Overview
In 2021, the Company was comprised of five brands - Microlab,Boonton , Noisecom,CommAgility and Holzworth organized as three product groups. Our product groups were organized as follows: Radio Frequency Components ("RFC") was comprised of our Microlab brand; Radio, Baseband, Software ("RBS") was comprised of our CommAgility brand; and Test and Measurement ("T&M") was comprised of ourBoonton , Noisecom and Holzworth brands. OnMarch 1, 2022 , we sold Microlab to RF Industries, Ltd and onDecember 30, 2022 we soldCommAgility toE-Space Acquisitions, LLC . Subsequent to the divestitures of Microlab andCommAgility the Company is comprised of the T&M business which is made up of ourBoonton , Noisecom and Holzworth brands. The T&M business provides RF and microwave test equipment and low phase noise RF synthesizers to equipment manufacturers, aerospace and defense companies, military and government agencies, satellite communication companies, semiconductor companies and other global technology companies. The Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 2022 exclude the results of Microlab andCommAgility for all periods presented. The results of Microlab andCommAgility have been recorded as discontinued operations in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. Further, the assets and liabilities of Microlab andCommAgility have been reclassified as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as ofDecember 31, 2021 .
Key 2022 Developments and Financial Results
In 2022, the Company disclosed that we were pursuing strategic alternatives in order to maximize value for our shareholders. During the year we completed two divestitures for total proceeds of approximately$35.3 million and repaid all outstanding debt and earnout obligations. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , we have approximately$20.7 million in cash. The remaining T&M business generated 57.4% gross margins in fiscal 2022 and ended the year with a backlog of$6.6 million , which was an increase of$1.1 million from the prior year. T&M revenue declined 1.4% from the prior year due primarily to general economic and global uncertainties which delayed capital expenditure decisions by our customers for our products. T&M second half bookings in 2022 increased from the first half of the year signaling a recovery in spend by our customers resulting in the higher backlog. The Company continues to explore strategic alternatives for the remaining T&M business. We do not expect to comment further or update the market with any additional information on the process unless and until its Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction or otherwise deems disclosure appropriate or necessary. There can be no assurance that the evaluation of strategic alternatives will result in any strategic alternative transaction, or any assurance as to its outcome or timing. The financial information presented herein includes: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as ofDecember 31, 2022 and 2021; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the years endedDecember 31, 2022 and 2021; (iii) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years endedDecember 31, 2022 and 2021; and (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020. Critical Accounting Policies
Management's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted inthe United States of America , orU.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses for each period. The following represents a summary of the Company's critical accounting policies, defined as those policies that the Company believes are: (a) the most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and (b) that require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates and assumptions are made by management to assess the overall likelihood that an accounting estimate or assumption may require adjustment. It is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 1 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for a description of all of our significant accounting policies. 18 Discontinued Operations In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 205-20 Discontinued Operations, the results of Microlab andCommAgility are presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) and, as such, have been excluded from continuing operations. Further, the Company reclassified the assets and liabilities of Microlab andCommAgility as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as ofDecember 31, 2021 . The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are presented on a consolidated basis for both continuing operations and discontinued operations. The Company evaluated the Microlab andCommAgility divestitures in accordance with ASC 205-20 and determined that both transactions represented a strategic shift, as defined, in the operations of the Company. Microlab andCommAgility were major discrete lines of business focused on RF passive conditioning and LTE software development, respectively. The remaining T&M business is focused on RF test equipment and phase noise analysis.
In accordance with ASC 205-20 no expenses that are expected to continue in the ongoing entity after divestiture are reported within continuing operations.
Revenue Recognition Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), ("Topic 606") requires the Company to identify the performance obligations in our revenue arrangements - that is, those promised goods and services (or bundles of promised goods or services) that are distinct - and allocate the transaction price of the revenue arrangement to those performance obligations on the basis of estimated standalone selling prices ("SSP's"). Sales of our T&M products generally consist of one performance obligation which is satisfied upon shipment to the customer. When contract terms require transfer of control upon delivery at a customer's location, revenue is recognized on
the date of delivery.
