Table of Contents



 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

 

(Mark One)

x

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

 

OR

o

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: 001-31588

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 

 

 

 

 

MINNESOTA

41-0957999

 

 

(State or other jurisdiction of

(Federal Employer

 

 

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

10900 Red Circle Drive, Minnetonka, MN

55343

 

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 


 

(952) 996-1674

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

 

 

 

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   o

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   o

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer x Non-Accelerated Filer o Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
YES   o NO   x

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


 

 

 

 

 

Class

 

Name of Exchange
On Which Registered

 

Outstanding at May 1, 2012

Common Stock, par value

 

NASDAQ

 

8,510,429

$.05 per share

 

 

 

 






 

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

 

 

Part I.

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II.

Other Information

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

 

 

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COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31
2012

 

December 31
2011

 

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

19,475,485

 

$

22,515,710

 

Investments

 

 

18,307,407

 

 

18,635,601

 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $206,000 and $175,000, respectively

 

 

14,345,504

 

 

14,461,168

 

Inventories

 

 

27,111,734

 

 

25,986,003

 

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

3,969,699

 

 

3,893,003

 

Other current assets

 

 

878,075

 

 

999,863

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

3,421,569

 

 

3,455,047

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

87,509,473

 

 

89,946,395

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

 

14,097,633

 

 

14,019,019

 

OTHER ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

2,872,418

 

 

4,883,510

 

Goodwill

 

 

5,990,571

 

 

5,990,571

 

Prepaid pensions

 

 

1,072,748

 

 

905,552

 

Other assets

 

 

904,503

 

 

913,869

 

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS

 

 

10,840,240

 

 

12,693,502

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

112,447,346

 

$

116,658,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

465,320

 

$

427,345

 

Accounts payable

 

 

4,427,151

 

 

4,398,848

 

Accrued compensation and benefits

 

 

2,181,113

 

 

5,870,000

 

Accrued consideration

 

 

994,861

 

 

1,002,623

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

2,129,588

 

 

2,388,867

 

Dividends payable

 

 

1,402,331

 

 

1,299,963

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

11,600,364

 

 

15,387,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG TERM LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term compensation plans

 

 

327,958

 

 

283,075

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

413,960

 

 

405,673

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,499,025

 

 

1,476,969

 

Long term debt - mortgage payable

 

 

1,432,895

 

 

1,574,993

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

3,673,838

 

 

3,740,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Footnote 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share; 3,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.05 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 8,506,734 and 8,466,774 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

 

 

425,337

 

 

423,339

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

36,204,926

 

 

35,533,273

 

Retained earnings

 

 

60,149,314

 

 

61,466,342

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

393,567

 

 

107,606

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

97,173,144

 

 

97,530,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

112,447,346

 

$

116,658,916

 

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COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales from operations

 

$

24,243,922

 

$

31,022,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

 

14,295,294

 

 

17,694,313

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

9,818,182

 

 

9,187,210

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

24,113,476

 

 

26,881,523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

130,446

 

 

4,141,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income and (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment and other income (loss)

 

 

(20,698

)

 

79,422

 

Gain (loss) on sale of assets

 

 

20,572

 

 

(12,220

)

Interest and other expense

 

 

(36,759

)

 

(48,043

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

(36,885

)

 

19,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

93,561

 

 

4,160,438

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

38,483

 

 

1,602,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

55,078

 

 

2,557,838

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional minimum pension liability adjustments

 

 

135,892

 

 

(9,218

)

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

 

 

12,052

 

 

(15,328

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

138,017

 

 

68,057

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

285,961

 

 

43,511

 

Comprehensive net income

 

$

341,039

 

$

2,601,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share:

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share:

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Basic Shares Outstanding

 

 

8,473,774

 

 

8,425,003

 

Average Dilutive Shares Outstanding

 

 

8,510,345

 

 

8,469,845

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.15

 

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

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COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Retained
Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2011

 

 

8,466,774

 

$

423,339

 

$

35,533,273

 

$

61,466,342

 

$

107,606

 

$

97,530,560

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,078

 

 

 

 

 

55,078

 

Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

 

3,241

 

 

162

 

 

45,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,568

 

Issuance of common stock to Employee Stock Ownership Plan

 

 

36,145

 

 

1,806

 

 

506,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

508,198

 

Issuance of common stock under Executive Stock Plan

 

 

574

 

 

30

 

 

8,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,841

 

Share based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

111,044

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

111,044

 

Shareholder dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,372,106

)

 

 

 

 

(1,372,106

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

285,961

 

 

285,961

 

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2012

 

 

8,506,734

 

$

425,337

 

$

36,204,926

 

$

60,149,314

 

$

393,567

 

$

97,173,144

 

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

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COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

55,078

 

$

2,557,838

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

584,690

 

 

499,221

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

111,044

 

 

80,173

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

55,533

 

 

