TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORP - Quarter Report: 2016 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2016

For the transition period from __________________ to __________________

Commission File Number: 001-34816

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:     (978) 287-5100

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x 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. (Check one):

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date. 1,839,877 shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, outstanding as of February 3, 2017.

INDEX

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

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

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

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

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Technical Communications Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary (collectively the “Company” or “TCC”) include all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented and in order to make the financial statements not misleading. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017.

Certain footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted as allowed by Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2016 as filed with the SEC.

We follow accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, commonly referred to as the FASB. The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) that we follow to ensure we consistently report our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification^TM - sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC.

It is anticipated that cash from operations will fund our near-term research and development and marketing activities at least through the end of calendar 2017. We also believe that in the long term, based on current billable activities, cash from operations will be sufficient to meet the development goals of the Company, although we can give no assurances. Any increase in development activities - either billable or new product related - will require additional resources, which we may not be able to fund through cash from operations. We plan to continue to closely monitor operating expenses and will continue to make strategic reductions as appropriate. In circumstances where resources may be insufficient, the Company will look to other sources of financing, including debt and/or equity investments, although we can give no assurances that the Company will be successful in obtaining such financing.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these unaudited consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.

On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including but not limited to those related to revenue recognition, inventory reserves, receivable reserves, marketable securities, impairment of long-lived assets, income taxes, fair value of financial instruments and stock-based compensation. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other factors 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. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont’d)

The accounting policies that management believes are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:

Revenue Recognition

Product revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable, delivery of the product and passage of title to the customer has occurred and we have determined that collection of the fee is probable. Title to the product generally passes upon shipment of the product, as the products are shipped freight on board shipping point, except for certain foreign shipments for which title passes upon entry of the product into the first port in the buyer’s country. If the product requires installation to be performed by TCC, or other acceptance criteria exist, all revenue related to the product is deferred and recognized upon completion of the installation or satisfaction of the customer acceptance criteria. We provide for a warranty reserve at the time the product revenue is recognized.

We perform funded research and development and technology development for commercial companies and government agencies under both cost reimbursement and fixed-price contracts. Cost reimbursement contracts provide for the reimbursement of allowable costs and, in some situations, the payment of a fee. These contracts may contain incentive clauses providing for increases or decreases in the fee depending on how actual costs compare with a budget. Revenue from cost reimbursement contracts is recognized as services are performed. On fixed-price contracts that are expected to exceed one year in duration, revenue is recognized pursuant to the proportional performance method based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs for the contract. In each type of contract, we receive periodic progress payments or payments upon reaching interim milestones, and we retain the rights to the intellectual property developed in government contracts. All payments to TCC for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. government are subject to audit and adjustment by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Adjustments are recognized in the period made. There have been no government audits in recent years and the Company believes the result of such audits, should they occur, would not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations. When current estimates of total contract revenue and contract costs for a product development contract indicate a loss, a provision for the entire loss on the contract is recorded. Any losses incurred in performing funded research and development projects are recognized as funded research and development expenses.

Cost of product revenue includes material, labor and overhead. Costs incurred in connection with funded research and development are included in cost of sales. Product development costs are charged to billable engineering services, bid and proposal efforts or business development activities, as appropriate. Product development costs charged to billable projects are recorded as cost of sales; engineering costs charged to bid and proposal efforts are recorded as selling expenses; and product development costs charged to business development activities are recorded as marketing expenses. Product development costs consist primarily of costs associated with personnel, outside contractor and engineering services, supplies and materials.

Inventories

We value our inventory at the lower of actual cost (based on the first-in, first-out method) to purchase and/or manufacture or the current estimated market value (based on the estimated selling prices, less the cost to sell) of the inventory. We periodically review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and/or obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand, as well as historical usage. The Company evaluates the carrying value of inventory on a quarterly basis to determine if the carrying value is recoverable at estimated selling prices. To the extent that estimated selling prices are less than the associated carrying values, inventory carrying values are written down. In addition, the Company makes judgments as to future demand requirements and compares those with the current or committed inventory levels. Reserves are established for inventory levels that exceed future demand. It is possible that additional reserves above those already established may be required in the future if market conditions for our products should deteriorate.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont’d)

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts is based primarily on a specific analysis of accounts in the receivable portfolio and historical write-off experience. While management believes no allowance is needed, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required, which would reduce net income. In addition, if the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific write-off is recorded in that amount.