Services arrangements involving repairs and calibrations of the Company's products are generally considered a single performance obligation and revenue is recognized as the services are rendered.
Leases We lease office space and certain equipment under non-cancelable lease agreements. We apply ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to our lease arrangements. In accordance with Topic 842, we assess all arrangements that convey the right to control the use of property, plant and equipment, at inception, to determine if it is, or contains, a lease based on the unique facts and circumstances present in that arrangement. For those leases identified, we determine the lease classification, recognition, and measurement at the lease commencement date. For arrangements that contain a lease we: (i) identify lease and non-lease components; (ii) determine the consideration in the contract; (iii) determine whether the lease is an operating or financing lease; and (iv) recognize lease Right of Use ("ROU") assets and corresponding lease liabilities. Lease liabilities are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The corresponding ROU asset is measured from the initial lease liability, adjusted by (i) accrued or prepaid rents; (ii) remaining unamortized initial direct costs and lease incentives; and (iii) any impairments of the ROU asset. The interest rate implicit in our lease contracts is typically not readily determinable and as such, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date, which represents an internally developed rate that would be incurred to borrow, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. 19 Business Combinations The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations which requires the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their respective fair market value as of the acquisition date.Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are determined based upon the Company's valuation and involves making significant estimates and assumptions based on facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The Company uses a measurement period following the acquisition date to gather information that existed as of the acquisition date that is needed to determine the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The measurement period ends once all information is obtained, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. Valuation ofGoodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a purchase business combination.Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would indicate that goodwill might be impaired, by first performing a qualitative evaluation of events and circumstances impacting the reporting unit to determine the likelihood of goodwill impairment. Based on that qualitative evaluation, if we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no further evaluation is necessary. Otherwise, we perform a quantitative impairment test.
The Company has one reporting unit with goodwill which is Holzworth. The Company's qualitative assessment of Holzworth goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2022 indicated no impairment.
Intangible and Long-lived Assets
Intangible assets include acquired technology, customer relationships and tradenames. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets, which range from ten to fourteen years. Long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, 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. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the estimated fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell. The estimated useful lives of intangible and long-lived assets are based on many factors including assumptions regarding the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors, expectations regarding the future use of the asset, and our historical experience with similar assets. The assumptions used to determine the estimated useful lives could change due to numerous factors including product demand, market conditions, technological developments, economic conditions
and competition. Income taxes The Company records deferred taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. ASC 740 requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between tax basis of assets and liabilities and the amounts at which they are carried in the financial statements, based upon the enacted rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company periodically assesses the value of its deferred tax assets and determines the necessity for a valuation allowance. Realization of the Company's deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate tax jurisdictions in future years to obtain benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and from utilization of net operating losses. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods if estimates of future taxable income are changed. Uncertain tax positions Under ASC 740, the Company must recognize and disclose uncertain tax positions only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authority, based on the technical merits of the position. The amounts recognized in the financial statements attributable to such position, if any, are recorded if there is a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate resolution of the position. 20 The Company has analyzed its filing positions in all of the jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns. As ofDecember 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has identified its federal tax return, the state tax returns inNew Jersey ,California andColorado as "major" tax jurisdictions, as defined in ASC 740, in which it is required to file income tax returns. Based on the evaluations noted above, the Company has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.
