UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A

 

(Amendment No. 1)

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2017

2018

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:001-35319

Steel Connect, Inc.

ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware04-2921333

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 170

Waltham, Massachusetts

02451
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(781)663-5001

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

 

Title of each class:Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes      No  

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of RegulationS-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form10-K or any amendment to this Form10-K.    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company
 Emerging growth company

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Act).    Yes      No  

The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held bynon-affiliates of the Registrant computed with reference to the price at which the common stock was last sold as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $63,711,482.$81,962,522.

On October 1, 2017,December 4, 2018, the Registrant had 55,555,97360,612,214 outstanding shares of common stock, $0.01 par value.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

PortionsNone.

Table of Contents

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (the “Amendment”) is to amend and restate Part III, Items 10 through 14, of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of thispreviously filed Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM10-K

FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2017

MODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

Item

     

Page

 
 PART I  

1.

 

Business

   1 

1A.

 

Risk Factors

   5 

1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

   16 

2.

 

Properties

   16 

3.

 

Legal Proceedings

   16 

4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

   16 
 PART II  

5.

 

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

   17 

6.

 

Selected Financial Data

   19 

7.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   20 

7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   39 

8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   41 

9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   80 

9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

   80 

9B.

 

Other Information

   83 
 PART III  

10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

   83 

11.

 

Executive Compensation

   83 

12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

   83 

13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

   84 

14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   84 
 PART IV  

15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

   85 


This Annual Report on Form10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A of this report, “Risk Factors”, and elsewhere in this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis, judgment, belief or expectation only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

PART I

ITEM 1.— BUSINESS OVERVIEW

ModusLink Global Solutions,Steel Connect, Inc.  (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “ModusLink Global Solutions”(“Steel Connect” or the “Company” or “Registrant”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, ModusLink Corporation (“ModusLink”) and ModusLink PTS, Inc. (“ModusLink PTS”), provides comprehensive digital and physical supply chain optimization services (the “Supply Chain Business”) that are designed to improve clients’ revenue, cost, sustainability and customer experience. ModusLink Global Solutions provides a diverse range of solutions and services to leading companies across a wide spectrum of industries, including consumer electronics, communications, computing, medical devices, software and retail industries, among others. The Company’s operations are supported by a global footprint, which includes more than 20 sites across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

The Company previously operated under the names CMGI, Inc. and CMG Information Services, Inc. and was

incorporated in Delaware in 1986. The Company’s address is 1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 170, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451.

Services

The Supply Chain Business operation’s revenue primarily comes from the sale of supply chain management solutions to its clients. Among ModusLink’s core physical supply chain solutions are sourcing, planning, procurement, postponement and customization, order management, freight management, home replenishment, consumer returns and B2C and B2B fulfillment. Digital supply chain solutions, includee-Commerce and Marketplace integration, customer contact, payment services, financial management services, data analytic services, cross-device data, and entitlement, subscription and Internet of Things (“IOT”) management. In addition, ModusLink is a Microsoft Authorized Replicator, further enhancing its position as a valued supply chain services provider to leading technology hardware original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”).

The Supply Chain Business operation’s core solutions include:

Material Planning and Factory Supply—ModusLink sources inbound materials, deliverson-time and maintains high quality standards based on its local supplier relationships. ModusLink performs kitting and assembly of packaging materials and accessories while managing logistics and delivery schedules into multiple manufacturing sites or partners forjust-in-time manufacturing. Solutions are designed to reduce the complexity, lead times and costs of inbound materials, supply chain procurement, and factory feed processes, providing anend-to-end solution to ensure full optimization of client’s supply chain operations.

Value-Added Warehousing and Distribution—ModusLink’s capabilities are designed for flexibility, reliability and speed, to support clients’ distribution, retail andend-user fulfillment. Services include order management, pick, pack, and ship, retail connectivity, demand planning and integrated transportation management services, which are supported by a global technology infrastructure.

ModusLink’s postponement and configuration solutions are based on a technology-driven planning and execution process. By analyzing operating variables and supply chain costs, ModusLink can defer product configuration and packaging of a client’s product until the optimal time and at the most strategic location. Client programs can leverage any combination of ModusLink’s fulfillment sites around the globe, including those near manufacturing sites or close to the consumer.

ModusLink provides a complete solution for the physical programming of digital content – such as software, firmware, upgrades or promotional material – onto numerous types of flash media, including SD and MicroSD cards, USB drives, navigation systems, smartphones and tablets.

Aftermarket Services

Product Returns Management—With the shift from traditionalbrick-and-mortar storefronts into the digital sphere, product returns have increased globally, making it critical to offer a seamless, efficient experience that attracts and retains customers. ModusLink simplifies the returns process for retailers and manufacturers that want to improve service parts management and the value of returned assets. ModusLink manages theend-to-end process including receipt of goods, managing the Returns Management Authorization (RMA) process, sorting, triage, credit processing and ultimate disposition of the returned product.

Product Repair and Recovery—ModusLink helps clients maximize the value of returned and excess inventory by handling all aspects of the returns process, coupled with the ability to managetrade-in services as well. ModusLink provides clients with a post-sale solution that integrates the Company’s product remanufacturing and value recovery experience with its returns management and contact center capabilities.

E-Business

E-Commerce—ModusLink’se-Commerce platform addresses the complexities and risk of a global web store, optimizing for each stage of the online buying experience so that products can be quickly and easily purchased, serviced and delivered anywhere in the world. This is especially important given the proliferation of mobile devices and the continued, rapid expansion of Internet-enabled technologies. ModusLink’send-to-end digital and physical solutions are fully integrated with global payment, CRM and fulfillment systems, helping clients quickly and easily expand into a new region and country, while simultaneously enabling clients to take advantage of new revenue streams created by the digital marketplace, without having to change their entire business models

Contact Center—ModusLink’s contact center solution is designed to improve the customer brand experience by increasing the quality of customer interaction across multiple channels. Professional agents havein-depth knowledge of the client, brand and products and the experience to manage both consumer andbusiness-to-business contacts.

Entitlement Management— ModusLink’s entitlement management solution uses a platform, which gives software publishers, channel providers andend-users a single, centralized portal for the control and use of intellectual property. The platform manages access to digital and multimedia products, content, features and services that can be configured to a client’s needs.

Financial Management—ModusLink provides clients with a single payment platform fore-commerce, based on a proven technology infrastructure and business processes. Through these services, clients can access new markets, reduce cart abandonment, maximize conversion rate and increase revenue, protect the business and customers from fraud, and maintain customer visibility and ownership, while optimizingbehind-the-scenes financial operations.

The Supply Chain Business solutions seamlessly integrate with other supply chain service providers such as contract manufacturing companies and transportation providers.

Operating Segments

The Company has four operating segments: Americas; Asia; Europe; ande-Business. Based on the information provided to the Company’s chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance and quantitative thresholds, the Company has determined that it has four reportable segments: Americas, Asia, Europe ande-Business. The Company also has Corporate-level activity, which consists primarily of costs associated with certain corporate administrative functions such as legal and finance, which are not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments. The Corporate-level balance sheet information includes cash and cash equivalents, trading securities, investments in affiliates, notes payables and other assets and liabilities which are not identifiable to the operations of the Company’s operating segments. Certain reportable segment information, including revenue, profit and asset information, is set forth in Note 19 of the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 below.

Technology Infrastructure

The Company’s information technology systems and infrastructure serves as the backbone of a client’s fully integrated global supply chain program and manages the flow and use of physical assets and information. The Company offers a secure and redundant operating environment to ensure the integrity and privacy of its clients’ data. The Company works with clients to integrate data, tools and applications to deliver an optimized solution that meets its clients’ business needs and improves management of the global supply chain.

The Company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system is designed to provide the visibility and control needed for better decision making, rapid response to global market dynamics and effective asset utilization across services and geographies. The Company has recently embarked on an ERP upgrade further improving its data collection and reporting tools and systems across its geographic footprint.

Facilities

The Company’s global footprint consists of an integrated network of strategically located facilities, including sites throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The Company’s regionally optimized and highly scalable solution centers are designed to provide the flexibility to manage supply chain requirements, deliver and configure productsin-region, close to the point of consumption or close to the point of manufacturing inlow-cost regions, such as Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and Mexico for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Investments in automation and Lean methodologies have enhanced the Company’s overall value proposition to its clients, enabling quicker response times, more efficient service levels and improved customer satisfaction.

Sales and Marketing

The Company’s sales and marketing staff is strategically and globally aligned to support the development, marketing and sale of its supply chain management services and solutions worldwide.

The Company’s marketing efforts are focused on developing greater awareness and brand recognition among its target client base, with an emphasis on companies within its key markets of computing, software, storage, consumer electronics, communications and retail, among others. The Company markets its services and solutions through its website, other online channels, public relations, advertising and tradeshow campaigns, and has developed collateral materials and sales tools to support these efforts. The Company sells its services and solutions on a global scale, through a direct sales channel. The Company’s strategically aligned, global sales staff identifies new opportunities and cultivates leads in all of its key regions throughout North America, Europe and Asia as well as within its target markets around the world. The Company’s sales staff is focused on winning new programs with existing clients, while developing new relationships to further diversify its client base.

Competition

The market for the supply chain management service offerings provided by the Company is highly competitive. As anend-to-end solutions provider with service offerings covering a range of physical and digital supply chain operations and activities across the globe, the Company competes with different companies depending on the type of service it is providing or the geographic area in which an activity is taking place.

For the supply chain solutions, the Company faces competition from Electronics Manufacturing Services/Contract Manufacturers (EMS/CM), third party logistics (3PL) providers, Supply Chain Management (SCM) companies, and regional specialty companies. For the aftermarket services, the Company competes against independent repair vendors, EMS/CM companies, 3PL providers, and SCM companies. For thee-business solutions, the Company’s competition includes global outsource providers, software as service providers and technology providers. For the entitlement management solutions the Company competes against computer software providers offering content and document management solutions. As a provider of an outsourcing solution, the Company’s competition also includes current and prospective clients, who evaluate the Company’s capabilities in light of their own capabilities and cost structures.

The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in its market are quality and range of solutions and services, technological capabilities, costs, location of facilities, responsiveness, and flexibility. With the Company’send-to-end physical and digital supply chain solution, global footprint, strong client service acumen, and its integrated global supply chaine-Commerce services, the Company believes that it is positioned well to compete in each of the markets it serves, while expanding across various industry subsets.

Clients

A limited number of clients account for a significant percentage of the Company’s consolidated net revenue. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s 10 largest clients accounted for approximately 70%, 71% and 76% of consolidated net revenue, respectively. Sales to a consumer electronics client (“Client A”) accounted for approximately 15%, 13%, and 10% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sales to

a another consumer electronics client (“Client B”) accounted for approximately 10%, 13%, and 19% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Europe reportable segment reports revenue associated with Client A. All four reportable segments report revenues associated with Client B. In general, the Company does not have any agreements which obligate any client to buy a minimum amount of services from the Company, or which designate the Company as its sole supplier of any particular services. The loss of a significant amount of business or program with any key client could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company believes that it will continue to derive the vast majority of its consolidated operating revenue from sales to a small number of clients. There can be no assurance that revenue from key clients will not decline in future periods.

The Company sells its services to its clients primarily on a purchase order basis rather than pursuant to contracts with minimum purchase requirements. Consequently, sales are subject to demand variability by such clients. The Company purchases and maintains adequate levels of inventory in order to meet client needs rapidly and on a timely basis. The Company has no guaranteed price, quantity or delivery agreements with its suppliers other than the purchase obligations noted in Note 10 of the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below. Because of the diversity of its services, as well as the wide geographic dispersion of its facilities, the Company uses numerous sources for the wide variety of raw materials needed for its operations. The Company is not and does not expect to be adversely affected by an inability to obtain materials.

International Operations

The Company currently conducts business in many countries including China, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Singapore, among others, in addition to its North America operations. During the year ended July 31, 2017, approximately 76% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue was generated internationally. Refer to Note 19 of the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below.

The Company’s international operations increase its exposure to U.S. and foreign laws, regulations, and labor practices, which are often complex and subject to variation and unexpected changes, and with which the Company must comply. A substantial portion of our international business is conducted in China, where we face (i) the challenge of navigating a complex set of licensing and tax requirements and restrictions affecting the conduct of business in China by foreign companies, (ii) potential limitations on the repatriation of cash, (iii) foreign currency fluctuation and (iv) evolving tax laws.

Seasonality

The demand of our clients’ products is subject to seasonal consumer buying patterns. As a result, the services we provide to our clients are also subject to seasonality, with higher revenue and operating income typically being realized from handling our clients’ products during the first half of our fiscal year, which includes the holiday selling season.

Intellectual Property

The Company relies upon a combination of patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark laws to protect our intellectual property. From time to time, we develop new trade secrets and other intellectual property or obtain intellectual property through acquisition activities. Our business is not substantially dependent on any single or group of patents, trademarks, copyrights or licenses.

Employees

At July 31, 2017, we employed approximately 1,990 persons on a full-time basis, 330 in the Americas, 940 in Asia and 720 in Europe. Our subsidiaries in Mexico are parties to several collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 48 employees. Our subsidiary in France is party to collective bargaining agreements covering its employees. Approximately 50 of the employees of our Ireland operation are members of labor unions. As of August 2017, approximately 110 of the employees at one of our China operations are members of labor unions. We consider our employee relations to be good. From time to time we hire project-based, temporary workers based on our client needs and seasonality of our business, and at times the number of these workers may approximate the number of our full-time employees.

Our Corporate Information

We make our annual reports on Form10-K, quarterly reports on Form10-Q, current reports on Form8-K and amendments to those reports available through our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our internet address is http://www.moduslink.com. The contents of our website are not part of this annual report on Form10-K, and our internet address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only.

ITEM 1A.—RISK FACTORS

We operate in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number of risks, some of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements in this document and those we make from time to time through our senior management are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements concerning the expected future revenue or earnings or concerning projected plans, performance, or development of products and services, as well as other estimates related to future operations are necessarily only estimates of future results. We cannot assure you that actual results will not materially differ from expectations. Forward-looking statements represent our current expectations and are inherently uncertain. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from results anticipated in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

RISKS RELATED TO MODUSLINK’S SUPPLY CHAIN BUSINESS

We derive a substantial portion of our revenue and or profits from a small number of clients and adverse industry trends or the loss of one or more of any of those clients could significantly damage our business.

We derive a substantial portion of our revenue by providing supply chain management services to a small number of clients. Our business and future growth will continue to depend in large part on the industry trend towards outsourcing supply chain management and other business processes. If this trend does not continue or declines, demand for our supply chain management services will decline and our financial results could suffer.

In addition, the loss of a significant amount of business or program with any key client could cause our revenue and or profits to decline and our financial results could suffer.

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s 10 largest clients accounted for approximately 70%, 71% and 76% of consolidated net revenue, respectively. Sales to Client A accounted for approximately 15%, 13%, and 10% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sales to Client B accounted for approximately 10%, 13%, and 19% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We expect to continue to derive the vast majority of our consolidated net revenue and or profits from sales to a small number of key clients. In general, we do not have any agreements which obligate any client to buy a minimum amount of services from us, or to designate us as its sole supplier of any particular services. The loss of business with any key clients, or a decision by any one of our key clients to significantly change or reduce the services we provide, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, demand for our clients’ products is subject to ever-changing consumer tastes and depends on our client nimbleness in responding to these shifts by introducing improved and/or new products. If any of our key clients fail to respond successfully to market shifts, we would be adversely affected. We cannot assure you that our revenue and or profits from key clients will not decline in future periods.

In addition, ModusLink has been designated as an authorized replicator for Microsoft. This designation provides a license to replicate Microsoft software products and documentation for clients who want to bundle licensed software with their hardware products. This designation is annually renewable at Microsoft’s discretion. A failure to maintain authorized replicator status could have a material adverse effect on our business and our revenue.

We may have difficulty achieving and sustaining operating profitability, and if we deplete our working capital balances, our business will be materially and adversely affected.

For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, we reported operating losses of $19.8 million and $40.6 million, respectively. Although we have reduced our cost of revenues and selling, general & administrative expenses, we anticipate that we may continue to incur significant fixed operating expenses in the future, including both cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses. Therefore, since our revenue is subject to fluctuations, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or sustain operating income in the future. We may also use significant amounts of cash in an effort to increase the efficiency and profitability of our business. At July 31, 2017, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of approximately $110.7 million and current liabilities of approximately $149.2 million. If we are unable to achieve or sustain operating profitability, we risk depleting our working capital balances and our business will be materially adversely affected.

Because our contracts do not contain minimum purchase requirements and we sell primarily on a purchase order basis, we are subject to uncertainties and variability in demand by clients, which could decrease revenue and materially adversely affect our financial results.

Our contracts generally do not contain minimum purchase requirements and we sell primarily on a purchase order basis. Therefore, our sales are subject to demand variability by our clients, which is difficult to predict, has fluctuated historically and may continue to fluctuate, sometimes materially from year to year and even from quarter to quarter. The level and timing of orders placed by these clients vary for a variety of reasons, including seasonal buying byend-users, individual client strategies, the introduction of new technologies, the desire of our clients to reduce their exposure to any single supplier and general economic conditions. If we are unable to anticipate and respond to the demands of our clients, we may lose clients because we have an inadequate supply of their products or insufficient capacity in our sites, or in the alternative, we may have excess inventory or excess capacity, either of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and operating results.

Disruption in the economy and financial markets could have a negative effect on our business.