142,881

 

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

 

 

(20,572

)

 

12,220

 

Excess tax benefit from stock based payments

 

 

 

 

(7,280

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

 

148,107

 

 

(1,853,282

)

Inventories

 

 

(1,082,165

)

 

(482,030

)

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

(76,842

)

 

296,586

 

Other assets

 

 

132,159

 

 

(681,740

)

Accounts payable

 

 

9,451

 

 

(254,581

)

Accrued compensation and benefits

 

 

(3,136,397

)

 

(723,597

)

Other accrued expenses

 

 

(235,703

)

 

(115,352

)

Income taxes payable

 

 

8,287

 

 

887,609

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

 

(3,447,330

)

 

358,666

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(681,099

)

 

(443,602

)

Purchases of investments

 

 

(2,007,701

)

 

(7,125,746

)

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

 

 

(43,639

)

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets

 

 

74,372

 

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of investments

 

 

4,359,039

 

 

7,350,000

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

1,700,972

 

 

(219,348

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid

 

 

(1,269,737

)

 

(1,263,434

)

Mortgage principal payments

 

 

(104,123

)

 

(97,268

)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

 

54,409

 

 

45,511

 

Excess tax benefit from stock based payments

 

 

 

 

7,280

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(1,319,451

)

 

(1,307,911

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

 

 

25,584

 

 

6,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

(3,040,225

)

 

(1,162,393

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

 

22,515,710

 

 

16,787,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

 

$

19,475,485

 

$

15,625,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

62,934

 

$

275,522

 

Interest paid

 

 

35,822

 

 

46,290

 

Dividends declared not paid

 

 

1,355,294

 

 

1,264,122

 

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COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Communications Systems, Inc. (herein collectively called “CSI” or the “Company”) is a Minnesota corporation organized in 1969 which operates directly and through its subsidiaries located in the United States, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom and China. CSI is principally engaged through its Suttle business unit in the manufacture and sale of modular connecting and wiring devices for voice and data communications, digital subscriber line filters, and structured wiring systems and through its Transition Networks business unit in the manufacture of media and rate conversion products for telecommunications networks. CSI also provides through its JDL Technologies (“JDL”) business unit IT solutions including network design, computer infrastructure installations, IT service management, change management, network security and network operations services.

Financial Statement Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss), and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 have been prepared by Company management. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments except where noted) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows at March 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the periods then ended have been made.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. We recommend these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s December 31, 2011 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the periods ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the time of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Except to the extent updated or described below, the significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies, and are incorporated herein by reference.

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Cash Equivalents and Investments

For purposes of the condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had $19.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. Of this amount, $2.8 million was invested in short-term money market funds that are not considered to be bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or other government agency. These money market funds seek to preserve the value of the investment at $1.00 per share; however, it is possible to lose money investing in these funds.

The remainder of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents is deposited at banks. The FDIC insures deposits at banks up to $250,000 per account. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at large, well-established financial institutions and the Company believes any risk associated with uninsured balances is remote.

The Company had $21.2 million in investments, which consist of certificates of deposit that were purchased in the public markets and are classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2012. Of the $21.2 million in investments, $18.3 million mature in 12 months or less and are classified as current assets. Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses net of tax excluded from operations and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (See Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income below).

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s manufacturing operations (Suttle and Transition Networks) recognize revenue when the earnings process is complete, evidenced by persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized for domestic and international sales at the shipping point or delivery to customers, based on the related shipping terms. Risk of loss transfers at the point of shipment or delivery to customers, and the Company has no further obligation after this time. Sales are made directly to customers and through distributors. Payment terms for distributors are consistent with the terms of the Company’s direct customers. The Company records a provision for sales returns, sales incentives and warranty costs at the time of the sale based on historical experience and current trends.

JDL generally records revenue on hardware, software and related equipment sales and installation contracts when the revenue recognition criteria are met and products are installed and accepted by the customer. JDL records revenue on service contracts on a straight-line basis over the contract period, unless evidence suggests the revenue is earned in a different pattern. Each contract is individually reviewed to determine when the earnings process is complete.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31
2012

 

December 31
2011

 

Foreign currency translation

 

$

(199,580

)

$

(337,597

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments

 

 

9,419

 

 

(2,633

)

Minimum pension liability

 

 

583,728

 

 

447,836

 

 

 

$

393,567

 

$

107,606

 

NOTE 2 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) employees are able to acquire shares of common stock at 90% of the price at the end of each current quarterly plan term. The most recent term ended March 31, 2012. The ESPP is considered compensatory under current rules. At March 31, 2012, after giving effect to the shares issued as of that date, 63,172 shares remain available for purchase under the ESPP.

