Climb Global Solutions, Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

 

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

 

OR

 

☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

For the transition period from                              to

 

Commission file number: 000-26408

 

WAYSIDE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (732) 389-0932

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  ☐    No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act Yes ☐    No   ☒

 

Indicate by check mark 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   ☒  No  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes    ☒  No  ☐

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  ☐  No  ☒

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant computed by reference to the closing sale price for the Registrant’s Common Stock as of June 28, 2019, which was the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, as reported on The NASDAQ Global Market, was approximately $47,485,650 (In determining the market value of the Common Stock held by any non-affiliates, shares of Common Stock of the Registrant beneficially owned by directors, officers and holders of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Registrant have been excluded. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes).

 

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock as of February 20, 2020 was 4,562,444 shares.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed on or before April 29, 2020 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). All statements, other than statements of historical or current fact, in this report are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding future events or conditions, industry prospects and the Company’s expected financial position, business and financing plans.  These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “target,” “should,” “likely,” “will” and other words and terms of similar meaning.

 

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. We strongly urge current and prospective investors to carefully consider the cautionary statements and risks contained in this report, particularly the risks described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” herein. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the continued acceptance of the Company’s distribution channel by vendors and customers, the timely availability and acceptance of new products, contribution of key vendor relationships and support programs, as well as factors that affect the software industry generally.

 

The Company operates in a rapidly changing business, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict every risk factor, nor can it assess the impact, if any, of all such risk factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

 

Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

The statements concerning future sales, future gross profit margin and future selling and administrative expenses are forward looking statements involving certain risks and uncertainties such as availability of products, product mix, pricing pressures, market conditions and other factors, which could result in a fluctuation of sales below recent experience.

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Business

 

General

 

Wayside Technology Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company,” “us,” “we,” or “our”) is an information technology (“IT”) channel company. The Company primarily operates through its “Lifeboat Distribution” segment, which distributes emerging technologies to corporate resellers, value added resellers (VARs), consultants and systems integrators worldwide. The Company also operates a smaller segment called “TechXtend”, which is a value-added reseller of software, hardware and services for corporations, government organizations and academic institutions in the USA and Canada. Across both segments, we offer an extensive line of products from leading software vendors and tools for virtualization/cloud computing, security, networking, storage and infrastructure management, application lifecycle management and other technically sophisticated domains as well as computer hardware.

 

The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1982. Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”) is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “WSTG”. Our main web site address is www.waysidetechnology.com, and the other web sites maintained by our business include www.lifeboatdistribution.com and www.techxtend.com.  The information contained on, or otherwise accessible through, our websites is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.

 

In our Lifeboat Distribution segment, we distribute technology products from software developers, software vendors or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to resellers, and system integrators worldwide. We purchase software, maintenance/service agreements, networking/storage/security equipment and complementary products from our vendors and sell them to our reseller customers. The large majority of products we sell are “drop shipped” directly to the customers, which reduces physical handling by the Company and required investment in inventory.  Generally, a vendor authorizes a limited number of companies to act as distributors of their product and sell to resellers of their product. Our reseller customers include value-added resellers, or VARs, corporate resellers, government resellers, system integrators, direct marketers, and national IT superstores. We combine our core strengths in customer service, marketing, distribution, credit and billing to allow our customers to achieve greater efficiencies in time to market in the IT channel in a cost-effective manner.

 

While our Lifeboat Distribution business is characterized by low gross profit as a percentage of adjusted gross billings, or gross margin, and price competition, we have been able to operate profitably by leveraging an efficient business model. The large majority of the products we sell are either digital products such as license authorizations, third party maintenance contracts, or hardware which is dropped shipped to the end customer directly by the vendor. We utilize electronic digital interchange (“EDI”) and other automation to fulfill these orders on a cost-efficient basis. We also maintain relatively low inventory balances relative to our gross billings and enjoy what we believe is favorable credit from our suppliers, allowing us to deploy a capital efficient model as reflected by our return on invested capital and pre-tax income as a percentage of gross profit generated.

 

In our Lifeboat segment, we are highly dependent on the end-market demand for the products we sell, and on our partners’ strategic initiatives and business models. This end-market demand is influenced by many factors including the introduction of new products, replacement and renewal cycles for existing products, competitive products, overall economic growth and general business activity. A difficult and challenging economic environment may also lead to consolidation or decline in the industry and increased price-based competition. We continually review the marketplace to identify new and emerging vendors and products to potentially add to our vendor partners.   

 

We also provide comprehensive IT solutions directly to end users through our TechXtend segment. Products in this segment are acquired directly from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), software developers or distributors and sold to end users. We provide customer service, billing, sales and marketing support in this segment and provide extended payment terms to facilitate sales.

 

The Company operates a distribution facility in Eatontown, New Jersey.

 

Products

 

An essential part of our ongoing operations and growth plans is the continued recruitment of software vendors for which we become authorized distributors of their products. Through our Lifeboat Distribution business, we sell a wide variety of technology products from a broad range of software vendors and manufacturers, such as Bluebeam Software, Flexera Software, Intel Software, Lenovo, Micro Focus, Mindjet, SmartBear Software, SolarWinds, Sophos, StorageCraft Technology, TechSmith, Unitrends, CloudGenix, Tintri and Extrahop.  On a continuous basis, we screen new vendors and products for inclusion in our line card based on their features, quality, price, profit margins and current market trends. We believe that effective purchasing from a diverse vendor base is a key element of our business strategy. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Sophos and SolarWinds accounted for 22% and 17%, respectively of our consolidated purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Sophos and SolarWinds accounted for 24% and 15%, respectively of our consolidated purchases.  The loss of a key vendor or group of vendors could disrupt our product availability and otherwise have an adverse effect on the Company.

 

The Company predominantly sells third party software, software subscriptions, and maintenance. Sales of hardware and peripherals represented 6% and 8% of our adjusted gross billings in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Marketing and Distribution

 

We market products through creative marketing communications, including our web sites, local and on-line seminars, events, webinars, and social media. We also use direct e-mail and printed material to introduce new products and upgrades, to cross-sell products to current customers, and to educate and inform existing and potential customers. We believe that our blend of electronic and traditional marketing and selling programs are important marketing vehicles for software vendors and manufacturers. These programs provide a cost-effective and service-oriented means to market and sell and fulfill software products and meet the needs of users.

 

The Company had two customers that each accounted for more than 10% of total consolidated net sales for 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2019, CDW Corporation (NASDAQ: CDW) (“CDW”) and Software House International Corporation (“SHI”), accounted for 26%, and 16%, respectively, of consolidated net sales and as of December 31, 2019,  43% and 12%, respectively, of total net accounts receivable. For the year ended December 31, 2018,  CDW and SHI accounted for 26%, and 17%, respectively, of consolidated net sales and as of December 31, 2018, 36% and 15%, respectively, of total net accounts receivable. Our top five customers accounted for 56%  and 55% of consolidated net sales in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company generally ships products within 48 hours of confirming a customer’s order. This results in minimum backlog in the business.

