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INSEEGO CORP. - Quarter Report: 2013 March (Form 10-Q)

10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013

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: 000-31659

 

 

NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   86-0824673

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

9645 Scranton Road, San Diego, CA   92121
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (858) 812-3400

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    x  Yes    ¨  No

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨   

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company ¨

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 6, 2013 was 33,909,937.

 

 

 


As used in this report on Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “Novatel Wireless” refer to Novatel Wireless, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. These forward-looking statements include statements that reflect the views of our senior management with respect to our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Novatel Wireless and our industry. Statements that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “preliminary,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “outlook,” “will” and similar words and phrases identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as of the date of this report. We believe that these factors include the following:

 

   

our ability to compete in the market for wireless broadband data access products;

 

   

our ability to develop and timely introduce new products successfully;

 

   

our ability to integrate the operations of Enfora and any other business, products, technologies or personnel that we may acquire in the future;

 

   

the continuing impact of uncertain global economic conditions on the demand for our products;

 

   

our ability to introduce and sell new products that comply with current and evolving industry standards, including 3G and 4G standards, and government regulations;

 

   

our ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships to expand into new markets;

 

   

our dependence on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenues;

 

   

demand for broadband wireless access to enterprise networks and the Internet;

 

   

the marketability of our products is dependent on wireless telecommunication operators delivering acceptable wireless services;

 

   

our ability to properly manage the growth of our business to avoid significant strains on our management and operations and disruptions to our business;

 

   

our reliance on third parties to procure components and manufacture our products;

 

   

our ability to accurately forecast customer demand and order the manufacture and timely delivery of sufficient product quantities;

 

   

our reliance on sole source suppliers for some components used in our products;

 

   

the outcome of pending or future litigation, including the current class action securities litigation and intellectual property litigation;

 

   

infringement claims with respect to intellectual property contained in our products;

 

   

our continued ability to license necessary third-party technology for the development and sale of our products;

 

   

risks associated with doing business abroad, including foreign currency risks;

 

   

the risk of introducing new products that could contain errors or defects; and

 

   

our ability to hire, retain and manage additional qualified personnel to maintain and expand our business.

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this and other reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate.

Trademarks

“Novatel Wireless”, the Novatel Wireless logo, “MiFi”, “MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot”, “MiFi OS”, “MiFi Home”, “MobiLink”, “Ovation,” “Expedite” and “MiFi.Freedom. My Way” are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. “Enfora”, the Enfora logo, “Spider”, “Enabling Information Anywhere”, “Enabler”, “eWide” and “N4A” are trademarks of Enfora, Inc. Other trademarks, trade names or service marks used in this report are the property of their respective owners.

 

2


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     March 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 
     Unaudited        

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 18,272      $ 16,044   

Restricted cash

     661        0   

Marketable securities

     25,834        38,064   

Restricted marketable securities

     4,161        0   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $787 at March 31, 2013 and $627 at December 31, 2012

     43,521        42,652   

Inventories

     30,190        39,016   

Deferred tax assets, net

     126        126   

Prepaid expenses and other

     4,780        4,829   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     127,545        140,731   

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $61,702 at March 31, 2013 and $59,702 at December 31, 2012

     14,236        15,229   

Marketable securities

     9,862        1,201   

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $12,226 at March 31, 2013 and $11,951 at December 31, 2012

     2,887        3,163   

Deferred tax assets, net

     534        584   

Other assets

     619        623   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 155,683      $ 161,531   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 43,207      $ 45,732   

Accrued expenses

     28,234        27,800   

Short-term margin loan facility

     4,822        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     76,263        73,532   

Other long-term liabilities

     2,454        2,552   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     78,717        76,084   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 2,000 shares authorized and none outstanding

     0        0   

Common stock, par value $0.001; 50,000 shares authorized, 33,893 and 33,655 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively

     34        34   

Additional paid-in capital

     439,121        438,477   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     11        14   

Accumulated deficit

     (337,200     (328,078
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     101,966        110,447   

Treasury stock at cost; 2,436 common shares at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively

     (25,000     (25,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     76,966        85,447   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 155,683      $ 161,531   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

3


NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013     2012  

Net revenues

   $ 85,921      $ 100,150   

Cost of net revenues

     69,073        79,162   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     16,848        20,988   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

    

Research and development

     13,811        15,829   

Sales and marketing

     5,756        7,678   

General and administrative

     6,326        5,534   

Goodwill and intangible assets impairment

     0        29,337   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

     140        437   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

     26,033        58,815   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (9,185     (37,827

Other income (expense):

    

Interest income, net

     57        83   

Other income (expense), net

     (77     7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (9,205     (37,737

Income tax provision (benefit)

     (83     184   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (9,122   $ (37,921
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per share data:

    

Net loss per share:

    

Basic and diluted

   $ (0.27   $ (1.17
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in computation of basic and diluted net loss per share:

    

Basic and diluted

     33,717        32,296   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

4


NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013     2012  

Net loss

   $ (9,122   $ (37,921

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash equivalents and marketable securities, net of tax

     (3     24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

   $ (9,125   $ (37,897
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

5


NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013     2012  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (9,122   $ (37,921

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     2,310        3,993   

Impairment of goodwill and purchased intangible assets

     0        29,337   

Provision for bad debts

     156        38   

Inventory provision

     65        251   

Share-based compensation expense

     949        1,834   

Non-cash income tax expense (benefit)

     (120     111   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (1,026     (12,984

Inventories

     8,761        (1,247

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     55        (1,865

Accounts payable

     (644     (2,683

Accrued expenses, income taxes, and other

     499        2,913   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     1,883        (18,223
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (2,852     (1,170

Purchases of marketable securities

     (3,754     (11,145

Marketable securities maturities / sales

     3,159        5,474   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,447     (6,841
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt

     7,000        0   

Principal repayments of short-term debt

     (2,178     0   

Restricted cash relating to short-term debt

     (661     0   

Principal payments under capital lease obligations

     0        (29

Proceeds from stock option exercises and ESPP net of taxes paid on vested restricted stock units

     (304     (211
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     3,857        (240

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (65     15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     2,228        (25,289

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     16,044        47,069   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 18,272      $ 21,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the year for:

    

Interest

   $ 0      $ 1   

Income taxes

   $ 26      $ 20   

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

6


NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The information contained herein has been prepared by Novatel Wireless, Inc. (the “Company”) in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information at March 31, 2013 and the results of the Company’s operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes hereto should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements from which they were derived and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The accounting policies used in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those described in the Company’s Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, valuation of intangible and long-lived assets, valuation of goodwill, litigation, provision for warranty costs, income taxes and share-based compensation expense.