2011 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan

On March 28, 2011 the Board adopted and on May 19, 2011 the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2011 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (“2011 Incentive Plan”). The 2011 Incentive Plan authorizes incentive awards to officers, key employees and non-employee directors in the form of options (incentive and non-qualified), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units (“deferred stock”), performance cash units, and other awards in stock, cash, or a combination of stock and cash. Up to 1,000,000 shares of our Common Stock may be issued pursuant to awards under the 2011 Incentive Plan.

During the first quarter of 2012, stock options were awarded covering 92,223 shares to key executive employees, which options expire seven years from the date of award and vest 25% each year beginning one year after the date of award. The Company also granted deferred stock awards of 94,242 shares to key employees during the first quarter under the Company’s long term incentive plan for performance over the 2012 to 2014 period. The actual number of shares of deferred stock earned by the respective employees, if any, will be determined based on achievement against cumulative performance goals for the three years ending December 31, 2014 and the number of shares earned will be paid in the first quarter of 2015 to those key employees still with the Company at that time. The Company also granted deferred stock awards of up to 9,456 shares to executive employees that could be earned under the Company’s short-term incentive plan if actual revenue equaled or exceeded 150% of 2012 quarterly or annual revenue targets. The number of shares earned by the respective executive employees will be paid out no later than the first quarter of 2013.

At March 31, 2012, 789,306 shares remained available to be issued under the 2011 Incentive Plan.

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Stock Option Plan for Directors

Shares of common stock are reserved for issuance to non-employee directors under options granted by the Company prior to 2011 under its Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “Director Plan”). Under the Director Plan nonqualified stock options to acquire 3,000 shares of common stock were automatically granted to each non-employee director concurrent with annual meetings of shareholders in 2010 and earlier years, with the exercise price of options granted being the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the respective shareholder meetings. Options granted under the Director Plan expire 10 years from date of grant.

No options were granted under the Director Plan in 2011 or 2012. The Director Plan was amended as of May 19, 2011 to prohibit option grants in 2011 and future years to fulfill a commitment made by the Company in connection with seeking shareholder approval of the 2011 Incentive Plan at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that, if shareholder approval was received, it would amend the Director Plan to prohibit any future option awards under that plan.

1992 Stock Plan

Under the Company’s 1992 Stock Plan (“the Stock Plan”), shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to stock options, restricted stock or deferred stock grants to officers and key employees. Exercise prices of stock options under the Stock Plan cannot be less than fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Rules and conditions governing awards of stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, subject to certain limitations in the Stock Plan. When seeking approval of the 2011 Incentive Plan at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company committed to amending the Stock Plan to prohibit the issuance of future equity awards if such approval was given. Effective August 11, 2011, the amendment to prohibit future stock options or other equity awards was approved.

During 2011, prior to amending the Stock Plan to prohibit future awards, stock options were awarded covering 96,250 shares to key executive employees, which options expire seven years from the date of award and vest 25% each year beginning one year after the date of award.

During 2011, prior to amending the Stock Plan to prohibit future awards, key employees were granted deferred stock awards covering 16,092 shares tied to achievement against performance goals in 2010 under the Company’s long term incentive plan. To the extent earned, the deferred stock will be paid out in the first quarter of 2014 to key employees still employed by the Company at that time. The Company also granted deferred stock awards covering 77,588 shares to key employees under the Company’s long term incentive plan tied to achievement against performance over the 2011 to 2013 period. The actual number of shares of deferred stock earned by the respective employees, if any, will be determined based on achievement against cumulative performance goals for the three years ending December 31, 2013 and the number of shares earned will be paid in the first quarter of 2014 to those key employees still employed by the Company at that time. During 2011, the Company also granted deferred stock awards of up to 12,156 shares to executive employees that could be earned under the Company’s short-term incentive plan if actual revenue equaled or exceeded 150% of 2011 quarterly or annual revenue targets. The number of shares earned by the respective executive employees will be paid out no later than the first quarter of 2012.

At March 31, 2012, after reserving for stock options and deferred stock awards described in the two preceding paragraphs and adjusting for forfeitures and issuances during the year, there were 156,311 shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Plan. The Company did not award stock options or deferred stock under this plan in 2012.

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Changes in Stock Options Outstanding

The following table summarizes changes in the number of outstanding stock options under the 2011 Incentive Plan, the Director Plan and Stock Plan over the period December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted average
exercise price
per share

 

Weighted average
remaining
contractual term

 

Outstanding – December 31, 2011

 

 

236,820

 

$

11.35

 

 

5.18 years

 

Awarded

 

 

92,223

 

 

13.10

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled

 

 

(2,890

)

 

14.15

 

 

 

 

Outstanding – March 31, 2012

 

 

326,153

 

 

11.83

 

 

5.49 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2012

 

 

177,550

 

$

10.41

 

 

4.58 years

 

Expected to vest at March 31, 2012

 

 

323,405

 

 

11.81

 

 

