CLEARONE INC - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
(Mark
One)
x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section
13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the
quarterly period ended September 30,
2008
Commission
file number: 000-17219
CLEARONE COMMUNICATIONS,
INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Utah
|
87-0398877
|
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
|
(I.R.S.
employer
identification
number)
|
5225 Wiley Post Way, Suite 500
Salt Lake City, Utah
|
84116
|
|
(Address
of principal executive offices)
|
(Zip
Code)
|
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (801)
975-7200
Indicate
by check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
Yes x No
¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of
“large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large
accelerated Filer ¨ Accelerated
filer ¨
Non-accelerated
filer x Smaller
reporting company ¨
(Do not
check if smaller reporting company)
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 registrant’s classes of common
stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common
Stock
|
8,888,580
|
Title
of Class
|
Number
of Shares
|
Outstanding
at November 11, 2008
|
CLEARONE
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS TO FORM 10-Q
FOR
THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Page
Number
|
||
PART
I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
||
Item
1
|
Consolidated
Financial Statements
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008
|
1
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and
2007
|
2
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and
2007
|
4
|
|
Notes
to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
|
6
|
|
Item
2
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
12
|
Item
3
|
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
17
|
Item
4
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
17
|
PART
II – OTHER INFORMATION
|
||
Item
1
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
18
|
Item
1A
|
Risk
Factors
|
20
|
Item
2
|
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
20
|
Item
3
|
Defaults
Upon Senior Securities
|
20
|
Item
4
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
20
|
Item
5
|
Other
Information
|
20
|
Item
6
|
Exhibits
|
21
|
Signatures
|
22
|
i
PART
I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item
1. Financial Statements
CLEARONE
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(in
thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
|||||||
September
30,
|
June
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2008
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Current
assets:
|
||||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$ | 1,731 | $ | 3,327 | ||||
Marketable
securities
|
707 | 5,922 | ||||||
Accounts
receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
|
||||||||
of
$110 and $87, respectively
|
6,786 | 7,238 | ||||||
Deposit,
bond for preliminary injunction
|
908 | 908 | ||||||
Note
receivable
|
14 | 43 | ||||||
Inventories,
net
|
10,757 | 7,799 | ||||||
Deferred
income taxes
|
2,773 | 2,828 | ||||||
Prepaid
expenses
|
468 | 820 | ||||||
Total
current assets
|
24,144 | 28,885 | ||||||
Long-term
marketable securities
|
10,861 | 11,168 | ||||||
Property
and equipment, net
|
2,646 | 2,554 | ||||||
Intangible
assets, net
|
44 | 47 | ||||||
Long-term
deferred tax asset
|
1,388 | 1,639 | ||||||
Other
assets
|
10 | 7 | ||||||
Total
assets
|
$ | 39,093 | $ | 44,300 | ||||
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||
Current
liabilities:
|
||||||||
Accounts
payable
|
$ | 2,561 | $ | 2,187 | ||||
Accrued
taxes
|
135 | 72 | ||||||
Accrued
liabilities
|
3,652 | 3,600 | ||||||
Deferred
product revenue
|
4,432 | 4,547 | ||||||
Total
current liabilities
|
10,780 | 10,406 | ||||||
Deferred
rent
|
661 | 700 | ||||||
Other
long-term liabilities
|
1,175 | 1,054 | ||||||
Total
liabilities
|
12,616 | 12,160 | ||||||
Shareholders'
equity:
|
||||||||
Common
stock, par value $0.001, 50,000,000 shares authorized,
|
||||||||
8,888,454
and 10,228,902 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
|
9 | 10 | ||||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
38,023 | 44,618 | ||||||
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
(895 | ) | (694 | ) | ||||
Accumulated
deficit
|
(10,660 | ) | (11,794 | ) | ||||
Total
shareholders' equity
|
26,477 | 32,140 | ||||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders' equity
|
$ | 39,093 | $ | 44,300 | ||||
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements
|
1
CLEARONE
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in
thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
Three
Months Ended September 30,
|
||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Revenue
|
$ | 10,258 | $ | 9,442 | ||||
Cost
of goods sold
|
3,625 | 4,299 | ||||||
Gross
profit
|
6,633 | 5,143 | ||||||
Operating
expenses:
|
||||||||
Sales
& marketing
|
1,977 | 1,601 | ||||||
Research
and product development
|
1,776 | 1,756 | ||||||
General
and administrative
|
1,072 | 2,895 | ||||||
Total
operating expenses
|
4,825 | 6,252 | ||||||
Operating
income (loss)
|
1,808 | (1,109 | ) | |||||
Total
other income, net
|
65 | 341 | ||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
|
1,873 | (768 | ) | |||||
(Provision)
for income taxes
|
(739 | ) | (171 | ) | ||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
1,134 | (939 | ) | |||||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
0 | 15 | ||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$ | 1,134 | $ | (924 | ) | |||
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements
|
2
CLEARONE COMMUNICATIONS,
INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
(in
thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||
September
30,
|
September
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Basic
earnings per common share from continuing operations
|
$ | 0.11 | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||
Diluted
earnings per common share from continuing operations
|
$ | 0.11 | $ | (0.08 | ) | |||
Basic
earnings per common share from discontinued operations
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
Diluted
earnings per common share from discontinued operations
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
Basic
earnings per common share
|
$ | 0.11 | $ | (0.08 | ) | |||
Diluted
earnings per common share
|
$ | 0.11 | $ | (0.08 | ) | |||
Basic
weighted average shares
|
10,112,787 | 10,961,256 | ||||||
Diluted
weighted average shares
|