Difficult global economic conditions, tight credit markets, volatile equity, foreign currency and energy markets and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, particularly those related to the condition of the economy, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

 

7


2. Balance Sheet Details

Marketable Securities

The Company’s portfolio of available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity consists of the following (in thousands):

 

March 31, 2013

   Maturity
in Years
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair

Value
 

Available-for-sale:

             

Government agency securities

     1 or less       $ 4,272       $ 0       $ 0      $ 4,272   

Municipal bonds

     1 or less         11,377         10         0        11,387   

Certificates of deposit

     1 or less         4,999         0         0        4,999   

Corporate debentures / bonds

     1 or less         9,334         3         0        9,337   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total short-term marketable securities

        29,982         13         0        29,995   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Available-for-sale:

             

Municipal bonds

     1 to 2         1,668         2         0        1,670   

Certificates of deposit

     1 to 2         1,920         0         0        1,920   

Corporate debentures / bonds

     1 to 2         6,279         0         (7     6,272   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term marketable securities

        9,867         2         (7     9,862   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 39,849       $ 15       $ (7   $ 39,857   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

   Maturity
in Years
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair
Value
 

Available-for-sale:

             

Government agency securities

     1 or less       $ 3,265       $ 1       $ 0      $ 3,266   

Municipal bonds

     1 or less         11,246         14         0        11,260   

Certificates of deposit

     1 or less         6,200         5         0        6,205   

Corporate debentures / bonds

     1 or less         17,330         3         0        17,333   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total short-term marketable securities

        38,041         23         0        38,064   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Available-for-sale:

             

Certificates of deposit

     1 to 2         1,200         1         0        1,201   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term marketable securities

        1,200         1         0        1,201   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 39,241       $ 24       $ 0      $ 39,265   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair market value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale marketable securities are determined using the specific-identification method.

The Company has a credit facility with a bank to allow margin borrowings based on the Company’s investments in cash equivalents and marketable securities held with the bank. This facility is collateralized by the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities held with the bank. At March 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $18.0 million in cash equivalents and marketable securities held at this bank. Any monies borrowed and interest incurred are payable on demand, and there is no express expiration date to the credit facility. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company borrowed approximately $7.0 million, and had outstanding borrowings of $4.8 million under this facility at March 31, 2013. Under the terms of the credit facility, the bank may liquidate any of the Company’s cash equivalents or marketable securities held at any time in order to recoup the outstanding balance of the facility. Accordingly, a like amount of cash equivalents and marketable equity securities have been classified by the Company as restricted cash and restricted marketable securities on the balance sheet at March 31, 2013. At March 31, 2013 the Company had restricted cash of $661,000 and restricted marketable securities of $4.2 million related to the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility. The restricted marketable securities of $4.2 million are included in the March 31, 2013 marketable securities presented in the table above.

 

8


As of March 31, 2013, the Company recorded a net unrealized gain of $8,000. The Company’s net unrealized gain is the result of market conditions affecting its fixed-income, debt and equity securities, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the condensed consolidated balance sheet for the period then ended.

 

9


Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Finished goods

   $ 21,516       $ 26,776   

Raw materials and components

     8,674         12,240   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 30,190       $ 39,016   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Royalties

   $ 5,002       $ 4,349   

Payroll and related expenses

     8,250         7,788   

Product warranty

     2,664         2,329   

Market development funds and price protection

     2,176         2,147   

Deferred rent

     667         573   

Professional fees

     1,738         1,549   

Deferred revenue

     4,025         4,630   

Other

     3,712         4,435   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 28,234       $ 27,800   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued Warranty Obligations

Accrued warranty obligations consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2013
    Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
 

Warranty liability at beginning of period

   $ 2,329      $ 1,525   

Additions charged to operations

     2,256        1,267   

Deductions from liability

     (1,921     (1,054
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Warranty liability at end of period

   $ 2,664      $ 1,738   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company accrues warranty costs based on estimates of future warranty-related replacement, repairs or rework of products. The Company generally provides one to three years of coverage for products following the date of purchase and the Company accrues the estimated cost of warranty coverage as a component of cost of net revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations at the time revenue is recognized. In estimating our future warranty obligations, we consider various relevant factors, including the historical frequency and volume of claims, and the cost to replace or repair products under warranty.

 

10


3. Intangible Assets

The Company’s amortizable purchased intangible assets resulting from its acquisition of Enfora are composed of (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  
     Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
    Accumulated
Impairment
    Net      Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
    Accumulated
Impairment
    Net  

Developed technologies

   $ 26,000       $ (5,869   $ (19,547   $ 584       $ 26,000       $ (5,786   $ (19,547   $ 667   

Trade name

     12,800         (2,277     (8,582     1,941         12,800         (2,147     (8,582     2,071   

Other

     3,720         (1,934     (1,620     166         3,720         (1,923     (1,620     177   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amortizable purchased intangible assets

   $ 42,520       $ (10,080   $ (29,749   $ 2,691       $ 42,520       $ (9,856   $ (29,749   $ 2,915   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents details of the amortization of purchased intangible assets included in the cost of net revenues and general and administrative expense categories (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013      2012  

Cost of net revenues

   $ 84       $ 961   

General and administrative expenses

     140         437   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total amortization expense

   $ 224       $ 1,398   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $22.8 million related to a decrease in the estimated fair values of the purchased intangible assets fair values.