5.48 years

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of all options (the amount by which the market price of the stock on the last day of the period exceeded the market price of the stock on the date of grant) outstanding at March 31, 2012 was $514,000. The intrinsic value of all options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $0. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of all stock options were $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Changes in Deferred Stock Outstanding

The following table summarizes the changes in the number of deferred stock shares under the Stock Plan and 2011 Incentive Plan over the period December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Outstanding – December 31, 2011

 

 

71,849

 

$

15.14

 

Granted

 

 

103,698

 

 

13.53

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled

 

 

(3,277

)

 

14.75

 

Outstanding – March 31, 2012

 

 

172,270

 

 

14.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense recognized for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was $111,000 before income taxes and $72,000 after income taxes. Share-based compensation expense recognized for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was $80,000 before income taxes and $52,000 after income taxes. Unrecognized compensation expense for the Company’s plans was $1,121,000 at March 31, 2012. Excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options included in financing cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $0 and $7,000, respectively. Share-based compensation expense is recorded as a part of selling, general and administrative expenses.

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NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES

Inventories summarized below are priced at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31
2012

 

December 31
2011

 

Finished goods

 

$

14,942,438

 

$

14,010,071

 

Raw and processed materials

 

 

12,169,296

 

 

11,975,932

 

    Total

 

$

27,111,734

 

$

25,986,003

 

NOTE 4 – ACQUISITION

On July 27, 2011, the Company acquired Patapsco Designs Limited of the UK (“Patapsco”). The purchase price totals $5,094,000, with cash acquired totaling $862,000. The purchase price includes initial consideration of $3,271,000, deferred consideration of $466,000 to be paid out no later than 18 months from the acquisition date, $656,000 in working capital adjustments, and $701,000 in contingent consideration. The Company has agreed to pay consideration up to $818,000 contingent upon the Patapsco business meeting gross margin and other non-financial targets, with the consideration to paid out no later than two years from the acquisition date. Although the maximum contingent consideration is $818,000, the Company has recognized $701,000 as the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration at the date of acquisition. This contingent consideration has been calculated based on the exchange rate at the date of acquisition and actual payments may differ based on fluctuations in the exchange rate between the dollar and the pound. At March 31, 2012, the Company had estimated liabilities of $995,000 related to outstanding consideration payments.

The assets and liabilities of Patapsco were recorded at their respective fair values in the consolidated balance sheet within the Transition Networks’ segment as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is based on the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and has been allocated as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 27, 2011

 

Current assets

 

$

2,052,149

 

Property, plant, and equipment

 

 

163,671

 

Intangible assets

 

 

801,488

 

Goodwill

 

 

2,702,340

 

Total assets

 

 

5,719,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

$

414,735

 

Long-term deferred tax liabilities

 

 

210,952

 

Total liabilities

 

 

625,687

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

 

$

5,093,961

 

Identifiable intangible assets are definite-lived assets. These assets include customer relationships, trademarks, and technology intangible assets, and have a weighted average amortization period of 8 years, which matches the weighted average useful life of the assets. Goodwill recorded as part of the purchase price allocation is not tax deductible.

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The estimated fair value of remaining contingent consideration as of March 31, 2012 was approximately $995,000, as noted above. The estimated fair value is considered a level 3 measurement because the probability weighted discounted cash flow methodology used to estimate fair value includes the use of significant unobservable inputs, primarily the contractual contingent consideration gross margin targets and assumed probabilities. There was not a significant change in either the estimated contingent consideration fair value or the fair value inputs during the first quarter of 2012. Any change in our estimated liability for contingent consideration will increase or decrease operating income in future periods.

NOTE 5 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is required to be evaluated for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests upon the occurrence of certain events or circumstances. A two-step process is performed to analyze whether or not goodwill has been impaired. Step one is to test for potential impairment, and requires that the fair value of the reporting unit be compared to its book value including goodwill. If the fair value is higher than the book value, no impairment is recognized. If the fair value is lower than the book value, a second step must be performed. The second step is to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, and requires that a hypothetical purchase price allocation be done to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. This fair value is then compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value is lower than the carrying value, an impairment adjustment must be recorded.

During our fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2011, based on greater than expected decline in actual and forecasted profitability of legacy products in our Suttle business unit, as well as, significant project delays that occurred related to Suttle’s new technologies, we concluded that that these events and circumstances were indicators to require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis of our Suttle business unit. This analysis included the determination of the reporting unit’s fair value primarily using discounted cash flows modeling. Based on the step one and step two analysis, considering Suttle’s reduced earnings and cash flow forecasts, the Company determined that Suttle’s goodwill was fully impaired and recorded a goodwill impairment for the Suttle segment of $1,272,000.