Based on a review of tax positions for all open years and contingencies as set out in the Company's Notes to the consolidated financial statements, no significant reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to ASC 740 during the years endedDecember 31, 2022 and 2021, and the Company does not anticipate that it is reasonably possible that any material increase or decrease in its unrecognized tax benefits will occur within the
next twelve months. Stock-based compensation The Company follows the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation which requires that compensation expense be recognized based on the fair value of equity awards on the date of grant. The fair value of restricted share awards and restricted stock unit awards is determined using the market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. The fair value of stock options at the date of grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. When stock options are granted, the Company takes into consideration guidance under ASC 718 andSEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107) when determining assumptions. The expected option life is derived from assumed exercise rates based upon historical exercise patterns and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected volatility is based upon historical volatility of our shares using daily price observations over an observation period that approximates the expected life of the options. The risk-free rate is based on theU.S. Treasury yield curve rate in effect at the time of grant for periods similar to the expected option life. The Company accounts for forfeitures for all equity awards when they occur. Management estimates are necessary in determining compensation expense for stock options with performance-based vesting criteria. Compensation expense for this type of stock-based award is recognized over the period from the date the performance conditions are determined to be probable of occurring through the date the applicable conditions are expected to be met. If the performance conditions are not considered probable of being achieved, no expense is recognized until such time as the performance conditions are considered probable of being met, if ever. Management evaluates whether performance conditions are probable of occurring on a quarterly basis.
Inventories and Inventory Valuation
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (average cost) or net realizable value. The Company reviews inventory for excess and obsolescence based on best estimates of future demand, product lifecycle status and product development plans.
Allowances for doubtful accounts
The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. A key consideration in estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts has been, and will continue to be, our customer's payment history and aging of our accounts receivable balance. Warranties
The Company generally offers standard warranties against product defects. We estimate future warranty costs to be incurred based on historical warranty claims experience including estimates of material and labor costs over the warranty period.
21
Comparison of the results of operations for the year ended
Consolidated net revenue decreased from$22.7 million in fiscal year 2021 to$22.4 million in fiscal year 2022 or 1.4% due primarily to general negative economic and global uncertainties which caused delays in capital expenditure decisions by our customers resulting in lower sales of our products. Consolidated gross profit decreased 1% from the prior year period due to lower revenues. Consolidated gross profit margin of 57% was consistent with the prior year.
Operating Expenses (in thousands)
Twelve months ended December 31 Operating Expenses % of Revenue Change 2022 2021 2022 2021 Amount Pct.
Research and development$ 1,791 $ 1,718 8.0 % 7.6 %$ 73 4.2 % Sales and marketing 4,046 4,003 18.1 % 17.7 % 43 1.1 % General and administrative 9,638 9,076 43.0 % 40.0 % 562 6.2 % Loss on change in fair value of contingent consideration - 386 0.0 % 1.7 % (386 ) -100.0 % Total operating expenses$ 15,475 $ 15,183 69.2 %
67.0 % 292 1.9 %
Consolidated research and development expenses increased nominally from the
prior year period due primarily to an increase in headcount expenses of
approximately
Sales and marketing expenses were flat with the prior year period. External commissions expense increased approximately$190,000 from the prior year due a larger mix of commissionable sales. Higher external commissions expense was offset by a decrease in headcount related expenses due to lower sales headcount of approximately$113,000 and a decrease in third-party marketing spend of approximately$40,000 . General and administrative expenses increased$562,000 from the prior year due primarily to an increase in non-cash stock compensation expense of$700,000 due to restricted share awards to employees in fiscal year 2022 and an increase in non-recurring expenses of$200,000 associated with our strategic alternatives process. These increases were offset by various administrative expense reductions of approximately$300,000 in the following areas: third party legal and accounting expenses, investor relations, market research and consulting expenses and banking fees. The loss on change in contingent consideration in 2021 relates to an adjustment to the Holzworth earnout liability. The Holzworth earnout liability was fully paid as ofDecember 31, 2022 .