 

Net sales to customers in Canada represented 6% and 7% of our consolidated net sales in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net sales in Europe and the rest of the world represented 5% and 6% of our consolidated net sales in 2019 and 2018, respectively. For geographic financial information, please refer to Note 12 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Customer Support

 

We believe that providing a high level of customer service is necessary to compete effectively and is essential to continued sales and revenue growth. Our account representatives assist our customers with all aspects of purchasing decisions, order processing, returns processing, and inquiries on order status, product pricing and availability. The account representatives are trained to answer all basic questions about the features and functionality of products.

 

Purchasing and Fulfillment

 

The Company’s success is dependent, in part, upon the ability of its suppliers to develop and market products that meet the changing requirements of the marketplace. The Company believes it maintains good relationships with its vendors. The Company and its principal vendors have cooperated frequently in product introductions and in other marketing programs. As is customary in the industry, the Company has no long-term supply contracts with any of its

suppliers. While substantially all the Company’s contracts with its vendors are terminable upon 30 days’ notice or less, the tenure of the relationships with our vendor partners tends to extend over several years. Moreover, the way software products are distributed and sold is changing, and new methods of distribution and sale may emerge or expand. Software vendors have sold, and may intensify their efforts to sell, their products directly to end-users. The Company’s business and results of operations may be adversely affected if the terms and conditions of the Company’s authorizations with its vendors were to be significantly modified or if certain products become unavailable to the Company.

 

The Company purchased approximately 98% and 97% of its products directly from manufacturers and software vendors in 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the balance from multiple distributors. Most suppliers or distributors will “drop ship” products directly to the customers, which reduces physical handling by the Company. Inventory management techniques, such as “drop shipping” allow the Company to offer a greater range of products without increased inventory requirements or cost of carrying inventory.

 

Inventory levels may vary from period to period, due in part to increases or decreases in sales levels, the Company’s practice of making advance purchases when it deems the terms of such purchases to be attractive, and the addition of new suppliers and products. From time to time, we may make advance payments to vendors to apply against future purchases from the vendor. Moreover, the Company’s order fulfillment and inventory control systems allow the Company to order certain products just in time for next day shipping. The Company promotes the use of EDI with its suppliers and customers, which helps reduce overhead and the use of paper in the ordering process.

 

Competition

 

The software market is highly competitive and characterized by aggressive pricing practices by both software distributors and resellers. This has resulted in declining gross margins as a percentage of adjusted gross billings, which the Company expects to continue. The Company faces competition from a wide variety of sources competing principally based on price, product availability, customer service and technical support. In the Lifeboat Distribution segment, we compete against much larger broad-line distributors, as well as specialty distributors and, in some cases, the direct sales teams of the vendors we represent, who also sell directly to the end-customers. In the TechXtend segment, we compete against vendors who sell directly to customers, as well as software resellers, superstores, e-commerce vendors, and other direct marketers of software and hardware products. In both segments, some of our competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater resources than the Company.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company can compete effectively against existing competitors or new competitors that may enter the market or that it can generate profit margins which represent an acceptable return to the Company. An increase in the amount of competition faced by the Company, or its failure to compete effectively against its competitors, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company competes with other distributors and resellers to become an authorized distributor or reseller of products from software developers and vendors. It also competes with distributors and resellers to attract prospective buyers, and to source new products from software developers and vendors, and to market its current product line to customers. The Company believes that its ability to offer software developers and IT professionals easy access to a wide selection of the desired IT products at reasonable prices with prompt delivery and high customer service levels, along with its good relationships with vendors and suppliers, allows it to compete effectively. The Company competes to gain distribution rights for new products primarily based on its reputation for successfully bringing new products to market and the strength of and quality of its relationships with software vendors and the reseller community.

 

The market for the software products we sell is characterized by rapid changes in technology, user requirements, and customer specifications. The way software products are distributed and sold is changing, and new methods of distribution and sale may emerge or expand. Software developers and vendors have sold, and may intensify their efforts to sell, their products directly to end-users. The continuing evolution of the internet as a platform in which to conduct e-commerce business transactions has both lowered the barriers for competition and broadened customer access to products and information, increasing competition and reducing prices. From time to time, certain software developers and vendors have instituted programs for the direct sale of large order quantities of software to certain major corporate accounts and

renewals of maintenance agreements. These types of programs may continue to be developed and used by various developers and vendors. While some software developers and vendors currently sell new releases or upgrades directly to end users, they have not attempted to completely bypass the distribution and reseller channels. There can be no assurances, however, that software developers and vendors will continue using distributors and resellers to the same extent they currently do. Future efforts by software developers and vendors to bypass third-party sales channels could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

In addition, resellers and software vendors may attempt to increase the volume of software products distributed electronically through ESD (Electronic Software Distribution) technology, through subscription services, and through on-line shopping services. Any of these competitive programs, if successful, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. For a description of additional risks relating to competition in our industry, please refer to “Item 1.A. Risk Factors.”

 

Information Technology

 

The Company operates IT systems on several platforms including windows and cloud-based platforms that control the full order processing cycle. The technology systems allow for centralized management of key functions, including inventory, accounts receivable, purchasing, sales and distribution and payment processing. We are dependent on the accuracy and proper utilization of our technology systems, telephone systems, websites, e-mail and EDI systems.

 

Our IT systems allow us to monitor sales trends, real-time product availability, order status throughout the full order cycle, and automates order transactions and invoicing transactions for our customers and vendors. The main focus of our IT systems is to allow us to transact and communicate with our customers and vendors in the most efficient manner possible. We provide various options to transact electronically with our customers and vendors through EDI, XML and other electronic methods.

 

The Company recognizes the need to continually upgrade its IT systems to effectively manage and secure its infrastructure and customer data and to provide continued scalability and flexibility. In that regard, the Company anticipates that it will, from time to time, require software and hardware upgrades for its present IT systems.

 

Trademarks

 

The Company conducts its business under various trademarks and service marks including Lifeboat Distribution, TechXtend and International Software Partners. The Company protects these trademarks and service marks and believes that they have significant value to us and are important factors in our marketing programs.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2019, Wayside Technology Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries had 142 full-time employees. The Company is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements with its employees, has experienced no work stoppages and considers its relationships with its employees to be satisfactory.

 

Available Information

 

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company is required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us. The Company also makes available, free of charge, through its internet web site at http://www.waysidetechnology.com, its reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the SEC. The Company will provide paper copies of its reports on Form 8-K free of charge as requested. The information contained on, or otherwise accessible through, our website is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this annual report.

 

In December 2017, we adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.  We review the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct annually and consider updates as necessary. The full text of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which applies to all employees, officers and directors of the Company, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is available at our web site, http://www.waysidetechnology.com. We intend to disclose any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethical Conduct that applies to its Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer on our web site.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Investors should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below as well as the other information contained in this report. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those currently viewed by us to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Changes in the information technology industry and/or economic environment may reduce demand for the products and services we sell. Our results of operations are influenced by a variety of factors, including the condition of the IT industry, general economic conditions, shifts in demand for, or availability of, computer products and software and IT services and industry introductions of new products, upgrades or methods of distribution. The information technology products industry is characterized by abrupt changes in technology, rapid changes in customer preferences, short product life cycles and evolving industry standards. Net sales can be dependent on demand for specific product categories, and any change in demand for or supply of such products could have a material adverse effect on our net sales, and/or cause us to record write-downs of obsolete inventory, if we fail to react in a timely manner to such changes.