Accounting for Income Taxes

The preparation of our unaudited consolidated financial statements requires us to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including those outside the United States, which may subject the Company to certain risks that ordinarily would not be expected in the United States. The income tax accounting process involves estimating our actual current exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items, such as inventory obsolescence and stock-based compensation, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. We must then record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets of approximately $4.1 million due to uncertainties related to our ability to realize these assets. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to adjust our valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.

The Company follows FASB ASC 740-10 relative to uncertain tax positions. This standard provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in the financial statements. Uncertain tax positions must meet a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements.

Due to the nature of our current operations in foreign countries (selling products into these countries with the assistance of local representatives), the Company has not been subject to any foreign taxes in recent years, and it is not anticipated that we will be subject to foreign taxes in the near future.

Fair Value Measurements

In determining fair value measurements, the Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The topic provides a consistent definition of fair value which focuses on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The topic also prioritizes, within the measurement of fair value, the use of market-based information over entity-specific information and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based on the nature of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. At December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, marketable securities, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont’d)

The three-level hierarchy is as follows:

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment.

The Company’s held to maturity securities are comprised of investments in municipal bonds. These securities represent ownership in individual bonds issued by municipalities within the United States. The value of these securities is disclosed in Note 6. The Company also holds money market mutual funds in a brokerage account, which are classified as cash equivalents and measured at fair value. The fair value of these investments is based on quoted prices from recognized pricing services (e.g. Standard & Poor’s, Bloomberg, etc.) or, in the case of money market mutual funds, at their closing published net asset value.

The Company assesses the levels of the investments at each measurement date, and transfers between levels are recognized on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy regarding the recognition of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. During the three month period ended December 31, 2016 and the year ended October 1, 2016, there were no transfers between levels.

As of December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, the Company did not hold any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis classified as Level 2 or Level 3. At December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, the Level 1 assets measured at fair value consisted of money market funds valued at $ 977,265 and $978,746, respectively.

There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2016 or October 1, 2016.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. The expense is recognized over the participant’s requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the award. The related excess tax benefit received upon the exercise of stock options, if any, is reflected in the Company’s statement of cash flows as a financing activity. There were no excess tax benefits recorded during the three month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model as the method for determining the estimated fair value of its stock awards. The Black-Scholes method of valuation requires several assumptions: (1) the expected term of the stock award, (2) the expected future stock price volatility over the expected term, (3) a risk-free interest rate and (4) the expected dividend rate. The expected term represents the expected period of time the Company believes the options will be outstanding based on historical information.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont’d)

Estimates of expected future stock price volatility are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock, and the risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Note rate. The Company utilizes a forfeiture rate based on an analysis of its actual experience. The forfeiture rate is not material to the calculation of share-based compensation.

There were no options granted during the three month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation costs included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016:

As of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, there was $43,006 and $34,390, respectively, of unrecognized compensation expense related to options outstanding. The unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining requisite service period. As of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the weighted average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized is 3.8 and 4.2 years, respectively.

The Technical Communications Corporation 2005 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan and 2010 Equity Incentive Plan were outstanding at December 31, 2016. There are an aggregate of 400,000 shares authorized for issuance under these plans, of which options to purchase 242,181 shares were outstanding at December 31, 2016. Vesting periods are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and typically range between zero and five years. Options under these plans are granted with an exercise price equal to fair market value at time of grant and have a term of ten years from the date of grant.

As of December 31, 2016, there were 47,719 shares available for grant under the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan. On May 5, 2015 the 2005 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan expired and options are no longer available for grant under such plan.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont’d)

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the first three months of fiscal 2017:

Information related to the stock options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 is as follows:

The aggregate intrinsic value of the Company’s “in-the-money” outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $0. Nonvested stock options are subject to the risk of forfeiture until the fulfillment of specified conditions.

Inventories consisted of the following:

The Company has not recorded an income tax benefit on its net loss for the three month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 due to its uncertain realizability. During previous fiscal years, the Company recorded a valuation allowance for the full amount of its net deferred tax assets since it could not predict the realization of these assets.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont’d)

Outstanding potentially dilutive stock options which were not included in the net loss per share amounts as their effect would have been anti-dilutive were as follows: 242,181 shares at December 31, 2016 and 243,981 shares at January 2, 2016.