(Loss)/Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
In 2022, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of the Muzinich term loan of$792,000 primarily related to the write off of deferred financing fees. In 2021, the Company recorded a$2.0 million gain on extinguishment of the Payroll Protection Program loan after we received notice that our loan was fully forgiven. Other income/expense
Other income increased
22 Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased
Tax
Tax benefit increased
Net (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Net loss from continuing operations increased$1.8 million due to lower gross profit caused by lower revenues, higher operating expenses due primarily to stock based compensation expense and expenses related to our strategic alternatives process and the loss on extinguishment of our debt. This was only partially offset by lower interest expense as compared to the prior year and a higher tax benefit.
Net Income from Discontinued Operations, net of tax
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax in fiscal 2021 represents the net income of Microlab of$3.4 million and net loss ofCommAgility of$(1.2) million . Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax in fiscal 2022, represents the results of Microlab andCommAgility during the period of ownership in 2022 as well as the gain recognized on sale of each business. Microlab's net income during 2022 was$158,000 andCommAgility's net loss was$3.2 million . The Company recognized a gain on sale of Microlab of$16.5 million and a gain on sale ofCommAgility of$6.3 million . The combined net income from discontinued operations was offset by a tax provision related to discontinued operations
of$2.7 million .
Liquidity and Capital Resources
OnDecember 16, 2021 , the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary Microlab entered into the Microlab Purchase Agreement with RF Industries, whereby RF Industries agreed to purchase 100% of the membership interests in Microlab for a purchase price of$24,250,000 , subject to certain adjustments as set forth in the Microlab Purchase Agreement. The board of directors of each of the Company and RF Industries unanimously approved the Microlab Transaction. OnFebruary 25, 2022 , the shareholders of the Company approved the Microlab Transaction at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held virtually via live webcast and onMarch 1, 2022 , the Microlab Transaction closed. At closing the Company received approximately$22.8 million in proceeds net of indemnification and purchase price adjustment holdbacks of$150,000 and$100,000 , respectively, and direct expenses of approximately$1.1 million including fees to our advisors. InJuly 2022 , the Company received$225,000 in final purchase price adjustments primarily related to the working capital adjustment and onMarch 1, 2023 the Company received the indemnification holdback amount of$150,000 . In total the Company received net proceeds of approximately$23.1 million related to the Microlab Transaction. InMarch 2022 the Company used$4.2 million of the Microlab Transaction proceeds to repay in full our outstanding term loan with Muzinich BDC and approximately$600,000 was used to repay in full our outstanding revolver balance related to the Bank of America credit agreement. The Company terminated both the Muzinich term loan and Bank of America credit facility as of the Microlab Transaction date.
On
OnDecember 4, 2022 , the Company, and Holdings entered into theCommAgility Purchase Agreement with E-Space, and eSpace Inc., aDelaware corporation, as guarantor. The CommAgility Purchase Agreement provided for the purchase by the Buyer of 100% of the Securities from the Company. The board of directors or other governing body of each of the Company and the Buyer has unanimously approved the CommAgility Transaction. Under the terms of theCommAgility Purchase Agreement, the purchase price for the Securities was estimated to be approximately$14.5 million , inclusive of$13.8 million in cash consideration and a$750,000 note payable, subject to agreed-upon reductions of$650,000 .