10,206,652 | 11,072,565 | ||||||
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements
|
3
CLEARONE
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in
thousands of dollars)
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||
September
30,
|
September
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
||||||||
Net
income (loss) from continuing operations
|
$ | 1,134 | $ | (940 | ) | |||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations
|
||||||||
to
net cash provided by operating activities:
|
||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization expense
|
181 | 188 | ||||||
Stock-based
compensation
|
160 | 171 | ||||||
Write-off
of inventory
|
27 | 331 | ||||||
(Gain)
loss on disposal of assets and fixed assets write-offs
|
(5 | ) | 3 | |||||
Provision
for doubtful accounts
|
23 | 2 | ||||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||
Accounts
receivable
|
409 | (133 | ) | |||||
Deferred
taxes
|
427 | |||||||
Note
receivable - Ken-A-Vision
|
29 | 40 | ||||||
Inventories
|
(2,985 | ) | (558 | ) | ||||
Prepaid
expenses and other assets
|
337 | (123 | ) | |||||
Accounts
payable
|
394 | 557 | ||||||
Accrued
liabilities
|
52 | 1,537 | ||||||
Income
taxes
|
198 | (942 | ) | |||||
Deferred
product revenue
|
(115 | ) | 1,003 | |||||
Net
change in other assets/liabilities
|
(3 | ) | 1 | |||||
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
263 | 1,137 | ||||||
Cash
flows from investing activities:
|
||||||||
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
(304 | ) | (155 | ) | ||||
Proceeds
from the sale of property and equipment
|
- | - | ||||||
Purchase
of marketable securities
|
- | (5,681 | ) | |||||
Sale
of marketable securities
|
5,201 | 4,450 | ||||||
Net
cash used in continuing investing activities
|
4,897 | (1,386 | ) | |||||
Net
cash provided by discontinued investing activities
|
- | 15 | ||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
4,897 | (1,371 | ) | |||||
Cash
flows from financing activities:
|
||||||||
Proceeds
from common stock
|
6 | 455 | ||||||
Common
stock purchased and retired
|
(6,762 | ) | (566 | ) | ||||
Tax
benefit attributable to exercise of stock options
|
- | 69 | ||||||
Net
cash (used in) financing activities
|
(6,756 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||
Net
(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
(1,596 | ) | (276 | ) | ||||
Cash
and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
|
3,327 | 2,782 | ||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents at the end of the period
|
$ | 1,731 | $ | 2,506 | ||||
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements
|
4
CLEARONE
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
(in
thousands of dollars)
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||
September
30,
|
September
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Supplemental
disclosure of cash flow information:
|
||||||||
Cash
paid for income taxes
|
$ | 101 | $ | 1,052 | ||||
Supplemental
disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
|
||||||||
Exchanged
accounts receivable from a vendor with
|
||||||||
acccounts
payable to the same vendor
|
$ | 20 | $ | 103 | ||||
Adoption
of FIN48
|
$ | - | $ | 295 | ||||
See
accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements
|
5
CLEARONE
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying interim consolidated financial statements for the three month
periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are not audited. Our consolidated
financial statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements for
unaudited interim periods, and consequently, do not include all disclosures
required to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements
contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for
a fair presentation of our financial position as of September 30, 2008, and our
results of operations and cash flows for the three month periods ended September
30, 2008 and 2007. The results of operations for the three month periods ended
September 30, 2008 and 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a
full-year period. These interim consolidated financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, for the year ended June 30, 2008 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
2. Inventories
Inventories,
net of reserves, consisted of the following as of September 30, 2008 and June
30, 2008 (in thousands):
September 30,
|
June 30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2008
|
|||||||
Raw
materials
|
$ | 686 | $ | 724 | ||||
Finished
goods
|
8,145 | 5,356 | ||||||
Consigned
inventory
|
1,926 | 1,719 | ||||||
Total
inventory
|
$ | 10,757 | $ | 7,799 |
Our
inventory increased approximately $3 million during the three month period
ending September 30, 2008 as we began stocking inventory in our Hong Kong
facility in order to prepare for the fulfillment of the majority of our
international orders from Hong Kong. Additionally , we built up safety stock of
certain of our key products to mitigate stock-outs.
Consigned
inventory represents inventory at distributors and other customers where revenue
recognition criteria have not been achieved.
3. Stock-based
Compensation
Stock-based
compensation expense for the three month periods ended September 30, 2008
and 2007 has been allocated as follows (in thousands):
Three
months Ended
|
||||||||
September
30,
|
||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Cost
of goods sold
|
$ | 24 | $ | 17 | ||||
Sales
& marketing
|
14 | 22 | ||||||
Research
& development
|
8 | 32 | ||||||
General
&administrative
|
114 | 100 | ||||||
Total
stock-based compensation
|
$ | 160 | $ | 171 |
6
As of
September 30, 2008, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related
to non-vested stock options, net of forfeitures, was approximately $867,000.
During the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we granted 7,500 and
315,000 stock options, respectively. We use judgment in determining
the fair value of the share-based payments on the date of grant using an
option-pricing model with assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and
subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited
to, the risk-free interest rate of the awards, the expected life of the awards,
the expected volatility over the term of the awards, the expected dividends of
the awards, and an estimate of the amount of awards that are expected to be
forfeited. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine
the fair value of share-based payments granted under SFAS No. 123R and the
original SFAS No. 123.