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The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2012 by segment is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suttle

 

Transition
Networks

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2011

 

$

1,271,986

 

$

3,288,231

 

$

4,560,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment loss

 

 

(1,271,986

)

 

 

 

 

(1,271,986

)

Acquisition

 

 

 

 

 

2,702,340

 

 

2,702,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

 

 

 

5,990,571

 

 

5,990,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2012

 

$

 

$

5,990,571

 

$

5,990,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross goodwill

 

$

1,271,986

 

$

5,990,571

 

$

7,262,557

 

Accumulated impairment loss

 

$

(1,271,986

)

 

 

 

 

(1,271,986

)

Balance at March 31, 2012

 

$

 

$

5,990,571

 

$

5,990,571

 

The Company’s identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are being amortized over their estimated useful lives and were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Foreign Currency
Translation

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

 

81,785

 

 

(7,613

)

 

(1,848

)

 

72,324

 

Customer relationships

 

 

490,707

 

 

(31,975

)

 

(11,088

)

 

447,644

 

Technology

 

 

228,996

 

 

(29,843

)

 

(5,174

)

 

193,979

 

 

 

 

801,488

 

 

(69,431

)

 

(18,110

)

 

713,947

 

Amortization expense on these identifiable intangible assets was $26,000 in 2012. The amortization expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

NOTE 6 – WARRANTY

We provide reserves for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. We estimate the costs of our warranty obligations based on our warranty policy or applicable contractual warranty, historical experience of known product failure rates, and use of materials and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product failures. Management reviews the estimated warranty liability on a quarterly basis to determine its adequacy. The actual warranty expense could differ from the estimates made by the Company based on product performance.

The following table presents the changes in the Company’s warranty liability for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the majority of which relates to a five-year obligation to provide for potential future liabilities for network equipment sales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Beginning Balance

 

$

634,000

 

$

616,000

 

Actual warranty costs paid

 

 

(97,000

)

 

(89,000

)

Amounts charged to expense

 

 

87,000

 

 

105,000

 

Ending balance

 

$

623,000

 

$

632,000

 

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NOTE 7 – CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to legal actions and claims and incurs costs to defend against these actions and claims. Company management is not aware of any outstanding or pending legal actions or claims that would materially affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES

In the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management calculates income taxes based upon the estimated effective rate applicable to operating results for the full fiscal year. This includes estimating the current tax liability as well as assessing differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and book accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are recorded on the balance sheet. These assets and liabilities are analyzed regularly and management assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income.

At March 31, 2012 there was $348,000 of net uncertain tax benefit positions that would reduce the effective income tax rate if recognized. The Company records interest and penalties related to income taxes as income tax expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The tax years 2008-2010 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the years 2007-2010 remain open to examination by various state tax departments. The tax years from 2008-2010 remain open in Costa Rica.

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 41.1% for the first three months of 2012. The effective tax rate differs from the federal tax rate of 35% due to state income taxes, foreign losses not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes, and provisions for interest charges. The foreign operating losses may ultimately be deductible in the countries which they have occurred; however the Company has not recorded a deferred tax asset for these losses due to uncertainty regarding the eventual realization of the benefit. The effect of the foreign operations is an overall rate decrease of approximately (2.23%) for the three months ended March 31, 2012. There were no additional uncertain tax positions identified in the first quarter of 2012. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was 38.5%, and differed from the federal tax rate due to state income taxes, foreign losses not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes, provisions for interest charges, and settlement of uncertain tax positions.

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NOTE 9 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company realigned its business operations. As a result of the realignment, the Company consolidated the Austin Taylor business unit within its Suttle operations. Following this realignment, the Company classifies its businesses into three segments as follows:

 

 

 

 

Suttle manufactures and sells U.S. standard modular connecting and wiring devices for voice and data communications, digital subscriber line filters, structured wiring systems, British standard telephone equipment and equipment enclosures for the U.K. and international markets;

 

Transition Networks designs and markets data transmission, computer network and media conversion products;

 

JDL Technologies, Inc. provides IT services including network design, computer infrastructure installations, IT service management, change management, network security and network operations services.

Our non-allocated corporate general and administrative expenses are categorized as “Other” in the Company’s segment reporting. Management has chosen to organize the enterprise and disclose reportable segments based on our products and services. There are no material inter-segment revenues. To conform to the 2012 presentation, the Company has reclassified 2011 segment information to present the Austin Taylor business unit within Suttle’s operations.