The following table represents details of the amortization of existing purchased intangible assets that is currently estimated to be expensed in the remainder of 2013 and thereafter (in thousands):

 

Fiscal year:

   Amount  

2013 (remaining 9 months)

   $ 672   

2014

     895   

2015

     562   

2016

     562   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,691   
  

 

 

 

Additionally, at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had $196,000 and $248,000, respectively, of acquired software licenses, net of accumulated amortization of $2.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The acquired software licenses represent rights to use certain software necessary for commercial sale of the Company’s products.

4. Goodwill

As a result of goodwill impairment charges recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was zero. The carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2011 was $19.8 million. The Company recorded goodwill impairment charges during the first and third quarters of 2012 of $6.6 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

During the first and third quarters of 2012, based on actual operating results, and reductions in management’s then estimates of forecasted operating results of the M2M Products and Solutions reporting unit principally due to updated views of competitive pressures impacting average selling prices, customer product and technology selections, and the loss of certain customers, the Company determined there were sufficient indicators of impairment present to require an interim impairment analysis during the respective impacted quarters.

Based upon fair value tests performed with the assistance of third party independent appraisals, during the first quarter of 2012 the Company recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $6.6 million and a purchased intangible asset impairment charge of $22.8 million.

 

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5. Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

The Company’s fair value measurements relate to its cash equivalents, marketable debt securities, and marketable equity securities, which are classified pursuant to authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. The Company places its cash equivalents and marketable debt securities in instruments that meet credit quality standards, as specified in its investment policy guidelines. These guidelines also limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer or type of instrument.

Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term marketable debt securities. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consist of its investment in money market securities and treasury bills. The Company’s marketable debt securities consist primarily of government agency securities, municipal bonds, time deposits and investment-grade corporate bonds.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are categorized based on whether or not the inputs are observable in the market and the degree to which the inputs are observable. The categorization of financial instruments within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is prioritized into three levels (with Level 3 being the lowest) defined as follows:

Level 1: Pricing inputs are based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (e.g., NYSE). Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2: Pricing inputs include benchmark yields, trade data, reported trades and broker dealer quotes, two-sided markets and industry & economic events, yield to maturity, Municipal Securities Rule Making Board reported trades and vendor trading platform data. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using various pricing services and broker pricing information including Electronic Communication Networks and broker feeds.

Level 3: Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources, including the Company’s own assumptions.

The fair value of the majority of our cash and cash equivalents and marketable equity securities were determined based on Level 1 inputs. The fair value of our marketable debt securities was determined based on Level 2 inputs. We do not have any securities in the Level 3 category. The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

 

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The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements as of March 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 

Description

   March 31, 2013      Level 1      Level 2  

Assets:

        

Cash equivalents

        

Money market funds

   $ 47       $ 47       $ 0   

US Treasury securities

     731         0         731   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash equivalents

     778         47         731   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term marketable securities:

        

Available-for-sale:

        

Government agency securities

     4,272         0         4,272   

Municipal bonds

     11,387         0         11,387   

Certificates of deposit

     4,999         0         4,999   

Corporate debentures / bonds

     9,337         0        9,337   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total short-term marketable securities

     29,995         0         29,995   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term marketable securities:

        

Available-for-sale:

        

Municipal bonds

     1,670         0         1,670   

Certificates of deposit

     1,920         0         1,920   

Corporate debentures / bonds

     6,272         0         6,272   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term marketable securities

     9,862         0         9,862   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   $ 40,635       $ 47       $ 40,588   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 2 for discussion of restricted cash and restricted marketable securities related to our credit facility.

 

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The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

Description

   December 31, 2012      Level 1      Level 2  

Assets:

        

Cash equivalents

        

Money market funds

   $ 47       $ 47       $ 0   

US Treasury securities

     3,429         0         3,429   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash equivalents

     3,476         47         3,429   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term marketable securities:

        

Available-for-sale:

        

Government agency securities

     3,266         0         3,266   

Municipal bonds

     11,260         0         11,260   

Certificates of deposit

     6,205         0         6,205   

Corporate debentures / bonds

     17,333         0        17,333   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total short-term marketable securities

     38,064         0         38,064   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term marketable securities:

        

Available-for-sale:

        

Certificates of deposit

     1,201         0         1,201   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term marketable securities

     1,201         0         1,201   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   $ 42,741       $ 47       $ 42,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

6. Share-Based Compensation

The Company included the following amounts for share-based compensation awards in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013     2012  

Cost of net revenues (1)

   $ (24   $ 194   

Research and development

     291        695   

Sales and marketing

     204        362   

General and administrative

     478        583   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

   $ 949      $ 1,834   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Negative expense resulted from change in the estimated forfeiture rate during the first quarter of 2013.

7. Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk

Segment Information

The Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by senior management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable segments.

The Company operates in the wireless broadband technology industry and senior management makes decisions about allocating resources based on the following reportable segments:

 

   

Mobile Computing Products segment — includes our MiFi products, USB and PC-card modems and Embedded Modules that enable data transmission and services via cellular wireless networks.

 

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The M2M Products and Solutions segment was established as a result of our acquisition of Enfora in 2010. It includes our intelligent asset-management solutions utilizing cellular wireless technology, and M2M communication devices, and embedded modules that enable M2M data transmission and services via cellular wireless networks.