4. Discontinued
Operations
Summary
operating results of the discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands of
dollars):
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Gain
on disposal of discontinued operations:
|
||||||||
OM
Video
|
$ | - | $ | 24 | ||||
Total
gain on disposal of discontinued operations
|
- | 24 | ||||||
Income
tax (provision) benefit:
|
||||||||
OM
Video
|
$ | - | $ | (9 | ) | |||
Total
income tax (provision) benefit
|
- | (9 | ) | |||||
Total
income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes:
|
||||||||
OM
Video
|
$ | - | $ | 15 | ||||
Total
income from discontinued operations,
|
||||||||
net
of income taxes
|
$ | - | $ | 15 |
OM
Video
On March
4, 2005, we sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of our Canadian
subsidiary, ClearOne Communications of Canada, Inc. (“ClearOne Canada”) to
6351352 Canada Inc., a Canada corporation. ClearOne Canada owned all the issued
and outstanding stock of Stechyson Electronics, Ltd., which conducted business
under the name OM Video. We agreed to sell the stock of ClearOne Canada for
$200,000 in cash; a $1.3 million note receivable over a 15-month period, with
interest accruing on the unpaid balance at the rate of 5.3% per year; and
contingent consideration ranging from 3.0% to 4.0% of
related gross revenues over a five-year period. In June 2005, we were advised
that the OM Purchaser had settled an action brought by the former employer of
certain of OM Purchaser’s owners and employees alleging violation of
non-competition agreements. The settlement reportedly involved a cash payment
and an agreement not to sell certain products for a period of one year. Based on
an analysis of the facts and circumstances that existed at the end of fiscal
2005, and considering the guidance from Topic 5U of the SEC Rules and
Regulations, “Gain Recognition on the Sale of a Business or Operating Assets to
a Highly Leveraged Entity,” the gain was recognized as cash was collected (as
collection was not reasonably assured). Through December 31, 2005, all required
payments had been made however, 6351352 Canada Inc. failed to make any
subsequent, required payments under the note receivable until June 30, 2006,
when we received a payment of $50,000. We reevaluated our options and concluded
that our best course of action was to enforce our security and appoint a
receiver over the assets of OM Video. The amount of the promissory note and
contingent earn-out provision was approximately $660,000 which is net of
$632,000 collected through receivership.
5. Shareholders’
Equity
Our
shareholders’ equity of $26.5 million at September 30, 2008 declined
approximately $5.7 million from June 30, 2008. During the quarter ending
September 30, 2008, we repurchased 1,342,620 shares for approximately $6.8
million. The share repurchase was partially offset by net income of
approximately $1.1 million.
7
6.
Income Taxes
During
our first fiscal quarter of 2009, we recorded approximately $121,000 related to
unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably impact our effective tax rate if
recognized. The total outstanding balance for liabilities related to
unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2008 was $1.3 million of which
$100,000 was associated with interest and penalties. We account for interest
expense and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits as part of our income tax
provision.
7.
Contingent Liability
We have
accrued for legal fees and costs of the probable amount the Company was able to
estimate at September 30, 2008, of our contingent liability under
indemnification agreements with two former officers. In accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for
Contingencies”, we have accrued a total of $3.3 million, the unpaid balance of
which was about $1.5 million at September 30, 2008 representing the probable
amount that, as of the date of the financial statements, could be reasonably
estimated of our contingent liability, through trial, under the indemnification
agreements if required under applicable law. In accordance with SFAS
No. 5, we will adjust our contingent liability, as necessary, to reflect the
probable amount that can be reasonably estimated. Our actual
liability may be higher or lower than the estimate upon final resolution of the
matter. We will adjust our contingent liability, as needed, so that
it remains an estimable and probable amount of our contingent financial
liability as of the date of issuance of the applicable financial
statements.
8.
Investments
The
following table displays the gross unrealized losses and fair value of our
investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be
other-than-temporarily impaired (in thousands) inclusive of the length of time
the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September
30, 2008:
Description
of Securities
|
Total
- All Less than 12 Months
|
|||||||
Fair
Value
|
Unrealized
Losses
|
|||||||
Investments: Auction
Rate Securities and Corporate Bonds
|
11,568 | 1,427 |
As
of September 30, 2008, $12.2 million of investments were invested in
auction rate securities ("ARSs") which were in accordance with our investment
policy. Recently, auctions for these securities were not successful,
resulting in our continuing to hold these securities and the issuers paying
interest at the maximum contractual rate.
While
these failures in the auction process have affected our ability to access these
funds in the near term, we do not believe that the long-term value of the
underlying securities or collateral have been affected. Our ARSs are held at two
different investment banks: UBS and Morgan Stanley. All but one of the ARS
investments are AAA and/or Aaa rated. The other ARS is A2/A rated. Due to the
current market conditions, we evaluated the accounting treatment of our ARS
investments. In our evaluation, we have considered SFAS No. 115, Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities and related guidance
issued by the FASB and the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Changes
in the unrealized holding losses on our marketable securities are reported as a
separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income as follows (in
thousands):
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Balance,
beginning of period
|
$ | (694 | ) | $ | - | |||
Unrealized
holding (losses), in equity securities
|
(321 | ) | - | |||||
Income
tax benefit
|
120 | - | ||||||
Balance,
end of period
|
$ | (895 | ) | $ | - |
8
During
October 2008 we accepted offers to repurchase our ARSs, at par value,
from the two investment banks that sold and continue to hold our ARSs. We
believe we are eligible to participate in the offers and expect to sell them at
par value in exchange for cash between November 2008 and January
2009.
9. Comprehensive
Income
The
components of comprehensive income (loss) are (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||
September
30,
|
September
30,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||
Net
income (loss)
|
$ | 1,134 | $ | (924 | ) | |||
Other
comprehensive income (loss):
|
||||||||
Unrealized
gain (loss) on available-for-sale investment
|
(321 | ) | 0 | |||||
Income
tax benefit
|
120 | 0 | ||||||
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
|
$ | 933 | $ | (924 | ) |
10.
Fair Value Measurements
We
adopted SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (as impacted by SFAS 157-2) on
July 1, 2008. This statement defines fair value, establishes a
framework to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that could be
received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS
157 establishes a fair value hierarchy used to prioritize the quality and
reliability of the information used to determine fair
values. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on
the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value
measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following
three categories:
Level 1:
Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments
that we are able to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are
readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products
does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
Level 2:
Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for instruments that are
similar, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or
similar instruments, and model-derived valuations in which all significant
inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active
markets.
Level 3:
Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall
fair value measurement.
As of
September 30, 2008, financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs included short
term investment securities traded on active securities exchanges. Financial
assets utilizing Level 2 inputs included long term investments in auction rate
securities. We did not have any financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs. We
did not have any liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value as
of September 30, 2008.
Fair
value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market
participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an
entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily
available, our own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants
would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use
prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during
periods of market dislocation, such as the recent illiquidity in the auction
rate securities market. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of
prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition has
caused, and in the future may cause, our financial instruments to be
reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2.