The global economy and financial markets had experienced extreme disruption during the last several years, including, among other things, extreme volatility in securities prices and liquidity and credit availability, rating downgrades of certain investments and declining valuations of others. The businesses of our clients, and in turn our business, is highly dependent on consumer demand, which may been affected by an economic downturn, the volatility in securities prices and is highly uncertain. Governments have taken unprecedented actions intended to address these market conditions. However, there can be no assurance that there will not be deterioration in financial markets and confidence in major economies, which could then lead to challenges in the operation of our business. These economic developments affect businesses such as ours in a number of ways. The tightening of credit in financial markets adversely affects the ability of clients and suppliers to obtain financing for significant purchases and operations and could result in a decrease in orders and spending for our products and services. We are unable to predict the likelihood, duration and severity of disruptions in financial markets and adverse economic conditions and the effects they may have on our business and financial condition.

A decline in the technology and consumer products sectors or a reduction in consumer demand generally could have a material adverse effect on our business.

A large portion of our revenue comes from clients in the technology and consumer products sectors, which is intensely competitive, very volatile and subject to rapid changes. Declines in the overall performance of the technology and consumer products sectors have in the past and could in the future adversely affect the demand for supply chain management services and reduce our revenue and profitability from these clients. In addition, industry changes, such as the transition of more collateral materials from physical form to digital form, and the convergence of functionality of smart phones, could lessen the demand for certain of our services or devices we currently handle. To the extent recent uncertainty in the economy or other factors result in decreased consumer demand for our clients’ products, we may experience a reduction in volumes of client products that we handle, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and operating results.

Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly.

Our operating results have fluctuated widely on a quarterly basis during the last several years. We expect that we may experience significant fluctuations in future quarterly operating results. Many factors, some of which are beyond our control, have contributed to these quarterly fluctuations in the past and may continue to contribute to fluctuations. Therefore, operating results for future periods are difficult to predict, and prior results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods. These factors include:

how well we execute on our strategy and operating plans;

implementation of our strategic initiatives and achievement of expected results of these initiatives;

demand for our services;

consumer confidence and demand;

specific economic conditions in the industries in which we compete;

general economic and financial market conditions;

timing of new product introductions or software releases by our clients or their competitors;

payment of costs associated with our acquisitions, sales of assets and investments;

timing of sales of assets and marketable securities;

market acceptance of new products and services;

seasonality;

temporary shortages in supply from vendors;

charges for impairment of long-lived assets, including restructuring in future periods;

political instability or natural disasters in the countries in which we operate;

actual events, circumstances, outcomes, and amounts differing from judgments, assumptions, and estimates reflected in our accompanying consolidated financial statements;

changes in accounting rules;

changes in tax rules and regulations;

changes in labor laws;

availability of temporary labor and the variability of available rates for the temporary labor;

unionization of our labor and contract labor; and

implementation of automation.

We believe thatperiod-to-period comparisons of our results of operations will not necessarily be meaningful or indicative of our future performance. In some fiscal quarters our operating results may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which may cause the price of our common stock to decline.

We must maintain adequate levels of inventory in order to meet client needs, which present risks to our financial position and operating results.

We must purchase and maintain adequate levels of inventory in order to meet client needs rapidly and on a timely basis. The markets, including the technology sector served by many of our clients, are subject to rapid technological change, new and enhanced product specification requirements, and evolving industry standards. These changes may cause inventory on hand to decline substantially in value or to rapidly become obsolete. The majority of our clients offer protection from the loss in value of inventory. However, our clients may become unable or unwilling to fulfill their protection obligations and the inability of our clients to fulfill their protection obligations could lower our gross margins and cause us to record inventory write-downs. If we are unable to manage the inventory on hand with our clients with a high degree of precision, we may have insufficient product supplies or we may have excess inventory, resulting in inventory write-downs, which may harm our business, financial position and operating results.

Our ability to obtain particular products or components in the quantities required to fulfill client orders on a timely basis is critical to our success. We have no guaranteed price or delivery agreements with our suppliers. We may occasionally experience a supply shortage of some products as a result of strong demand or problems experienced by our suppliers. If shortages or delays persist, the price of those products may increase, or the products may not be available at all. Accordingly, an inability to secure and maintain an adequate supply of products, packaging materials or components to fulfill our client orders on a timely basis, or a failure to meet clients’ expectations could result in lost revenue, lower client satisfaction, negative perceptions in the marketplace, potential claims for damages and have a material adverse effect on our business.

If we are not able to establish or maintain sites where requested, or if we fail to retain key clients at established sites, our client relationships, revenue and expenses could be seriously harmed.

Our clients have, at times, requested that we add capacity or open a facility in locations near their sites. If we do not elect to add required capacity at sites near existing clients, maintain sites or establish sites near existing or potential clients, clients may decide to seek other service providers. In addition, if we lose a significant client of a particular site or open or expand a site with the expectation of business that does not materialize, operations at that site could become unprofitable or significantly less efficient and we may need to incur restructuring costs. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and operating results.

We may encounter problems in our efforts to increase operational efficiencies.

We continue to seek to identify ways to increase efficiencies and productivity and effect cost savings. In addition to already undertaken projects designed to increase our operational efficiencies, including the standardization to a global solutions platform

through an integrated ERP system, the opening of new solution centers in low cost areas to expand client offerings and to effect cost savings and the implementation of a model utilizing centralized “hub” locations to service multiple “spoke” locations across the Americas, Asia and Europe regions, our new executive team is continuing its review across the organization designed to improve our operations, including a commitment to automate certain facilities. We cannot assure you that these projects will result in the realization of the expected benefits that we anticipate in a timely manner or at all. We may encounter problems with these projects that will divert the attention of management and/or result in additional costs and unforeseen project delays. If we, or these projects do not achieve expected results, our business, financial position and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.

We are subject to risks of operating internationally.

We maintain significant operations outside of the United States, and we may expand these operations. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to manage these international operations. These international operations require significant management attention, financial resources and are subject to numerous and varied regulations worldwide, some of which may have an adverse effect on our ability to develop or maintain our international operations in accordance with our business plans or on a timely basis.

We currently conduct business in many countries including China, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Singapore, among others, in addition to our United States operations. During the year ended July 31, 2017, approximately 76% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue was generated internationally. A portion of our international revenue, cost of revenue and operating expenses are denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our operating results. There is also additional risk if the foreign currency is not freely traded. Some currencies, such as the Chinese Renminbi, are subject to limitations on conversion into other currencies, which can limit or delay our ability to repatriate funds or engage in hedging activities. While we may enter into forward currency exchange contracts to manage a portion of our exposure to foreign currencies, future exchange rate fluctuations may have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

There are other risks inherent in conducting international operations, including:

added fulfillment complexities in operations, including multiple languages, currencies, bills of materials and stock keeping units;

the complexity of ensuring compliance with multiple U.S. and foreign laws, particularly differing laws on intellectual property rights, export control, taxation and duties; and

labor practices, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, political and social instability, health crises or similar issues, and potentially adverse tax consequences.

In addition, a substantial portion of our business is conducted in China, where we face additional risks, including the following:

the challenge of navigating a complex set of licensing and tax requirements and restrictions affecting the conduct of business in China by foreign companies;

difficulties and limitations on the repatriation of cash;

currency fluctuation and exchange rate risks;

protection of intellectual property, both for us and our clients;

evolving regulatory systems and standards, including recent tax law and labor law changes;

difficulty retaining management personnel and skilled employees; and

expiration of tax holidays.

Our international operations increase our exposure to international laws and regulations. Noncompliance with foreign laws and regulations, which are often complex and subject to variation and unexpected changes, could result in unexpected costs and potential litigation. For example, the governments of foreign countries might attempt to regulate our products and services or levy sales or other taxes relating to our activities; foreign countries may impose tariffs, duties, price controls or other restrictions on foreign currencies or trade barriers; or a governmental authority could make an unfavorable determination regarding our operations, any of which could make it more difficult to conduct our business and have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

If we are unable to manage these risks, we may face significant liability, our international sales may decline and our business, operating and financial results may be adversely affected.

We may be affected by strikes, work stoppages and slowdowns by our employees.

Some of our international employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or represented by works councils or labor unions. We believe our relations with our employees are generally good; however, we may experience strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns by employees. A strike, work stoppage or slowdown may affect our ability to meet our clients’ needs, which may result in the loss of business and clients and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. The terms of future collective bargaining agreements also may affect our competitive position, our financial condition and results of operations.

Change in our effective tax rate may harm our results of operations.

A number of factors may increase our future effective tax rates, including:

the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed;

the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities;

changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;

adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns;

increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offs of acquiredin-process R&D, impact of costs associated with business combinations and impairments of goodwill in connection with acquisitions;

changes in available tax credits;

changes in share-based compensation;

changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws, and changes in generally accepted accounting principles;

the repatriation ofnon-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. taxes;

increases in tax rates in various jurisdictions; and

the expiration of tax holidays.

Any significant increase in our future effective tax rates could reduce net income for future periods.

The gross margins in the Supply Chain Business are low, which magnify the impact of variations in revenue and operating costs on our financial results.

As a result of intense price competition in the technology products and consumer products marketplaces, the gross margins in our Supply Chain Business are low, and we expect them to continue to be low in the future. These low gross margins magnify the impact of variations in revenue and operating costs on our financial results. Increased competition arising from industry consolidation and/or low demand for products may hinder our ability to maintain or improve our gross margins. Portions of our operating expenses are relatively fixed, and planned expenditures are based in part on anticipated orders. Our current ability to forecast the amount and timing of future order volumes is difficult, and we expect this to continue because we are highly dependent upon the business needs of our clients, which are highly variable. As a result, we may not be able to reduce our operating expenses as a percentage of revenue to mitigate any further reductions in gross margins. We may also be required to spend money to restructure our operations should future demand fall significantly in one or more facilities. If we cannot proportionately decrease our cost structure in response to competitive price pressures, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

We continue to be subject to intense competition.

The markets for our services are highly competitive and often lack significant barriers to entry enabling new businesses to enter these markets relatively easily. Numerous well-established companies and smaller entrepreneurial companies are focusing significant resources on developing and marketing products and services that will compete with our offerings. The market for supply chain management products and services is very competitive, and the intensity of the competition is expected to continue to

increase. Any failure to maintain and enhance our competitive position would limit our ability to maintain and increase market share, which could result in serious harm to our business. Increased competition may also result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market share. In addition, many of our current and potential competitors will continue to have greater financial, technical, operational and marketing resources. We may not be able to compete successfully against these competitors. Competitive pressures may also force prices for supply chain management products and services down and these price reductions may reduce our revenue. The competition we face may also increase as a result of consolidation within the supply chain management and logistics industries. For example, if as a result of consolidation, our competitors are able to obtain more favorable terms from their suppliers, offer more comprehensive services to their customers, or otherwise take actions that increase their competitive strengths, our competitive position and therefore our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

The trend toward outsourcing of supply chain management and logistics activities, either globally or within specific industries that we serve, may change, thereby reducing demand for our services.

Our growth strategy is partially based on the assumption that the trend toward outsourcing of supply chain management and logistics services will continue. Third-party service providers like ourselves are generally able to provide such services more efficiently than otherwise could be provided“in-house”, primarily as a result of our expertise and lower and more flexible employee cost structure. However, many factors could cause a reversal in the outsourcing trend. For example, our clients may see risks in relying on third-party service providers, or they may begin to define supply chain management and logistics activities as within their core competencies and decide to perform these operations themselves. If our clients are able to develop supply chain management expertise or improve the cost structure of theirin-house supply chain activities, we may not be able to provide such clients with an attractive alternative for their supply chain management and logistics needs. If our clientsin-source significant aspects of their supply chain operations, or if potential new clients decide to continue to perform their own supply chain activitiesin-house, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. In addition, if our current and potential clients choose to change their sourcing strategy, wherein they utilize multiple supply chain management and logistics service providers, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The physical or intellectual property of our clients may be damaged, misappropriated, stolen or lost while in our possession, subjecting us to litigation and other adverse consequences.

In the course of providing supply chain management services to our clients, we often have possession of or access to their physical and intellectual property, including consigned inventory, databases, software masters, certificates of authenticity and similar valuable physical or intellectual property. If this physical or intellectual property is damaged, misappropriated, stolen or lost, we could suffer:

claims under client agreements or applicable law, or other liability for damages;

delayed or lost revenue due to adverse client reaction;

negative publicity; and

litigation that could be costly and time consuming.

We could be subject to infringement claims and other intellectual property disputes.

Our business employs a broad range of intellectual property and from time to time, we have been, and will continue to be, subject to third-party claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights. These claims may damage our business by:

subjecting us to significant liability for damages;

resulting in invalidation of our proprietary rights;

resulting in costly license fees in order to settle the claims;

being time-consuming and expensive to defend even if the claims are not meritorious; and

resulting in the diversion of our management’s time and attention.

We may be liable if third parties misappropriate personal information of our clients or our clients’ customers.

We often handle personal information as part of oure-Business offering. Any security breach or inadvertent release of this information could expose us to risks of loss, litigation and liability and could seriously disrupt our operations. If third parties are

able to penetrate our network or telecommunications security or otherwise misappropriate the personal information or credit card information of our clients’ customers or if we give third parties improper access to such information, we could be subject to liability. This liability could include claims for unauthorized purchases with credit card information, impersonation or other similar fraud claims. They could also include claims for other misuses of personal information, including unauthorized marketing purposes. These claims could result in litigation. Liability for misappropriation of this information could be significant. Further, any resulting adverse publicity arising from investigations could have a material adverse impact on our business.

We depend on third-party software, systems and services.

Our business and operations rely on third parties to provide products and services, including IT products and services, and shipping and transportation services. We may experience operational problems attributable to the installation, implementation, integration, performance, features or functionality of third-party software, systems and services. Any interruption in the availability or usage of the products and services provided by third parties could have a material adverse effect on our business or operations.

The funds held for clients may be subject to credit risk.

In the course of providing services to our clients, we at times have possession of client funds. The funds are maintained at financial institutions and the balances associated with these funds are at times without and in excess of federally insured limits. If these funds are impaired, misappropriated or stolen, we could suffer:

claims under client agreements or applicable law, or other liability for damages;

delayed or lost revenue due to adverse client reaction;

negative publicity; and

litigation that could be costly and time consuming.

Material disruption in our information systems could adversely affect our business or results of operations.

We rely on our information systems to process transactions on behalf of our clients, summarize our operating results and manage our business. Our information systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, cyber-attack or other security breaches and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and acts of war or terrorism.

To keep pace with changing technology, we must continuously implement new information technology systems as well as enhance our existing systems. The successful execution of some of our growth strategies is dependent on the design and implementation of new systems and technologies and/or the enhancement of existing systems, in particular the expansion of our onlinee-commerce capabilities.

The reliability and capacity of our information systems is critical to our operations and the implementation of our growth initiatives. Any disruptions affecting our information systems, or delays or difficulties in implementing or integrating new systems, could have an adverse effect on our business, in particular oure-commerce operations, and results of operations.

OTHER RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY

We may be unable to realize the benefits of our net operating loss carry-forwards (“NOLs”).

NOLs may be carried forward to offset federal and state taxable income in future years and eliminate income taxes otherwise payable on such taxable income, subject to certain adjustments. Based on current federal and state corporate income tax rates, our NOLs and other carry-forwards could provide a benefit to us, if fully utilized, of significant future tax savings. However, our ability to use these tax benefits in future years will depend upon the amount of our otherwise federal and state taxable income. If we do not have sufficient federal and state taxable income in future years to use the tax benefits before they expire, we will lose the benefit of these NOLs permanently. Consequently, in addition to dependence on the generation of future business profits, our ability to use the tax benefits associated with our substantial NOLs will depend significantly on our success in identifying suitable acquisition or investment candidates, and once identified, successfully consummating an acquisition of or investment in these candidates.

Additionally, federal NOLs are subject to annual limitations under the change of ownership rules within Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, an ownership change occurs when the percentage of stock held by one or more5-percent

shareholders increases by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest stock ownership held by such shareholders at any time within a prescribed period, usually three years. If an ownership change were to occur, we may be unable to use a significant portion of our NOLs to offset taxable income. As discussed in Note 14 of the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below, on October 17, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Tax Benefit Preservation Plan (“Tax Plan”) intended to reduce the likelihood that changes in the Company’s investor base have the unintended effect of limiting the Company’s use of its Tax Benefits. The Tax Plan is intended to require any person acquiring shares of the Company’s securities equal to or exceeding 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares to obtain the approval of the Board of Directors. This would protect the Tax Benefits because changes in ownership by a person owning less than 4.99% of the Company’s stock are considered and included in one or more public groups in the calculation of “ownership change” for purposes of Section 382 of the Code. However, there can be no assurance that the Tax Plan would be effective under all circumstances. On October 9, 2014, the Tax Plan was amended by our Board of Directors to extend the expiration of the Tax Plan until October 17, 2017. Following the stockholders’ approval of the Protective Amendment (as described in the following paragraphs) at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting, the Tax Plan was further amended so that it expired at the close of business on December 31, 2014.

On December 29, 2014, the Company filed an Amendment to its Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Protective Amendment”) with the Delaware Secretary of State to protect the significant potential long-term tax benefits presented by its net operating losses and other tax benefits (collectively, the “NOLs”). The Protective Amendment was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on December 9, 2014. As a result of the filing of the Protective Amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State, the Company amended its Tax Benefit Preservation Plan so that it expired at the close of business on December 31, 2014.