During the three months ended December 31, 2016, the Company had two customers that represented 96% (84% and 12%, respectively) of net sales as compared to the three months ended January 2, 2016, during which two customers represented 87% (47% and 40%, respectively) of net sales.

A breakdown of foreign and domestic net sales for first quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

The Company sold products into three countries during the three month period ended December 31, 2016 and two countries during the three month period ended January 2, 2016. A sale is attributed to a foreign country based on the location of the contracting party. Domestic revenue may include the sale of products shipped through domestic resellers or manufacturers to international destinations. The table below summarizes our foreign revenues by country as a percentage of total foreign revenue for the first quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016.

A summary of foreign revenue, as a percentage of total foreign revenue by geographic area, for the first quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are invested in money market mutual funds. Money market mutual funds held in a brokerage account are considered available for sale. The Company accounts for marketable securities in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. All marketable securities must be classified as one of the following: held to maturity, available for sale, or trading. The Company classifies its marketable securities as either available for sale or held to maturity.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cont’d)

Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in stockholders’ equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Held to maturity securities are carried at amortized cost. The cost of securities sold is determined based on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, are included in investment income.

As of December 31, 2016, available for sale securities consisted of the following:

As of December 31, 2016, held to maturity securities consisted of the following:

As of October 1, 2016, available for sale securities consisted of the following:

As of October 1, 2016, held to maturity securities consisted of the following:

The contractual maturities of held to maturity investments as of December 31, 2016 were as follows:

The Company’s available for sale securities were included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016.

On October 30, 2014, the Company made an investment of $275,000 to purchase 11,000 shares of common stock of PulsedLight, Inc., an early stage start-up company located in Bend, Oregon. Our investment represented a 10.8% ownership stake in the company at the time of purchase and was accounted for utilizing the cost method of accounting. On January 12, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its shares in PulsedLight. The net proceeds to the Company after closing costs and certain liabilities amounted to $737,283, of which the Company received $661,466 at closing and of which $75,817 was deposited in an escrow account in accordance with the terms of the sale that required 10% of the proceeds to be held in escrow for one year. The escrow balance as of December 31, 2016 is included in other current assets within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein or as may otherwise be incorporated by reference herein that are not purely historical constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding anticipated operating results, future earnings, and the Company’s ability to achieve growth and profitability. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to the effect of foreign political unrest; domestic and foreign government policies and economic conditions; future changes in export laws or regulations; changes in technology; the ability to hire, retain and motivate technical, management and sales personnel; the risks associated with the technical feasibility and market acceptance of new products; changes in telecommunications protocols; the effects of changing costs, exchange rates and interest rates; and the Company's ability to secure adequate capital resources. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risks facing the Company, see the Company’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2016.

Overview

The Company designs, manufactures, markets and sells communications security equipment that utilizes various methods of encryption to protect the information being transmitted. Encryption is a technique for rendering information unintelligible, which information can then be reconstituted if the recipient possesses the right decryption “key”. The Company manufactures several standard secure communications products and also provides custom-designed, special-purpose secure communications products for both domestic and international customers. The Company’s products consist primarily of voice, data and facsimile encryptors. Revenue is generated principally from the sale of these products, which have traditionally been to foreign governments either through direct sale, pursuant to a U.S. government contract, or made as a sub-contractor to domestic corporations under contract with the U.S. government. We also sell these products to commercial entities and U.S. government agencies. We generate additional revenues from contract engineering services performed for certain government agencies, both domestic and foreign, and commercial entities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since October 1, 2016, nor have we adopted any accounting policy that has or will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  For further discussion of our accounting policies see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2016 as filed with the SEC.

Results of Operations

Three Months ended December 31, 2016 as compared to Three Months ended January 2, 2016

Net Sales

Net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 were $632,000, compared to $979,000 for the quarter ended January 2, 2016, a decrease of 35%. Sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 consisted of $532,000, or 84%, from domestic sources and $100,000, or 16%, from international customers as compared to the same period in fiscal 2016, during which sales consisted of $897,000, or 92%, from domestic sources and $82,000, or 8%, from international customers.