 

We rely on our suppliers for product availability, marketing funds, purchasing incentives and competitive products to sell. We acquire products for resale both directly from manufacturers and indirectly from distributors. The loss of a supplier could cause a disruption in the availability of products. Additionally, there is no assurance that as manufacturers continue to or increasingly sell directly to end users and through the distribution channel, that they will not limit or curtail the availability of their products to distributors/resellers like us. For example, resellers and software vendors may attempt to increase the volume of software products distributed electronically through ESD (Electronic Software Distribution) technology, through subscription services, and through on-line shopping services, and correspondingly, decrease the volume of products sold through us. Our inability to obtain a sufficient quantity of products, or an allocation of products from a manufacturer in a way that favors one of our competitors, or competing distribution channels, relative to us, could cause us to be unable to fill clients’ orders in a timely manner, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We also rely on our suppliers to provide funds for us to market their products, including through our on-line marketing efforts, and to provide purchasing incentives to us. If any of the suppliers that have historically provided these benefits to us decides to reduce such benefits, our expenses would increase, adversely affecting our results of operations.

 

General economic weakness may reduce our revenues and profits. Generally, economic downturns, may cause some of our current and potential customers to delay or reduce technology purchases, resulting in longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition. We may, therefore, experience a greater decline in demand for the products we sell, resulting in increased competition and pressure to reduce the cost of operations. Any benefits from cost reductions may take longer to realize and may not fully mitigate the impact of the reduced demand. In addition, weak financial and credit markets heighten the risk of customer bankruptcies and create a corresponding delay in collecting receivables from those customers and may also affect our vendors’ ability to supply products, which could disrupt our operations. The realization of any or all these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Economic, political and market conditions can adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, including our revenue growth and profitability, which in turn could adversely affect our stock price. Our business is influenced by a range of factors that are beyond our control and that we have no comparative advantage in forecasting. Macroeconomic developments like evolving trade policies between the U.S. and international trade partners, or the occurrence of similar events in the U.S. or other countries that lead to uncertainty or instability in economic, political or market conditions could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and

outlook, which, in turn, could adversely affect our stock price. In addition, international, regional or domestic political unrest and the related potential impact on global stability, terrorist attacks and the potential for other hostilities in various parts of the world, potential public health crises (such as the coronavirus outbreak) and natural disasters continue to contribute to a climate of economic and political uncertainty that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, including our revenue growth and profitability. 

 

The IT products and services industry is intensely competitive and actions of competitors, including manufacturers of products we sell, can negatively affect our business. Competition has been based primarily on price, product availability, speed of delivery, credit availability and quality and breadth of product lines and, increasingly, also is based on the ability to tailor specific solutions to client needs. We compete with manufacturers, including manufacturers of products we sell, as well as a large number and wide variety of marketers and resellers of IT products and services. In addition, manufacturers are increasing the volume of software products they distribute electronically directly to end-users and in the future, will likely pay lower referral fees for sales of certain software licensing agreements sold by us.  Generally, pricing is very aggressive in the industry, and we expect pricing pressures to continue. There can be no assurance that we will be able to negotiate prices as favorable as those negotiated by our competitors or that we will be able to offset the effects of price reductions with an increase in the number of clients, higher net sales, cost reductions, or greater sales of services, which service sales typically are delivered at higher gross margins, or otherwise. Price reductions by our competitors that we either cannot or choose not to match could result in an erosion of our market share and/or reduced sales or, to the extent we match such reductions, could result in reduced operating margins, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The way software products are distributed and sold is changing, and new methods of distribution and sale may emerge or expand. Software vendors have sold, and may intensify their efforts to sell, their products directly to end-users. There can be no assurances that software developers and vendors will continue using distributors and resellers to the same extent they currently do. Future efforts by software developers and vendors to bypass third-party sales channels could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, resellers and software vendors may attempt to increase the volume of software products distributed electronically through ESD (Electronic Software Distribution) technology, through subscription services, and through on-line shopping services. Any of these competitive programs, if successful, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. The Company’s business and results of operations may be adversely affected if the terms and conditions of the Company’s authorizations with its vendors were to be significantly modified or if certain products become unavailable to the Company.

We offer credit to our customers and, therefore, are subject to significant credit risk. We sell our products to a large and diverse customer base. We finance a significant portion of such sales through trade credit, typically by providing 30-75-day payment terms. In addition, we offer extended payment terms to certain customers for terms of 1-3 years. As a result, our business could be adversely affected in the event of a deterioration of the financial condition of our customers, resulting in the customers’ inability to repay us. This risk may increase if there is a general economic downturn affecting a large number of our customers and in the event our customers do not adequately manage their business or properly disclose their financial condition. Also, several of our larger customers require greater than 30-day payment terms which could increase our credit risk and decrease our operating cash flow. 

 

We face substantial competition from other companies. We compete in all areas of our business against local, regional, national, and international firms. Some of our current competitors have substantially greater capital resources and sales and distribution capabilities than we do. In response to competitive pressures from any of our current or future competitors, we may be required to lower selling prices in order to maintain or increase market share, and such measures could adversely affect our operating results. In addition, we face competition from vendors, which may choose to market their products directly to end-users, rather than through channel partners such as the Company, and this could adversely affect our future sales. Many competitors compete based principally on price and may have lower costs or accept lower selling prices than we do and, therefore, our gross margins may not be maintainable. Our gross margins have declined historically and may continue to decline in the future. Our competitors may offer better or different products and services

than we offer. In addition, we do not have guaranteed purchasing volume commitments from our customers and, therefore, our sales volume may be volatile.

 

Our business is substantially dependent on a limited number of customers and vendors, and the loss or any change in the business habits of such key customers or vendors may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. Because our standing arrangements and agreements with our customers and vendors typically contain no purchase or sale obligations and are terminable by either party upon several months or otherwise relatively short notice, we are subject to significant risks associated with the loss or change at any time in the business habits and financial condition of key customers or vendors. We have experienced the loss and changes in the business habits of key customer and vendor relationships in the past and expect to do so again in the future.

 

Sales of products purchased from our largest two vendors accounted for 39% of our 2019 purchases and sales from our largest five vendors generated approximately 54% of 2019 purchases. As is the case with many of our vendor and customer relationships, our contractual arrangements with these large vendors are terminable by either party upon several months’ notice. If these contracts or our relationships with these vendors terminate for any reason, or if any of our other significant vendor relationships terminate for any reason, and we are not able to sell or procure a sufficient supply of those products from alternative sources, or at all, our financial position and results of operations would be adversely affected. Our vendors are subject to many if not all of the same (or similar) risks and uncertainties to which we are subject, as well as other risks and uncertainties, and we compete with others for their business. Accordingly, we are at a continual risk of loss of their business on account of a number of factors and forces, many of which are largely beyond our control.

 

In 2019, our two largest customers accounted for 42% of our net sales and our largest five customers accounted for  56% of our net sales. If any of our significant customer relationships terminate for any reason, and we are not able to replace those customers and associated revenues, our financial position and results of operations would be adversely affected.

 

Disruptions in our information technology and voice and data networks could affect our ability to service our clients and cause us to incur additional expenses. We believe that our success to date has been, and future results of operations likely will be, dependent in large part upon our ability to provide prompt and efficient service to clients. Our ability to provide such services is dependent largely on the accuracy, quality and utilization of the information generated by our IT systems, which affect our ability to manage our sales, client service, distribution, inventories and accounting systems and the reliability of our voice and data networks.