Segment revenues and segment operating income (loss) represent the primary financial measures used by senior management to assess performance and include the net revenues, cost of net revenues, sales and other operating expenses for which management is held accountable. Segment expenses include sales and marketing, research and development, administration, and amortization expenses that are directly related to individual segments. Segment earnings (loss) also includes acquisition-related costs, purchase price amortization, restructuring, impairment and integration costs. The table below presents net revenues from external customers, operating loss and identifiable assets for our reportable segments (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013     2012  

Net revenues by reportable segment:

    

Mobile Computing Products

   $ 75,620      $ 90,878   

M2M Products and Solutions

     10,301        9,272   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 85,921      $ 100,150   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss by reportable segment:

    

Mobile Computing Products

   $ (5,500   $ (3,470

M2M Products and Solutions

     (3,685     (34,357
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (9,185   $ (37,827
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     March  31,
2013
     December  31,
2012
 
     

Identifiable assets by reportable segment:

     

Mobile Computing Products

   $ 133,858       $ 141,045   

M2M Products and Solutions

     21,825         20,486   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 155,683       $ 161,531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company has operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, LatAmerica and Asia. The following table details the geographic concentration of the Company’s assets in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia (in thousands):

 

     March  31,
2013
     December  31,
2012
 
     

United States

   $ 151,739       $ 157,661   

Canada

     3,011         2,836   

Europe, Latin America and Asia

     933         1,034   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 155,683       $ 161,531   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table details the concentration of the Company’s net revenues by geographic region:

 

     Three months ended
March  31,
 
     2013     2012  

United States and Canada

     95.2     91.6

Latin America

     0.4        4.5   

Europe, Middle East and Africa

     4.2        3.3   

Asia and Australia

     0.2        0.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Concentrations of Risk

Substantially all of the Company’s net revenues are derived from sales of cellular wireless access products. Any significant decline in market acceptance of the Company’s products or in the financial condition of the Company’s existing customers would have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

A significant portion of the Company’s net revenues are derived from a small number of customers. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, sales to our largest customer accounted for 60% of net revenues. In the same period in 2012, sales to our two largest customers accounted for 55% and 13% of net revenues. The Company outsources its manufacturing to several third-party contract manufacturers. If one or more of these manufacturers were to experience delays, disruptions, capacity constraints or quality control problems in manufacturing operations, product shipments to the Company’s customers could be delayed or its customers could consequently elect to cancel the underlying product purchase order, which would negatively impact the Company’s revenues and results of operations.

8. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities (consisting of options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) withholdings using the treasury stock method) are excluded from the diluted EPS computation in loss periods and when the applicable exercise price is greater than the market price on the period end date as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 33,716,594 and 32,295,942, respectively. As of March 31, 2013 and 2012, weighted-average options, RSUs, and ESPP shares to acquire a total of 6,027,732 and 6,001,156 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect was anti-dilutive.

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

The Company is, from time to time, party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. For example, the Company is currently named as a defendant or co-defendant in a number of patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. and is indirectly participating in other U.S. patent infringement actions pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations to certain customers. Based on evaluation of these matters and discussions with Company’s intellectual property litigation counsel, the Company believes that liabilities arising from or sums paid in settlement of these existing matters would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

On September 15, 2008 and September 18, 2008, two putative securities class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California on behalf of persons who allegedly purchased our stock between February 5, 2007 and August 19, 2008. On December 11, 2008, these lawsuits were consolidated into a single action entitled Backe v. Novatel Wireless, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-CV-01689-H (RBB) (Consolidated with Case No. 08-CV-01714-H (RBB)) (U.S.D.C., S.D. Cal.). In May 2010, the district court re-captioned the case In re Novatel Wireless Securities Litigation. The plaintiffs filed the consolidated complaint on behalf of persons who allegedly purchased our stock between February 27, 2007 and November 10, 2008. The consolidated complaint names the Company and certain of our current and former officers as defendants. The consolidated complaint alleges generally that we issued materially false and misleading statements during the relevant time period regarding the strength of our products and market share, our financial results and our internal controls. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages and costs. The court has denied defendants’ motions to dismiss. In May 2010, the court entered an order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and certified a class of purchasers of our common stock between February 27, 2007 and September 15, 2008. On February 14, 2011, following extensive discovery, we filed a motion for summary judgment on all of plaintiffs’ claims. A trial date had been set for May 10, 2011. On March 15, 2011, the case was reassigned to a new district judge, the Honorable Anthony J. Battaglia. Following the reassignment, the court vacated the trial date pending the court’s consideration of dispositive motions. Oral argument on the motion for summary judgment was heard by the court on June 17, 2011. On November 23, 2011, the court issued an order granting in part and denying in part the motion for summary judgment. On July 9, 2012, the court vacated the final pretrial conference date. On December 14, 2012, the court issued an order denying defendants’ motion to exclude the testimony of plaintiffs’ loss causation expert. The court set a pretrial conference for March 8, 2013 and a trial date of June 3, 2013. On February 7, 2013, the court reconsidered its December 14, 2012 order and granted defendants’ motion to exclude plaintiffs’ expert on loss causation. The court, however, gave plaintiffs the opportunity to provide a new report from the expert seeking to cure the deficiencies in the expert’s testimony. The court provided a schedule for the cure process and ordered plaintiffs to bear the burden of defendants’ expenses incurred in this process. The plaintiffs moved for reconsideration of the court’s February 7, 2013 order. On March 6, 2013, the court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration with respect to the plaintiffs’ expert report, but granted the motion with respect to shifting the costs of the defendants’ expenses. The parties have briefed the court on this issue. On May 1, 2013, the court issued an order setting the pretrial conference for October 3, 2013 and a trial date of January 6, 2014. The Company intends to defend this litigation vigorously. At this time, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation. We have not recorded any significant accruals for contingent liabilities associated with this matter based on our belief that a liability, while possible, is not probable. Further, any possible range of loss cannot be estimated at this time.

 

16


On September 24, 2010, NovAtel, Inc., a Canadian company (“NovAtel Canada”) filed a trademark infringement lawsuit entitled NovAtel, Inc. v. Novatel Wireless Technologies, Ltd., et al, Action No. 1001-14265 in the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta Canada, Judicial District of Calgary. The Statement of Claim alleges that Novatel Wireless Technologies, Ltd., Novatel Wireless Solutions, Inc. and Novatel Wireless, Inc., or collectively, the Company, are infringing NovAtel Canada’s purported rights in the “Novatel” trademark in breach of a settlement agreement between NovAtel Canada and the Company. The parties resolved all claims alleged in this matter without any payment by the Company. The matter was dismissed on March 12, 2013.