Foreign sales consisted of shipments to three countries during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and two countries during the quarter ended January 2, 2016. A sale is attributed to a foreign country based on the location of the contracting party. Domestic revenue may include the sale of products shipped through domestic resellers or manufacturers to international destinations. The table below summarizes our principal foreign sales by country during the first quarters of fiscal 2017 and 2016:

For the three months ended December 31, 2016, product sales revenue was derived primarily from shipments of our narrowband radio encryptors to a domestic customer for deployment into Afghanistan amounting to $531,000. The Company made shipments of our secure telephone and fax encryptor to an international customer in Jordan amounting to $78,000 during the quarter. We also sold our internet protocol encryptor to a customer in Taiwan amounting to $16,000.

For the three months ended January 2, 2016, we recorded revenue under an engineering services contract amounting to $390,000. Product sales revenue was derived primarily from shipments of our narrowband radio encryptors to a domestic contractor for deployment into Afghanistan amounting to $460,000 and our internet protocol encryptor to two international customers amounting to $44,000 during the quarter.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 was $443,000, compared to gross profit of $567,000 for the same period of fiscal 2016. Gross profit expressed as a percentage of sales was 70% for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 as compared to 58% for the same period in fiscal 2016, which increase was due to the lower margin engineering services sales in fiscal 2016.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 were $645,000, compared to $684,000 for the same quarter in fiscal 2016. This decrease of $39,000, or 6%, was attributable to a decrease in and general and administrative expenses of $53,000, which was partially offset by an increase in selling and marketing expenses of $14,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2016.

The decrease in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to decreases in personnel-related costs of $25,000, charitable contributions of $20,000 and other public company expenses of $15,000.

The increase in selling and marketing expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributable to an increase in product demonstration costs of $119,000 and product evaluation costs of $12,000. These increases were partially offset by decreases in commissions and outside sales and marketing agreements of $51,000, engineering sales support of $32,000, travel expenses of $7,000, marketing expenses of $7,000 and bank fees of $5,000 during the period.

Product Development Costs

Product development costs for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 were $494,000, compared to $304,000 for the quarter ended January 2, 2016. This increase of $190,000, or 63%, was attributable to a reduction in billable engineering services contracts during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 that resulted in increased product development costs of $201,000. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in personnel-related costs of $8,000 during the period.

Product development costs are charged to billable engineering services, bid and proposal efforts or business development activities, as appropriate. Product development costs charged to billable projects are recorded as cost of sales; engineering costs charged to bid and proposal efforts are recorded as selling expenses; and product development costs charged to business development activities are recorded as marketing expenses.

The Company actively sells its engineering services in support of funded research and development. The receipt of these orders is sporadic, although such programs can span over several months. In addition to these programs, the Company also invests in research and development to enhance its existing products or to develop new products, as it deems appropriate. There was approximately $390,000 of billable engineering services revenue generated during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and none in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Net Loss

The Company incurred a net loss of $695,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to a net loss of $418,000 for the same period of fiscal 2016. This increase in net loss is primarily attributable to a 15% increase in operating expenses and a 22% decrease in gross profit during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

The effects of inflation and changing costs have not had a significant impact on sales or earnings in recent years. As of December 31, 2016, none of the Company’s monetary assets or liabilities was subject to foreign exchange risks. The Company usually includes an inflation factor in its pricing when negotiating multi-year contracts with customers.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe that our overall financial condition remains strong. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at December 31, 2016 totaled $2,135,000 and we continue to have no long-term debt. It is anticipated that our cash balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our near-term research and development and marketing activities.

Cash Requirements

We believe that the combination of existing cash, cash equivalents, and highly liquid short-term investments, together with future cash to be generated by operations, will be sufficient to meet our ongoing operating and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future and at least through the end of calendar year 2017. We also believe that, in the long term, an anticipated improvement of business prospects, current billable activities and cash from operations will be sufficient to meet the Company’s investment in product development, although we can give no assurances. Delays in the timing of significant sales transactions with foreign governments, U.S. government agencies and other organizations may have a significant negative effect on the Company’s operations. Any increase in development activities - either billable or new product related - will require additional resources, which we may not be able to fund through cash from operations. The Company has some ability to mitigate this effect through cost-cutting measures. In circumstances where resources will be insufficient, the Company will look to other sources of financing, including debt and/or equity investments; however, we can provide no guarantees that we will be successful in securing such additional financing.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table presents our abbreviated cash flows for the three month periods ended (unaudited):

Operating Activities

The Company used approximately $137,000 more cash for operating activities in the first three months of fiscal 2017 compared to the same period in fiscal 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net loss, offset by an overall decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses during the three month period ended December 31, 2016.