 

Failure to adequately maintain the security of our electronic and other confidential information could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We are dependent upon automated information technology processes. Privacy, security, and compliance concerns have continued to increase as technology has evolved to facilitate commerce and as cross-border commerce increases. As part of our normal business activities, we collect and store certain confidential information, including personal information of employees and information about partners and clients which may be entitled to protection under several regulatory regimes. In the course of normal and customary business practice, we may share some of this information with vendors who assist us with certain aspects of our business. Moreover, the success of our operations depends upon the secure transmission of confidential and personal data over public networks, including the use of cashless payments. Although we did not have any material cybersecurity breaches in 2019 and 2018, any failure on the part of us or our vendors to maintain the security of data we are required to protect, including via the penetration of our network security and the misappropriation of confidential and personal information, could result in business disruption, damage to our reputation, financial obligations to third parties, fines, penalties, regulatory proceedings and private litigation with potentially large costs, and also result in deterioration in our employees’, partners’ and clients’ confidence in us and other competitive disadvantages, and thus could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

 

We depend on certain key personnel. Our future success will be largely dependent on the efforts of key management personnel for strategic and operational guidance as well as relationships with our key vendors and customers. We also believe that our future success will be largely dependent on our continued ability to attract and retain highly qualified management, sales, service, finance and technical personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain such personnel. Further, we make a significant investment in the training of our sales account executives. Our

inability to retain such personnel or to train them either rapidly enough to meet our expanding needs or in an effective manner for quickly changing market conditions could cause a decrease in the overall quality and efficiency of our sales staff, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal controls or discovers material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting, it may not be able to report its financial results accurately or timely or detect fraud, which could have a material adverse effect on its business. An effective internal control environment is necessary for the Company to produce reliable financial reports and is an important part of its effort to prevent financial fraud. The Company is required to annually evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of its internal controls over financial reporting. Based on these evaluations, the Company may conclude that enhancements, modifications, or changes to internal controls are necessary or desirable. While management evaluates the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls on a regular basis, these controls may not always be effective. There are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of internal controls, including collusion, management override, and failure in human judgment. In addition, control procedures are designed to reduce rather than eliminate financial statement risk. If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal controls, or if management or the Company's independent registered public accounting firm discovers material weaknesses in the Company's internal controls, it may be unable to produce reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. In addition, the Company may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC or the NASDAQ. Any such actions could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of the Company's financial statements, which could cause the market price of its Common Stock to decline or limit the Company's access to capital.

 

The Company may be subject to intellectual property rights claims, which are costly to defend, could require payment of damages or licensing fees and could limit the company's ability to use certain technologies in the future. Certain of the Company's products and services include intellectual property owned primarily by the Company's 

third-party suppliers. Substantial litigation and threats of litigation regarding intellectual property rights exist in the software and some service industries. From time to time, third parties (including certain companies in the business of acquiring patents not for the purpose of developing technology but with the intention of aggressively seeking licensing revenue from purported infringers) may assert patent, copyright and/or other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to the company's business. In some cases, depending on the nature of the claim, the company may be able to seek indemnification from its suppliers for itself and its customers against such claims, but there is no assurance that it will be successful in obtaining such indemnification or that the Company is fully protected against such claims. Any infringement claim brought against the company, regardless of the duration, outcome, or size of damage award, could result in substantial cost to the Company,  divert management's attention and resources,  be time consuming to defend,  result in substantial damage awards, or cause product shipment delays.

 

Additionally, if an infringement claim is successful the Company may be required to pay damages or seek royalty or license arrangements, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. The payment of any such damages or royalties may significantly increase the Company's operating expenses and harm the Company's operating results and financial condition. Also, royalty or license arrangements may not be available at all. The Company may have to stop selling certain products or using technologies, which could affect the Company's ability to compete effectively.

 

We may explore additional growth through acquisitions. As part of our growth strategy, we may pursue the acquisition of companies that either complement or expand our existing business. As a result, we regularly evaluate potential acquisition opportunities, which may be material in size and scope. In addition to those risks to which our business and the acquired businesses are generally subject, the acquisition of these businesses gives rise to transactional and transitional risks, and the risk that the anticipated benefits will not be realized.

 

Changes in income tax and other regulatory legislation. We operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and make plans for our structure and operations based upon existing laws and anticipated future changes in the law. When new legislation is enacted with minimal advance notice, or when new interpretations or applications of existing laws are made, we may need to implement changes in our policies or structure. We are susceptible to unanticipated changes in legislation, especially relating to income and other taxes, import/export laws, hazardous materials and other laws related to trade, accounting and business activities. Such changes in legislation may have an adverse effect on our business.

 

We may be subject to litigation. We may be subject to legal claims or regulatory matters involving stockholder, consumer, antitrust, intellectual property and other issues. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include monetary damages or other adverse effects. Were an unfavorable ruling to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, financial position and results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurred or future periods.

 

Our business could be negatively affected as a result of the actions of activist shareholders. Publicly traded companies have increasingly become subject to campaigns by activist investors advocating corporate actions such as financial restructurings, increased borrowings, special dividends, stock repurchases or even sales of assets or entire companies to third parties or the activists themselves. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist shareholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management from the pursuit of business strategies, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism or changes to the composition of the Board of Directors may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability or lack of continuity.  These uncertainties may be more acute or heightened when an activist seeks to change a majority of the Board of Directors or ultimately desires to acquire the Company. Additionally, actions by activist shareholders may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and may create adverse uncertainty for our employees.

 

On December 20, 2019, Simon F. Nynens nominated four individuals for election to our Board of Directors at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Nynens previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. According to publicly available filings made to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Nynens granted to Shepherd Kaplan Krochuk, LLC (“SKK”) an irrevocable proxy to vote his shares of our common stock in favor of any acquisition proposal by SKK, against any third-party acquisition and as directed by SKK with respect to the election of directors nominated by persons other than the Company. Prior to the entrance of Mr. Nynens into such agreement with SKK, the Company had received unsolicited acquisition proposals from SKK and North & Webster SSG, LLC (“N&W” and together with SKK, the “N&W Group”) jointly to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. The most recent unsolicited acquisition proposal from the N&W Group was received on December 10, 2019 and expired on its own terms on December 16, 2019.

 

While the N&W Group’s most recent proposal has expired, there can be no assurance that the N&W Group or another third party will not make another unsolicited acquisition proposal in the future and no assurance that if the four persons proposed by Mr. Nynens for election at our 2020 annual meeting are elected, they will not attempt to influence the Company’s decision related to any future acquisition proposal made by the N&W Group or another third party.

 

By letter dated January 22, 2020, a shareholder of the Company demanded that the Board of Directors investigate and bring an action against Mr. Nynens for his breaches of certain restrictive covenants contained in the separation agreement he entered into with the Company on or about May 11, 2018. Following receipt of the shareholder demand, we filed a lawsuit on February 14, 2020, in the Superior Court of New Jersey Monmouth County, against Mr. Nynens and the N&W Group on the grounds that Mr. Nynens breached certain restrictive covenants in his separation agreement with the Company by seeking future employment with the Company and by sharing confidential information with the N&W Group, and that the N&W Group had tortiously induced Mr. Nynens to commit those breaches. In connection with the claims, we are seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief, and a declaratory judgment against Mr. Nynens and the N&W Group. We may choose to initiate, or may become subject to, other litigation as a result of continued or further stockholder activist campaigns, which could serve as a distraction to our Board of Directors and management and could require us to incur additional costs.