SFAS No.
157 requires that the valuation techniques used by us are consistent with at
least one of the three possible approaches: the market approach, income approach
and/or cost approach. Our Level 1 valuations are based on the market approach
and consist of quoted prices for identical items on active securities exchanges.
Our Level 2 valuations are based on the income approach, specifically,
discounted cash flow analyses which utilize significant inputs based on
observable inputs.
9
The
following table provides our financial assets carried at fair value measured on
a recurring basis as of September 30, 2008 (in thousands):
(in
thousands)
|
||||||||||||
Quoted
Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
|
Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level
2)
|
Total
|
||||||||||
Short-term
available-for-sale securities
|
$ | 707 | $ | - | $ | 707 | ||||||
Long-term
available-for-sale securities
|
- | 10,861 | 10,861 | |||||||||
Total
|
$ | 707 | $ | 10,861 | $ | 11,568 |
Long term
investment securities in the table above that are measured at fair value using
significant other observable inputs (Level 2) include available-for-sale auction
rate securities (See “Investments,” Note 8). These auction rate securities are
valued based on the income approach, specifically, discounted cash flow analyses
which utilize significant inputs including interest rate, security rating, and
expected maturity dates.
11. Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements
(“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring
fair value and expands disclosure regarding fair value measurements. SFAS No.
157 does not require new fair value measurements but rather eliminates
inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements.
SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007, on a prospective basis. We adopted the
requirements of SFAS 157 on July 1, 2008, the beginning our of 2009 fiscal
year.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS” 159). This statement
permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain
other items at fair value that were not previously required to be measured at
fair value. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by
providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported
earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without
having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159
requires a business entity to report unrealized gains and losses on items for
which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent
reporting date. An entity may decide whether to elect the fair value
option for each eligible item on its election date, subject to certain
requirements described in the statement. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007. We adopted SFAS 159 on July 1,
2008, and elected not to establish the fair market option allowed for financial
instruments and certain other items under this statement. Therefore, our
adoption of this statement did not impact our financial statements during the
three month period ended September 30, 2008.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) “Business
Combinations” (SFAS 141R). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for
how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial
statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any
noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R
establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and
financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective
for the financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any,
that this statement may have on our consolidated financial position and results
of operations.
In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires
additional disclosures related to how and why an entity uses derivative
instruments and hedges, as well as how derivative instruments and hedges are
accounted for in an entity’s financial statements. SFAS 161 is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any,
that this statement may have on our consolidated financial position and results
of operations.
10
12. Subsequent
Events
Auction Rate Securities.
During October 2008 we accepted offers to repurchase our Auction Rate
Securities (ARSs), at par value, from the two investment banks that sold and
continue to hold our ARSs. We believe we are eligible to participate in the
offers and expect to sell them at par value in exchange for cash between
November 2008 and January 2009. The total par value of our ARSs is approximately
$12.2 million. The two investment banks who have made the repurchase offers, UBS
and Morgan Stanley, have each represented they have the financial resources to
perform their obligations under the offers. However, there can be no assurance
that either one or both investment banks can maintain the financial resources to
satisfy their obligations under the repurchase offers.
Theft of Intellectual
Property. On November 5, 2008, the jury returned a verdict in
our favor in connection with our lawsuit against Biamp Systems Corporation,
Versatile DSP, Inc., WideBand Solutions, Inc. and three of WideBand’s
principals. Accordingly, the jury awarded us approximately $3.5
million in compensatory damages and $7.0 million in punitive
damages. Among other things, the jury found that all of the
Defendants willfully and maliciously misappropriated our trade
secrets. Based on that finding, the court may also award us exemplary
damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees. The court left in place the
previously-entered preliminary injunction, pending our application for entry of
a permanent injunction against the Defendants. While we intend to
vigorously pursue collection of the damage awards, collectability of the
judgments cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, the jury’s verdict and
damage awards are subject to appeal by one or more of the
Defendants.
11
Item
2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
This report includes
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements in this report, other
than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements for purposes
of these provisions, including any projections of earnings, revenues or other
financial items, any statements of the plans and objectives of management for
future operations, any statements concerning proposed new products or services,
any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and any
statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. All
forward-looking statements included in this report are made as of the date
hereof and are based on information available to us as of such
date. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking
statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be
identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,”
“anticipates,” “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or
“continue,” or the negative thereof or other comparable
terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in
the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no
assurance that any such expectations or any forward-looking statement will prove
to be correct. Our actual results will vary, and may vary materially,
from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking
statements. Future financial condition and results of operations, as
well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to inherent risks and
uncertainties, including, without limitation, product recalls and product
liability claims; infringement of our technology or assertion that our
technology infringes the rights of other parties; termination of supplier
relationships, or failure of suppliers to perform; inability to successfully
manage growth; delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, or the failure to
maintain such approvals; concentration of our revenues among a few customers,
products and/or procedures; development of new products and technology that
could render our products obsolete; market acceptance of new products;
introduction of products in a timely fashion; price and product competition,
availability of labor and materials, cost increases, and fluctuations in and
obsolescence of inventory; volatility of the market price of our common stock;
foreign currency fluctuations; changes in key personnel; work stoppage or
transportation risks; and other factors referred to in our press releases and
reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form10-K/A,
for the year ended June 30,
2008. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons
acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these
cautionary statements. Additional factors that may have a direct
bearing on our operating results are discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors”
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30,
2008.
BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
We are an
audio conferencing products company. We develop, manufacture, market, and
service a comprehensive line of high-quality audio conferencing products, which
range from personal conferencing products to tabletop conferencing phones to
professionally installed audio systems. We also manufacture and sell
conferencing furniture. We have a strong history of product innovation and plan
to continue to apply our expertise in audio engineering to develop and introduce
innovative new products and enhance our existing products. We believe the
performance and reliability of our high-quality audio products create a natural
communications environment which saves organizations of all sizes time and money
by enabling more effective and efficient communication.