The Protective Amendment limits certain transfers of the Company’s common stock, to assist the Company in protecting the long-term value of its accumulated NOLs. The Protective Amendment’s transfer restrictions generally restrict any direct or indirect transfers of the common stock if the effect would be to increase the direct or indirect ownership of the common stock by any person (as defined in the Protective Amendment) from less than 4.99% to 4.99% or more of the common stock, or increase the percentage of the common stock owned directly or indirectly by a Person owning or deemed to own 4.99% or more of the common stock. Any direct or indirect transfer attempted in violation of the Protective Amendment will be void as of the date of the prohibited transfer as to the purported transferee. The Board of Directors of the Company has discretion to grant waivers to permit transfers otherwise restricted by the Protective Amendment.

In accordance with the Protective Amendment, Handy & Harman (“HNH”), a related party, requested, and the Company granted HNH and its affiliates, a waiver under the Protective Amendment to permit their acquisition of up to 45% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock in the aggregate (subject to proportionate adjustment, the “45% Cap”), in addition to acquisitions of common stock in connection with the exercise of certain warrants of the Company (the “Warrants”) held by Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“SPH”), an affiliate of HNH, as well as a limited waiver under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law for this purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, HNH and its affiliates (and any group of which HNH or any of its affiliates is a member) are not permitted to acquire securities that would result in an “ownership change” of the Company for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that would have the effect of impairing any of the Company’s NOLs. The foregoing waiver was approved by the independent directors of the Company.

The amount of NOLs that we have claimed has not been audited or otherwise validated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). The IRS could challenge our calculation of the amount of our NOLs or our determinations as to when a prior change in ownership occurred, and other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to carry forward our NOLs to offset taxable income in future years. If the IRS was successful with respect to any such challenge, the potential tax benefit of the NOLs to us could be substantially reduced.

We may have problems raising or accessing capital we need in the future.

In recent years, we have financed our operations and met our capital requirements primarily through funds generated from operations, the sale of our securities and borrowings from lending institutions. Market and other conditions largely beyond our control may affect our ability to engage in future sales of our securities, the timing of any sales, and the amount of proceeds we receive from sales of our securities. Even if we are able to sell our securities in the future, we may not be able to sell at favorable prices or on favorable terms. In addition, this funding source may not be sufficient in the future, and we may need to obtain funding from outside sources. However, we may not be able to obtain funding from outside sources. In addition, even if we find outside funding sources, we may be required to issue to those outside sources securities with greater rights than those currently possessed by holders of our common stock. We may also be required to take other actions, which may lessen the value of our common stock or dilute our common stockholders, including borrowing money on terms that are not favorable to us or issuing

additional shares of common stock. If we experience difficulties raising capital in the future, our business could be materially adversely affected.

If financial institutions that have extended credit commitments to us are adversely affected by the conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets, they may become unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments to us, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to borrow funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate purposes.

We depend on important employees, and the loss of any of those employees may harm our business.

Our performance is substantially dependent on the performance of our executive officers and other key employees, as well as management of our subsidiaries. The familiarity of these individuals with technology and service-related industries makes them especially critical to our success. Our success is also dependent on our ability to attract, train, retain and motivate high quality personnel. Competition for highly qualified personnel is intense. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or key employees may harm our business.

Our strategy of expanding our business through acquisitions of other businesses and technologies presents special risks.

We may expand our business in certain areas through the acquisition of businesses, technologies, products and services from other businesses. We may also seek to identify new business acquisition opportunities with existing or prospective taxable income, or from which we can realize capital gains. Acquisitions involve a number of special problems, including:

the need to incur additional indebtedness, issue stock (which may have rights superior to the rights of our common stockholders and which may have a dilutive effect on our common stockholders) or use cash in order to complete the acquisition;

difficulty integrating acquired technologies, operations and personnel with the existing businesses;

diversion of management attention in connection with both negotiating the acquisitions and integrating the assets;

strain on managerial and operational resources as management tries to oversee larger operations;

the working capital needs for acquired companies may be significant;

we may acquire a new line of business in which we have no operating history and the success of such new business cannot be assured;

exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies; and

increased risk of costly and time-consuming litigation, including stockholder lawsuits.

We may not be able to successfully address these problems. Our future operating results may depend to a significant degree on our ability to successfully identify suitable acquisitions, negotiate such acquisitions on acceptable terms, complete such transactions, integrate acquisitions and manage operations.

The price of our common stock has been volatile and may fluctuate.

The market price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be volatile. Our common stock has traded with a closing price as low as $1.21 per share and as high as $2.02 per share during the year ended July 31, 2017. Future market movements unrelated to our performance may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Steel Partners Holdings L.P. and its affiliates may have interests that conflict with the interests of our other stockholders and have significant influence over corporate decisions.

Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“Steel Partners”), Handy & Harman, Ltd. (“HNH”), Steel Partners, Ltd. (“SPL”) and SPH Group Holdings LLC (“SPHG Holdings”) collectively owned greater than 37% of our outstanding capital stock as of July 31, 2017. Steel Partners, HNH, SPL and SPHG Holdings will be able to influence our management and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of mergers, consolidations or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our Company and might adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

On December 24, 2014, the Company entered into a Management Services Agreement with SP Corporate Services LLC (“SP Corporate”), effective as of January 1, 2015 (as amended, the “Management Services Agreement”). SP Corporate is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Partners and is a related party. Pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, SP Corporate provided the Company and its subsidiaries with the services of certain employees, including certain executive officers, and other corporate services. The Management Services Agreement had an initial term of six months. On June 30, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment that extended the term of the Management Services Agreement to December 31, 2015 and provided for automatic renewal for successive one year periods, unless and until terminated in accordance with the terms set forth therein, which include, under certain circumstances, the payment by the Company of certain termination fees to SP Corporate. On March 10, 2016, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Management Services Agreement with SPH Services, Inc. (“SPH Services”) pursuant to which SPH Services assumed rights and responsibilities of SP Corporate and the services provided by SPH Services to the Company were modified pursuant to the terms of the amendment. SPH Services, which has since changed its name to Steel Services Ltd. (“Steel Services”) is the parent of SP Corporate and an affiliate of SPH Group Holdings LLC. On March 10, 2016, the Company entered into a Transfer Agreement with SPH Services pursuant to which the parties agreed to transfer to the Company certain individuals who provide corporate services to the Company.

During the year ended July 31, 2017, pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, the Company paid a fixed monthly fee of $175,000 in consideration for the services and incremental costs as incurred. Pursuant to a third amendment to the Management Services Agreement, effective September 1, 2017, the fixed monthly fee paid by the Company to Steel Services was reduced from $175,000 per month to $95,641 per month. The fees payable under the Management Services Agreement are subject to review and such adjustments as may be agreed upon by the parties.

Members of our Board of Directors also have significant interests in Steel Partners and its affiliates, which may create conflicts of interest.

Some of the members of our Board of Directors also hold positions with Steel Partners and its affiliates. Specifically, Warren G. Lichtenstein, our Chairman of the Board, is the Executive Chairman of the general partner of Steel Partners and holds various other positions with affiliates of Steel Partners. Glen M. Kassan, our Vice Chairman, is the managing director and operating partner of an affiliate of Steel Partners. As a result, these individuals may face potential conflicts of interest with each other and with our stockholders. They may be presented with situations in their capacity as our directors that conflict with their fiduciary obligations to Steel Partners and its affiliates, which in turn may have interests that conflict with the interests of our other stockholders.

We may incurnon-cash impairment charges related to long-lived assets.

We test long-lived assets for impairment if a triggering event occurs. Long-lived asset impairment analysis and measurement is a process that requires significant judgment and the use of significant estimates related to valuation such as discount rates, long-term growth rates and the level and timing of future cash flows. As a result, several factors could result in the impairment of some or all of our long-lived assets in future periods, including, but not limited to further weakening of the global economy, continued weakness in the industry, or failure of the Company to reach our internal forecasts which could impact our ability to achieve our forecasted levels of cash flows.

It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result from these factors, or if it does, whether such charges would be material. We will continue to review our long-lived assets for possible impairment. We cannot be certain that a downturn in our business or changes in market conditions will not result in an impairment of long-lived assets and the recognition of resulting expenses in future periods, which could adversely affect our results of operations for those periods.

Investing in securities is risky and speculative.

We invest in Trading Securities andAvailable-for-Sale securities. Our ability to earn returns on our investment, or even recover our capital, is dependent upon factors outside of our control, including the success of our portfolio companies’ businesses, and the market. We typically own a minority position in our portfolio companies, which may afford us representation on the board of directors of a portfolio company, but does not give us control over the entity. As a result we may have limited, if any, influence over our portfolio companies’ businesses and strategies. We cannot assure you that we will earn any returns or recover our invested capital.

Future proxy contests could be disruptive and costly and the possibility that activist stockholders may wage proxy contests or gain representation on or control of our Board of Directors could cause uncertainty about the direction of our business.

Future proxy contests, if any, could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and our employees from executing our strategic plan. Perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of changes to composition of the Board of Directors may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability or lack of continuity which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential clients, and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. In addition, disagreement among our directors about the direction of our business could impair our ability to effectively execute our strategic plan.

Litigation pending against us could materially impact our business and results of operations.

We are currently a party to various legal and other proceedings. See Item 3,Legal Proceedings. These matters may involve substantial expense to us, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and our results of operations. We can provide no assurances as to the outcome of any litigation.

Management’s determination that a material weakness exists in our internal controls over financial reporting could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

We are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In Item 9A of this Annual Report, management reports that a material weakness exists in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Due to this material weakness, management has concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We are actively engaged in developing and implementing a remediation plan designed to address this material weakness. Any failure to implement effective internal controls could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Inadequate internal controls, among other things, could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock, and may require us to incur additional costs to improve our internal control system.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR 5.25% SENIOR CONVERTIBLE NOTES

Servicing our debt requires a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substantial debt.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, including relating to the Company’s outstanding balance of the 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”), depends on our financial and operating performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors, some which are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will be able to generate cash flow or that we will be able to borrow funds in amounts sufficient to enable us to service our debt, meet working capital requirements and make necessary capital expenditures. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital and credit markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.

In addition, holders of the Notes may convert all or any portion of their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business or the business day immediately preceding their maturity date. This conversion may lessen the value of our common stock and/or dilute our common stockholders.

Despite existing debt levels, we may incur substantially more debt, which would increase the risks associated with our leverage.

We, and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional debt in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our debt instruments at that time, some of which may be secured debt. The indenture governing the Notes (Note 9 of the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below) does not contain any financial or operating covenants or restrictions on the payment of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, incurrence of liens or the issuance or repurchase of securities by us or any of our subsidiaries. As a result, we will not be restricted under the terms of the indenture governing the notes from incurring additional debt, securing existing or future debt or recapitalizing our debt. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we, and they now face could intensify and could further exacerbate the risks associated with our leverage.

ITEM 1B.— UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.— PROPERTIES

We lease or own more than 20 sites in several countries from which we operate ModusLink, which facilities consist of office and warehouse space. These facilities are located throughout the world, including, but not limited to, facilities throughout the United States (including our corporate headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts), in Mexico, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Singapore, Japan and China.e-Business operates from its leased facilities in the Netherlands with offices in Massachusetts, Utah, Singapore and Australia. We believe that our existing facilities are suitable and adequate for our present purposes, and that new facilities will be available in the event we need additional or new space.

Our leases generally expire at varying dates through fiscal year 2022 and include renewals at our option. Certain facilities leased by us are subleased in whole or in part to subtenants and we are seeking to sublease additional office and warehouse space that is not currently being utilized by us.

ITEM 3.— LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On June 8, 2015, Sean Peters, a former employee filed a complaint (the “Complaint”) against ModusLink Corporation (together, the “parties”) in Superior Court of California asserting claims, among other things, for failure to pay wages, breach of contract, wrongful retaliation and termination, fraud, violations of California Business and Professions Code Section 17200, et seq., and civil penalties pursuant to California Labor Code Sections and pursuant to the California Private Attorney General Act, seeking over $1.0 million in damages, attorneys’ fees and costs and penalties. ModusLink filed an Answer to the Complaint making a general denial and asserting various affirmative defenses. The parties agreed to mediate the matter and on June 29, 2017, the parties attended a confidential mediation. At mediation ModusLink Corporation and its insurance carrier agreed to pay an immaterial amount to settle the matter.

On May 12, 2017, the Excise Tax Branch of the Internal Revenue Service issued a claim associated with the Company’s compliance with the self-assessment of excise tax on Ozone Depleting Chemicals. The Company is objecting to the assessment on a number of technical and substantive grounds, and plans to vigorously defend itself against this claim. Currently the Company is unable to determine the probability of an unfavorable outcome or a range of outcomes. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded a reserve associated with this matter.

ITEM 4.— MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.—MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MLNK”. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing stock prices per share of common stock per fiscal quarter, as reported by the NASDAQ for our two most recent fiscal years.

Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2017

  High   Low 

First Quarter

  $1.68   $1.21 

Second Quarter

  $2.02   $1.35 

Third Quarter

  $1.89   $1.41 

Fourth Quarter

  $1.72   $1.51 

Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2016

  High   Low 

First Quarter

  $3.24   $2.72 

Second Quarter

  $2.89   $2.07 

Third Quarter

  $2.13   $1.41 

Fourth Quarter

  $1.53   $1.07 

Stockholders

As of July 31, 2017, there were approximately 344 holders of record of common stock of the Company.

Dividends

Prior and subsequent to the special cash dividend announced on March 7, 2011, the Company had never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain earnings, if any, to support our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors, after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, operating results, any restrictions on payment of dividends under our credit facility, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion.

Recent sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information about purchases by the Company of its common stock during the quarter ended

July 31, 2017.

Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased
Average
Price  Paid
Per Share
Total Number of  Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced

Plans or Program
Approximate Dollar
Value of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017

—  $—  —  —  

June 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017

—  $—  —  —  

July 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017

—  $—  —  —  

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph shows the yearly change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock from July 31, 2012 through July 31, 2017, with the cumulative total return of the 1) NASDAQ Composite Index (U.S. companies), 2) the NASDAQ Computer Services Index, and 3) our chosen industry peer group during the same period. The graph reflects reinvestment of dividends and market capitalization weighting. Our Peer Group Index is comprised of the following publicly traded companies: Plexus Corp., Benchmark Electronics, Inc., Jabil Circuit, Inc., Key Tronic Corporation, IEC Electronics Corp, Egain Corp., Ingram Micro Corp. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on July 31, 2012, and the reinvestment of any dividends, if any. The comparison shown in the graph below are based upon historical data.

   Fiscal year ending July 31, 
   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017 

ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.

   100.00    90.94    109.06    95.03    37.43    49.12 

NASDAQ Composite XCMP

   100.00    125.15    152.69    181.26    184.74    229.84 

NASDAQ Computer and Data Processing (OMX)

   100.00    106.72    109.62    110.23    111.95    121.69 

Peer Group

   100.00    125.72    131.19    127.50    144.84    186.72 

The unit price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future unit price performance.

This graph is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

Equity Compensation Plans

Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans and the securities authorized for issuance thereunder is set forth in Item 12 of Part III.

ITEM 6.— SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information of the Company for the five years ended July 31,

2017. The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 below and our accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 below. The historical results presented herein are not necessarily indicative of future results.

   Years ended July 31, 
   2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
   (In thousands) 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

      

Net revenue

  $436,620  $459,023  $561,673  $723,400  $754,504 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating loss

   (19,761  (40,572  (14,339  (5,449  (28,232
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

   (25,827  (61,281  (18,429  (16,362  (39,330

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   —     —     —     80   (1,025
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(25,827 $(61,281 $(18,429 $(16,282 $(40,355
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per share:

      

Loss from continuing operations

  $(0.47 $(1.18 $(0.35 $(0.32 $(0.84

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   —     —     —     —     (0.02
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(0.47 $(1.18 $(0.35 $(0.32 $(0.86
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted

   55,134   51,934   51,940   51,582   46,654 

   July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

          

Working capital

  $108,691   $125,125   $202,289   $207,174   $114,655 

Total assets

   281,298    347,932    446,502    451,646    343,696 

Long-term liabilities

   69,172    67,226    90,548    81,434    10,360 

Stockholders’ equity

   62,971    85,940    144,601    171,618    156,905 

ITEM 7.—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Annual Report on Form10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A of this report, “Risk Factors”, and elsewhere in this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis, judgment, belief or expectation only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. provides comprehensive physical and digital supply chain optimization services (the “Supply Chain Business”) that are designed to improve clients’ revenue, cost, sustainability and customer experience objectives. We provide services to leading companies across a wide spectrum of industries, including consumer electronics, communications, computing, medical devices, software, and retail, among others. The Supply Chain Business operations are supported by a global footprint that includes more than 20 sites across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

We operate an integrated physical and digital supply chain system infrastructure that extends fromfront-end order management through distribution and returns management. Thisend-to-end solution enables clients to link supply and demand in real-time, improve visibility and performance throughout the supply chain, and provide real-time access to information for greater collaboration and making informed business decisions. We believe that our clients can benefit from our global integrated business solution, especially given the increased usage of connected devices and digitalized solutions.

Historically, a significant portion of our revenue from our Supply Chain Business has been generated from clients in the computer and software markets. These markets, while large in size, are mature and, as a result, gross margins in these markets tend to be lower than other markets the Company operates in. To address this, in addition to the computer and software markets, we have expanded our sales focus to include additional markets such as communications and consumer electronics, with a long-term focus on expanding in growth industries, such as the connected home, and connected healthcare, among others. We believe these markets, and other verticals we operate in, may experience faster growth than our historical markets, and represent opportunities to realize higher gross margins on the services we offer. Companies in these markets often have significant need for a supply chain partner who will be an extension to their business models. We believe the scope of our service offerings, including value-added warehousing and distribution, repair and recovery, aftersales, returns management, financial management, entitlement management, contact center support, material planning and factory supply, ande-Business will increase the overall value of the supply chain solutions we deliver to our existing clients and to new clients.