Investing Activities

Cash provided by investing activities during the first three months of fiscal 2017 decreased by approximately $100,000 compared to the same period in fiscal 2016. This change is primarily attributable to the maturity of short-term investments in marketable securities during the first three months of 2016.

Company Facilities

On April 1, 2014, the Company entered into a new lease for its current facilities. This lease is for 22,800 square feet located at 100 Domino Drive, Concord, MA. The Company has been a tenant in this space since 1983. This is the Company’s only facility and houses all manufacturing, research and development, and corporate operations. The initial term of the lease is for five years through March 31, 2019 at an annual rate of $171,000. In addition the lease contains options to extend the lease for two and one half years through September 30, 2021 and another two and one half years through March 31, 2024 at an annual rate of $171,000. Rent expense for each of the three month periods ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016 was $43,000.

Backlog

Backlog at December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016 amounted to $2,000,000 and $313,000, respectively. The orders in backlog at December 31, 2016 are expected to ship over the next nine months depending on customer requirements and product availability.

Performance guaranties

Certain foreign customers require the Company to guarantee bid bonds and performance of products sold. These guaranties typically take the form of standby letters of credit. Guaranties are generally required in amounts of 5% to 10% of the purchase price and last in duration from three months to one year. At December 31, 2016 and October 1, 2016, the Company had three outstanding letters of credit in the amounts of $15,000, $12,000 and $1,000, which are secured by collateralized bank accounts totaling $28,000. These collateralized bank accounts represent cash which has restrictions on its use.

Research and development

Research and development efforts are undertaken by the Company primarily on its own initiative. In order to compete successfully, the Company must attract and retain qualified personnel, improve existing products and develop new products. No assurances can be given that the Company will be able to hire and train such technical management and sales personnel or successfully improve and develop its products.

During the three months ended December 31, 2016 and January 2, 2016, the Company spent $494,000 and $304,000, respectively, on internal product development. The Company also spent $217,000 on billable development efforts during the first three months of fiscal 2016. There were no billable development efforts during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company’s total product development costs during the first quarter of fiscal 2017 were 5% lower than the same period in fiscal 2016 but in line with its planned commitment to research and development, and reflected the costs of custom development, product capability enhancements and production readiness. It is expected that development expenses for fiscal 2017 will be consistent with fiscal 2016 levels.

It is anticipated that cash from operations will fund our near-term research and development and marketing activities through at least the end of calendar year 2017. We also believe that, in the long term, based on current billable activities, cash from operations will be sufficient to meet the development goals of the Company, although we can give no assurances. Any increase in development activities - either billable or new product related - will require additional resources, which we may not be able to fund through cash from operations. In circumstances where resources will be insufficient, the Company will look to other sources of financing, including debt and/or equity investments; however, we can provide no guarantees that we will be successful in securing such additional financing.

Other than those stated above, there are no plans for significant internal product development or material commitments for capital expenditures in fiscal 2017.

New Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, amended by ASU 2015-14 (Topic 606), ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-11 and ASU 2016-12

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards that would: (1) remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, (2) provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, (3) improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets, (4) provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements, and (5) simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance and is still considering whether it will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This guidance will become effective for TCC as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year.

ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

In August 2014, the FASB updated U.S. GAAP to eliminate a critical gap in existing standards regarding disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance clarifies the disclosures management must make in the organization’s financial statement footnotes when management has substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a “going concern.” The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance. The guidance applies to all companies and is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory

In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance with respect to inventory measurement. This ASU requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The provisions of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendment is required to be applied prospectively, and early adoption is permitted. This amendment is applicable for the Company beginning in the first quarter of our 2018 fiscal year and the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-02, Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance with respect to leases. This ASU requires entities to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessor and sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, and requires a modified retrospective adoption, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on our financial statements and related disclosure.

ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This guidance is applicable for the Company beginning in the first quarter of our 2018 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the method of adoption and the potential impact this standard will have on our financial statements and related disclosure.

Other recent accounting pronouncements were issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA and the SEC during the 2016 fiscal year and the first quarter of fiscal 2017 but such pronouncements are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Not applicable.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that review and evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures, as designed and implemented, are effective to ensure that such officers are provided with information relating to the Company required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. Other Information

There were no legal proceedings pending against or involving the Company or its subsidiary during the period covered by this quarterly report.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

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.