Our
products are used by organizations of all sizes to accomplish effective group
communication. Our end-users include some of the world’s largest and most
prestigious companies and institutions, small and medium-sized businesses,
educational institutions, and government organizations as well as individual
consumers. We sell our products to these end-users primarily through a network
of independent distributors who in turn sell our products to dealers, systems
integrators, and value-added resellers. We also sell products on a limited basis
directly to dealers, systems integrators, value-added resellers, and
end-users.
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our
discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are
based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been
prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. We review the accounting policies used in reporting our
financial results on a regular basis. The preparation of these
financial statements requires us 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 the reported
amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We
evaluate our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ
outside experts to assist in our evaluations. We believe that the
estimates we use are reasonable; however, actual results could differ from those
estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies
affect our more significant assumptions and estimates that we used to prepare
our condensed consolidated financial statements.
12
Revenue
and Associated Allowances for Revenue Adjustments and Doubtful
Accounts
Included
in continuing operations is product revenue, primarily from product sales to
distributors, dealers, and end-users. Product revenue is recognized
when (i) the products are shipped and any right of return expires, (ii)
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (iii) the price is fixed and
determinable, and (iv) collection is reasonably assured.
We
provide a right of return on product sales to distributors. Accordingly, revenue
from product sales to distributors is not recognized until the return privilege
has expired, which approximates when product is sold-through to customers of our
distributors (dealers, system integrators, value-added resellers, and end-users)
rather than when the product is initially shipped to a distributor. We evaluate,
at each quarter-end, the inventory in the channel through information provided
by certain of our distributors. The level of inventory in the channel will
fluctuate up or down, each quarter, based upon our distributors’ individual
operations. Accordingly, each quarter-end revenue deferral is calculated and
recorded based upon the underlying, estimated channel inventory at quarter-end.
Although certain distributors provide certain channel inventory amounts, we make
judgments and estimates with regard to the amount of inventory in the entire
channel, for all customers and for all channel inventory items, and
the appropriate revenue and cost of goods sold associated
with those channel products. Although these assumptions and judgments
regarding total channel inventory revenue and cost of goods sold could
differ from actual amounts, we believe that our calculations are indicative of
actual levels of inventory in the distribution channel. The amounts of
deferred cost of goods sold were included in consigned inventory. The following
table details the amount of deferred revenue, cost of goods sold, and gross
profit at each quarter end for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2008 (in
thousands).
Deferred Revenue
|
Deferred Cost of Goods Sold
|
Deferred Gross Profit
|
||||||||||
September
30, 2008
|
$ | 4,432 | $ | 1,926 | $ | 2,506 | ||||||
June
30, 2008
|
4,547 | 1,719 | 2,828 | |||||||||
March
31, 2008
|
4,206 | 1,757 | 2,449 | |||||||||
December
31, 2007
|
4,980 | 1,859 | 3,121 | |||||||||
September
30, 2007
|
5,875 | 2,149 | 3,726 |
We offer
rebates and market development funds in some combination to certain of our
distributors, dealers/resellers, and end-users based upon volume of product
purchased by them. We record rebates as a reduction of revenue in accordance
with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 00-22, “Accounting for Points
and Certain Other Time-Based or Volume-Based Sales Incentive Offers, and Offers
for Free Products or Services to Be Delivered in the Future.”
We offer
credit terms on the sale of our products to a majority of our customers and
perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We
maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from
the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments based
upon our historical collection experience and expected collectability of all
accounts receivable. Our actual bad debts in future periods may differ from our
current estimates and the differences may be material, which may have an adverse
impact on our future accounts receivable and cash position.
13
Accounting
for Income Taxes
We are
subject to income taxes in both the United States and in certain non-U.S.
jurisdictions. We estimate our current tax position together with our future tax
consequences attributable to temporary differences resulting from differing
treatment of items, such as deferred revenue, depreciation, and other reserves
for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred
tax assets and liabilities. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred
tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, prior year carryback,
or future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. To the extent we
believe that recovery is not more likely than not, we establish a valuation
allowance against these deferred tax assets. Significant judgment is required in
determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and
liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax
assets. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance in a period, we must
include and expense the allowance within the tax provision in the consolidated
statement of operations.
Lower-of-Cost
or Market Adjustments and Reserves for Excess and Obsolete
Inventory
We
account for our inventory on a first-in, first-out basis, and make appropriate
adjustments on a quarterly basis to write-down the value of inventory to the
lower-of-cost or market.
In order
to determine what, if any, inventory needs to be written down, we perform a
quarterly analysis of obsolete and slow-moving inventory. In general, we
write-down our excess and obsolete inventory by an amount that is equal to the
difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated market value if
market value is less than cost, based upon assumptions about future product
life-cycles, product demand, and market conditions. Those items that are found
to have a supply in excess of our estimated demand are considered to be
slow-moving or obsolete and the appropriate reserve is made to write-down the
value of that inventory to its realizable value. These charges are recorded in
cost of goods sold. If there were to be a sudden and significant decrease in
demand for our products, or if there were a higher incidence of inventory
obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements,
we could be required to increase our inventory allowances, and our gross profit
could be adversely affected.
Stock-Based
Compensation
We
account for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. Under
the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, we measure share-based
compensation cost at the grant date based on the value of the award and is
recognized as expense over the vesting period. Judgment is
required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be
forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from these
estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could
be materially impacted.
SEASONALITY
Our audio
conferencing products revenue has historically been strongest during our second
and fourth quarters. There can be no assurance that any
historic sales patterns will continue and, as a result, sales for any prior
quarter are not necessarily indicative of the sales to be expected in any future
quarter.