Many of our clients’ products are subject to seasonal consumer buying patterns. As a result, the services we provide to our clients are also subject to seasonality, with higher revenue and operating income typically being realized from handling our clients’ products during the first half of our fiscal year, which includes the holiday selling season. Furthermore, many of our clients’ have global operations and we believe they have been adversely impacted by continued economic pressures in certain global regions.

Management evaluates operating performance based on net revenue, operating income (loss) and net income (loss) and a measure that we refer to as Adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income (loss) excluding net charges related to interest income, interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, SEC inquiry and financial restatement costs, SEC penalties on resolution, strategic consulting and other related professional fees, executive severance and employee retention, restructuring, share-based compensation, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, net, othernon-operating gains and losses, net, and gains and losses on investments in affiliates and impairments. Among the key factors that will influence our performance are successful execution and implementation of our strategic initiatives, global economic conditions, especially in the technology sector, which comprises a predominant proportion of our business, demand for our clients’ products, the effect of product form factor changes, technology changes, revenue mix and demand for outsourcing services.

As a large portion of our revenue comes from outsourcing services provided to clients such as retail products and consumer electronics companies, our operating performance has been and may continue to be adversely affected by declines in the overall

performance within these sectors and uncertainty affecting the world economy. In addition, the drop in consumer demand for products of certain clients has had and may continue to have the effect of reducing our volumes and adversely affecting our revenue, gross margin and overall operating performance. Additionally, the markets for our services are generally very competitive, though we believe we have a compelling and differentiated offering due to the value-added services we provide, our commitment to client management, and our global reach. We also face pressure from our clients to continually realize efficiency gains in order to help our clients maintain their profitability objectives. Increased competition and client demands for efficiency improvements may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and, in some cases, loss of market share. In addition, our profitability varies based on the types of services we provide and the regions in which we perform them. Therefore, the mix of revenue derived from our various services and locations can impact our gross margin results. Also, form factor changes, which we describe as the reduction in the amount of materials and product components used in our clients’ completed packaged product, can also have the effect of reducing our revenue and gross margin opportunities. As a result of these competitive and client pressures the gross margins in our business are low. We have developed plans and will continue to monitor plans to address process improvements and realize other efficiencies throughout our global footprint with a goal to reduce cost, remove waste and improve our overall gross margins. There can be no assurance that these actions will improve gross margins. For the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our gross margin percentage was 8.3%, 5.4% and 9.7%, respectively. Increased competition as well as industry consolidation and/or low demand for our clients’ products and services may hinder our ability to maintain or improve our gross margins, profitability and cash flows. We must continue to focus on margin improvement, through implementation of our strategic initiatives, cost reductions and asset and employee productivity gains in order to improve the profitability of our business and maintain our competitive position. We generally manage margin and pricing pressures in several ways, including efforts to target new markets, expand and enhance our service offerings, improve the efficiency of our processes and to lower our infrastructure costs. We seek to lower our cost to service clients by moving work to lower-cost venues, consolidating and leveraging our global facility footprint, drive process and efficiency reforms and other actions designed to improve the productivity of our operations.

Historically, a limited number of key clients have accounted for a significant percentage of our revenue. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s 10 largest clients accounted for approximately 70%, 71% and 76% of consolidated net revenue, respectively. Sales to Client A accounted for approximately 15%, 13%, and 10% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sales to Client B accounted for approximately 10%, 13%, and 19% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Europe reportable segment reports revenue associated with Client A. All four reportable segment report revenues associated with Client B. We expect to continue to derive the vast majority of our revenue from sales to a small number of key clients, and we plan to expand into new markets and over time, diversify the concentration of revenue across additional clients. In general, we do not have any agreements which obligate any client to buy a minimum amount of services from us or designate us as an exclusive service provider. Consequently, our net revenue is subject to demand variability by our clients. The level and timing of orders placed by our clients vary for a variety of reasons, including seasonal buying byend-users, the introduction of new technologies and general economic conditions. By diversifying into new markets and improving the operational support structure for our clients, we expect to offset the adverse financial impact such factors may bring about.

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company reported net revenue of $436.6 million, an operating loss of $19.8 million, a loss before income taxes of $24.4 million and a net loss of $25.8 million. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company reported net revenue of $459.0 million, an operating loss of $40.6 million, a loss before income taxes of $56.6 million and net a loss of $61.3 million. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company reported net revenue of $561.7 million, an operating loss of $14.3 million, a loss before income taxes of $16.4 million and a net loss of $18.4 million. At July 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $110.7 million, and working capital of $108.7 million.

Basis of Presentation

The Company presents its financial information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, U.S. GAAP (or “GAAP”). The Company has four operating segments: Americas; Asia; Europe ande-Business. The Company has four reportable segments: Americas; Asia; Europe; ande-Business. The Company also has Corporate-level activity, which consists primarily of costs associated with certain corporate administrative functions such as legal and finance which are not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments and administration costs related to the Company’s venture capital activities. The corporate-level balance sheet information includes cash and cash equivalents, trading securities, investments in affiliates, notes payables and other assets and liabilities which are not identifiable to the operations of the Company’s operating segments.

All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2017 compared to Fiscal Year 2016

Net Revenue:

   Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2017
   

As a %
of

Total

Net

Revenue

  Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2016
   As a %
of

Total
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $92,324   21.1%  $106,143    23.1 $(13,819  (13.0%) 

Asia

   158,048   36.2%   167,861    36.6  (9,813  (5.8%) 

Europe

   159,085   36.4%   151,842    33.1  7,243   4.8

e-Business

   27,163   6.3%   33,177    7.2  (6,014  (18.1%) 
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $436,620   100.0%  $459,023    100.0 $(22,403  (4.9%) 
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Net revenue decreased by approximately $22.4 million during the year ended July 31, 2017, as compared to the same period in the prior year. This change in net revenue was primarily driven by decreased revenues from two clients in the consumer electronics industry, one of which had a significant impact on revenues in the Americas and the other which impacted revenues in Asia, as discussed below. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on net revenues for the year ended July 31, 2017.

During2018 (“Fiscal 2018”), filed with the year ended July 31, 2017, net revenueSecurities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2018 (the “Original Form 10-K”), to include information previously omitted in the Americas region decreasedreliance on General Instruction G to Form 10-K, which provides that registrants may incorporate by approximately $13.8 million. This change in net revenue was primarily driven by decreased revenuesreference certain information from a client in the consumer electronics market. Within the Asia region, the net revenue decrease of approximately $9.8 million primarily resulted from lower revenues from a program in the consumer electronics market, partially offset by higher revenues from another consumer electronics program. Within the Europe region, net revenue increased by approximately $7.2 million primarily due to higher revenues from clients in the consumer electronics industry. Net revenue fore-Business decreased by approximately $6.0 million primarily due to lower revenues from clients in the consumer electronics industry.

Cost of Revenue:

    Twelve
Months Ended
July 31,

2017
   As a %
of

Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended
July 31,

2016
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $91,622    99.2 $107,057    100.9 $(15,435  (14.4%) 

Asia

   131,760    83.4  145,900    86.9  (14,140  (9.7%) 

Europe

   151,305    95.1  147,929    97.4  3,376   2.3

e-Business

   25,568    94.1  33,379    100.6  (7,811  (23.4%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $400,255    91.7 $434,265    94.6 $(34,010  (7.8%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses related to the cost of materials purchaseddefinitive proxy statement prepared in connection with the provisionelection of supply chain management services as well as costs for salaries and benefits, contract labor, consulting, fulfillment and shipping, and applicable facilities costs. Costdirectors.  The Company has determined to include such Part III information by amendment of revenue for the year ended July 31, 2017 included materials procured on behalf of our clients of $250.6 million, or 57.4% of consolidated net revenue, as compared to $265.6 million, or 57.9% of consolidated net revenue for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $15.0 million. Total cost of revenue decreasedOriginal Form 10-K rather than incorporation by $34.0 million for the year ended July 31, 2017, as comparedreference to the year ended July 31, 2016, primarily due to the decline in volume as well as reductions in labor and facility costs related to the Company’s turnaround initiatives. The Company’s focus on operational and process enhancements, coupled with improved productivity had a positive impact on supply chain management and expenses related to cost of revenue.

Gross margin increased to 8.3% for the year ended July 31, 2017, from 5.4% for the year ended July 31, 2016, primarily as a result of more effective supply chain management, improved processes and efficiencies which are directly attributable to the Company’s turnaround plan, and client mix, partially offset by the reduction in revenues. For the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company’s gross margin percentages within the Americas, Asia, Europe ande-Business were 0.8%, 16.6%. 4.9% and 5.9%, as compared to-0.9%, 13.1%. 2.6% and-0.6%, respectively, for the same periodproxy statement.  Accordingly, Part III of the prior year. Furthermore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on gross margin for the year ended July 31, 2017.

Original Form 10-K is hereby amended and restated as set forth below.

In the Americas, the 1.7 percentage point increase in gross margin, from-0.9% to 0.8%, resulted from a decline in material costs, reduction in force and other cost reductions related to the Company’s turnaround plan, partially offset by a decline in revenues and increased facility costs. In Asia, the 3.5 percentage point increase, from 13.1% to 16.6% was primarily resulted from a decline in materials costs, reduction in force and an improved client and product mix, partially offset by a decline in revenues. In Europe, the 2.3 percentage point increase in gross margin, from 2.6% to 4.9%, resulted from an increase in revenues, as well as a more efficient use of temporary labor. The gross margin fore-Business was 5.9% for the year ended July 31, 2017 as compared to -0.6% for the same period of the prior year. This favorable increase was primarily due reduced labor cost as a percentage of revenue and improved client mix, partially offset by a decline in revenues. All of the Company’s business segments had improved gross margins in the fiscal year 2017 compared to the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

   Twelve
Months Ended
July 31,

2017
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended
July 31,

2016
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $10,706    11.6 $11,932    11.2 $(1,226  (10.3%) 

Asia

   19,850    12.6  20,569    12.3  (719  (3.5%) 

Europe

   16,165    10.2  15,174    10.0  991   6.5

e-Business

   2,592    9.5  3,152    9.5  (560  (17.8%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Sub-total

   49,313    11.3  50,827    11.1  (1,514  (3.0%) 

Corporate-level activity

   4,846     6,777     (1,931  (28.5%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $54,159    12.4 $57,604    12.5 $(3,445  (6.0%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and employee-related costs, sales commissions and incentive plans, information technology expenses, travel expenses, facilities costs, consulting fees, fees for professional services, depreciation expense and marketing expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses, during the year ended July 31, 2017, decreased by approximately $3.4 million compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of reduced employee-related costs ($0.2 million) related to restructuring and cost containment programs, lower professional fees ($4.1 million) primarily associated with outsourced services and a decrease in other selling, general and administrative expenses ($0.3 million). This decrease was offset by a gain included in the comparable period in the prior year related to the sale of a building in Europe of $1.2 million. Excluding the costs associated with the management incentive plan in the fiscal year 2017 and the gain associate with the sale of the building in Europe in the prior year, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $7.9 million. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended July 31, 2017.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

During the year ended, July 31, 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million to adjust the carrying value of its building in Kildare, Ireland to its estimated fair value.

Restructuring, net:

   Twelve
Months Ended
July 31,

2017
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended
July 31,

2016
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $338    0.4 $1,885    1.8 $(1,547  (82.1%) 

Asia

   818    0.5  2,247    1.3  (1,429  (63.6%) 

Europe

   623    0.4  2,259    1.5  (1,636  (72.4%) 

e-Business

   188    0.7  1,030    3.1  (842  (81.7%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $1,967    0.5 $7,421    1.6 $(5,454  (73.5%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $2.0 million. Of this amount,

$1.5 million primarily related to the workforce reduction of 78 employees across all operating segments, and $0.5 million related to contractual obligations.

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $7.4 million. Of this amount,

$5.9 million primarily related to the workforce reduction of 228 employees across all operating segments, and $1.5 million related to contractual obligations.

Interest Income/Expense:

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, interest income decreased to $0.4 million from $0.7 million during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016.

Interest expense totaled approximately $8.2 million and $10.9 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in interest expense primarily relates to the purchases of the Company’s 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes subsequent to the quarter ended January 31, 2016.

Other Gains (Losses), net:

Other gains (losses), net totaled approximately $3.2 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017. The balance consists primarily of $2.2 million and $0.9 million, in netnon-cash and cash gains, respectively, associated with its Trading Securities, and $0.2 million in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains, offset by other gain and losses. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the net gains of $0.2 million primarily related to realized and unrealized gains (losses) from foreign currency exposures and settled transactions of approximately $(0.1) million, $0.2 million, $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $(0.9) million in the Americas, Asia, Europe,e-Business and Corporate, respectively.

Other gains (losses), net totaled approximately $(5.8) million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016. The balance consists primarily of $(12.3) million and $6.4 million, in netnon-cash and cash gains and (losses), respectively, associated with its Trading Securities, $0.8 million innon-cash gains associated with the repurchase of the Company’s Notes and $(0.6) million in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange losses, offset by other gain and losses. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the net losses of $(0.6) million primarily related to realized and unrealized gains (losses) from foreign currency exposures and settled transactions of approximately $0.1 million, $(0.2) million, $(0.5) million in the Americas, Asia, Europe, respectively.

Gains (losses) on investments in affiliates and impairments:

Gains (losses) on investments in affiliates and impairments results from the Company’s minority ownership in certain investments that are accounted for under the cost method and impairments on these investments. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded gains of $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, associated with its cost method investments. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded an immaterial balance of impairment charges related to these investments. During the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company received distributions of approximately $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, from its investments.

Income Tax Expense:

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company recorded income tax expense of approximately $2.7 million compared to income tax expense of $5.4 million, for the prior fiscal year. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company was profitable in certain jurisdictions where the Company operates, resulting in an income tax expense using the enacted tax rates in those jurisdictions. We provide a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets that in our estimation are not more likely than not to be realized. During the year ended July 31, 2017, we provided valuation allowances totaling $11.0 million primarily related to our operations in the United States.

The Company provides for income tax expense related to federal, state, and foreign income taxes. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company’s taxable income for certain foreign locations was offset by net operating loss carryovers from prior years, and the Company calculated a taxable loss in the U.S. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company’s taxable income for certain foreign locations was offset by net operating loss carryovers from prior years, and the Company calculated a taxable loss in the U.S. The Company continues to maintain a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset in the U.S. and certain of its foreign subsidiaries due to the uncertainty of realizing such benefits..

Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company uses Adjusted EBITDA, anon-GAAP financial measure, to assess its performance. EBITDA represents earnings before interest, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA excluding the effects of SEC inquiry and financial restatement costs, SEC penalties on resolution, strategic consulting and other related professional fees, executive severance and employee retention, restructuring, share-based compensation, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, net, othernon-operating gains and losses, net, and gains and losses on investments in affiliates and impairments.

We believe that providing Adjusted EBITDA to investors is useful as this measure provides important supplemental information of our performance to investors and permits investors and management to evaluate the operating performance of our core supply chain business. We use Adjusted EBITDA in internal forecasts and models when establishing internal operating budgets, supplementing the financial results and forecasts reported to our Board of Directors, determining a component of incentive compensation for executive officers and other key employees based on operating performance and evaluating short-term and long-term operating trends in our core supply chain business. We believe that the Adjusted EBITDA financial measure assists in providing an enhanced understanding of our underlying operational measures to manage the core supply chain business, to evaluate performance compared to prior periods and the marketplace, and to establish operational goals. We believe that thesenon-GAAP financial adjustments are useful to investors because they allow investors to evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology and information used by management in our financial and operational decision-making.

Adjusted EBITDA is anon-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information provided in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Thisnon-GAAP financial measure may not be computed in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations are:

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

although depreciation and amortization arenon-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

non-cash compensation is and will remain a key element of our overall long-term incentive compensation package, although we exclude it as an expense when evaluating our ongoing operating performance for a particular period;

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; and

other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

The following table includes the reconciliations of our U.S. GAAP net loss, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015:

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
(In thousands)  2017  2016  2015 

Net loss

  $(25,827 $(61,281 $(18,429

Interest income

   (399  (668  (893

Interest expense

   8,247   10,924   10,618 

Income tax expense

   2,696   5,443   2,283 

Depreciation

   8,206   8,119   8,668 

Amortization of intangible assets

   —     —     667 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

EBITDA

   (7,077  (37,463  2,914 

SEC inquiry and financial restatement costs

   12   293   489 

SEC penalties on resolution

   —     —     1,600 

Strategic consulting and other related professional fees

   92   455   678 

Executive severance and employee retention

   750   662   —   

Restructuring

   1,967   7,421   5,130 

Share-based compensation

   681   1,126   1,757 

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

   261   305   3,360 

Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses

   670   1,037   (1,585

Othernon-cash (gains) losses, net

   (3,001  5,340   (13,439

(Gains) on investments in affiliates and impairments

   (1,278  (747  7,087 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $(6,923 $(21,571 $7,991 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Our Adjusted EBITDA measure reflects adjustments based on the following items:

SEC inquiry and financial restatement costs.We exclude external costs related to our SEC inquiry and financial restatement. We exclude these costs because we do not believe they are indicative of our normal operating costs.

SEC penalties on resolution.We exclude SEC penalties because we do not believe they are indicative of our normal operating costs.