 

Our quarterly financial results may fluctuate, which could lead to volatility in our stock price. Our revenue and operating results have fluctuated from quarter to quarter in the past and may continue to do so in the future. As a result, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results as an indication of our future performance. Fluctuations in our revenue and operating results could negatively affect the trading price of our stock. In addition, our revenue and results of operations may, in the future, be below the expectations of analysts and investors, which could

cause our stock price to decline. Factors that are likely to cause our revenue and operating results to fluctuate include the risk factors discussed throughout this section.

 

The elimination of LIBOR could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. The U. K.’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. The U.S. Federal Reserve has begun publishing a Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”), which is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Plans for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced. At this time, we cannot predict how markets will respond to these proposed alternative rates or the effect of any changes to LIBOR or the discontinuation of LIBOR. If LIBOR is no longer available or if our lenders have increased costs due to changes in LIBOR, we may experience potential increases in interest rates on our variable rate debt, which could adversely impact our interest expense, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Changes in accounting rules, or the misapplication of current accounting rules, may adversely affect our future financial results. We prepare our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. These accounting principles are subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the SEC, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) and various other bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting policies. Future periodic assessments required by current or new accounting standards may result in noncash charges and/or changes in presentation or disclosure. In addition, any change in accounting standards may influence our customers’ decision to purchase from us or finance transactions with us, which could have a significant adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

We are required to determine if we are the principal or agent in all transactions with our customers. The voluminous number of products and services we sell, and the manner in which they are bundled, are technologically complex. Mischaracterization of these products and services could result in misapplication of revenue recognition polices. We use estimates where necessary, such as allowance for doubtful accounts and product returns, which require judgment and are based on best available information. If we are unable to accurately estimate the cost of these services or the timeline for completion of contracts, the profitability of our contracts may be materially and adversely affected.

 

The inability to obtain financing on favorable terms will adversely impact our business, financial position and results of operations. Our business requires working capital to operate and to finance accounts receivable and product inventory that are not financed by trade creditors. We have historically relied upon cash generated from operations, revolving credit facilities and trade credit from our vendors to satisfy our capital needs and finance growth. As the financial markets change, the cost of acquiring financing and the methods of financing may change. Changes in our credit rating or other market factors may increase our interest expense or other costs of capital, or capital may not be available to us on competitive terms to fund our working capital needs. 

 

We may not be able to continue to pay dividends on our Common Stock in the future, which could impair the value of our Common Stock. We have paid a quarterly dividend on our Common Stock since the first quarter of 2003. Any future declaration of dividends remains subject to further determination from time to time by our Board of Directors. Our ability to pay dividends in the future will depend on our financial results, liquidity and financial condition. There is no assurance that we will be able to pay dividends in the future, or if we are able to, that our Board of Directors will continue to declare dividends in the future, at current rates or at all. If we discontinue or reduce the amount or frequency of dividends, the value of our Common Stock may be impaired.

 

Risks related to our Common Stock. The exercise of options or any other issuance of shares by us may dilute your ownership of our Common Stock. Our Common Stock is thinly traded, which may be exacerbated by our repurchases of our Common Stock. As a result of the thin trading market for our stock, its market price may fluctuate significantly more than the stock market as a whole or of the stock prices of similar companies. Without a larger float, our Common Stock will be less liquid than the stock of companies with broader public ownership, and, as a result, the trading prices for our Common Stock may be more volatile. Among other things, trading of a relatively small volume of our Common Stock may have a greater impact on the trading price of our stock than would be the case if our public float were larger.

 

Our Common Stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market, and we therefore are subject to continued listing requirements, including requirements with respect to the market value and number of publicly-held shares, number of stockholders, minimum bid price, number of market makers and either (i) stockholders’ equity or (ii) total market value of stock, total assets and total revenues. If we fail to satisfy one or more of the requirements, we may be delisted from The NASDAQ Global Market. If we do not qualify for listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market, and if we are not able to list our Common Stock on another exchange, our Common Stock could be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or on the “pink sheets”. As a result, we could face significant adverse consequences including, among others, a limited availability of market quotations for our securities and a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

The Company leases approximately 20,000 square feet of space in Eatontown, New Jersey for its corporate headquarters under a lease expiring in March 2027. Total annual rent expense for these premises is approximately $420,000. The Company also leases 7,800 square feet of warehouse space in Eatontown, New Jersey under a lease expiring in October 2020. Total annual rent expense for such warehouse space is approximately $49,000. We believe that each of the properties is in good operating condition and that such properties are adequate for the operation of the Company’s business as currently conducted. We also rent smaller satellite offices on a short-term basis.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

By letter dated January 22, 2020, a shareholder of the Company demanded that the Board of Directors investigate and bring an action against the Company’s former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Nynens, for his breaches of certain restrictive covenants contained in the separation agreement he entered into with the Company on or about May 11, 2018. Following receipt of the shareholder demand, the Company filed a lawsuit against Mr. Nynens, Shepherd Kaplan Krochuk, LLC (“SKK”), and North & Webster SSG, LLC (“N&W,” and together with SKK, the “N&W Group”) on February 14, 2020, in the Superior Court of New Jersey Monmouth County. The Company’s complaint asserts claims against Mr. Nynens for his breaches of his separation agreement with the Company and claims for tortious interference against the N&W Group for inducing Mr. Nynens to commit those breaches.  In connection with its claims, the Company seeks monetary damages, injunctive relief, and a declaratory judgment against Mr. Nynens and the N&W Group.  The litigation is in its early stages.

 

Previously, the Company had received unsolicited acquisition proposals from the N&W Group to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. The Company received the most recent unsolicited acquisition proposal from the N&W Group on December 10, 2019, and that proposal expired on its own terms on December 16, 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Nynens entered into an agreement with the N&W Group on November 27, 2019, granting SKK an irrevocable proxy to vote his shares of our common stock in favor of any acquisition proposal by SKK, against any third-party acquisition, and as directed by SKK with respect to the election of directors nominated by persons other than the Company. On December 20, 2019, Mr. Nynens nominated four individuals for election to our Board of Directors at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

The Company and its Board of Directors have hired financial advisors and legal counsel to advise on resolution of the matters. The ultimate outcome of these matters and related costs cannot be determined at this time, and accordingly no provision has been recorded for estimated expenses to resolve the matter.

 

We are involved from time to time in routine legal matters and other claims incidental to our business. We review outstanding claims and proceedings internally and with external counsel as necessary to assess probability and amount of potential loss. There are no other material legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Market Information

 

Shares of our Common Stock, par value $0.01, trade on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “WSTG”. 

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table sets forth information, as of December 31, 2019, regarding securities authorized for issuance upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock under all the Company’s equity compensation plans.

 

 

Dividends

 

In each of 2019 and 2018, we declared dividends totaling $0.68 per share on our Common Stock. The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and dependent on results of operations, projected capital requirements and other factors the Board of Directors may find relevant. There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay comparable cash dividends in the future.