14
ANALYSIS
OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results
of Operations for the three months or the first fiscal quarter (“1Q”) ended
September 30, 2008 and 2007
The
following table sets forth certain items from our unaudited condensed
consolidated statements of operations (in thousands) for the three months ended
September 30, 2008 and 2007, together with the percentage of total revenue which
each such item represents:
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
September
30,
|
September
30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2008
|
2007
|
|||||||||||||||
%
of Revenue
|
%
of Revenue
|
|||||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
$ | 10,258 | 100% | $ | 9,442 | 100% | ||||||||||
Cost
of goods sold:
|
||||||||||||||||
Total
cost of goods sold
|
3,625 | 35% | 4,299 | 46% | ||||||||||||
Gross
profit
|
6,633 | 65% | 5,143 | 54% | ||||||||||||
Operating
expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||
Sales
& marketing
|
1,977 | 19% | 1,601 | 17% | ||||||||||||
Research
and product development
|
1,776 | 17% | 1,756 | 19% | ||||||||||||
General
and administrative
|
1,072 | 10% | 2,895 | 31% | ||||||||||||
Total
operating expenses
|
$ | 4,825 | 47% | $ | 6,252 | 66% |
Revenue
Revenue
for 1Q 2009 increased 9%, or approximately $816,000, compared to 1Q 2008.
The 1Q 2009 increase was due primarily to continued growth in our professional
audio and tabletop conferencing products which collectively increased
approximately $850,000 over 1Q 2008. The 1Q 2009 increases were partially offset
by an approximate $140,000 increase in our marketing related programs (e.g.
marketing development funds, rebates, etc.) which, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, are accounted for as a reduction in
revenue.
We
evaluate, at each quarter-end, the inventory in the channel through information
provided by certain of our distributors. The level of inventory in the
channel will fluctuate up or down, each quarter, based upon our distributors’
individual operations. Accordingly, each quarter-end revenue deferral is
calculated and recorded based upon the underlying, estimated channel inventory
at quarter-end. During 1Q 2009 and 2008, the net change in deferred
revenue based on the net movement of inventory in the channel was a net
recognition of $115,000 and net deferral of $1 million in revenue,
respectively.
Costs of Goods Sold and
Gross Profit
Costs of
goods sold includes expenses associated with finished goods purchased
from outsourced manufacturers, the manufacture of our products, including
material and direct labor, our manufacturing and operations organization,
property and equipment depreciation, warranty expense, freight expense, royalty
payments, and the allocation of overhead expenses.
Our gross
profit margin (GPM), gross profit as a percentage of sales, was 65% and 54% in
1Q 2009 and 1Q 2008, respectively. 1Q 2009 GPM was significantly higher than in
the same period of 2008 due primarily to a favorable mix of higher margin
product revenue in 1Q 2009, led by our professional audio conferencing products,
in addition to product cost efficiencies, lower inventory obsolescence reserve
requirements and lower unfavorable manufacturing variances.
15
Operating
Expenses
1Q 2009
operating expenses were $4.8 million, a decrease of $1.4 million, or 23%, from
$6.3 million in 1Q 2008. The following is a more detailed discussion
of expenses related to sales and marketing, general and administrative, and
research and product development.
Sales and
Marketing expenses S&M expenses include selling, customer
service, and marketing expenses such as employee-related costs, allocations of
overhead expenses, trade shows, and other advertising and selling
expenses. 1Q 2009 S&M expenses increased approximately $376,000,
or 23%, to $2.0 million compared to 1Q 2008 expenses of $1.6 million. As a
percentage of revenue, 1Q 2009 and 2008 marketing and selling expenses were 19%
and 17%, respectively. The 1Q 2009 increase in S&M expenses over
1Q 2008 was due primarily to increased sales commissions paid to independent
manufacturer sales representatives. During 1Q 2009 we began paying certain
independent sales representatives commissions directly. These were formerly paid
by certain our distributors.
Research
and Development expenses R&D expenses include
research and development and product line management, including
employee-related costs, outside services, expensed materials, depreciation, and
an allocation of overhead expenses. R&D expenses
of $1.8 million were about the same in both 1Q 2009 and
2008. As a percentage of revenue, 1Q 2009 and 2008 R&D expenses
were 17% and 19%, respectively. The 1Q 2009 percentage decrease was due to our
higher 1Q 2009 revenue.
General
and Administrative expenses G&A expenses include
employee-related costs, professional service fees, allocations of overhead
expenses, litigation costs and corporate administrative costs, including finance
and human resources. 1Q 2009 G&A expenses decreased $1.8 million to $1.1
million compared to 1Q 2008 expenses of $2.9 million. 1Q 2009 and 2008 G&A
expenses were 10% and 31% of sales, respectively. The significant 1Q
2009 decrease was primarily due to the 1Q 2008 estimation and establishment of a
$1.8 million accrual for a contingent liability. Also, during 1Q 2008 we paid
Edward D. Bagley, our former director and Chairman the sum of $200,000 upon his
resignation and in consideration for his service as a director of the Company
since 1994.
Operating
income (loss) 1Q 2009 operating income was $1.8 million
compared to an operating (loss) of ($1.1 million) in 1Q 2008. The 1Q
2009 operating income increase of approximately $2.9 million was due primarily
to the non recurrence of the $1.8 million contingent liability charged to
G&A expenses in 1Q 2008 in addition to the higher revenue and associated
gross profit in 1Q 2009 discussed above.
Other
income, net Other income, net, includes interest income,
interest expense, capital gains, gain (loss) on the disposal of assets, and
currency gain (loss). 1Q 2009 other income was $65,000 compared to
$341,000 in 1Q 2008. The $276,000 decrease in 1Q 2009 was due primarily to our
lower cash and investment balances in addition to lower interest rates on our
investments compared to the same period last year.
Income
from discontinued operations, net of tax During 1Q 2008 we
recorded income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $15,000 which was
related to funds received through the receivership of OM Video. We did not have
any income from discontinued operations in 1Q 2009.
16
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash
provided by operating activities was $263,000 in 1Q 2009, a decrease of $874,000
from the net cash provided by operating activities of $1.1 million in 1Q
2008. The year-over-year decrease can be attributed primarily to an
additional $2.4 million used in 1Q 2009 to purchase inventory to stock our new
Asia-Pacific support center and build up safety stock of certain key products to
mitigate stock-outs. We also realized approximately $300,000 lower inventory
write-offs in 1Q 2009 from 1Q 2008. These decreases were partially offset by a
$2.1 million net income increase in 1Q 2009 over the same period last
year.
Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $4.9 million in 1Q
2009, an increase of about $6.3 million from 1Q 2008. During 1Q 2009
we converted about $5.2 million of marketable securities to cash in order to
fund our 1Q 2009 repurchase of common stock.
Net cash
(used in) financing activities in 1Q 2009 totaled ($6.8 million) for our
repurchase of 1,342,620 shares of common stock. Net cash (used in)
financing activities in 1Q 2008 totaled ($42,000) and was attributed to our
repurchase of approximately 88,000 shares of common stock for $566,000,
partially offset by the receipt of $455,000 from the exercise of stock options
and $69,000 related to the tax benefit attributable to the exercise of those
stock options.
Additionally
in 1Q 2009, we paid approximately $100,000 in income taxes and exchanged $20,000
of accounts receivable from a vendor with accounts payable to the same
vendor.
During
September 2008 we entered into a demand margin loan agreement with UBS Financial
Services, Inc., which enables us to borrow up to $3,870,000 at an interest rate
based on the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 25 basis points.
During
October 2008 we accepted offers to repurchase our currently illiquid
Auction Rate Securities (ARSs), at par value, from the two investment banks that
sold and continue to hold our ARSs. We believe we are eligible to participate in
the offers and expect to sell them at par value in exchange for cash between
November 2008 and January 2009. The total par value of our ARSs is approximately
$12.2 million.
We
currently believe that our present sources of liquidity and capital are adequate
for our current operations and for the foreseeable future.
Item
3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
RISK
Our
exposure to market risk has not changed materially since June 30,
2008.
Item
4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
An
evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of
September 30, 2008 was performed under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our
Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded
that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as specified in
the SEC’s rules and forms.
There was
no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter
ended September 30, 2008 that materially affected, or that we believe is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
17
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal
Proceedings. In addition to the legal proceedings described
below, we are also involved from time to time in various claims and other legal
proceedings which arise in the normal course of business. Such matters are
subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not
predictable.
Former Officer
Indemnification. On July 25, 2007, the U.S. Attorney’s Office
for the District of Utah indicted two of our former officers, Frances Flood and
Susie Strohm, for allegedly causing us to issue materially misstated financial
statements for our 2001 and 2002 fiscal years. On January 31, 2008,
the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a superseding indictment further alleging
perjury in connection with the prior investigation by the SEC into the alleged
misstatements. We are cooperating fully with the U.S. Attorney’s
Office in this matter and have been advised that we are neither a target nor a
subject of the investigation or indictment. In December 2003, we
entered into indemnification agreements with each former officer, requiring
payment of all reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in defending
against the charges in certain circumstances consistent with and subject to
limitations under applicable law. To date, we have paid approximately
$1.8 million in reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to defend against the
charges. We have been informed that a trial date has been set for
February 2, 2009. As of October 29, 2008, these former officers have requested
advancement of approximately an additional $550,000 in legal fees and costs
incurred as of that date, which amounts we have not paid. On August
21, 2008, Ms. Strohm and her counsel filed a lawsuit in the Third Judicial
District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah seeking a declaratory judgment and
injunctive relief to compel us to continue to advance Ms. Strohm’s attorney’s
fees and costs to defend against the charges, plus interest for amounts
previously requested and not paid. Also on August 21, 2008, Ms. Flood
filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court for the District of Utah, seeking
similar relief.
We have
accrued for legal fees and costs of the probable amount we were able to estimate
of our contingent liability under the indemnification agreements at September
30, 2008. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”, we have accrued a total of $3.3
million, the balance of which was about $1.5 million at September 30, 2008
representing the probable amount that, as of the date of the financial
statements, could be reasonably estimated of our contingent liability, through
trial, under the indemnification agreements if required under applicable
law. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, we will adjust our contingent
liability, as necessary, to reflect the probable amount that can be reasonably
estimated. Our actual liability may be higher or lower than our
estimate upon final resolution of the matter. We will adjust our
contingent liability, as needed, so that it remains an estimable and probable
amount of our contingent financial liability as of the date of issuance of the
applicable financial statements.
Theft of Intellectual
Property and Copyright Complaints. During
January 2007, we filed a lawsuit in the Third Judicial District Court, Salt Lake
County, State of Utah against WideBand Solutions, Inc. and two of its
principals, one of which was a former employee named Dr. Jun Yang, and one of
which was previously affiliated with an entity that sold certain assets to us
(the “Intellectual Property Case”). We also brought claims against
Biamp Systems Corporation, Inc. The matter was subsequently removed
to federal court, the United States District Court, District of Utah, Central
Division. The case is styled ClearOne Communications, Inc. v. Jun
Yang, et. al. Civil No. 2:07-co-37 TC. The complaint brings
claims against different combinations of the defendants for, among other things,
misappropriation of certain trade secrets, breach of contract, conversion,
unjust enrichment and intentional interference with business and contractual
relations, primarily in relation to certain algorithms and computer
code. The relief being sought by us includes an order enjoining the
defendants from further use of our trade secrets and an award consisting of,
among other things, compensation and damages related to the unjust enrichment of
the defendants. The court subsequently granted leave to add a third WideBand
principal as a defendant to the case. In August 2007, we filed a motion for a
preliminary injunction in the Intellectual Property Case, in the United States
District Court, District of Utah, seeking to enjoin Wideband Solutions, Inc.
from licensing certain technology we believe constitutes our intellectual
property and trade secrets to Harman Music Group, Inc. On September
13, 2007, the court in the Intellectual Property Case granted us leave to add
Harman and a former ClearOne employee working for Harman as defendants in that
case. For procedural reasons, these claims against Harman and the
Harman employee were refiled in Utah state court, the Third Judicial District
Court for Salt Lake County, on September 18, 2007 (the “Harman
Case”). Like the Intellectual Property Case, the Harman Case also
brings claims related to the theft and misuse of our confidential and trade
secret information. During October 2007, the court issued an
injunction ordering Dr. Yang and others under his direction from working on or
delivering any source or object code to Harman until the completion of the
trial. During November 2007, the court required us to post a bond of
approximately $908,000, which was subsequently reduced to $210,000.