Strategic consulting and other related professional expenses.We exclude certain professional fees related to our evaluation of strategic alternatives, cost alignment initiatives, and proxy contests with activist investors. We exclude these costs because we do not believe they are indicative of our normal operating costs.

Executive severance and employee retention.We have incurred severance charges related to certain executives of the Company, and costs related to the retention of certain employees of the Company. We exclude these costs because we do not believe they are indicative of our normal operating costs.

Restructuring.We incur charges due to the restructuring of our business, including severance charges and contractual obligations associated with facility reductions resulting from our streamlining efforts. The amount and timing of any future restructuring activity is difficult to predict.

Share-based Compensation Expense.We incur expenses related to share-based compensation included in our U.S. GAAP presentation of cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expense. Although share-based compensation is an expense we incur and is viewed as a form of compensation, the expense varies in amount from period to period, and is affected by market forces that are difficult to predict and are not within the control of management, such as the market price and volatility of our shares, risk-free interest rates and the expected term and forfeiture rates of the awards.

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.Although an impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets does not directly impact the Company’s current cash position, such expense represents the declining value of the goodwill recorded at the time of the business acquisition and the other long-lived assets that were acquired. We exclude these impairments because they are not indicative of our normal operating costs.

Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses.We exclude these gains and losses as we do not believe they directly impact the Company’s cash position until they are realized.

Othernon-cash (gains) losses.We exclude othernon-cash (gains) losses as they do not relate to the performance of our core supply chain business. This caption includes items such as the derecognition of accrued pricing liabilities and gains or losses on the sale of assets.

(Gains) losses on investments in affiliates and impairments. We exclude (gains) losses on investments in affiliates and impairments related to our investments in a small number of privately held companies. We exclude this balance because it is not related to or indicative of the results of the Company’s core supply chain business.

Fiscal Year 2016 compared to Fiscal Year 2015

Net Revenue:

   Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2016
   As a %
of

Total
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2015
   As a %
of

Total
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $106,143    23.1 $200,929    35.8 $(94,786  (47.2%) 

Asia

   167,861    36.6  163,262    29.1  4,599   2.8

Europe

   151,842    33.1  160,602    28.6  (8,760  (5.5%) 

e-Business

   33,177    7.2  36,880    6.5  (3,703  (10.0%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $459,023    100.0 $561,673    100.0 $(102,650  (18.3%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Net revenue decreased by approximately $102.7 million during the year ended July 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was primarily a result of lower volumes from a major computing market client, a major consumer electronics client and an aftermarket services program related to the repair and refurbishment of mobile devices, partially offset by an increase in revenue from other clients in the consumer electronics industries. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on net revenues for the year ended July 31, 2016. Revenue from new programs, which the Company defines as client programs that have been executed for fewer than 12 months, was $80.0 million during the year ended July 31, 2016, as compared to $65.8 million during the year ended July 31, 2015. The increase in revenue from new programs was primarily due to the addition of client programs associated with consumer electronics and consumer products markets. Base business is defined as client programs that have been executed for 12 months or more.

During the year ended July 31, 2016, net revenue in the Americas region decreased by approximately $94.8 million. This decrease occurred primarily as a result of lower volumes from a major computing market client, an aftermarket services program related to the repair and refurbishment of mobile devices and a large consumer electronics client. Within the Asia region, the net revenue increase of approximately $4.6 million primarily resulted from higher revenues from clients in the consumer electronics market. Within the Europe region, net revenue decreased by approximately $8.8 million primarily related to lower volumes from clients in the computing and consumer electronics markets, partially offset by increased revenue from other consumer electronics and consumer products clients. Net revenue fore-Business decreased by approximately $3.7 million, primarily due to lower revenues from consumer electronics clients, partially offset by other clients in the consumer electronics industries.

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, a major client in the computing market notified us of an intended change in their sourcing strategy effective during our third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2014 for one of their supply chain programs in Asia for which we were the primary service provider. While we were notified that the client intended to add an additional service provider to this program, we expect to continue to be the primary service provider. This change in sourcing strategy reduced annualized net revenue of approximately $15 million to $20 million, and had a greater proportionate impact on operating income consistent with the historical margins realized from this type of service program.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company was informed by a major client in the computing market that due to a further change in the client’s supply chain strategy, a number of programs previously sourced with the Company, primarily in the Americas, concluded by the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. Combined, these programs accounted for approximately $150 million to $160 million of annual net revenue and approximately $2.5 million to $3.5 million of operating income due to the historically low margins we had realized from these programs.

Cost of Revenue:

   Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2016
   As a %
of

Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2015
   As a %
of

Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $107,057    100.9 $190,941    95.0 $(83,884  (43.9%) 

Asia

   145,900    86.9  133,703    81.9  12,197   9.1

Europe

   147,929    97.4  149,410    93.0  (1,481  (1.0%) 

e-Business

   33,379    100.6  33,134    89.8  245   0.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $434,265    94.6 $507,188    90.3 $(72,923  (14.4%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses related to the cost of materials purchased in connection with the provision of supply chain management services as well as costs for salaries and benefits, contract labor, consulting, fulfillment and shipping, and applicable facilities costs. Cost of revenue for the year ended July 31, 2016 included materials procured on behalf of our clients of $265.6 million, or 57.9% of consolidated net revenue, as compared to $307.3 million, or 54.7% of consolidated net revenue for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $41.7 million. Total cost of revenue decreased by $72.9 million for the year ended July 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended July 31, 2015, primarily due to the decline in cost of materials associated with the loss of a major computing market and a consumer electronics market client and the reduction in labor costs primarily associated with the loss of an aftermarket services program related to the repair and refurbishment of mobile devices and a computing market client.

Gross margin decreased to 5.4% for the year ended July 31, 2016, from 9.7% for the year ended July 31, 2015, primarily as a result of a reduction in revenue, partially offset by a reduction in labor costs. For the year ended July 31, 2016, the Company’s gross margin percentages within the Americas, Asia, Europe ande-Business were-0.9%, 13.1%. 2.6% and-0.6%, as compared to 5.0%, 18.1%, 7.0% and 10.2%, respectively, for the same period of the prior year. Furthermore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on gross margin for the year ended July 31, 2016.

In the Americas, the 5.9 percentage point decrease in gross margin, from 5.0% to-0.9%, resulted from a decline in revenues, primarily related to three clients, partially offset by a less significant decline in labor costs. In Asia, the 5.0 percentage point decrease, from 18.1% to 13.1% was primarily the result of unfavorable revenue mix and higher material costs, partially offset by a lower decline in labor costs. In Europe, the 4.4 percentage point decrease in gross margin, from 7.0% to 2.6%, resulted from a decline in revenues. The gross margin fore-Business was-0.6% for the year ended July 31, 2016 as compared to 10.2% for the same period of the prior year. This unfavorable decline of 10.8 percentage points was due to lower revenues, as well as higher labor costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

   Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2016
   As a %
of

Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended

July  31,
2015
   As a %
of

Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $11,932    11.2 $13,129    6.5 $(1,197  (9.1%) 

Asia

   20,569    12.3  18,559    11.4  2,010   10.8

Europe

   15,174    10.0  14,506    9.0  668   4.6

e-Business

   3,152    9.5  2,384    6.5  768   32.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Sub-total

   50,827    11.1  48,578    8.6  2,249   4.6

Corporate-level activity

   6,777     11,089     (4,312  (38.9%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $57,604    12.5 $59,667    10.6 $(2,063  (3.5%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and employee-related costs, sales commissions and incentive plans, information technology expenses, travel expenses, facilities costs, consulting fees, fees for professional services, depreciation expense and marketing expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses, during the year ended July 31, 2016, decreased by approximately $2.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result

of reduced employee-related costs ($1.6 million) related to restructuring and a reduction in depreciation expense ($1.0 million), partially offset by higher professional fees ($1.7 million) primarily associated with outsourced services and gains ($1.2 million) associated with the sale of a building in Europe. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant impact on selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended July 31, 2016.

Amortization of Intangible Assets:

   Twelve
Months Ended
July  31,

2016
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended
July 31,

2015
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $—      0.0 $55    0.0 $(55  (100.0%) 

e-Business

   —      0.0  612    1.7  (612  (100.0%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $—      0.0 $667    0.1 $(667  (100.0%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

The intangible asset amortization relates to certain amortizable intangible assets acquired by the Company in connection with its acquisitions. The intangible assets were fully amortized as of July 31, 2015.

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets:

   Twelve
Months Ended
July  31,

2016
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended
July  31,

2015
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $—      0.0 $302    0.2 $(302  (100.0%) 

Europe

   305    0.2  —      0.0  305   100.0

e-Business

   —      0.0  3,058    8.3  (3,058  (100.0%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $305    0.1 $3,360    0.6 $(3,055  (90.9%) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

During the year ended, July 31, 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million to adjust the carrying value of its building in Kildare, Ireland to its estimated fair value.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company completed its annual impairment analysis of goodwill and determined that the fair value of the reporting unit, derived from forecasted cash flows, did not exceed its carrying value. As a result of the annual impairment analysis and in connection with the preparation of its annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015,this Amendment, the Company concluded that its remaining goodwill was fully impaired and recorded a $3.1 millionnon-cash goodwill impairment charge. The impairmentis also filing the certifications required under Section 302 of long-lived assetsthe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as exhibits to this Amendment.

Except as described above, no other changes have been made to the Original Form 10-K.  Among other things, forward-looking statements made in the Americas, during the year ended July 31, 2015, related to the write-down of leasehold improvements associated with the planned closure of a facility.

Restructuring, net:

   Twelve
Months Ended
July  31,

2016
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  Twelve
Months Ended
July  31,

2015
   As a %
of
Segment
Net
Revenue
  $ Change  % Change 
   (In thousands) 

Americas

  $1,885    1.8 $909    0.5 $976   107.4

Asia

   2,247    1.3  997    0.6  1,250   125.4

Europe

   2,259    1.5  3,165    2.0  (906  (28.6%) 

e-Business

   1,030    3.1  59    0.2  971   1,645.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

  $7,421    1.6 $5,130    0.9 $2,291   44.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $7.4 million. Of this amount,

$5.9 million primarily related to the workforce reduction of 228 employees across all operating segments, and $1.5 million related to contractual obligations.

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $5.1 million. Of this amount,

$4.9 million primarily related to the workforce reduction of 235 employees across all operating segments, and $0.2 million related to contractual obligations.

Interest Income/Expense:

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, interest income decreased to $0.7 million from $0.9 million during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015.

Interest expense totaled approximately $10.9 million and $10.6 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The interest expense primarily relates to cash andnon-cash interest associated with the Company’s issuance of $100 million of 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”) during the year ended July 31, 2014.

Other Gains (Losses), net:

Other gains (losses), net totaled approximately $(5.8) million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016. The balance consists primarily of $(12.3) million and $6.4 million, in netnon-cash and cash gains and (losses), respectively, associated with its Trading Securities, $0.8 million innon-cash gains associated with the repurchase of the Company’s Notes and $(0.6) million in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange losses, offset by other gains and losses. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the net losses of $(0.6) million primarily related to realized and unrealized gains (losses) from foreign currency exposures and settled transactions of approximately $0.1 million, $(0.2) million and $(0.5) million in the Americas, Asia and Europe, respectively.

Other gains (losses), net totaled approximately $15.0 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2015. The balance consists primarily of $12.8 million and $0.8 million, in netnon-cash and cash gains, respectively, associated with its Trading Securities and $1.8 million in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains, offset by other gain and losses. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the net gains of $1.8 million primarily related to realized and unrealized gains (losses) from foreign currency exposures and settled transactions of approximately $0.5 million, $0.2 million and $0.7 million in the Americas, Asia and Europe, respectively.

(Gains) losses on investments in affiliates and impairments:

(Gains) losses on investments in affiliates and impairments results from the Company’s minority ownership in certain investments that are accounted for under the cost method and impairments on these investments. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded gains of $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively, associated with its cost method investments. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2015, the Company recorded an immaterial proportionate share of the affiliates’ gains. During the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, the Company recorded an immaterial balance of impairment charges related to these investments. During the fiscal years ended July 31, 2015, the Company recorded $7.3 million of impairment charges related to these investments. During the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company received distributions of approximately $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, from its investments.

Income Tax Expense:

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of approximately $5.4 million compared to income tax expense of $2.3 million, for the prior fiscal year. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company was profitable in certain jurisdictions where the Company operates, resulting in an income tax expense using the enacted tax rates in those jurisdictions. We provide a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets that in our estimation are not more likely than not to be realized. During the year ended July 31, 2016, we provided valuation allowances totaling $10.3 million primarily related to our operations in the Netherlands. This increase in the valuation allowance increased the income tax expense by approximately $2.7 million.

The Company provides for income tax expense related to federal, state, and foreign income taxes. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company’s taxable income for certain foreign locations was offset by net operating loss carryovers from prior years, and the Company calculated a taxable loss in the U.S. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company’s taxable income for certain foreign locations was offset by net operating loss carryovers from prior years, and the Company calculated a taxable loss in the U.S. The Company continues to maintain a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset in the U.S. and certain of its foreign subsidiaries due to the uncertainty of realizing such benefits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, the Company has financed its operations and met its capital requirements primarily through funds generated from operations, the sale of our securities and borrowings from lending institutions. As of July 31, 2017, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $110.7 million. The Company’s ModusLink Corporation subsidiary has undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $39.1 million at July 31, 2017, of which approximately $2.0 million is considered to be permanently reinvested due to certain restrictions under local laws as well as the Company’s plans to reinvest such earnings for future expansion in certain foreign jurisdictions. Due to the Company’s U.S. net operating loss carryforward there is no U.S. tax payable upon repatriating the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries considered not subject to permanent investment. Foreign withholding taxes would range from 0% to 10% on any repatriated funds.

On June 30, 2014, two direct and wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company (the “Borrowers”) entered into a revolving credit and security agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), as borrowers and guarantors, with PNC Bank and National Association, as lender and as agent, respectively. The Credit Agreement has a five (5) year term which expires on June 30, 2019. It includes a

maximum credit commitment of $50.0 million, is available for letters of credit (with a sublimit of $5.0 million) and has a $20.0 million uncommitted accordion feature. The actual maximum credit available under the Credit Agreement varies from time to time and is determined by calculating the applicable borrowing base, which is based upon applicable percentages of the values of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory minus reserves determined by the Agent (including other reserves that the Agent may establish from time to time in its permitted discretion), all as specified in the Credit Agreement. During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company did not meet the criteria that would cause its financial covenants to be effective. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not have any balance outstanding on the Credit Agreement.

On March 18, 2014, the Company entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), relating to the Company’s issuance of $100 million of 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”). The Notes bear interest at the rate of 5.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2014. The Notes will mature on March 1, 2019, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted by the holder in accordance with their terms prior to such maturity date. Holders of the Notes may convert all or any portion of their notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at their option at any time prior to the close of business or the business day immediately preceding the maturity date. Each $1,000 of principal of the Notes will initially be convertible into 166.2593 shares of our common stock, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $6.01 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, or, if the Company obtains the required consent from its stockholders, into shares of the Company’s common stock, cash or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at the Company’s election. If the Company has received stockholder approval, and it elects to settle conversions through the payment of cash or payment or delivery of a combination of cash and shares, the Company’s conversion obligation will be based on the volume weighted average prices (“VWAP”) of its common stock for each VWAP trading day in a 40 VWAP trading day observation period. The Notes and any of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversionOriginal Form 10-K have not been registered. Holders will have the rightrevised to require the Companyreflect events that occurred or facts that became known to repurchase their Notes, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes, subject to certain conditions. No fundamental changes occurred during the year ended July 31, 2017. The Company may not redeem the Notes prior to the maturity date, and no sinking fund is provided for the Notes. The Company will have the right to elect to cause the mandatory conversion of the Notes in whole, and not in part, at any time on orus after March 6, 2017, if the last reported sale price of its common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive), including the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company notifies holders of its election to mandatorily convert the Notes, during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company notifies holders of its election to mandatorily convert the notes. The repurchase of Notes by the Company is discussed in Note 9 in the consolidated financial statements in Item 8. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the net carrying value of the Notes was $59.8 million and $57.2 million, respectively. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the principal amount of the Notes was $67.6 million and $69.6 million, respectively.

Consolidated working capital was $108.7 million at July 31, 2017, compared with $125.1 million at July 31, 2016. Included in working capital were cash and cash equivalents of $110.7 million at July 31, 2017 and $130.8 million at July 31, 2016.

Net cash used in operating activities was $24.4 million for the year ended July 31, 2017, as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $19.8 million in the prior year period. The $4.7 million increase in net cash used in operating activities as compared with the same period in the prior year was primarily due to payments of accounts payable, accrued restructuring and accrued expenses as compared to the payments made in the prior year, primarily offset by improvement in the Company’s net loss. During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company exited a program with a large consumer electronics client, requiring a net

working capital payment of approximately $14.5 million, which negatively impacted cash flows from operating activities as compared to the same period in the prior year. In addition to this, during the year ended July 31, 2017,non-cash items within net cash provided by operating activities included depreciation expense of $8.2 million, amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.6 million, accretion of debt discount of $3.9 million, impairment of long-lived assets of $0.3 million, share-based compensation of $0.7 million,non-cash gains, net, of $3.2 million and (gains) losses on investments in affiliates and impairments of $1.3 million. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016,non-cash items within net cash provided by operating activities included depreciation expense of $8.1 million, amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.7 million, accretion of debt discount of $5.0 million, impairment of long-lived assets of $0.3 million, share-based compensation of $1.1 million,non-cash gains, net, of $4.5 million and (gains) losses, and gains on investments in affiliates and impairments of $(0.7) million.