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, the Company periodically enters into agreements that require the Company to indemnify and defend its customers for, among other things, claims alleging that the Company’s products infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property rights. The Company’s maximum exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated but the Company does not believe that there are any matters individually or collectively that would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.

10. Income Taxes

The Company recognizes federal, state and foreign current tax liabilities or assets based on its estimate of taxes payable to or refundable by tax authorities in the current fiscal year. The Company also recognizes federal, state and foreign deferred tax liabilities or assets based on the Company’s estimate of future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carry forwards. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce any deferred tax assets by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence and judgment, are not expected to be realized.

The Company assesses whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against its deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more-likely-than-not” realization standard. The four sources of taxable income that must be considered in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized are: (1) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e., offset of gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities); (2) taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the applicable tax law; (3) tax planning strategies and (4) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.

In assessing whether a valuation allowance is required, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. A significant factor in the Company’s assessment is that the Company is in a three-year historical cumulative loss position. This fact, combined with uncertain near-term market and economic conditions, reduced the Company’s ability to rely on projections of future taxable income in assessing the realizability of its deferred tax assets.

After a review of the four sources of taxable income as of March 31, 2013 (as described above), the Company recognized increases in the valuation allowance primarily related to its U.S.-based deferred tax amounts, resulting from carryforward net operating losses, and Canadian-based deferred tax amounts, resulting from research and development tax credits, generated during the three months ended March 31, 2013. These deferred tax benefits, combined with a corresponding charge to income tax expense related to an increased valuation allowance of $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, resulted in an insignificant effective income tax rate. The Company’s valuation allowance was $68.3 million on net deferred tax assets of $68.9 million at March 31, 2013. The net unreserved portion of the Company’s remaining deferred tax assets at March 31, 2013 primarily related to research and development tax credits associated with the Company’s Canadian subsidiary.

 

17


For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded an income tax benefit, including discrete items, of $83,000. This amount varies from the income tax benefit that would be computed at the U.S. statutory rate resulting from its operating loss during the period primarily due to the aforementioned offsetting increase in the Company’s deferred tax assets valuation allowance.

The Company follows the accounting guidance related to financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes the impact of an uncertain income tax position on an income tax return at the largest amount that is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $198,000 and $367,000, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company included $169,000 of interest benefit related to uncertain tax positions in its condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company expects to release $71,000 of its liability for unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations applicable to the 2008 taxable year.

The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with various statutes of limitations. The California Franchise Tax Board is currently conducting an examination of the Company’s California income tax returns for 2006 and 2007. The Company is also subject to various Federal income tax examinations for the 2003 through 2010 calendar years due to the availability of net operating loss carryforwards. The Company believes appropriate provisions for all outstanding issues have been made for all jurisdictions and all open years. However, because audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty, the Company’s current estimate of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease for all open years.

 

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

The following information should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in Item 1 of this report, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Overview and Background

We are a provider of intelligent wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Our broad range of products principally includes intelligent mobile hotspots, USB modems, embedded modules for machine-to-machine (M2M) and mobile computing OEMs, integrated asset-management M2M devices, and communications and applications software.

Our products currently operate on every major cellular wireless technology platform. Our mobile hotspots, embedded modules, and modems provide subscribers with secure and convenient high-speed access to corporate, public and personal information through the Internet and enterprise networks. Our M2M products enable devices to communicate with each other and with server or cloud-based application infrastructure.

Our mobile-hotspot and modem customer base is comprised of wireless operators, including AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless; laptop PC and other original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, including Dell and Hewlett-Packard; as well as distributors and various companies in other vertical markets. Our M2M customer base is comprised of transportation companies, industrial companies, manufacturers of medical devices and geographical-location devices, providers of security systems, application service providers and distributors. We have strategic relationships with several of these customers for technology development and marketing.

We sell our wireless broadband solutions primarily to wireless operators either directly or through strategic relationships, as well as to OEM partners and distributors located worldwide. Most of our mobile-computing product sales to wireless operators and OEM partners are sold directly by our sales force, or to a lesser degree, through distributors. We sell our M2M solutions primarily to enterprises in the following industries: transportation; energy and industrial automation; security and safety; and medical monitoring. We sell our M2M solutions through our direct sales force and through distributors.

We intend to continue to identify and respond to our customers’ needs by introducing new product designs with an emphasis on supporting cutting edge wide area network, or WAN, technology, ease-of-use, performance, size, weight, cost and power consumption. We manage our products through a structured life cycle process, from identifying initial customer requirements through development and commercial introduction to eventual phase-out. During product development, emphasis is placed on innovation, time-to-market, performance, meeting industry standards and customer product specifications, ease of integration, cost reduction, manufacturability, quality and reliability.

 

18


The hardware used in our solutions is produced by contract manufacturers. Their services include component procurement, assembly, testing, quality control, and fulfillment. We have agreements with Inventec Appliances Corporation, or IAC; Hon Hai Precision Industry co., LTD; and Benchmark Electronics for the outsourced manufacturing of our products. Under our manufacturing agreements, contract manufacturers provide us with services including component procurement, product manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control, and fulfillment. In addition, we have an agreement with Mobiltron for certain distribution, fulfillment and repair services related to our business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, or EMEA.