23 The CommAgility Transaction closed onDecember 30, 2022 and the Company received net proceeds of$12.2 million which is comprised of the cash consideration of$13.8 million less direct expenses of approximately$1.6 million . The note payable of$750,000 has been offset by agreed-upon reductions of$650,000 for a net balance of approximately$100,000 which is due one year from the transaction close or upon a change in control as defined in the CommAgility Purchase Agreement. The note receivable balance of$100,000 has been further offset by the 2023 UK transaction taxes of approximately$69,000 and the expected net proceeds of the note is approximately$31,000 . The CommAgility Transaction and Microlab Transaction resulted in the net proceeds of approximately$35.3 million in 2022. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , the Company has a cash balance of$20.7 million with no debt or earnout liabilities. We expect our cash balance and cash generated by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the next twelve months. Our ability to meet our cash requirements will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. The Microlab Transaction will be treated as a sale of the assets and liabilities of Microlab to RF Industries forU.S. federal and applicable state income tax purposes and will result in a net taxable gain. The CommAgility Transaction will be treated as a sale of stock forU.S. federal and applicable state income tax purposes and will result in a net taxable loss. We will utilize approximately$9.8 million of our federal net operating loss carryforwards and approximately$8.0 million of ourNew Jersey state net operating loss carryforwards to offset the net taxable gain generated from the 2022 divestitures. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , after utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards, the Company has$5.2 million inU.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards and$33.3 million inNew Jersey state net operating loss carryforwards. The Company currently is pursuing possible strategic opportunities, including potential divestitures, acquisitions, mergers, or other activities, which may require significant use of the Company's capital resources. The Company may incur costs as a result of such activities and such activities may affect the Company's liquidity in future periods. Sources and Uses of Cash
As of
Our primary sources of cash were net proceeds of the Microlab Transaction and CommAgility Transaction which generated an aggregate amount of$35.3 million . Our primary uses of cash were the repayment of the Muzinich term loan of$4.4 million , acquisition of treasury stock of$2.5 million and final payment of contingent consideration and deferred purchase price related to the Holzworth acquisition$3.2 million , of which$1.4 million is classified within financing activities on the consolidated cash flow statement,$250,000 is classified within investing activities and$1.6 million is classified within operating activities. Additionally, working capital increased approximately$5.6 million due to higher accounts receivable related to timing of shipments at the end of the year, higher inventory balances to mitigate long lead times caused by supply chain disruption and estimatedU.S. federal and state tax payments made during the year. Operating Activities Cash used by operating activities was$9.7 million in fiscal year 2022 as compared to cash provided by operating activities of$4.6 million in fiscal year 2021. The cash usage in fiscal year 2022 was due primarily to an increase in working capital due to higher accounts receivable caused by timing of shipments at the end of the year, higher inventory balances caused by higher levels of safety stock to mitigate long lead times, estimatedU.S. federal and state tax payments made in fiscal year 2022 of approximately$900,000 and the Holzworth earnout payment of$1.6 million which is classified in operating activities. Investing Activities
Cash provided by investing activities was$34.3 million in fiscal year 2022 due primarily to net cash proceeds of$35.3 million from the Microlab Transaction and CommAgility Transaction. Financing Activities
Cash used by financing activities increased from$4.2 million in the prior year to$8.2 million in fiscal year 2022 due primarily to repurchases of our common stock of$2.5 million and final payment of the Holzworth earnout liability
of$1.4 million . 24
Holzworth Deferred Purchase Price and Earnout
As of
OnAugust 27, 2018 , the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 which was declared effective onSeptember 17, 2018 . OnJuly 21, 2021 , the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") withB. Riley Securities, Inc. (the "Agent") to issue and sell through the Agent, shares of the Company's common stock, par value$0.01 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to$12,000.000 (the "Shares"), as described in Note 5 - Equity. FromJuly 21, 2021 throughAugust 6, 2021 , the Agent sold 254,701 shares of the company's common stock for net proceeds of$739,000 after deducting sales commissions paid to the Agent in accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement and$560,000 after deducting direct legal and accounting fees associated with the offering. The shelf registration statement expired onSeptember 17, 2021 and was not renewed by the Company. Purchase obligations consist of inventory that arises in the normal course of business operations. Future obligations and commitments as ofDecember 31 ,
2022 consisted of the following: Table of Contractual Obligations Payments by year (in thousands) Total 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Facility leases$ 666 $ 276 $ 158 $ 163 $ 69 $ -
Operating and equipment leases 97 29 29 29
10 - Purchase obligations 4,535 4,535 - - - -$ 5,298 $ 4,840 $ 187 $ 192 $ 79 $ - 25
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than contractual obligations incurred in the normal course of business, the Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Affecting the Company
A discussion of recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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