The Company believes that its cash flows related to operating activities of continuing operations are dependent on several factors, including profitability, accounts receivable collections, effective inventory management practices, and optimization of the credit terms of certain vendors of the Company. Our cash flows from operations are also dependent on several factors including the overall performance of the technology sector and the market for outsourcing services.

Investing activities provided cash of $5.6 million and $52.2 million during the year ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The cash provided by investing activities during the year ended July 31, 2017 was primarily comprised of $4.7 million in capital expenditures, $0.9 million in proceeds from the termination of a defined benefit pension plan, $8.0 million in proceeds from the sale of Trading Securities and $1.3 million in proceeds from investments in affiliates. The $52.2 million of cash provided by investing activities during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 was primarily comprised of $7.9 million in capital expenditures, $1.3 million in proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment, $1.2 million in purchase of Trading Securities, $59.3 million in proceeds from the sale of Trading Securities and $0.8 million in proceeds from investments in affiliates.

Cash flows used in financing activities during the year ended July 31, 2017 is primarily related to the repurchase of $2.0 million face value of the Company’s outstanding Notes. Cash flows used in financing activities during the year ended July 31, 2016 is primarily related to the repurchase of $30.4 million face value of the Company’s outstanding Notes.

The Company believes it has access to adequate resources to meet its needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditures, mandatory debt redemptions and working capital for its existing business for at least the next twelve months. These resources include cash and cash equivalents, Trading Securities, the PNC Credit Agreement noted above and cash, if any, provided by operating activities. At July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and Trading Securities of $122.6 million and $147.6 million, respectively. At July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, the Company had a readily available borrowing capacity under its PNC Bank Credit Facility of $16.0 million and $9.3 million, respectively. In order to obtain funding for strategic initiatives, which may include capital expenditures or acquisitions, we may seek to raise additional funds through divestitures, public or private equity offerings, debt financings, or other means. In addition, as part of our strategic initiatives, our management may seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise if we believe that it is in our best interests. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Management is utilizing the following strategies to continue to enhance liquidity: (1) continuing to implement improvements throughout all of the Company’s operations to increase sales and operating efficiencies, (2) supporting profitable revenue growth both internally and potentially through acquisitions and (3) evaluating from time to time and as appropriate, strategic alternatives with respect to its businesses and/or assets and capital raising opportunities. The Company continues to examine all of its options and strategies, including acquisitions, divestitures and other corporate transactions, to increase cash flow and stockholder value.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

The Company does not have anyoff-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

The Company leases facilities and certain other machinery and equipment under variousnon-cancelable operating leases and executory contracts expiring through July 2022. Certainnon-cancelable leases are classified as capital leases and the leased assets are included in property, plant and equipment, at cost. Such leasing arrangements involve buildings and machinery and equipment as discussed in Note 10 of the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below.

   Operating
Leases
   Capital
Lease
Obligations
   Purchase
Obligations
   Notes
Interest &
Principal
   Total 
   (In thousands) 

Payments due by period

          

Less than 1 year

  $9,947   $64   $30,998   $3,550   $44,559 

1-3 years

   9,716    156    —      71,175    81,047 

3-5 years

   4,518    85    —      —      4,603 

More than 5 years

   —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $24,181   $ 305   $30,998   $74,725   $130,209 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Purchase obligations represent an estimate of all open purchase orders and contractual obligations in the ordinary course of business for which the Company has not received the goods or services. Although open purchase orders are considered enforceable and legally binding, the terms generally allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to the delivery of goods or performance of services.

Future minimum payments, including previously recorded restructuring obligations, as of July 31, 2017 are as follows:

1.These Contractual Obligations do not include any reserves for income taxes. Because we are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of our reserves for income taxes, the Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments table does not include our reserves for income taxes. As of July 31, 2017, our reserves for income taxes totaled approximately $0.7 million.

2.The table above excludes obligations related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. See Note 11 of the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below for a summary of our expected contributions and benefit payments for these plans.

3.Total rent and equipment lease expense charged to continuing operations was $15.6 million, $17.3 million and $19.7 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

4.From time to time, the Company agrees to provide indemnification to its clients in the ordinary course of business. Typically, the Company agrees to indemnify its clients for losses caused by the Company. As of July 31, 2017, the Company had no recorded liabilities with respect to these arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory, restructuring, contingencies, share-based compensation expense, goodwill and long-lived assets, investments, pension obligations and income taxes. Of the accounting estimates we routinely make relating to our critical accounting policies, those estimates made in the process of: determining the valuation of inventory and related reserves; determining future lease assumptions related to restructured facility lease obligations; measuring share-based compensation expense; determining projected and discounted cash flows for purposes of evaluating goodwill, long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment; preparing investment valuations; and establishing income tax valuation allowances and liabilities are the estimates most likely to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, because these estimates inherently involve judgments and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those estimates.

The Company has identified the accounting policies below as the policies most critical to its business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is discussed throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. Our critical accounting policies are as follows:

Revenue recognition

Inventory valuation

Restructuring expenses

Share-based compensation expense

Accounting for impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets

Investments

Income taxes

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue primarily comes from the sale of supply chain management services to its clients. Amounts billed to clients under these arrangements include revenue attributable to the services performed as well as for materials procured on the Company’s clients’ behalf as part of its service to them. Other sources of revenue include the sale of products and other services. Revenue is recognized for services when the services are performed and for product sales when the products are shipped or in certain cases when products are built and title had transferred, if the client has also contracted with us for warehousing and/or logistics services for a separate fee, assuming all other applicable revenue recognition criteria are met.

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the provisions of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“ASC Topic 605”). Specifically, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. The Company’s shipping terms vary by client and can include FOB shipping point, which means that risk of loss passes to the client when it is shipped from the Company’s location, as well as other terms such asex-works, meaning that title and risk of loss transfer upon delivery of product to the customer’s designated carrier. The Company also evaluates the terms of each major client contract relative to a number of criteria that management considers in making its determination with respect to gross versus net reporting of revenue for transactions with its clients. Management’s criteria for making these judgments place particular emphasis on determining the primary obligor in a transaction and which party bears general inventory risk. The Company records all shipping and handling fees billed to clients as revenue, and related costs as cost of sales, when incurred.

The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 985, “Software” (“ASC Topic 985”), with respect to certain transactions involving the sale of software products by the Company’se-Business operations.

The Company applies the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)605-25 “Revenue – Multiple-Element Arrangements” for determining whether an arrangement involving more than one deliverable contains more than one unit of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting. Under this guidance, when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, a best estimate of the selling price is required to separate deliverables and allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. For those contracts which contain multiple deliverables, management must first determine whether each service, or deliverable, meets the separation criteria. In general, a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) meets the separation criteria if the deliverable has standalone value to the client. Each deliverable that meets the separation criteria is considered a “separate unit of accounting.” Management allocates the total arrangement consideration to each separate unit of accounting based on the relative selling price of each separate unit of accounting. After the arrangement consideration has been allocated to each separate unit of accounting, management applies the appropriate revenue recognition method for each separate unit of accounting as described previously based on the nature of the arrangement. In general, revenue is recognized upon completion of the last deliverable. All deliverables that do not meet the separation criteria are combined into one unit of accounting and the appropriate revenue recognition method is applied.

Inventory Valuation

We value the inventory at the lower of cost or market. We continuously monitor inventory balances and record inventory provisions for any excess of the cost of the inventory over its estimated market value. We also monitor inventory balances for obsolescence and excess quantities as compared to projected demands. Our inventory methodology is based on assumptions about average shelf life of inventory, forecasted volumes, forecasted selling prices, contractual provisions with our clients, write-down history of inventory and market conditions. While such assumptions may change from period to period, in determining the net realizable value of our inventories, we use the best information available as of the balance sheet date. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected, or we experience a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and client requirements, additional inventory provisions may be required. Once established, write-downs of inventory are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of inventory and cannot be reversed due to subsequent increases in demand forecasts.

Restructuring Expenses

The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. The statement requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan.

The Company records liabilities that primarily include estimated severance and other costs related to employee benefits and certain estimated costs to exit equipment and facility lease obligations and other service contracts and also costs for leases with no future economic benefit. As of July 31, 2017, the Company’s accrued restructuring balance totaled $0.2 million, of which remaining contractual obligations represented $0.1 million. These contractual obligations principally represent future obligations undernon- cancelable real estate leases. Restructuring estimates relating to real estate leases involve consideration of a number of factors including: potential sublet rental rates, estimated vacancy period for the property, brokerage commissions and certain other costs. Estimates relating to potential sublet rates and expected vacancy periods are most likely to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations in the event that actual amounts differ significantly from estimates. These estimates involve judgment and uncertainties, and the settlement of these liabilities could differ materially from recorded amounts. As such, in the course of making such estimates management often uses third party real estate advisors to assist management in its assessment of the marketplace for purposes of estimating sublet rates and vacancy periods. A 10%—20% unfavorable settlement of our remaining restructuring liabilities, as compared to our current estimates, would decrease our income from continuing operations by an immaterial amount.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

The Company recognizes share-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Compensation— Stock Compensation” (“ASC Topic 718”) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share- based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values.

ASC Topic 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

ASC Topic 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company estimates its forfeiture rate based on a historical analysis of share- based payment award forfeitures. If actual forfeitures should vary from estimated forfeitures, adjustments to share-based compensation expense may be required. The Company uses the binomial-lattice option-pricing model (“binomial-lattice model”) for valuation of share-based awards with time-based vesting. The Company believes that the binomial-lattice model is an accurate

model for valuing employee stock options since it reflects the impact of stock price changes on option exercise behavior. For performance-based awards, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the expected performance achievement period of individual performance milestones when the achievement of each individual performance milestone becomes probable. For share- based awards based on market conditions, specifically, the Company’s stock price, the compensation cost and derived service periods are estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation method. The Company uses third party analyses to assist in developing the assumptions used in its binomial-lattice model and Monte Carlo valuations and the resulting fair value used to record compensation expense. The Company’s determination of fair value of stock options on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and

projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Any significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect the estimated fair value of the share-based award.

Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company follows ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC Topic 360”). Under ASC Topic 360, the Company tests certain long-lived assets or group of assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company may not be able to recover the asset’s carrying amount. ASC Topic 360 defines impairment as the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or group, including property and equipment and other intangible assets, exceeds its fair value. The Company evaluates recoverability by determining whether the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of that asset or group cover the carrying value at the evaluation date. If the undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to cover the carrying value, the Company measures an impairment loss as the excess of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or group over its fair value. Management may use third party valuation experts to assist in its determination of fair value. As of July 31, 2017, $2.4 million, $8.5 million, $8.4 million, and $1.6 million of the Company’s long-lived assets related to the Americas, Asia, Europe, ande-Business reporting units, respectively, consisting primarily of property, equipment and software.

The Company is required to test goodwill for impairment annually or if a triggering event occurs in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350, “Goodwill and Other” (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company’s policy is to perform its annual impairment testing for its reporting units on July 31, of each fiscal year. The Income Approach indicates the fair value of an asset based on the present value of the cash flows that the asset can be expected to generate in the future. Specifically, the Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) Method was relied upon in the valuation of the net assets of thee-Business reporting unit. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company completed its annual impairment analysis of goodwill. As a result of the annual impairment analysis and in connection with the preparation of its annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company concluded that its remaining goodwill was fully impaired and recorded a $3.1 millionnon-cash goodwill impairment charge.

Investments

The Company had maintained interests in a small number of privately held companies primarily through its various venture capital funds. The Company’s venture capital investment portfolio, @Ventures, invested in early-stage technology companies. These investments are generally made in connection with a round of financing with other third-party investors. Investments in which the Company’s interest is less than 20% and which are not classified asavailable-for-sale securities, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting, and are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Under this method, the investment balance, originally recorded at is cost, is only adjusted for impairments to the investment. Gains and losses realized upon the sale of the investment are reflected in “Gains on investments in affiliates, net of tax” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, the Company recorded gains of $1.3 million associated with its cost method investments. If it is determined that the Company exercises significant influence over the investee company, then the equity method of accounting is used. For those investments in which the Company’s voting interest is between 20% and 50%, the equity method of accounting is generally used. Under this method, the investment balance, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investee company as they occur, limited to the extent of the Company’s investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee. The Company’s share of net income or losses of the investee are reflected in “Gains on investments in affiliates, net of tax” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the value of these investments was fully impaired. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company recorded an immaterial amount of its proportionate share of the affiliates’ gains.

The Company assesses the need to record impairment losses on its investments and records such losses when the impairment of an investment is determined to be other than temporary in nature. The process of assessing whether a particular investment’s net realizable value is less than its carrying cost requires a significant amount of judgment. This valuation process is based primarily on information that the Company requests from these privately held companies who are not subject to the same disclosure and audit requirements as the reports required of U.S. public companies. As such, the reliability and accuracy of the data may vary. Based on the Company’s evaluation, it recorded impairment charges related to its investments in privately held companies of $42 thousand and $7.3 million for fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These impairment losses are reflected in “Impairment of investments in affiliates” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Estimating the net realizable value of investments in privately held early-stage technology companies is inherently subjective and has contributed to significant volatility in our reported results of operations in the past and it may negatively impact our results of operations in the future.

At the time an equity method investee issues its stock to unrelated parties, the Company accounts for that share issuance as if the Company has sold a proportionate share of its investment. The Company records any gain or loss resulting from an equity method investee’s share issuance in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and

2014, no such gains or losses had been recorded related to any @Ventures investments.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC Topic 740”) using the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is

recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets must be reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. This methodology is subjective and requires significant estimates and judgments in the determination of the recoverability of deferred tax assets and in the calculation of certain tax liabilities. At July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the deferred tax asset in the U.S. and certain of its foreign subsidiaries since management believes that after considering all the available objective evidence, both positive and negative, historical and prospective, with greater weight given to historical evidence, it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized. In each reporting period, we evaluate the adequacy of our valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. In the future, if the Company is

able to demonstrate a consistent trend ofpre-tax income, then at that time management may reduce its valuation allowance, accordingly. The Company’s federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards at July 31, 2017 totaled approximately $2.1 billion, $209.8 million and $84.1 million, respectively. A 5% reduction in the Company’s current valuation allowance on these federal and state net operating loss carryforwards would result in an income tax benefit of approximately $37.5 million.

In addition, the calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several tax jurisdictions. The Company is periodically reviewed by domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, we record estimated reserves for exposures. Based on our evaluation of current tax positions, the Company believes it has appropriately accrued for exposures as of July 31, 2017.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The effective date will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 using one of two retrospective application methods or a cumulative effect approach. The Company is evaluating the potential effects on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2014-15 Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic205-40), which amends the accounting guidance related to the evaluation of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The amendment establishes management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern in connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period. The update also gives guidance to determine whether to disclose information about relevant conditions and events when there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance will be effective for the Company as of the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The new guidance is not anticipated to have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic835-30)—Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as an asset. The Company adopted this guidance beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Upon adoption, an entity must apply the guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. As such, the prior year consolidated balance sheets were also adjusted.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330), which provides guidance related to inventory measurement. The new standard requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The adoption of the guidance is not expected to have material impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, results of operations and financial position.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This guidance allowed for adoption on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company had elected to early adopt this guidance on a prospective basis and, as a result, prior consolidated balance sheets were not retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this guidance did increase the assets and liabilities balance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to today’s accounting. This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, results of operations and financial position.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). The amendments in this update relate to when another party, along with the Company, are involved in providing a good or service to a customer and are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent. Revenue recognition guidance requires companies to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (i.e., the Company is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (i.e., the Company is an agent). This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new update may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The adoption of the guidance is not expected to have material impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, results of operations and financial position.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-18, Restricted Cash. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. Entities will also have to disclose the nature of their restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent balances, which is similar to what is required today for Securities and Exchange Commission Registrants. This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new standard may have on its combined financial statements but does not believe that implementing this standard will have a significant impact on the Company’s current presentation and disclosures.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), which requires that the service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost be presented in the same line item as other employee compensation costs, while the other components be presented separately asnon-operating income (expense). This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

Protective Amendment

On October 9, 2014, the Tax Plan was amended by our Board of Directors to extend the expiration of the Tax Plan until October 17, 2017. Following the stockholders’ approval of the Protective Amendment (as described in the following paragraphs) at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting, the Tax Plan was further amended so that it expired at the close of business on December 31, 2014.

On December 29, 2014, the Company filed an Amendment to its Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Protective Amendment”) with the Delaware Secretary of State to protect the significant potential long-term tax benefits presented by its net

operating losses and other tax benefits (collectively, the “NOLs”). The Protective Amendment was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on December 9, 2014. As a result of the filing of the Protective Amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State, the Company amended its Tax Benefit Preservation Plan so that it expired at the close of business on December 31, 2014.

The Protective Amendment limits certain transfers of the Company’s common stock, to assist the Company in protecting the long-term value of its accumulated NOLs. The Protective Amendment’s transfer restrictions generally restrict any direct or indirect transfers of the common stock if the effect wouldOriginal Form 10-K, and such forward-looking statements should be to increase the direct or indirect ownership of the common stock by any person (as defined in the Protective Amendment) from less than 4.99% to 4.99% or more of the common stock, or increase the percentage of the common stock owned directly or indirectly by a Person owning or deemed to own 4.99% or more of the common stock. Any direct or indirect transfer attempted in violation of the Protective Amendment will be void as of the date of the prohibited transfer as to the purported transferee. The Board of Directors of the Company has discretion to grant waivers to permit transfers otherwise restricted by the Protective Amendment.