Factors Which May Influence Future Results of Operations

Net Revenues. We believe that our future net revenues will be influenced largely by the speed and breadth of the demand for wireless access to data through the use of next generation networks including demand for 3G and 4G products, 3G and 4G data access services, particularly in North America, Europe and Asia; customer acceptance for our new products that address these markets, including our MiFi line of Intelligent Mobile Hotspots; and our ability to meet customer demand. Factors that could potentially affect customer demand for our products include the following:

 

   

economic environment and related market conditions;

 

   

increased competition from other wireless data modem suppliers as well as suppliers of emerging devices that contain a wireless data access feature;

 

   

demand for broadband access services and networks;

 

   

rate of change to new products;

 

   

timing of deployment of 4G networks by wireless operators;

 

   

decreased demand for EV-DO and HSPA products; and

 

   

changes in technologies.

We anticipate introducing additional products during the next twelve months, including 4G broadband-access products, M2M solutions and software applications and platforms. We continue to develop and maintain strategic relationships with wireless and computing industry leaders like QUALCOMM, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Texas Instruments, and major software vendors. Through strategic relationships, we have been able to increase market penetration by leveraging the resources of our channel partners, including their access to distribution resources, increased sales opportunities and market opportunities.

As a result of the extremely competitive market for wireless devices, we have experienced significant downward pressure on the average selling prices of our products. This pressure has the potential to materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition in future periods and we cannot predict the magnitude or timing of future reductions in the average selling prices of our products.

Cost of Net Revenues. All costs associated with our contract manufacturers, as well as distribution, fulfillment and repair services are included in our cost of net revenues. Cost of net revenues also includes warranty costs, amortization of intangible assets, royalties, operations overhead, costs associated with the Company’s cancellation of purchase orders, costs related to outside services and costs related to inventory adjustments, including write downs for excess and obsolete inventory. Inventory adjustments are impacted primarily by demand for our products, which is influenced by the factors discussed above.

Operating Costs and Expenses. Many of our products target wireless operators and other customers in North America, Europe, and Asia. We will likely develop new products to serve these markets, resulting in increased research and development expenses. We have incurred these expenses in the past and expect to continue to incur these expenses in future periods prior to recognizing net revenues from sales of these products.

Our operating costs consist of four primary categories: research and development costs; sales and marketing; general and administrative costs; and amortization of purchased intangibles.

Research and development are at the core of our ability to produce innovative, leading-edge products. This category consists primarily of engineers and technicians who design and test our highly complex products. As we work to expand our portfolio of products and remain competitive, it may be necessary to increase our research and development costs in the future.

Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of our sales force and product-marketing professionals. In order to maintain strong sales relationships, we provide co-marketing, trade show support, product training and demo units for merchandising. We are also engaged in a wide variety of activities, such as awareness and lead generation programs as well as product marketing. Other marketing initiatives include public relations, seminars and co-branding with partners.

 

19


General and administrative expenses include primarily corporate functions such as accounting, human resources, professional legal fees, administrative support, and professional fees. This category also includes the expenses needed to operate as a publicly-traded company, including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, SEC filings, stock-exchange fees, and investor-relations expense. Although general and administrative expenses have been relatively stable and are not directly related to revenue levels, certain expenses such as litigation settlements, legal expenses, and provisions for bad debts may impact future general and administrative expenses.

Amortization of purchased intangibles includes the amortization of customer relationships, covenant-not-to-compete agreements and trade name intangible assets purchased through the acquisition of Enfora.

We also subject our intangible assets and goodwill to impairment assessments when required which can result in charges when impairment occurs.

As part of our business strategy, we review, and intend to continue to review, acquisition opportunities that we believe would be advantageous or complementary to the development of our business. If we make any acquisitions, we may incur substantial expenditures in conjunction with the acquisition process and the subsequent assimilation of any acquired business, products, technologies or personnel.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Critical accounting policies and significant estimates include revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, valuation of intangible and long-lived assets, valuation of goodwill, litigation, provision for warranty costs, income taxes, and share-based compensation expense.

Valuation of Intangible and Long-Lived Assets. We periodically assess the valuation of intangible and long-lived assets, which requires us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the carrying value of these assets. We consider assets to be impaired if the carrying value may not be recoverable based upon our assessment of the following events or changes in circumstances: the asset’s ability to continue to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods; loss of legal ownership or title to the asset; significant changes in our strategic business objectives and utilization of the asset; or significant negative industry or economic trends.

Our assessment includes comparing the carrying amounts of intangible and long-lived assets to their associated undiscounted expected future cash flows, which are determined using an expected cash flow model. This model requires estimates of our future revenues, profits, capital expenditures, working capital and other relevant factors. We estimate these amounts by evaluating our historical trends, current budgets, operating plans and other industry data. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment charge recognized is the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.

The timing and frequency of our impairment test is based on an ongoing assessment of triggering events that could reduce the fair value of our long-lived assets below their carrying value. We monitor our intangible and long-lived asset balances and conduct formal tests on at least an annual basis or earlier when impairment indicators are present. We believe that the assumptions and estimates we used to value intangible and long-lived assets were appropriate based on the information available to management. The majority of our long-lived assets are being amortized or depreciated over two to ten years. As most of these assets are associated with technology or trade conditions that may change rapidly; such changes could have an immediate impact on our impairment analysis.

Goodwill. Our goodwill resulted from the acquisition of Enfora (M2M Products and Solutions) in the fourth quarter of 2010. In accordance with the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”), we review goodwill for impairment at least annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each year, and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. During the year ended December 31, 2012 impairment charges were recorded for the full remaining amount of goodwill resulting in a zero balance in goodwill at December 31, 2012.

 

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The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are consistent with those discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 in all material respects and in Note I to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. The critical accounting policies and the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are consistent with those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 in the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

Net revenues. Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $85.9 million, a decrease of $14.2 million or 14.2% compared to the same period in 2012.

The following table summarizes net revenues by reportable segment and net revenues by product categories during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013      2012  

Net revenues by reportable segment:

     

Mobile Computing Products

   $ 75,620       $ 90,878   

M2M Products and Solutions

     10,301         9,272   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 85,921       $ 100,150   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net revenues by product categories:

     

Mobile Broadband Devices

   $ 70,158       $ 85,616   

Embedded Solutions

     9,413         5,718   

Asset Management Solutions & Services

     6,350         8,816   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 85,921       $ 100,150   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mobile Computing Products. Net revenues from our Mobile Computing Products segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $75.6 million, a decrease of $15.3 million or 16.8% compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower sales of Mobile Broadband devices caused by increased market competition at our two largest customers.