 

Shareholder Information

 

As of February 20, 2020, there were approximately 103 record holders of our Common Stock. This figure does not include an estimate of the number of beneficial holders whose shares are held of record by brokerage firms and clearing agencies.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

During the fourth quarter of 2019, we repurchased shares of our Common Stock as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, selected consolidated financial and other data for Wayside Technology Group, Inc. and its Subsidiaries. You should read the selected consolidated financial and other data below in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes in Part II, Item 8, and with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The following table includes Non-US GAAP measures, for which we provided a reconciliation of net income excluding separation expenses, net of taxes to net income, as well as the related amounts per share, which are the most directly comparable measure of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), in the footnotes below. We use net income excluding separation expense as a supplemental measure of our performance to gain insight into comparison of our businesses profitability when compared to the prior year. Our use of net income excluding separation expenses, net of taxes has limitations, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our financial results as reported under US GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, might calculate separation expenses net of taxes, or similarly titled measures differently, which may reduce their usefulness as comparative measures.

 

The selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 reflects our adoption of ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the full retrospective method, which requires us to recast our historical financial information to reflect the adoption as of the earliest reporting period presented, which was for the year ended December 31, 2016. There was no impact to gross profit from the adoption. We have not adjusted the selected financial data for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Year Ended December 31,

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

The selected financial data as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 reflects our adoption of ASC 606. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the full retrospective method, which requires us to recast our historical financial information to reflect the adoption as of the earliest reporting period presented, which was as of December 31, 2017. We have not adjusted the selected financial data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

 

December 31,

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.  This discussion and analysis contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including those set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

Our Company is an IT channel company, primarily selling software and other third-party IT products and services through two reportable operating segments. Through our “Lifeboat Distribution” segment we sell products and services to corporate resellers, value added resellers (VARs), consultants and systems integrators worldwide, who in turn sell these products to end users. Through our “TechXtend Segment” we act as a value-added reseller, selling computer software and hardware developed by others and provide technical services directly to end user customers in the USA and Canada. We offer an extensive line of products from leading software vendors and tools for virtualization/cloud computing, security,

networking, storage and infrastructure management, application lifecycle management and other technically sophisticated domains as well as computer hardware. We market these products through creative marketing communications, including our web sites, local and on-line seminars, webinars, social media, direct e-mail, and printed materials.

 

We have subsidiaries in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands, through which sales are made.

 

Factors Influencing Our Financial Results

 

We derive most of our net sales though the sale of third-party software licenses, maintenance and service agreements. In our Lifeboat Distribution segment, sales are impacted by the number of product lines we distribute, and sales penetration of those products into the reseller channel, product lifecycle competitive, and demand characteristics of the products which we are authorized to distribute. In our TechXtend segment sales are generally driven by sales force effectiveness and success in providing superior customer service, competitive pricing, and flexible payment solutions to our customers. Our sales are also impacted by external factors such as levels of IT spending and customer demand for products we distribute.

 

We sell in a competitive environment where gross product margins have historically declined due to competition and changes in product mix towards products where no delivery of a physical product is required. In addition, we grant discounts, allowances, and rebates to certain customers, which may vary from period to period, based on volume, payment terms and other criteria.  To date, we have been able to implement cost efficiencies such as the use of drop shipments, electronic ordering (“EDI”) and other capabilities to be able to operate our business profitably as gross margins have declined. We evaluate the profitability of our business based on return on invested capital and effective margin (see management’s discussion and analysis below).  

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised mainly of employee salaries, commissions and other employee related expenses, facility costs, costs to maintain our IT infrastructure, public company compliance costs and professional fees. We monitor our level of accounts payable, inventory turnover and accounts receivable turnover which are measures of how efficiently we utilize capital in our business.

 

The Company’s sales, gross profit and results of operations have fluctuated and are expected to continue to fluctuate on a quarterly basis as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to: the condition of the software industry in general, shifts in demand for software products, pricing, industry shipments of new software products or upgrades, fluctuations in merchandise returns, adverse weather conditions that affect response, distribution or shipping, shifts in the timing of holidays and changes in the Company’s product offerings. The Company’s operating expenditures are based on sales forecasts. If sales do not meet expectations in any given quarter, operating results may be materially adversely affected.

 

Dividend Policy and Share Repurchase Program. Historically we have sought to return value to investors through the payment of quarterly dividends and share repurchases. Total dividends paid and the dollar value of shares repurchased were $3.1 and $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, and $3.1 and $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively. The payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and dependent on results of operations, projected capital requirements and other factors the Board of Directors may find relevant.

 

Stock Volatility. The technology sector of the United States stock markets is subject to substantial volatility. Numerous conditions which impact the technology sector or the stock market in general or the Company in particular, whether or not such events relate to or reflect upon the Company’s operating performance, could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s Common Stock. Furthermore, fluctuations in the Company’s operating results, announcements regarding litigation, the loss of a significant vendor or customer, increased competition, reduced vendor incentives and trade credit, higher operating expenses, and other developments, could have a significant impact on the market price of our Common Stock.

 

Financial Overview

 

Net sales increased 15%, or $27.4 million, to $208.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $181.4 million for the same period in 2018. Gross profit increased 11%, or $3.1 million, to $30.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $26.9 million for the same period in 2018. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 5%, or $1.1 million, to $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $20.3 million for the same period in 2018. Separation expenses were $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2018. Net income increased 92%, or $3.2 million, to $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2018. Weighted Average diluted shares outstanding increased by 1% from the prior year. Income per diluted share increased 94% to $1.51 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $0.78 for the same period in 2018.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements that have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

 

On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, stock-based compensation, contingencies and litigation.

 

The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The Company believes the following critical accounting policies used in the preparation of its Consolidated Financial Statements affect its more significant judgments and estimates.

 

Revenue

 

The Company utilizes judgment regarding performance obligations inherent in the products for services it sells including, whether ongoing maintenance obligations performed by third party vendors are distinct from the related software licenses, and allocation of sales prices among distinct performance obligations. These estimates require significant judgment to determine whether the software’s functionality is dependent on ongoing maintenance or if substantially all functionality is available in the original software download. We also use judgment in the allocation of sales proceeds among performance obligations, utilizing observable data such as stand-alone selling prices, or market pricing for similar products and services.

 

Allowance for Accounts Receivable

 

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Management determines the estimate of the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable by considering a number of factors, including historical experience, aging of the accounts receivable, and specific information obtained by the Company on the financial condition and the current creditworthiness of its customers. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. At the time of sale, we record an estimate for sales returns based on historical experience. If actual sales returns are greater than estimated by management, additional expense may be incurred.

 

Accounts Receivable – Long Term

 

The Company’s accounts receivable long-term are discounted to their present value at prevailing market rates at the time of sale. In doing so, the Company considers competitive market rates and other relevant factors.

 

Inventory Allowances

 

The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-offs may be required.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets. In the event the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

 

Share-Based Payments

 

Under the fair value recognition provision, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We make certain assumptions in order to value and expense our various share-based payment awards. In connection with our restricted stock programs we record the forfeitures when they occur. We review our valuation assumptions periodically and, as a result, we may change our valuation assumptions used to value stock-based awards granted in future periods. Such changes may lead to a significant change in the expense we recognize in connection with share-based payments.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 supersedes the lease guidance under FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases, resulting in the creation of FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term from operating leases. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors were originally required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. In July 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements. This update still requires modified retrospective transition; however, it adds the option to initially apply the new standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment in the current period instead of at the beginning of the earliest period presented. Under this option, comparative periods presented in the financial statements in which the new lease standard is adopted will continue to be presented in accordance with prior guidance.