In accordance with the Protective Amendment, Handy & Harman (“HNH”), a related party, requested, and the Company granted HNH and its affiliates, a waiver under the Protective Amendment to permit their acquisition of up to 45% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock in the aggregate (subject to proportionate adjustment, the “45% Cap”), in addition to acquisitions of common stock in connection with the exercise of certain warrants of the Company (the “Warrants”) held by Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“SPH”), an affiliate of HNH, as well as a limited waiver under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law for this purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, HNH and its affiliates (and any group of which HNH or any of its affiliates is a member) are not permitted to acquire securities that would result in an “ownership change” of the Company for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that would have the effect of impairing any of the Company’s NOLs. The foregoing waiver was approved by the independent directors of the Company.

ITEM 7A.—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and changes in the market values of its investments. The carrying values of financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and the revolving line of credit, approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of capital lease obligations approximates fair value, as estimated by using discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

As a matter of policy, the Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivative positions are used to reduce risk by hedging underlying economic or market exposure and are valued at their fair value on our consolidated balance sheets and adjustments to the fair value during this holding period are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of July 31, 2017, the Company did not have any foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding.

Interest Rate Risk

At July 31, 2017, the Company did not have an outstanding balance under its Credit Facility and the Company did not have any open derivative positions with respect to its borrowing arrangements.

We maintain a portfolio of highly liquid cash equivalents typically maturing in three months or less as of the date of purchase. We place our investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy and include corporate and state municipal obligations such as commercial paper, certificates of deposit and institutional market funds.

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company has operations in various countries and currencies throughout the world and its operating results and financial position are subject to exposure from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company has historically used derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency exchange rate contracts, to minimize the transaction exposure that results from such fluctuations. As of July 31, 2017, the Company did not have any derivative financial instruments.

In the year ended July 31, 2017, approximately 76% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue was generated internationally. A portion of our international sales made by our foreign business unitsread in their respective countries is denominated in the local currencyhistorical context.

Primary currencies include Euros, Singapore Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Czech Koruna, Taiwan Dollars, Japanese Yen, and Australian Dollars. The statements of operations of our international operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in each applicable period. To the extent the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, the translation of these

foreign currency-denominated transactions results in increased revenue and operating expenses for our international operations. Similarly, our revenue and operating expenses will decrease for our international operations when the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies. While we attempt to balance local currency revenue to local currency expenses to provide in effect a natural hedge, it is not always possible to completely reduce the foreign currency exchange rate risk due to competitive and other reasons.

The conversion of the foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into U.S. dollars will lead to a translation gain or loss which is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, we recorded foreign currency translation gains of $1.4 million, which are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income in Stockholders’ Equity in our consolidated balance sheet. In addition, certain of our foreign subsidiaries have assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the relevant entity’s functional currency. Changes in the functional currency value of these assets and liabilities create fluctuations that will lead to a transaction gain or loss. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, we

recorded foreign currency transaction gains of $0.2 million which are recorded in “Other gains (losses), net” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Our international business is subject to risks, including, but not limited to differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign currency exchange rate volatility when compared to the United States. Accordingly, our future results could be materially adversely impacted by significant changes in these or other factors. As exchange rates vary, our international financial results may vary from expectations and adversely impact our overall operating results.

ITEM 8.— FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

42

Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 2017 and 2016

43

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

44

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

45

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

46

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

47

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

48

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders

ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.

Waltham, Massachusetts

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. as of July 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2017. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. at July 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria) and our report dated October 16, 2017 expressed an adverse opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

October 16, 2017

MODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

   July 31, 2017  July 31, 2016 
ASSETS   

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $110,670  $130,790 

Trading securities

   11,898   16,768 

Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $616 and $489 at July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively

   81,450   111,336 

Inventories

   34,369   40,270 

Funds held for clients

   13,454   12,549 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   6,005   8,178 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   257,846   319,891 

Property and equipment, net

   18,555   22,271 

Other assets

   4,897   5,770 
�� 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $281,298  $347,932 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts payable

  $71,476  $114,432 

Accrued restructuring

   186   2,936 

Accrued expenses

   37,898   37,740 

Funds held for clients

   13,454   12,549 

Other current liabilities

   26,141   27,109 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   149,155   194,766 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term portion of accrued restructuring

   —     93 

Notes payable

   59,758   57,169 

Other long-term liabilities

   9,414   9,964 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities

   69,172   67,226 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   218,327   261,992 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

   

Stockholders’ equity:

   

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; zero issued or outstanding shares at July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016

   —     —   

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share. Authorized 1,400,000,000 shares; 55,555,973 issued and outstanding shares at July 31, 2017; 55,249,076 issued and outstanding shares at July 31, 2016

   556   553 

Additional paid-in capital

   7,457,051   7,456,490 

Accumulated deficit

   (7,398,949  (7,373,122

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   4,313   2,019 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   62,971   85,940 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $281,298  $347,932 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

MODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
   2017  2016  2015 

Net revenue

  $436,620  $459,023  $561,673 

Cost of revenue

   400,255   434,265   507,188 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   36,365   24,758   54,485 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating expenses

    

Selling, general and administrative

   54,159   57,604   59,667 

Amortization of intangible assets

   —     —     667 

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

   —     305   3,360 

Restructuring, net

   1,967   7,421   5,130 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   56,126   65,330   68,824 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating loss

   (19,761  (40,572  (14,339
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

    

Interest income

   399   668   893 

Interest expense

   (8,247  (10,924  (10,618

Other gains (losses), net

   3,200   (5,757  15,005 

Impairment of investments in affiliates

   —     (42  (7,295
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other income (expense)

   (4,648  (16,055  (2,015
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

   (24,409  (56,627  (16,354

Income tax expense

   2,696   5,443   2,283 

Gains on investments in affiliates, net of tax

   (1,278  (789  (208
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(25,827 $(61,281 $(18,429
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share:

  $(0.47 $(1.18 $(0.35

Weighted average common shares used in basic and diluted earnings per share

   55,134   51,934   51,940 

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

MODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(in thousands)

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
   2017  2016  2015 

Net loss

  $(25,827 $(61,281 $(18,429

Other comprehensive loss:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   1,391   (1,539  (8,163

Pension liability adjustments, net of tax

   830   —     (2,306

Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities, net of tax

   73   48   11 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive gain (loss)

   2,294   (1,491  (10,458
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

  $(23,533 $(62,772 $(28,887
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

MODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share amounts)

   Number of
Shares
  Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Total
Stockholders’

Equity
 

Balance at July 31, 2014

   52,100,763  $521   $7,450,541  $(7,293,412 $13,968  $171,618 

Net loss

       (18,429   (18,429

Equity portion of convertible senior notes

         —   

Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock purchase plan and stock option exercises

   33,358   —      113   —     —     113 

Restricted stock grants

   111,110   1    (1  —     —     —   

Restricted stock forfeitures

   (11,343  —      —     —     —     —   

Share-based compensation

   —     —      1,757   —     —     1,757 

Other comprehensive items

   —     —      —     —     (10,458  (10,458
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at July 31, 2015

   52,233,888   522    7,452,410   (7,311,841  3,510   144,601 

Net loss

       (61,281   (61,281

Equity portion of convertible notes

   —     —      (64  —     —     (64

Issuance of common stock to Highbridge International LLC and Highbridge Tactical Credit & Convertibles Master Fund, L.P.

   2,656,336   27    3,107   —     —     3,134 

Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock purchase plan and stock option exercises

   70,136   —      51   —     —     51 

Restricted stock grants

   340,259   4    (4  —     —     —   

Restricted stock forfeitures

   (51,543  —      (136  —     —     (136

Share-based compensation

   —     —      1,126   —     —     1,126 

Other comprehensive items

   —     —      —     —     (1,491  (1,491
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at July 31, 2016

   55,249,076   553    7,456,490   (7,373,122  2,019   85,940 

Net loss

       (25,827   (25,827

Equity portion of convertible notes

   —     —      (135  —     —     (135

Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock purchase plan and stock option exercises

   10,605   —      18   —     —     18 

Restricted stock grants

   296,292   3    (3  —     —     —   

Share-based compensation

   —     —      681   —     —     681 

Other comprehensive items

   —     —      —     —     2,294   2,294 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at July 31, 2017

   55,555,973  $556   $7,457,051  $(7,398,949 $4,313  $62,971 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral partTABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2018
STEEL CONNECT, INC.

Item

 

Page

   
 PART III 
   
10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance1
   
11.Executive Compensation7
   
12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters27
   
13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence32
   
14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services37
   
 PART IV 
   
15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules38

Table of these consolidated financial statements.

ContentsMODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
   2017  2016  2015 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

  $(25,827 $(61,281 $(18,429

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation

   8,206   8,119   8,668 

Amortization of intangible assets

   —     —     667 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

   566   733   557 

Accretion of debt discount

   3,919   4,967   4,473 

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

   261   305   3,360 

Share-based compensation

   681   1,126   1,757 

Non-cash (gains) losses, net

   (3,200  4,519   (15,005

(Gains) losses on investments in affiliates and impairments

   (1,278  (747  7,087 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Trade accounts receivable, net

   31,102   19,130   (14,970

Inventories

   6,852   7,752   11,839 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   1,572   10,763   (26,580

Accounts payable, accrued restructuring and accrued expenses

   (45,314  (4,245  22,258 

Refundable and accrued income taxes, net

   (1,014  2,660   367 

Other assets and liabilities

   (971  (13,589  33,145 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

   (24,445  (19,788  19,194 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Additions to property and equipment

   (4,730  (7,936  (8,518

Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment

   187   1,318   —   

Proceeds from the termination of defined benefit pension plan

   905   —     —   

Purchase of Trading Securities

   —     (1,220  (69,221

Proceeds from the sale of Trading Securities

   7,998   59,327   2,325 

Investments in affiliates

   —     (42  (323

Proceeds from investments in affiliates

   1,278   789   408 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

   5,638   52,236   (75,329
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Purchase of the Company’s Convertible Notes

   (1,763  (20,257  —   

Repayments on capital lease obligations

   (171  (228  (216

Net proceeds from revolving line of credit

   —     —     (4,453

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   18   51   113 

Repurchase of common stock

   —     (127  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

   (1,916  (20,561  (4,556
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   603   (528  (3,393
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   (20,120  11,359   (64,084

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   130,790   119,431   183,515 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $110,670  $130,790  $119,431
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

MODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)NATURE OF OPERATIONS

ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “ModusLink Global Solutions” or the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, ModusLink Corporation (“ModusLink”) and ModusLink PTS, Inc. (“ModusLink PTS”), is a leader in global supply chain business process management serving clients in markets such as consumer electronics, communications, computing, medical devices, software, and retail. The Company designs and executes critical elements in its clients’ global supply chains to improve speed to market, product customization, flexibility, cost, quality and service. These benefits are delivered through a combination of industry expertise, innovative service solutions, integrated operations, proven business processes, expansive global footprint and world-class technology.

The Company has an integrated network of strategically located facilities in various countries, including numerous sites throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The Company previously operated under the names CMGI, Inc. and CMG Information Services, Inc. and was incorporated in Delaware in 1986.

(2)SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the application of certain significant accounting policies described below.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the results of its wholly-owned and majority- owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company accounts for investments in businesses in which it owns between 20% and 50% of the voting interest using the equity method, if the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee company. All other investments in privately held businesses over which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence, or for which there is not a readily determinable market value, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates including those related to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories, fair value of its trading and available-for-sale securities, intangible assets, income taxes, restructuring, valuation of long-lived assets, impairments, contingencies, restructuring charges, litigation, pension obligations and the fair value of stock options and share bonus awards granted under the Company’s stock based compensation plans. Accounting estimates are based on historical experience and various assumptions that are considered reasonable under the circumstances. However, because these estimates inherently involve judgments and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from those estimated.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue primarily comes from the sale of supply chain management services to its clients. Amounts billed to clients under these arrangements include revenue attributable to the services performed as well as for materials procured on the Company’s clients’ behalf as part of its service to them. Other sources of revenue include the sale of products and other services. Revenue is recognized for services when the services are performed and for product sales when the products are shipped or in certain cases when products are built and title had transferred, if the client has also contracted with us for warehousing and/or logistics services for a separate fee, assuming all other applicable revenue recognition criteria are met.

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the provisions of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“ASC Topic 605”). Specifically, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. The Company’s shipping terms vary by client and can include FOB

shipping point, which means that risk of loss passes to the client when it is shipped from the Company’s location, as well as other terms such as ex-works, meaning that title and risk of loss transfer upon delivery of product to the customer’s designated carrier. The Company also evaluates the terms of each major client contract relative to a number of criteria that management considers in making its determination with respect to gross versus net reporting of revenue for transactions with its clients. Management’s criteria for making these judgments place particular emphasis on determining the primary obligor in a transaction and which party bears general inventory risk. The Company records all shipping and handling fees billed to clients as revenue, and related costs as cost of sales, when incurred.

The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 985, “Software” (“ASC Topic 985”), with respect to certain transactions involving the sale of software products by the Company’s e-Business operations.

The Company applies the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-25 “Revenue – Multiple-Element Arrangements” for determining whether an arrangement involving more than one deliverable contains more than one unit of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting. Under this guidance, when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, a best estimate of the selling price is required to separate deliverables and allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. For those contracts which contain multiple deliverables, management must first determine whether each service, or deliverable, meets the separation criteria. In general, a deliverable (or a group of deliverables) meets the separation criteria if the deliverable has standalone value to the client. Each deliverable that meets the separation criteria is considered a “separate unit of accounting.” Management allocates the total arrangement consideration to each separate unit of accounting based on the relative selling price of each separate unit of accounting. After the arrangement consideration has been allocated to each separate unit of accounting, management applies the appropriate revenue recognition method for each separate unit of accounting as described previously based on the nature of the arrangement. In general, revenue is recognized upon completion of the last deliverable. All deliverables that do not meet the separation criteria are combined into one unit of accounting and the appropriate revenue recognition method is applied.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company’s unsecured accounts receivable are stated at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering each customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. The Company writes off accounts receivable when management deems them uncollectible and records recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off when received. When accounts receivable are considered past due, the Company generally does not charge interest on past due balances.

Foreign Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is the local currency, are translated to U.S. dollars at the rates in effect at the balance sheet date. All amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are translated using the average exchange rates in effect during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component of stockholders’ equity. Settlement of receivables and payables in a foreign currency that is not the functional currency result in foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in “Other gains (losses), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with maturities greater than three months to twelve months at the time of purchase are considered short- term investments. Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following:

   July 31,
2017
   July 31,
2016
 
   (In thousands) 

Cash and bank deposits

  $24,987   $29,566 

Money market funds

   85,683    101,224 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $110,670   $130,790
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, current liabilities and the revolving line of credit approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of capital lease obligations approximates fair value, as estimated by using discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The fair values of the Company’s Trading Securities are estimated using quoted market prices. The fair value of the Company’s Notes payable is $63.9 million as of July 31, 2017, which represents the value at which its lenders could trade its debt with in the financial markets, and does not represent the settlement value of these long-term debt liabilities to us. The fair value of the Notes payable could vary each period based on fluctuations in market interest rates, the Company’s stock price, as well as changes to the Company’s credit ratings. The Notes payable are traded and their fair values are based upon traded prices as of the reporting dates.

The defined benefit plans have assets invested in insurance contracts and bank managed portfolios. Conservation of capital with some conservative growth potential is the strategy for the plans. The Company’s pension plans are outside the United States, where asset allocation decisions are typically made by an independent board of trustees. Investment objectives are aligned to generate returns that will enable the plans to meet their future obligations. The Company acts in a consulting and governance role in reviewing investment strategy and providing a recommended list of investment managers for each plan, with final decisions on asset allocation and investment manager made by local trustees.

ASC Topic 820 provides that fair value is an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants based on the highest and best use of the asset or liability. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 requires the Company to use valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

Level 1:Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets

Level 2:Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs

Level 3:Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets or liabilities

Investments

Marketable securities held by the Company which meet the criteria for classification as trading securities or available-for-sale are carried at fair value. Gains and losses on securities classified as trading are reflected in other income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale are carried net of income taxes, when applicable, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

The Company maintained interests in a small number of privately held companies primarily through its various venture capital funds. The Company’s venture capital investment portfolio, @Ventures, invested in early-stage technology companies. These investments are generally made in connection with a round of financing with other third-party investors. Investments in which the Company’s interest is less than 20% and which are not classified as available-for-sale securities, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting, and are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Under this method, the investment balance, originally recorded at is cost, is only adjusted for impairments to the investment. Gains and losses realized upon the sale of the investment are reflected in “Gains on investments in affiliates, net of tax” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. If it is determined that the Company exercises significant influence over the investee company, then the equity method of accounting is used. For those investments in which the Company’s voting interest is between 20% and 50%, the equity method of accounting is generally used. Under this method, the investment balance, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investee company as they occur, limited to the extent of the Company’s investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee.

