to predict. However, once awarded, programs of this type can extend for many years. To date, the majority of our revenues have been from commercial customers; however, we expect the proportion of revenue related to military or governmental customers will increase in the future.

We believe there are certain developments within the marine technology industry that can have a significant impact on our business. These developments include the following:

In response to these, and other, developments we have prioritized certain strategic initiatives to exploit the opportunities that we perceive. These initiatives include the following:

We believe that the above applications expand our addressable markets and provide opportunities for further growth in our revenues.

Subsequent to January 31, 2023, we eliminated two executive management positions and certain other administrative positions in order to further control general and administrative costs. Should future financial results fall below our expectation, we may take further steps to reduce costs. We believe many of our costs are variable in nature, such as raw materials and labor-related costs. Accordingly, we believe we can reduce such costs commensurate with any declines in our business.

General inflation levels have increased recently due in part to supply chain issues, increased energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty. In addition, shortages of certain components, such as electronic components, have caused prices for available components to increase in some cases. These factors can be expected to have a negative impact on our costs; however, the magnitude of such impact cannot be accurately determined. In response to these cost increases, in the first quarter of fiscal 2023, we increased the pricing for most of our products. The amount of the increase varied by product and ranged from approximately 5% to 20%.

Our revenues and results of operations have not been materially impacted by inflation or changing prices in the past two fiscal years, except as described above.

Results of Operations

Revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2023 were approximately $12.6 million compared to approximately $9.1 million for the three months ended April 30, 2022.. The increase in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year period was primarily due to positive trends within our primary markets, as discussed above. For the three months ended April 30, 2023, we generated an operating income of approximately $289,000, compared to an operating loss of approximately $2.5 million for the three months ended April 30, 2022.  The increased operating income in current three-month period was primarily attributable to incremental revenues and higher profit margins during the three months ended April 30, 2023. A more detailed explanation of these variations follows.

Revenues and Cost of Sales

Revenues and cost of sales for our Marine Technology Products business were as follows:

A significant portion of Seamap’s sales consists of large discrete orders, the timing of which is dictated by our customers. This timing generally relates to the availability of a vessel in port so that our products can be installed. Accordingly, there can be significant variation in sales from one period to another, which does not necessarily indicate a fundamental change in demand for these products. Revenue from the sale of Seamap products was approximately $10.6 million for the three-month period ended April 30, 2023, compared to revenue of approximately $8.1 million for three-month period of fiscal 2023. The gross profit and gross profit margins for Seamap were approximately $4.5 million and 43% and approximately $3.0 million and 37% in the first quarters of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in gross profit margin between the comparative periods is due primarily to a favorable mix of revenue from sales of higher margin products and services, higher manufacturing activity levels resulting in greater absorption of overhead, and lower discounts granted to customers in the most recent period.

Revenue from the sale of Klein products was approximately $2.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to approximately $1.1 million in the prior year period. The gross profit and gross profit margin for Klein were approximately $881,000 and 38% and $267,000 and 24% for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in gross profit margins in the current quarter as compared to the fiscal 2023 period is due primarily to the higher level of revenues resulting in greater absorption of fixed overhead costs and the impact of price increases implemented in fiscal 2023.

Operating Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended April 30, 2023, were approximately $3.9 million compared to approximately $4.3 million for the three-months ended April 30, 2022. The decrease from the three-month period ended April 30, 2022 is primarily the result of lower compensation expense due to headcount reductions, and the impact of broader cost control measures.

Research and development costs were approximately $773,000 in the three-month period ended April 30, 2023, compared to approximately $1.0 million in the three-months ended April 30, 2022. Costs in the fiscal 2023 period related primarily to our synthetic aperture sonar development program and enhancements to our towed streamer and passive sonar array systems.

Depreciation and amortization expense, which includes depreciation of equipment, furniture and fixtures and the amortization of intangible assets remained relatively consistent year-over year. These costs were approximately $481,000 in the three-month period ended April 30, 2023, as compared to approximately $479,000 in the three-month period ended April 30, 2022.

Other Expense

Other expense in the three months ended April 30, 2023 was primarily due to interest expense of $204,000 related to the short-term loan entered into in February 2023, partially offset by gains on the sale of certain ancillary equipment of $138,000.  In the three months ended April 30, 2022, other expense related to the net loss on the sale of certain ancillary equipment.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the three months ended April 30, 2023, we reported tax expense of approximately $418,000 on pre-tax income of approximately $178,000 from continuing operations, and for the three months ended April 30, 2022, we reported tax expense of approximately $211,000 on pre-tax loss of approximately $2.6 million from continuing operations. We recorded tax expense in excess of pre-tax income for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 due mainly to the effect of recording valuation allowances against increases in our deferred tax assets. We recorded tax expense for the three-month period ended April 30, 2022, despite generating pre-tax losses from continuing operations, due mainly to the effect of permanent differences between book and taxable income and recording valuation allowances against increases in our deferred tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has a history of generating operating losses and negative cash from operating activities and has relied on cash from the sale of lease pool equipment and the sale of Preferred Stock and Common Stock for the past several years and recently, a short-term loan. As of April 30, 2023, the Company has approximately 317,000 shares of Preferred Stock and approximately 22.4 million shares of Common Stock available for issuance. However, there can be no assurance the Preferred Stock or Common Stock can be sold at prices acceptable to the Company.