M2M Products and Solutions. Net revenues from our M2M Products and Solutions segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $10.3 million, compared with $9.3 million for the same period last year. The increase is primarily due to increased sales of our recently launched HS3001 device to our largest M2M Products and Solutions customer.

Product Categories. We have categorized the combined product portfolios of the mobile computing and M2M businesses into three categories (1) Mobile Broadband Devices, (2) Embedded Solutions and (3) Asset Management Solutions and Services. These categories were established due to the different markets and sales channels served. We believe this product categorization facilitates the analysis of our operating trends and enhances our segment disclosures.

The Mobile Broadband Devices category includes all external data modems including MiFi intelligent hotspots, USB modems and PC cards. These devices are sold primarily through wireless operator enterprise and retail channels, telecom equipment distributors and consumer retail chains.

 

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Embedded Solutions products include wireless-broadband modules and related software and services sold to manufacturers of laptop computers, tablets, and other wireless computer devices. This product category also includes M2M modules sold to manufacturers of various asset tracking and monitoring products. Our products are sold directly to OEMs or through distributor channels.

Asset Management Solutions and Services are mobile intelligent wireless broadband terminal devices and communications management software, or CMS, that transmit information about the assets into which these products interface. These hardware and software products can be bundled or sold separately. The CMS software activates the terminal device onto the wireless network and manages its functionality and data received from the terminal device.

Cost of net revenues. Cost of net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $69.1 million, or 80.4% of net revenues, as compared to $79.2 million, or 79.0% of net revenues, for the same period in 2012. During the first quarter of 2013, the cost of net revenues as a percentage of net revenues increased due to higher warranty costs during the quarter, partially offset by lower quarter over quarter purchased intangible amortization expense decreasing to $84,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 as compared to $961,000 in the comparable quarter of 2012. The cost of net revenues as a percentage of revenues is expected to fluctuate in future quarters depending on revenue levels, the mix of products sold, competitive pricing, new product introduction costs and other factors.

Increased competitive pressures may continue to negatively impact the average sales prices of our products. This may require us in future periods to record inventory write downs to reflect lower of cost or market adjustments and revalue certain assets that may become impaired.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $16.8 million, or a gross margin of 19.6% of net revenues, compared to $21.0 million, or a gross margin of 21.0% of net revenues for the same period in 2012. The gross margin decrease was primarily attributable to the changes in net revenues and cost of net revenues as discussed above. We expect that our gross margin percentage will continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending on revenue levels, product mix, competitive selling prices, our ability to reduce product costs and changes in unit volumes.

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $13.8 million, or 16.1% of net revenues, compared to $15.8 million, or 15.8% of net revenues, for the same period in 2012. Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were lower as compared to the same period in 2012, due to reduced labor cost attributed to headcount reductions and lower outside service costs.

We believe that focused investments in research and development are critical to our future growth and competitive position in the marketplace and are directly related to timely development of new and enhanced products that are central to our core business strategy. As such, we expect to make further investments in research and development to remain competitive.

Research and development expenses as a percentage of net revenues are expected to fluctuate in future periods depending on the amount of revenue recognized, and potential variation in the costs associated with the development of our products, including the number and complexity of the products under development and the progress of the development activities with respect to those products. We may increase our investment in research and development to continue to provide innovative products and services.

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $5.8 million, or 6.7% of net revenues, compared to $7.7 million, or 7.7% of net revenues, for the same period in 2012. Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were lower as compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to a decrease in salaries and related expenditures.

While managing sales and marketing expenses relative to net revenues, we expect to continue to make selected investments in sales and marketing as we introduce new products, market existing products, expand our distribution channels and focus on key customers around the world.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $6.3 million, or 7.4% of net revenues, compared to $5.5 million, or 5.5% of net revenues, for the same period in 2012. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were higher as compared to the same period in 2012 primarily due to increased legal fees, partially offset by reduced labor cost attributed to headcount reductions. While we are closely monitoring and working to control general and administrative costs, we expect these costs to be negatively impacted by legal fees to defend the claims described in Note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. During the first quarter periods in 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred $2.3 million and $1.1 million in legal expenses, respectively. The increase in legal expenses is primarily due to external legal fees related to litigation and resulting settlement agreements reached during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The settlement amounts were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012.

 

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Goodwill and intangible assets impairments. No impairments were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013. During the first quarter of 2012, based on actual operating results, and reductions in management’s estimates of forecasted operating results of the M2M products and solutions reporting unit principally due to an updated view of competitive pressures impacting average selling prices, customer product and technology selections, and the loss of certain customers, the Company determined there were sufficient indicators of impairment present to require an interim impairment analysis. Based on the fair value tests performed, the Company recorded a pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $6.6 million and a purchased intangible asset charge of $22.8 million during the first quarter of 2012.

Amortization of purchased intangible assets. The amortization of purchased intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $140,000, compared to $437,000 for the same period 2012. The decrease in amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was caused by the lower net asset value of the intangible assets resulting from impairment charges recorded during 2012.

Interest income, net. Interest income, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $57,000 as compared to $83,000 for the same period in 2012. The weighted-average interest rate earned by the Company on its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities was 0.40% and 0.40% in the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $77,000 of expense as compared to income of $7,000 for the same period in 2012.

Income tax expense (benefit). Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $83,000, as compared to $184,000 of expense for the same period in 2012.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is different than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to a valuation allowance recorded against additional tax assets generated in the first quarter of 2013.

Net loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we reported a net loss of $9.1 million, as compared to a net loss of $37.9 million for the same period in 2012. The improvement in net loss primarily resulted from no impairment being recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013. During the same period in 2012, we recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $6.6 million and a purchased intangible asset impairment charge of $22.8 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and cash generated from operations.