18
During
October 2007, we filed a second action against WideBand and the same three
principals named as defendants in the Intellectual Property Case, this time
alleging copyright infringement (the “Copyright Case”). The claims in the
Copyright Case arise out of a copyright issued to us for the same intellectual
property, including the algorithms and computer code that is the subject of the
claims in the Intellectual Property Case. The relief being sought by
us includes an order enjoining the defendants from further use of our
copyrighted material, and an award consisting of, among other things,
compensation and damages related to the copyright
infringement.
On
May 12, 2008 the court granted us leave to add Versatile DSP, Inc. as a
defendent.
During
June 2008, we filed a separate action in the United States District Court,
District of Utah, Central Division, against an affiliate of WideBand and Donald
Bowers, which claims for declaratory judgment, fraudulent transfer under Utah
law, and misappropriation of trade secrets. During June 2008, the
United States District Court entered an order granting our request for a
temporary restraining order against any sale or transfer of ownership of certain
assets of WideBand to its affiliated entity, and imposes certain prohibitions
against any sale or transfer of ownership of certain of WideBand’s computer code
and related algorithms and against any transfer of profits from the disputed
code.
On November
5, 2008, the jury returned a verdict in our favor and awarded us approximately
$3.5 million in compensatory damages and $7.0 million in punitive
damages. Among other things, the jury found that all of the
Defendants willfully and maliciously misappropriated our trade
secrets. Based on that finding, the court may also award us exemplary
damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees. The court left in place the
previously-entered preliminary injunction, pending our application for entry of
a permanent injunction against the Defendants. While we intend to
vigorously pursue collection of the damage awards, collectability of the
judgments cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, the jury’s verdict and
damage awards are subject to appeal by one or more of the
Defendants.
The Shareholder
Derivative Actions. Between March and August 2003, four
shareholder derivative actions were filed in the Third Judicial District Court
of Salt Lake County, State of Utah, by certain of our shareholders against
various present and past officers and directors and against Ernst &
Young. The complaints asserted allegations similar to those asserted
in the SEC complaint that was filed on January 15, 2003 with regard to alleged
improper revenue recognition practices and the shareholders’ class action that
was filed on June 30, 2003. The complaints further alleged that (a)
the defendant directors and officers violated their fiduciary duties to us by
causing or allowing us to recognize revenue in violation of U.S. GAAP and to
issue materially misstated financial statements, and (b) Ernst & Young
breached its professional responsibilities to us and acted in violation of U.S.
GAAP and generally accepted auditing standards by failing to identify or prevent
the alleged revenue recognition violations and by issuing unqualified audit
opinions with respect to our fiscal 2002 and 2001 financial
statements. One of these actions was dismissed without prejudice
during June 2003. As to the other three actions, our Board of
Directors appointed a special litigation committee of independent directors to
evaluate the claims, which determined that the maintenance of the derivative
proceedings against the individual defendants was not in our best
interests. Accordingly, during December 2003, we moved to dismiss
those claims. During March 2004, our motions were granted, and
the derivative claims were dismissed with prejudice as to all defendants except
Ernst & Young. We were substituted as the plaintiff in the action
and are now pursuing in our own name the claims against Ernst &
Young. The dates of the arbitration case management have been
scheduled including commencement of the hearing on April 20,
2009.
19
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
In
addition to other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully
consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30, 2008, which could materially
affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks
described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A are not the only risks we
face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or
that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect
our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item
2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF
PROCEEDS
The
following table details purchases by us of our own securities during 1Q
2009.
ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
|
Total
Number of Shares Purchased
|
Average
Price Paid per Share
|
Total
Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or
Programs
|
Maximum
Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May by Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (2)
|
July
1, 2008 – July 31, 2008
|
0
|
N/A
|
0
|
$276,573
|
August
1, 2008 – August 31, 2008
|
0
|
N/A
|
0
|
$276,573
|
September
1, 2008 – September 30, 2008 (1)
|
1,342,620
|
$5.00
|
1,342,620
|
$10,000,000
|
Total
|
1,342,620
|
1,342,620
|
(1)
|
On
August 11, 2008 we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the
repurchase of up to 2,000,000 of our shares in a modified Dutch auction
tender offer at a price per share of no less than $4.00 and no greater
than $5.00 per share. Under the tender offer, which expired on September
16, 2008, we repurchased 1,342,620 shares, or approximately 13% of shares
outstanding, for approximately $6.75 million at a price per share of
$5.00.
|
(2)
|
On
August 30, 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a
stock repurchase program to purchase up $3,625,000 of our common stock
during the following 12 month period in open market and private block
transactions. On May 1, 2008 we announced that our Board of Directors
authorized the purchase of up to an additional $1 million of our common
stock. The stock repurchase program expired on August 30, 2008. $276,573
of the board approved repurchases remained and were available for purchase
during July and August 2008.
|
Item
3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not
applicable.
Item
4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not
applicable
Item
5. OTHER INFORMATION
Not
applicable.
20
Item
6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
|
||
No.
|
Title of Document
|
Location
|
10.13
|
Warehouse
Lease Agreement between CB Center, LLC and ClearOne Communications, Inc.
dated October 13, 2008
|
This
filing
|
31.1
|
Section
302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
|
This
filing
|
31.2
|
Section
302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
|
This
filing
|
32.1
|
Section
906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
|
This
filing
|
32.2
|
Section
906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
|
This
filing
|
21
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.
CLEARONE
COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
|
||
November
11, 2008
|
By:
|
/s/ Zeynep Hakimoglu
|
Zeynep
Hakimoglu
|
||
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
||
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
||
November
11, 2008
|
By:
|
/s/ Greg A. LeClaire
|
Greg
A. LeClaire
|
||
Chief
Financial Officer
|
||
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
22