Information concerning the Company’s continuing operations in the various segments for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

SEGMENT INFORMATION - THREE MONTHS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suttle

 

Transition
Networks

 

JDL
Technologies

 

Other

 

Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

10,577,304

 

$

12,938,193

 

$

728,425

 

$

 

$

24,243,922

 

Cost of sales

 

 

7,675,962

 

 

6,128,836

 

 

490,496

 

 

 

$

14,295,294

 

Gross profit

 

 

2,901,342

 

 

6,809,357

 

 

237,929

 

 

 

 

9,948,628

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

2,368,441

 

$

5,622,237

 

 

584,968

 

 

1,242,536

 

$

9,818,182

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

532,901

 

$

1,187,120

 

$

(347,039

)

$

(1,242,536

)

$

130,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

244,025

 

$

241,436

 

$

27,091

 

$

72,138

 

$

584,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

402,899

 

$

82,451

 

$

10,096

 

$

185,653

 

$

681,099

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets at March 31, 2012

 

$

28,172,970

 

$

34,646,429

 

$

1,629,899

 

$

47,998,048

 

$

112,447,346

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suttle

 

Transition
Networks

 

JDL
Technologies

 

Other

 

Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

10,687,182

 

$

16,555,896

 

$

3,779,724

 

$

 

$

31,022,802

 

Cost of sales

 

 

7,962,718

 

 

7,579,227

 

 

2,152,368

 

 

 

 

17,694,313

 

Gross profit

 

 

2,724,464

 

 

8,976,669

 

 

1,627,356

 

 

 

 

13,328,489

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

2,120,191

 

 

5,332,393

 

 

512,820

 

 

1,221,806

 

 

9,187,210

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

604,273

 

$

3,644,276

 

$

1,114,536

 

$

(1,221,806

)

$

4,141,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

228,914

 

$

167,154

 

$

28,488

 

$

74,665

 

$

499,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

242,001

 

$

191,550

 

$

10,051

 

$

 

$

443,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets at March 31, 2011

 

$

23,157,153

 

$

32,125,732

 

$

3,668,604

 

$

51,366,484

 

$

110,317,973

 

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NOTE 10 – PENSIONS

The Company’s U.K. based subsidiary Austin Taylor maintains defined benefit pension plans that cover seven active employees. The Company does not provide any other post-retirement benefits to its employees. Components of net periodic benefit cost of the pension plans were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months Ended March 31

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Service cost

 

$

9,000

 

 

12,000

 

Interest cost

 

 

62,000

 

 

67,000

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(69,000

)

 

(63,000

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

12,000

 

 

 

 

 

$

14,000

 

$

16,000

 

NOTE 11 – NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted net income per common share takes into effect the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding. The Company’s only potential common shares outstanding are stock options and shares associated with the long-term incentive compensation plans, which resulted in a dilutive effect of 36,571 and 44,841 shares for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company calculates the dilutive effect of outstanding options using the treasury stock method. All options were included because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of common stock during the period and deferred stock awards totaling 149,470 shares were not included because of unmet performance conditions.

NOTE 12 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The accounting guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments and quoted prices in markets that are not active, and inputs that are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, such as treasury securities with pricing interpolated from recent trades of similar securities, or priced with models using highly observable inputs, such as commodity options priced using observable forward prices and volatilities.

Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing that have little or no observability as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation, such as the complex and subjective models and forecasts used to determine the fair value of financial instruments.

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Table of Contents


The Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, include money market funds within cash and cash equivalents of $2,817,000 and $830,000 classified as Level 1 within the hierarchy and certificate of deposits within investments of $21,180,000 and $23,519,000 classified as Level 2. The Company does not have any assets or liabilities classified as Level 3 within the hierarchy. There were no transfers between levels during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

NOTE 13 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing. We do not believe there are any material subsequent events which would require further disclosure.

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

Forward-looking statements

In this report and, from time to time, in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in other communications to shareholders or the investing public, the Company may make “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning possible or anticipated future financial performance, business activities, plans, pending claims, investigations or litigation which are typically preceded by the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends” or similar expressions. For these forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in federal securities laws. Shareholders and the investing public should understand that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance, activities, anticipated results, outcomes or plans to differ significantly from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

 

our ability to manufacture and deliver our products to customers in the time frame these customers have specified;

possible lower future sales to major telephone companies and other major customers;

the introduction of competitive products and technologies;

our ability to successfully reduce operating expenses at certain business units;

the general health of the telecom sector;

the continuing worldwide financial downturn and sluggish economic conditions in certain market segments;

our ability to successfully and profitability integrate our acquisitions, including our July 27, 2011 acquisition of Patapsco;

delays in new product introductions;

higher than expected expense related to new sales and marketing initiatives;

unfavorable resolution of claims and litigation;

availability of adequate supplies of raw materials and components;

fuel prices;

government funding of education technology spending; and

other factors discussed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including risk factors presented under Item 1A of the Company’s most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

Consolidated sales decreased 22% in 2012 to $24,244,000 compared to $31,023,000 in 2011. Consolidated operating income in 2012 decreased to $130,000 compared to $4,141,000 in the first quarter of 2011.

Net income in 2012 decreased to $55,000 compared to $2,558,000 in the first quarter of 2011.