Due to the above factors, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to meet its obligations as they arise over the next twelve months.  However, management believes there are compensating factors and actions available to the Company to address liquidity concerns, including the following:

As of this date, under our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, we have 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized, of which 1,682,985 are currently outstanding, leaving 317,015 available for future issuance. In addition, 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock are authorized, of which 13,788,738 are currently outstanding and 3,837,667 are reserved for issue under outstanding stock options, leaving 22,373,595 available for future issuance. We believe these factors provide capacity for subsequent issues of Common Stock or Preferred Stock

The Preferred Stock was issued in public offerings in June 2016 and November 2021, and in two ATM offering programs. The Preferred Stock issued in the June 2016 public offering was consideration to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Pursuant to the November 2021 underwritten public offering, the Company issued 432,000 shares of Preferred Stock. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $9.5 million after underwriting discounts and other costs. The Preferred Stock (i) allows for redemption at our option (even in the event of a change of control), (ii) does not grant holders with voting control of our Board of Directors, and (iii) provides holders with a conversion option (into common stock) only upon a change of control which, upon conversion, would be subject to a limit on the maximum number of shares of common stock to be issued. Through April 30, 2023 we have issued 1,682,985 shares of our Preferred Stock.

During the three months ended April 30, 2023, the Company did not sell any shares of Common Stock or Series A Preferred Stock under the ATM Offering Program.

Due to the rising level of sales and production activities there are increasing requirements for purchases of inventory and other production costs. Additionally, due to component shortages and long-lead times for certain items there are requirements in some cases to purchase items well in advance. Furthermore, some suppliers require prepayments in order to secure some items. All of these factors combine to increase the Company’s working capital requirements. Furthermore, Management believes there are opportunities to increase production capacity and efficiencies. However, some of these opportunities may require additional investments such as in production equipment or other fixed assets. If we are unable to meet suppliers demands, we may not be able to produce products and fulfill orders from our customers. 

We expect additional collections from customers in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 and beyond due to the expected increase in revenue. However, Management believes it prudent for the Company to explore sources of additional capital. Such sources include private or public issues of equity or debt securities, or a combination of such securities. Other sources could include secured debt financing, the sale of assets or investment from strategic industry participants. The Company is currently exploring a number of such opportunities. There can be no assurance that any of these sources will be available to the Company, available in adequate amounts, or available under acceptable terms.

The following table sets forth selected historical information regarding cash flows from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

As of April 30, 2023, we had working capital of approximately $13.7 million, including cash and cash equivalents of approximately $815,000, as compared to working capital of approximately $13.3 million, including cash and cash equivalents of approximately $778,000, at January 31, 2023. 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $3.0 million in the first three months of fiscal 2024 as compared to approximately $3.5 million in the first three months of fiscal 2023. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities in the first three months of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year period was due mainly to the decreased net loss.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Cash provided by investing activities during the first three months of fiscal 2024 decreased approximately $95,000 over the same period in fiscal 2023. The decrease relates primarily to a reduction in sales of assets held-for-sale, partially offset by decreased purchases of property, plant and equipment compared to the first three months of fiscal 2023. 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities during the first three months of fiscal 2024 consisted of approximately $2.9 million of short-term loans compared to cash used of approximately $948,000 in the prior year period related to Preferred Stock dividends.

As of April 30, 2023, we have short-term loans, net of acquisition costs, of approximately $3.1 million.

We have determined that the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are not deemed indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States as of April 30, 2023. Furthermore, we have concluded that any deferred taxes with respect to the undistributed foreign earnings would be immaterial.

As of April 30, 2023, we had deposits in foreign banks equal to approximately $651,000, all of which we believe could be distributed to the United States without adverse tax consequences. However, in certain cases the transfer of these funds may result in withholding taxes payable to foreign taxing authorities. If withholding taxes should become payable, we believe the amount of tax withheld would be immaterial.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Information regarding our critical accounting estimates is included in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2023. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates during the three-month period ended April 30, 2023.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk, which is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. We have not entered, and do not intend to enter, into derivative financial instruments for hedging or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Risk

We operate in several foreign locations, which gives rise to risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To the extent possible, we attempt to denominate our transactions in foreign locations in U.S. dollars. For those cases in which transactions are not denominated in U.S. dollars, we are exposed to risk from changes in exchange rates to the extent that non-U.S. dollar revenues exceed non-U.S. dollar expenses related to those transactions. Our non-U.S. dollar transactions are denominated primarily in British pounds, Singapore dollars and European Union euros. As a result of these transactions, we generally hold cash balances that are denominated in these foreign currencies. At April 30, 2023, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents included foreign currency denominated amounts equivalent to approximately $280,000 in U.S. dollars. A 10% increase in the U.S. dollar as compared to each of these currencies would result in a loss of approximately $28,000 in the U.S. dollar value of these deposits, while a 10% decrease would result in an equal amount of gain. We do not currently hold or issue foreign exchange contracts or other derivative instruments to hedge these exposures.

Interest Rate Risk

As of April 30, 2023, we had no interest-bearing debt with a variable rate.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of April 30, 2023, due to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that was disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023.

Remediation

As previously described in Part II, Item 9A, "Controls and Procedures" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, we are implementing a remediation plan to address the material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. The weakness will remain unresolved, until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than changes in connection with the remediation plan discussed above, there was no change in our system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended April 30, 2023, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are a party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings, individually or collectively, that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition or is otherwise material.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2023, which risks could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2023, The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2023 are not the only risks the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or future results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

The exhibits marked with the cross symbol (†) are filed (or furnished in the case of Exhibit 32.1) with this Form 10-Q.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.