To address short term liquidity requirements resulting from working capital changes the Company entered into a margin credit facility with a bank in 2011. The use of this margin credit facility allows the Company to meet short-term cash requirements and avoid selling cash equivalents and marketable securities. Borrowings under this facility are collateralized by Company cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities on deposit at the bank. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company borrowed approximately $7.0 million, and had outstanding borrowings of $4.8 million under this facility at March 31, 2013. Under the terms of the credit facility, the bank may liquidate any of the Company’s cash equivalents or marketable securities held at any time in order to recoup the outstanding balance of the facility. Accordingly, a like amount of cash equivalents and marketable equity securities have been classified by the Company as restricted cash and restricted marketable securities on the balance sheet at March 31, 2013. At March 31, 2013 the Company had restricted cash of $661,000 and restricted marketable securities of $4.2 million related to the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility. The Company’s borrowing limit at March 31, 2013 under the credit facility was $5.9 million.

In September 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, that will allow us to sell up to $125 million of equity, debt or other securities described in the registration statement in one or more offerings by us from time to time. As set forth in the shelf registration statement, the net proceeds from the sale of our securities may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions. As of the date of this report, we had not issued any securities under this registration statement.

 

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Working Capital, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The following table presents working capital, cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities (in thousands):

 

     March  31,
2013
(unaudited)
     December  31,
2012
 
     
     

Working capital(1)

   $ 51,282       $ 67,199   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents (2)(3)

   $ 18,272       $ 16,044   

Short-term marketable securities (2)(4)

     25,834         38,064   

Long-term marketable securities

     9,862         1,201   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities

   $ 53,968       $ 55,309   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Working capital is defined as the excess of current assets over current liabilities.
(2) Included in working capital.
(3) Excludes restricted cash.
(4) Excludes restricted marketable securities.

Our working capital decreased $15.9 million from December 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013. The decrease was primarily due to investment of short-term marketable securities maturities into long-term marketable securities.

As of March 31, 2013, cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities decreased by $1.3 million from December 31, 2012. The principal components of this net decrease was the cash used to pay for acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $2.9 million, partially offset by cash provided by our operating activities of $1.9 million.

 

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Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2013     2012  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 1,883      $ (18,223

Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,447     (6,841

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     3,857        (240

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (65     15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     2,228        (25,289

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     16,044        47,069   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 18,272      $ 21,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to net cash used by operating activities of $18.2 million for the same period in 2012. Net cash provided for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was attributable to net losses in the period, offset by a net increase in cash caused by changes in working capital accounts, and non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization and share based compensation expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, net cash used by operating activities was primarily related to net losses for the period, along with decreases in cash caused by a reduction in accounts payable, and increases in accounts receivable, inventories, and prepaid and other assets. These were partially offset by non-cash charges for impairments of goodwill and intangibles, depreciation and amortization, and share based compensation expense, and an increase in accrued expenses.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $3.5 million compared to $6.8 million used during the same period in 2012. Cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was related to purchases of property, plant, and equipment for approximately $2.9 million, and net purchases of marketable securities of $595,000. Cash used in investing activities during the same period in 2012 was primarily related to net purchases of marketable securities of $5.7 million, and purchases of property, plant, and equipment for approximately $1.2 million.

Financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $3.9 million compared to cash used of $240,000 during the same period in 2012. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2013 was primarily related to proceeds received from borrowing on our margin credit facility, partially offset by principal repayments and restricted cash on our margin credit facility borrowings, and payroll taxes paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units which vested during the period. Net cash used in financing activities in 2012 was primarily related to payroll taxes paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units which vested during the period and principal payments for capital lease obligations.

Other Liquidity Needs

We expect to incur ongoing professional fees and expenses to defend litigation filed against us or related to our products, which litigation is discussed in Note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. These costs cannot be estimated at this time.

During the next twelve months, we currently plan to incur approximately $5.0 million for discretionary capital expenditures, including the acquisition of additional software licenses.

We believe our cash resources from cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, together with anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs for the next twelve months.

Our liquidity could be impaired if there is any interruption in our business operations, a material failure to satisfy our contractual commitments or a failure to generate revenue from new or existing products.

 

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We may raise additional funds to accelerate development of new and existing services and products, to respond to competitive pressures or to acquire complementary products, businesses or technologies. There can be no assurance that any required additional financing will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If additional funds are raised by the issuance of equity securities, our shareholders could experience dilution of their ownership interests and securities issued may have rights senior to those of the holders of our common stock. If additional funds are raised by the issuance of debt securities, we may be subject to certain limitations on our operations. If adequate funds are not available or not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to take advantage of acquisition opportunities, develop or enhance products or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Item  3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market risk is the risk of potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The major components of market risk affecting us are interest rate risk, global credit risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Since December 31, 2012, there have been no material changes in the quantitative or qualitative aspect of our market risk profile. For additional information regarding the Company’s exposure to certain market risks, see Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Item  4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that 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 that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2013, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, during the three months ended March 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item  1. Legal Proceedings.

In Backe v. Novatel Wireless, Inc. et al., United States District Court for the Southern District of California (San Diego), Case No. 3:08-cv-01689-AJB-RBB (consolidated with Case No. 3:08-cv-01714-H-RBB (U.S.D.C., S.D. Cal.)), the court, on May 1, 2013, set the final pretrial conference for October 3, 2013 and a trial date of January 6, 2014.

For additional information regarding these matters, see Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Item  1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

Item  3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

 

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Item  4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

 

Item  5. Other Information.

Not applicable

 

Item  6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

31.1    Certification of our Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of our Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of our Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of our Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101    The following financial statements and footnotes from the Novatel Wireless, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

Date: May 9, 2013     Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    By:  

/S/    PETER LEPARULO        

      Peter Leparulo
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    By:  

/S/     KENNETH LEDDON        

      Kenneth Leddon
      Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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