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Suttle

The Company realigned its business operations effective January 1, 2012 and as a result, the Austin Taylor business unit is now included within Suttle’s operations. The Company has reclassified Austin Taylor’s 2011 operations to conform to this presentation. Suttle sales decreased 1% in the first quarter of 2012 to $10,577,000 compared to $10,687,000 in the same period of 2011 due to a decrease in DSL business to two large customers and decline in revenue in the European market. Sales by customer groups in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011 were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suttle Sales by Customer Group

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Major telephone companies

 

$

7,450,000

 

$

6,875,000

 

Distributors

 

 

1,428,000

 

 

1,149,000

 

International

 

 

1,511,000

 

 

2,418,000

 

Other

 

 

188,000

 

 

245,000

 

 

 

$

10,577,000

 

$

10,687,000

 

Suttle’s sales by product groups in first quarter of 2012 and 2011 were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suttle Sales by Product Group

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Modular connecting products

 

$

3,235,000

 

$

3,551,000

 

DSL products

 

 

1,904,000

 

 

2,959,000

 

Structured cabling products

 

 

4,041,000

 

 

2,918,000

 

Other products

 

 

1,397,000

 

 

1,259,000

 

 

 

$

10,577,000

 

$

10,687,000

 

Sales to the major telephone companies increased 8% in 2012 due to an increase in new multi-dwelling unit construction within the US housing market and revenue from multiple new product contracts. Sales to these customers accounted for 70% of Suttle’s sales in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 64% of sales in 2011. Sales to distributors increased 24% in 2012 due to stronger demand for structured cabling products to support the increase in multi-dwelling unit construction. This customer segment accounted for 13% and 11% of sales in the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively. International sales decreased 38% and accounted for 14% of Suttle’s first quarter 2012 sales, due to reduction in DSL sales to a large customer.

Modular connecting products sales have decreased 9% due to continued decline in the voice market. Sales of DSL products decreased 36% due to the maturation of the U.S. DSL market and the order cycle of major customers. Sales of structured cabling products increased 38% due to an increase in new multi-dwelling unit construction market.

Suttle’s gross margin increased 6% in the first quarter of 2012 to $2,901,000 compared to $2,724,000 in the same period of 2011. Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased to 27% in 2012 from 25% in 2011 due to product mix changes. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $248,000 or 12% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, due to one-time severance charges and increased spending in the Company’s technology development initiatives. Suttle’s operating income was $533,000 in the first quarter of 2012 compared to operating income of $604,000 in 2011.

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Transition Networks

Transition Networks sales decreased 22% to $12,938,000 in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $16,556,000 in 2011.

First quarter sales by region are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition Networks Sales by Region

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

North America

 

$

9,327,000

 

$

13,218,000

 

Europe, Middle East, Africa (“EMEA”)

 

 

1,728,000

 

 

1,832,000

 

Rest of world

 

 

1,883,000

 

 

1,506,000

 

 

 

$

12,938,000

 

$

16,556,000

 

The following table summarizes Transition Networks’ 2012 and 2011 first quarter sales by its major product groups:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition Networks Sales by Product Group

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Media converters

 

$

8,685,000

 

$

11,629,000

 

Ethernet switches

 

 

1,218,000

 

 

1,036,000

 

Ethernet adapters

 

 

1,207,000

 

 

2,296,000

 

Other products

 

 

1,828,000

 

 

1,595,000

 

 

 

$

12,938,000

 

$

16,556,000

 

Sales in North America decreased 29% or $3,891,000 related to the Federal Government due to the slow down in government purchases, which has resulted in project delays. This also caused the decrease in revenue from sales of media converters and Ethernet adapters. International sales increased $273,000, or 8%, due to increased project activity in the rest of world.

Gross margin on first quarter Transition Networks’ sales decreased 24% to $6,809,000 in 2012 from $8,977,000 in 2011. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased to 53% in 2012 as compared to 54% in 2011 due to larger contribution from project based sales, which have lower margins. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 5% to $5,622,000 in 2011 compared to $5,332,000 in 2011 due to additional administrative costs within the United Kingdom facility, as this business was acquired during the second half of 2011. Operating income decreased to $1,187,000 in 2012 compared to $3,644,000 in 2011.

JDL Technologies, Inc.

JDL Technologies, Inc. sales decreased 81% to $728,000 in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $3,780,000 in 2011.

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JDL’s revenues by customer group were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JDL Revenue by Customer Group

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Broward County FL schools

 

$

481,000

 

$

3,737,000

 

All other

 

 

247,000

 

 

43,000

 

 

 

$

728,000

 

$

3,780,000

 

Revenues earned in Broward County, Florida decreased $3,256,000 or 87% in the first quarter 2012. In the first quarter of 2010, the Company received significant funding for federal government contract work. This contract work was of a long-term nature, and the Company completed these contracts during the quarter ended September 30, 2011. All other revenues increased $204,000 due to JDL’s concentrated effort to expand its market focus.