 

The Company adopted the new accounting standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition option. The new standard provides optional practical expedients in transition, which the Company has elected as a package permitting the Company to not reassess under the new standard prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. Also, in accordance with the new standard, the Company has elected in transition and for an ongoing basis not to apply the recognition requirements for all short-term leases.

 

The adoption of the new standard had a material effect on the Company’s financial statements, with the most significant effects of adoption relating to (1) the recognition of new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet for real estate operating leases; and (2) providing significant new disclosures about its leasing activities. Upon adoption, the Company recognized operating lease liabilities of approximately $3.0 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments for existing operating leases. The Company also recognized corresponding right-

of-use assets, net of lease incentives of approximately $2.2 million. There was no impact to stockholders’ equity from the adoption.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)” ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 revises the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. Originally, ASU 2016-13 was effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. In November 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-10, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842).”  This ASU defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for public companies that are considered smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is planning to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 on its Consolidated Financial Statements, particularly its recognition of allowances for accounts receivable.

 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”), which permits the reclassification of stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA” or “U.S. tax reform”) from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. The new standard became effective for the Company beginning with the first quarter of 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2018-07”), which aligns the measurement and classification guidance for share-based payments to nonemployees with that for employees, with certain exceptions. It expands the scope of ASC 718 to include share-based payments granted to nonemployees in exchange for goods or services used or consumed in the entity’s own operations and supersedes the guidance in ASC 505-50. The ASU retains the existing cost attribution guidance, which requires entities to recognize compensation cost for nonemployee awards in the same period and in the same manner (i.e., capitalize or expense) they would if they paid cash for the goods or services, but it moves the guidance to ASC 718. The new standard became effective for the Company beginning with the first quarter of 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09 – Codification Improvements, which facilitates amendments to a variety of topics to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the accounting standards codification. The effective date of the standard is dependent on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some amendments do not require transition guidance and will be effective upon the issuance of this standard. A majority of the amendments in this standard became effective for the Company beginning with the first quarter of 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12,  “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in the accounting standards. The standard eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The standard also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this guidance will have upon its financial position and results of operations, if any.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth for the years indicated the percentage of net sales represented by selected items reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The year-to-year comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results:

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Our management monitors several financial and non-financial measures and ratios on a regular basis in order to track the progress of our business. We believe that the most important of these measures and ratios include net sales, adjusted gross billings, gross profit, net income, net income excluding separation expenses, net of taxes, adjusted EBITDA, gross profit as a percentage of adjusted gross billings and adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of gross profit. We use a variety of operating and other information to evaluate the operating performance of our business, develop financial forecasts, make strategic decisions, and prepare and approve annual budgets. These key indicators include financial information that is prepared in accordance with US GAAP and presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements as well as non-US GAAP performance measurement tools. 

 

We define adjusted gross billings as net sales in accordance with US GAAP, adjusted for the cost of sales related to Software – security and highly interdependent with support and maintenance, support and other services. We provided a reconciliation of adjusted gross billings to net sales, which is the most directly comparable US GAAP measure. We use adjusted gross billings of product and services as a supplemental measure of our performance to gain insight into the volume of business generated by our business, and to analyze the changes to our accounts receivable and accounts payable. Our use of adjusted gross billings of product and services as analytical tools has limitations, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our financial results as reported under US GAAP. In addition, other

companies, including companies in our industry, might calculate adjusted gross billings of product and services or similarly titled measures differently, which may reduce their usefulness as comparative measures.

 

 

We define net income excluding separation expenses, net of taxes, as net income, plus separation expenses, less the income tax benefit attributable to the separation expenses. We provided a reconciliation of net income excluding separation expenses, net of taxes, to net income, as well as the related amounts per share, which are the most directly comparable US GAAP measures. We use net income excluding separation expense, net of taxes as a  supplemental measure of our performance to gain insight into comparison of our businesses profitability when compared to the prior year. Our use of net income excluding separation expenses, net of taxes has limitations, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our financial results as reported under US GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, might calculate separation expenses, separation expenses net of taxes, or similarly titled measures differently, which may reduce their usefulness as comparative measures.

 

 

We define adjusted EBITDA, as net income, plus provision for income taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation, interest and separation expenses. We define effective margin as adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of gross profit. We provided a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income, which is the most directly comparable US GAAP measure. We use adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance to gain insight into our businesses profitability when compared to the prior year and our competitors. Adjusted EBITDA is also a component to our financial covenants in our credit facility. Our use of adjusted EBITDA has limitations, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our financial results as reported under US GAAP. In addition, other companies,

including companies in our industry, might calculate adjusted EBITDA, or similarly titled measures differently, which may reduce their usefulness as comparative measures.

 

Key Financial Metrics

 

We consider gross profit growth and effective margin to be key metrics in evaluating our business. During the year ended December 31, 2019, gross profit increased 11%, or $3.1 million, to $30.0 million compared to $26.9 million for the same period in 2018 while effective margin increased 70 basis points to 34.8% compared to 34.1% for the same period in 2018, reflecting the scalability in our business model.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 15%, or $27.3 million, to $208.8 million compared to  $181.4 million for the same period in 2018.  

 

Adjusted gross billings, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 18%, or $91.0 million, to $601.0 million compared to $510.0 million for the same period in 2018.

 

Net sales in our Lifeboat Distribution segment for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 18%, or $30.0 million, to $193.6 million compared to $163.6 million for the same period in 2018. The increase in our Lifeboat Distribution segment was primarily due to growth in sales penetration for several of our more significant product lines, as well as incremental sales from several new product lines.  

 

Adjusted gross billings, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the Lifeboat Distribution segment for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 23%, or $105.7 million, to $575.4 million compared to $469.7 million for the same period in 2018. 

 

  Net sales in our TechXtend segment for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased 15%, or $2.7 million, to $15.2 million compared to $17.9 million for the prior year. Sales in our TechXtend segment may vary significantly from year to year based on the timing of IT spending decisions by our larger customers and internal capital allocation decisions regarding the amount of capital we allocate to the extended payment program. 

 

Adjusted gross billings, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the TechXtend segment for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased 36%, or $14.7 million, to $25.6 million compared to $40.3 million for the same period in 2018. 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we relied on two key customers for a total of 42% of our total net sales. One major customer accounted for 26% and the other for 16%, of our total net sales during the year ended December 31, 2019. These same customers accounted for 43% and 12%, of total net accounts receivable as of December 31, 2019.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 11%, or $3.1 million, to $30.0 million compared to $26.9 million for the same period in 2018. Lifeboat Distribution segment gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 14%, or $3.4 million, to $26.8 million compared to $23.4 million for the same period in 2018 due to higher net sales discussed above, which were partially offset by the impact of lower gross margin as a percentage of net sales. TechXtend segment gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased 8%, or $0.3 million, to $3.2 million compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2018 due to the decreased level of net sales discussed above.