JDL gross margin decreased 85% to $238,000 in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $1,627,000 in the same period in 2011. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased to 33% in 2012 from 43% in 2011 due to purchasing discounts and rebates the Company was able to take advantage of during the prior year quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 2012 to $585,000 compared to $513,000 in 2011 due to increased marketing expenses as JDL has expanded its market focus. JDL reported an operating loss of $347,000 in the first quarter of 2012 compared to operating income of $1,115,000 in the same period of 2011.

Other

The Company’s income before income taxes decreased to $94,000 in 2012 compared to $4,160,000 in 2011. The Company’s effective income tax rate was 41% in 2012 and 39% in 2011. This effective rate was higher than the standard rate of 35% due to state income taxes, foreign losses not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes, provisions for interest charges and settlement of uncertain income tax positions.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $40,655,000 in cash, cash equivalents and investments. Of this amount, $2,817,000 was invested in short-term money market funds that are not considered to be bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or other government agency. These money market funds seek to preserve the value of the investment at $1.00 per share; however, it is possible to lose money investing in these funds. The remainder in cash and cash equivalents is operating cash and certificates of deposit, which are fully insured through the FDIC. The Company has not experienced any losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents. The Company also had $21,180,000 in investments consisting of certificates of deposit that are traded on the open market and are classified as available-for-sale at March 31, 2012.

The Company had current assets of approximately $87,509,000 and current liabilities of $11,600,000 at March 31, 2012 compared to current assets of $89,946,000 and current liabilities of $15,388,000 at December 31, 2011.

Cash flow used in operating activities was approximately $3,414,000 in 2012 compared to $359,000 provided by operations in 2011. Significant working capital changes from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 included a decrease in accrued compensation and benefits of $3,136,000 related to the payment of the Company’s annual and long term compensation during the quarter.

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Investing activities provided $1,701,000 of cash in 2012 compared to cash used of $219,000 in 2011. This increase in cash provided in investing activities is due to sales of investments in excess of purchases during the quarter.

Net cash used by financing activities was $1,319,000 in 2012 compared to $1,308,000 in 2011. Cash dividends paid on common stock increased to $1,270,000 in 2012 ($0.16 per common share) from $1,263,000 in 2011 ($0.15 per common share). Proceeds from common stock issuances, principally shares sold to the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan and under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, totaled approximately $54,000 in 2012 and $46,000 in 2011. The Company purchased and retired no shares in 2012 and 2011. At March 31, 2012, Board of Director authority to purchase approximately 481,938 additional shares remained in effect.

The Company has a $10,000,000 line of credit from Wells Fargo Bank. Interest on borrowings on the credit line is at the LIBOR plus 1.1% (1.6% at March 31, 2012). There were no borrowings on the line of credit during the first three months of 2012 or 2011. The credit agreement expires October 31, 2013 and is secured by assets of the Company.

As part of the acquisition of the new Minnetonka headquarters building in July 2007, the Company assumed an outstanding mortgage of $4,380,000. The mortgage is payable in monthly installments and carries an interest rate of 6.83%. The mortgage matures on March 1, 2016. Mortgage payments on principal totaled $104,000 during 2012. The outstanding balance on the mortgage was $1,898,000 at March 31, 2012.

In the opinion of management, based on the Company’s current financial and operating position and projected future expenditures, sufficient funds are available to meet the Company’s anticipated operating and capital expenditure needs.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies, including the assumptions and judgments underlying them, are discussed in our 2011 Form 10-K in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. There were no significant changes to our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The Company’s accounting policies have been consistently applied in all material respects and disclose such matters as allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns, inventory valuation, warranty expense, income taxes, revenue recognition, asset and goodwill impairment recognition and foreign currency translation. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the result of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Results may differ from these estimates due to actual outcomes being different from those on which we based our assumptions. Management reviews these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

We do not believe there are any recently issued accounting standards that have not yet been adopted that would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

The Company has no freestanding or embedded derivatives. The Company’s policy is to not use freestanding derivatives and to not enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales.

The vast majority of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars; as such, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have historically not been material to the Company. At March 31, 2012 our bank line of credit carried a variable interest rate based on the LIBOR plus 1.1%. The Company’s investments are either money market type of investments that earn interest at prevailing market rates or certificates of deposits insured through the FDIC and as such do not have material risk exposure.

Based on the Company’s operations, in the opinion of management, no material future losses or exposure exist relative to market risk.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Not Applicable.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Not Applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

Not Applicable.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

 

 

 

The following exhibits are included herein:

 

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Exchange Act).

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Exchange Act).

 

32.

Certifications pursuant Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. §1350).

 

99.1

Press Release dated May 9, 2012 announcing 2012 First Quarter Results.

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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 thereto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communications Systems, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ William G. Schultz

 

 

 

 

William G. Schultz

Date:  

May 10, 2012

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David T. McGraw

 

 

 

 

David T. McGraw

Date:

May 10, 2012

 

Chief Financial Officer

26