 

Vendor rebates and discounts for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $3.3 million compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2018. Vendor rebates are dependent on reaching certain targets set by our vendors. The Company monitors vendor rebate levels, competitive pricing, and gross profit margins carefully. We anticipate that price competition in our market will continue in both of our business segments.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased 5%, or $1.1 million, to $21.4 million, compared to $20.3 million for the same period in 2018.  The increase in SG&A expenses is primarily due to increased employee related costs including salary, commission and bonus expense to support the increased sales on existing and new vendor lines, partially offset by decreased stock compensation expense. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 10.3% for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to 12.0% for the same period in 2018.

 

The Company expects that its SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, may vary depending on changes in sales volume, as well as the levels of continuing investments in key growth initiatives. We plan to continue to expand our investment in information technology and marketing, while monitoring SG&A expenses closely.

 

Separation Expense

 

Separation expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.1 million related to the resignation of our former President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board. Separation expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $2.4 million related to the resignation of our former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, consisting of a $1.7 million charge for accelerated vesting of restricted stock and $0.8 million in cash payments to be made over twelve months.

 

Income Taxes

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $2.3 million, or 25.0% of income before taxes, compared to $1.6 million, or 30.9% of income before taxes for the same period in 2018.  

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our cash and cash equivalents increased by $0.1 million to $15.0 million at December 31, 2019 from $14.9 million at December 31, 2018. The increase in cash was primarily the result of cash provided by operating activities of $3.2 million offset, in part, by use of cash for dividends of $3.1 million.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $3.2 million, comprised of net income adjusted for non-cash items of $7.9 million, less cash used in changes in operating assets and liabilities of $4.7 million.

 

The net cash used in changes in operating assets and liabilities in 2019 were the result of increases in accounts receivables due to increased sales to a large customer with longer than average payment terms, partially offset by increases in accounts payable required to support the business and utilization of a prior year vendor prepayment as part of a distribution agreement.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $13.9 million, comprised of net income adjusted for non-cash items of $5.9 million, plus cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $8.0 million.

 

The net cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities in 2018 was primarily due to a decrease in net working capital (accounts receivable, inventory, and vendor prepayments less accounts payable) required to support our business. The decreased working capital is primarily driven by $3.7 million utilization in 2018 of a prior year vendor prepayment as part of a distribution agreement. Our accounts receivable – long term decreased by approximately $4.3 million during 2018 due to collection of receivables with extended payment term sales.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.1 million compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2018. Net cash used in investing activities primarily represented capital expenditures for equipment and leasehold improvements.

 

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $3.2 million, which was comprised of $3.1 million of dividend payments on our Common Stock and $0.1 million for the purchases of treasury shares of our Common Stock.

 

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $4.1 million was comprised of $3.1 million of dividend payments on our Common Stock, and $1.0 million for the purchases of treasury shares of our Common Stock.

 

On December 3, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an increase of 500,000 shares of Common Stock to the number of shares of Common Stock available for repurchase under its repurchase plans. On February 2, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an increase of 500,000 shares of Common Stock to the number of shares of Common Stock available for repurchase under its repurchase plans. The Company is authorized to purchase 547,488 shares of Common Stock as of December 31, 2019.  The Common Stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

 

As of December 31, 2019, we held 778,807 shares of our Common Stock in treasury at an average cost of $16.99 per share. As of December 31, 2018, we held 788,006 shares of our Common Stock in treasury at an average cost of $17.06 per share. We intend to hold the repurchased shares in treasury for general corporate purposes, including issuances under various stock plans.

 

On November 15, 2017, the Company entered into a $20,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”) pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Loan Agreement, Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Loan Note, Second Amended and Restated Security Agreement and Second Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement. The Credit Facility, which is used for working capital and general corporate purposes, matures on August 31, 2020, at which time the Company must pay all outstanding principal of all outstanding loans plus all accrued and unpaid interest, and any interest, fees, costs and expenses, if any.

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. The Company incurred $0.1 million of interest expense, related to the Credit Facility for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Our current and anticipated use of cash and cash equivalents is to fund working capital, operational expenditures, the stock repurchase program and dividends, if any, declared by the Board of Directors.

 

Subsequent Events

 

By letter dated January 22, 2020, a shareholder of the Company demanded that the Board of Directors investigate and bring an action against the Company’s former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Nynens, for his breaches of certain restrictive covenants contained in the separation agreement he entered into with the Company on or about May 11, 2018. Following receipt of the shareholder demand, the Company filed a lawsuit against Mr. Nynens, Shepherd Kaplan Krochuk, LLC (“SKK”), and North & Webster SSG, LLC (“N&W,” and together with SKK, the “N&W Group”) on February 14, 2020, in the Superior Court of New Jersey Monmouth County. The Company’s complaint asserts claims against Mr. Nynens for his breaches of his separation agreement with the Company and claims for tortious interference against the N&W Group for inducing Mr. Nynens to commit those breaches.  In connection with its claims, the Company seeks monetary damages, injunctive relief, and a declaratory judgment against Mr. Nynens and the N&W Group.  The litigation is in its early stages.

 

Previously, the Company had received unsolicited acquisition proposals from the N&W Group to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. The Company received the most recent unsolicited acquisition proposal from the N&W Group on December 10, 2019, and that proposal expired on its own terms on December 16, 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Nynens entered into an agreement with the N&W Group on November 27, 2019, granting SKK an irrevocable proxy to vote his shares of our common stock in favor of any acquisition proposal by SKK, against any third-party acquisition, and as directed by SKK with respect to the election of directors nominated by persons other than the Company. On December 20, 2019, Mr. Nynens nominated four individuals for election to our Board of Directors at the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

The Company and its Board of Directors have hired financial advisors and legal counsel to advise on resolution of the matters. The ultimate outcome of these matters and related costs cannot be determined at this time, and accordingly no provision has been recorded for estimated expenses to resolve the matter.

 

Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2019

 

Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

 

Foreign Exchange

 

The Company’s foreign business is subject to changes in demand or pricing resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates or other factors. We are subject to fluctuations primarily in the Canadian and Euro Dollar-to-U.S. Dollar exchange rate.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2019, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303 (a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Smaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this item.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 15(a).

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our management carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures”, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of various members of our management, including our Company’s Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), and Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer, and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with US GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records in reasonable detail that accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and disposition of assets; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements in accordance with US GAAP; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of the Company, are made in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that, owing to changes in conditions, controls may become inadequate, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.  

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information required hereunder, with the exception of the information relating to the Company’s Code of Ethical Conduct that is presented in Part I under the heading “Available Information,” is incorporated by reference herein from our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than April 30, 2020 (the “Definitive Proxy Statement”) under the sections captioned “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance” and “Delinquent Section 16 (a) Reports.”

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the sections captioned “Executives and Executive Compensation” and “Corporate Governance.”

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the sections captioned “Equity Compensation Plan Information — Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the sections captioned “Executives and Executive Compensation,” “Corporate Governance” and “Transactions with Related Persons.”

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the section captioned “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

 

 

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in Eatontown, New Jersey, on March 4, 2020.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

 

 

Items 8 and 15(a)

 

Wayside Technology Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Wayside Technology Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Eatontown, New Jersey

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wayside Technology Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and schedule (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective on January 1, 2019, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

 

Woodbridge, New Jersey

March 4, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wayside Technology Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

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