The Company assesses the need to record impairment losses on its investments and records such losses when the impairment of an investment is determined to be other than temporary in nature. The process of assessing whether a particular equity investment’s net realizable value is less than its carrying cost requires a significant amount of judgment. This valuation process is based primarily on information that the Company obtains from these privately held companies who are not subject to the same disclosure and audit requirements as the reports required of U.S. public companies. As such, the timeliness and completeness of the

data may vary. Based on the Company’s evaluation, it recorded impairment charges related to its investments in privately held companies of approximately $42 thousand and $7.3 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These impairment losses are reflected in “Impairment of investments in affiliates” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

At the time an equity method investee issues its stock to unrelated parties, the Company accounts for that share issuance as if the Company has sold a proportionate share of its investment. The Company records any gain or loss resulting from an equity method investee’s share issuance in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Funds held for clients

Funds held for clients represent assets that are restricted for use solely for the purposes of satisfying the obligations to remit client’s customer funds to the Company’s clients. These funds are classified as a current asset and a corresponding other current liability on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by both the moving average and the first-in, first-out methods. Materials that the Company typically procures on behalf of its clients that are included in inventory include materials such as compact discs, printed materials, manuals, labels, hardware accessories, hard disk drives, consumer packaging, shipping boxes and labels, power cords and cables for client-owned electronic devices.

Inventories consisted of the following:

   July 31,
2017
   July 31,
2016
 
   (In thousands) 

Raw materials

  $24,129   $28,506 

Work-in-process

   713    590 

Finished goods

   9,527    11,174 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $34,369   $40,270 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company continuously monitors inventory balances and records inventory provisions for any excess of the cost of the inventory over its estimated market value. The Company also monitors inventory balances for obsolescence and excess quantities as compared to projected demands. The Company’s inventory methodology is based on assumptions about average shelf life of inventory, forecasted volumes, forecasted selling prices, contractual provisions with its clients, write-down history of inventory and market conditions. While such assumptions may change from period to period, in determining the net realizable value of its inventories, the Company uses the best information available as of the balance sheet date. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected, or the Company experiences a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and client requirements, additional inventory provisions may be required. Once established, write-downs of inventory are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of inventory and cannot be reversed due to subsequent increases in demand forecasts. Accordingly, if inventory previously written down to its net realizable value is subsequently sold, gross profit margins may be favorably impacted.

Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company follows ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC Topic 360”). Under ASC Topic 360, the Company tests certain long-lived assets or group of assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company may not be able to recover the asset’s carrying amount. ASC Topic 360 defines impairment as the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or group, including property and equipment and other definite-lived intangible assets, exceeds its fair value. The Company evaluates recoverability by determining whether the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of that asset or group cover the carrying value at the evaluation date. If the undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to cover the carrying value, the Company measures an impairment loss as the excess of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or group over its fair value. Management may use third party valuation experts to assist in its determination of fair value.

The Company is required to test goodwill for impairment annually or if a triggering event occurs in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350, “Goodwill and Other” (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company’s policy is to perform its annual impairment testing for all reporting units with goodwill on July 31 of each fiscal year. As a result of the annual impairment analysis and in connection with the preparation of its annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company concluded that its remaining goodwill was fully impaired and recorded a $3.1 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge.

The Company’s valuation methodology for assessing impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets requires management to make judgments and assumptions based on historical experience and on projections of future operating performance. Management may use third party valuation advisors to assist in its determination of the fair value of reporting units subject to impairment testing. The Company operates in highly competitive environments and projections of future operating results and cash flows may vary significantly from actual results. If the assumptions used in estimating the valuations of the Company’s reporting units for purposes of impairment testing differ materially from actual future results, the Company may record impairment charges in the future and our financial results may be materially adversely affected.

Restructuring Expenses

The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. The statement requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when a liability has been incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. The Company records liabilities that primarily include estimated severance and other costs related to employee benefits and certain estimated costs related to equipment and facility lease obligations and other service contracts. These contractual obligations principally represent future obligations under non-cancelable real estate leases. Restructuring estimates relating to real estate leases involve consideration of a number of factors including: potential sublet rental rates, estimated vacancy period for the property, brokerage commissions and certain other costs. Estimates relating to potential sublet rates and expected vacancy periods are most likely to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations in the event that actual amounts differ significantly from estimates. These estimates involve judgment and uncertainties, and the settlement of these liabilities could differ materially from recorded amounts.

Property and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. The Company capitalizes certain computer software development costs when incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings32 years
Machinery & equipment3 to 5 years
Furniture & fixtures5 to 7 years
Automobiles5 years
Software3 to 8 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC Topic 740”), using the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. ASC Topic 740 also requires that the deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. This methodology is subjective and requires significant estimates and judgments in the determination of the recoverability of deferred tax assets and in the calculation of certain tax liabilities.

In accordance with ASC Topic 740, the Company applies the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company’s financial statements. ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in

order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements. In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions is included in the “income tax expense” line of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 14, “Income Taxes,” for additional information.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table reconciles earnings per share for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

   Twelve Months Ended 
   July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 

Net loss

  $(25,827  $(61,281  $(18,429

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   55,134    51,934    51,940 

Weighted average common equivalent shares arising from dilutive stock options and restricted stock

   —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common and potential common shares

   55,134    51,934    51,940 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share

  $(0.47  $(1.18  $(0.35

Approximately 14.2 million, 21.1 million and 21.6 million common stock equivalent shares relating to the effects of outstanding stock options and restricted stock were excluded from the denominator in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive due to the fact that the Company recorded a net loss for those periods. Approximately 11.4 million and 16.5 million and 16.6 million common shares outstanding associated with the convertible Notes, using the if-converted method, were excluded from the denominator in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Company recognizes share-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718, “Compensation— Stock Compensation” (“ASC Topic 718”) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share- based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values.

The Company estimates the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises those estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

The Company uses a binomial-lattice option-pricing model (“binomial-lattice model”) for valuation of share-based awards with time-based vesting. The Company believes that the binomial-lattice model is an accurate model for valuing employee stock options since it reflects the impact of stock price changes on option exercise behavior. For performance-based awards, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the expected performance achievement period of individual performance milestones when the achievement of each individual performance milestone becomes probable. For share-based awards based on market conditions, specifically, the Company’s stock price, the compensation cost and derived service periods are estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation method. The Company uses third party analyses to assist in developing the assumptions used in its binomial-lattice model and Monte Carlo valuations and the resulting fair value used to record compensation expense. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Any significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect the estimated fair value of the share-based award.

Major Clients and Concentration of Credit Risk

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s 10 largest clients accounted for approximately 70%, 71% and 76% of consolidated net revenue, respectively. Sales to a consumer electronics client (“Client A”) accounted for approximately 15%, 13%, and 10% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and

2015, respectively. Sales to another consumer electronics client (“Client B”) accounted for approximately 10%, 13%, and 19% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Europe reportable segment reports revenue associated with Client A. All four reportable segments report revenues associated with Client B. A computing market client accounted for approximately 13% and 3% of the Company’s Net Accounts Receivable balance as of July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A consumer electronics client accounted for approximately 11% and 16% of the Company’s Net Accounts Receivable balance as of July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. To manage risk, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients’ financial condition. The Company generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its assessment of the collectability of accounts receivable.

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash equivalent portfolio is diversified and consists primarily of short-term investment grade securities placed with high credit quality financial institutions. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at accredited financial institutions, and those and the balances associated with Funds Held for Clients are at times without and in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances and does not believe that it is subject to unusual credit risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with financial institutions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The effective date will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 using one of two retrospective application methods or a cumulative effect approach. The Company is evaluating the potential effects on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15 Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic205-40), which amends the accounting guidance related to the evaluation of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The amendment establishes management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern in connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period. The update also gives guidance to determine whether to disclose information about relevant conditions and events when there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance will be effective for the Company as of the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The new guidance is not anticipated to have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)—Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability rather than as an asset. The Company adopted this guidance beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. Upon adoption, an entity must apply the guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. As such, the prior year consolidated balance sheets were also adjusted.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330), which provides guidance related to inventory measurement. The new standard requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The adoption of the guidance is not expected to have material impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, results of operations and financial position.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This guidance allowed for adoption on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company had elected to early adopt this guidance on a prospective basis and, as a result, prior consolidated balance sheets were not retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of this guidance did increase the assets and liabilities balance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to today’s accounting. This ASU will be effective for

the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, results of operations and financial position.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). The amendments in this update relate to when another party, along with the Company, are involved in providing a good or service to a customer and are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent. Revenue recognition guidance requires companies to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (i.e., the Company is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (i.e., the Company is an agent). This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new update may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The adoption of the guidance is not expected to have material impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures, results of operations and financial position.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance requires a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. Entities will also have to disclose the nature of their restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent balances, which is similar to what is required today for Securities and Exchange Commission Registrants. This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new standard may have on its combined financial statements but does not believe that implementing this standard will have a significant impact on the Company’s current presentation and disclosures.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), which requires that the service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost be presented in the same line item as other employee compensation costs, while the other components be presented separately as non-operating income (expense). This ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company is currently in the process of assessing what impact this new standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

(3)ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

The Company’s unsecured accounts receivable are stated at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering each customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. The Company writes off accounts receivable when management deems them uncollectible and records recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off when received. When accounts receivable are considered past due, the Company generally does not charge interest on past due balances. The allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following:

   July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Balance at beginning of year

  $489   $57   $63 

Provisions charged to expense

   132    458    —   

Accounts written off

   (5   (26   (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $616   $489   $57 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, as a part of its working capital management, the Company entered into a factoring agreement with a third party financial institution for the sale of certain accounts receivables without recourse. The activity under this agreement is accounted for as a sale of accounts receivable under ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing”. This agreement relates exclusively to the accounts receivables of one of the Company’s significant clients. The amount sold varies each month based on the amount of underlying receivables and cash flow requirements of the Company. The factoring agreement is permitted under the Company’s Credit Facility agreement.

The total amount of accounts receivable factored was $41.1 million and $0.9 million for the years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The cost incurred on the sale of these receivables was immaterial for years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The cost of selling these receivable is dependent upon the number of days between the sale date of the receivable and the date the client’s invoice is due and the interest rate. The interest rate associated with the sale of these receivables is equal to LIBOR plus 0.85%. The expense associated with the sale of these receivables is recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

(4)PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment at cost, consists of the following:

   July 31, 
   2017   2016 
   (In thousands) 

Buildings

  $24,476   $24,344 

Machinery and equipment

   24,504    24,676 

Leasehold improvements

   14,815    14,735 

Software

   48,536    44,579 

Other

   22,126    24,156 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   134,457    132,490 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (115,902   (110,219
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

  $18,555   $22,271 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets under capital leases which are included in the amounts above are summarized as follows:

   July 31, 
   2017   2016 
   (In thousands) 

Machinery and equipment

  $492   $370 

Other

   13    118 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   505    488 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (431   (455
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $74   $33 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company recorded depreciation expense of $8.2 million, $8.1 million and $8.7 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Depreciation expense within the Americas, Asia, Europe, and e-Business was $1.2 million, $1.9 million, $1.8 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2017, $1.5 million, $3.2 million, $2.6 million, and $0.8 million, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2016, and $2.3 million, $3.2 million, $2.5 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2015. Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included in the depreciation expense amounts.

During the year ended, July 31, 2017, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $0.2 million across multiple segments. During the year ended, July, 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million to adjust the carrying value of its building in Kildare, Ireland to its estimated fair value. During the year ended July 31, 2015, the Company recorded $0.3 million in impairment charges related to the write-down of leasehold improvements associated with the planned closure of a facility. These charges are reflected in “impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(5)INVESTMENTS

Trading securities

During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company received $8.0 million in proceeds associated with the sale of publicly traded securities (“Trading Securities”), which included a $0.9 million cash gain. During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company recognized $2.2 million in net non-cash net gains associated with its Trading Securities. During the year ended July 31,

2016, the Company sold $57.2 million in publicly traded securities, with a realized gain of $6.4 million. During the year ended July 31, 2016, the Company received proceeds of $59.3 million associated with the sale of publicly traded securities. However, $2.1 million of these proceeds are related to trades executed during the year ended July 31, 2015. During the year ended July 31, 2016, the Company acquired publicly traded securities of $1.2 million. During the year ended July 31, 2016, the Company recognized $12.3 million in net non-cash losses associated with its Trading Securities.

As of July 31, 2017, the Company had $11.9 million in investments in Trading Securities. As of July 31, 2016, the Company had $16.8 million in investments in Trading Securities, $12.6 million of which were the publicly traded convertible debentures. The Company’s purchases of the publicly traded convertible debentures were on the open market. The chairman of the board of the company issuing the publicly traded convertible debentures is also the chairman of the board of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. The Trading Securities were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments in affiliates

The Company maintained interests in a small number of privately held companies. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the value of these investments was fully impaired. As of July 31, 2017, the Company is not committed to fund any follow-on investments in any of the portfolio companies. Investments in which the Company’s interest is less than 20% and which are not classified as available-for-sale securities, are accounted for under the cost method of accounting, and are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Under this method, the investment balance, originally recorded at is cost, is only adjusted for impairments to the investment. Gains and losses realized upon the sale of the investment are reflected in “Gains on investments in affiliates, net of tax” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded gains of $1.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively, associated with its cost method investments. If it is determined that the Company exercises significant influence over the investee company, then the equity method of accounting is used. For those investments in which the Company’s voting interest is between 20% and 50%, the equity method of accounting is generally used. Under this method, the investment balance, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investee company as they occur, limited to the extent of the Company’s investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee.

During the year ended July 31, 2015, the Company became aware in various quarters that there may be indicators of impairment for certain investments in the portfolio of companies. During the same year, the Company performed evaluations of its portfolio companies and determined that due to market conditions and their recent performance the portfolio companies were unable to secure potential investors or buyers to fund them as a going concern. As a result, these investments were impaired and the Company recorded impairment charges of $7.3 million during the year ended July 31, 2015.

(6)GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment test on July 31 of each fiscal year ended July 31, 2015. In addition, if and when events or circumstances changed that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of any of its reporting units below its carrying value, an interim test would be performed. In making this assessment, the Company relied on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, transactions and marketplace data. The Company’s reporting units are the same as the operating segments: Americas, Asia, Europe and e-Business.

If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company calculates the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill and compares it to the carrying value. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. The fair value of a reporting unit is primarily based on a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method. The DCF approach requires that the Company forecast future cash flows for the reporting unit and discount the cash flow streams based on a weighted average cost of capital that is derived, in part, from comparable companies within similar industries. The DCF calculations also include a terminal value calculation that is based upon an expected long-term growth rate for the applicable reporting unit. The Company believes that the use of the income approach is appropriate due to lack of comparability to guideline companies and the lack of comparable transactions under the market approach. The income approach incorporates many assumptions including future growth rates, discount factors, expected capital expenditures and income tax cash flows. The carrying values of each reporting unit include assets and liabilities which relate to the reporting unit’s operations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company completed its annual impairment analysis of goodwill and determined that the fair value of the reporting unit, derived from forecasted cash flows, did not exceed its carrying value. As a result of the annual impairment analysis and in connection with the preparation of its annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company concluded that its remaining goodwill was fully impaired and recorded a $3.1 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. The impairment charge was not deductible for tax purposes. The impairment charge did not affect the

Company’s liquidity or cash flows and had no effect on the Company’s compliance with the financial covenants under its credit agreement.

The intangible asset amortization relates to certain amortizable intangible assets acquired by the Company in connection with its acquisitions. The intangible assets were fully amortized as of July 31, 2015. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2015 was $0.7 million.

(7)RESTRUCTURING

The following tables summarize the activity in the restructuring accrual for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:

   Employee
Related
Expenses
   Contractual
Obligations
   Total 
   (In thousands) 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2014

  $1,687   $598   $2,285 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

   5,063    324    5,387 

Restructuring adjustments

   (193   (64   (257

Cash paid

   (4,949   (691   (5,640

Non-cash adjustments

   (171   (76   (247
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2015

   1,437    91    1,528 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

   6,025    1,536    7,561 

Restructuring adjustments

   (108   (32   (140

Cash paid

   (5,244   (641   (5,885

Non-cash adjustments

   (36   1    (35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2016

   2,074    955    3,029 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

   1,853    439    2,292 

Restructuring adjustments

   (416   91    (325

Cash paid

   (3,357   (1,419   (4,776

Non-cash adjustments

   (54   20    (34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2017

  $100   $86   $186 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring and other costs for the year ended July 31, 2017 primarily included continuing charges for personnel reductions and facility consolidations in an effort to streamline operations across our global supply chain operations. The payments of employee-related charges were substantially completed during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017. The remaining contractual obligations include facility lease obligations for vacant space resulting from the previous restructuring activities of the Company. The Company anticipates that these contractual obligations will be substantially fulfilled by the end of December 2017.

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $2.0 million. Of this amount, $1.5 million primarily related to the workforce reduction of 78 employees across all operating segments, and $0.5 million related to contractual obligations.

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $7.4 million. Of this amount, $5.9 million primarily related to the workforce reduction of 228 employees across all operating segments, and $1.5 million related to contractual obligations.

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company recorded a net restructuring charge of $5.1 million. Of this amount, $4.9 million primarily related to the workforce reduction of 235 employees across all operating segments, and $0.2 million related to contractual obligations

The net restructuring charges for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 would have been allocated as follows had the Company recorded the expense and adjustments within the functional department of the restructured activities:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Cost of revenue

  $563   $4,812   $4,718 

Selling, general and administrative

   1,404    2,609    412 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $1,967   $7,421   $5,130 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following tables summarize the restructuring accrual by operating segment for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

   Americas  Asia  Europe  e-Business  Consolidated
Total
 
   (In thousands) 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2014

  $195  $274  $1,750  $66  $2,285 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

   1,073   1,056   3,158   100   5,387 

Restructuring adjustments

   (164  (59  7   (41  (257

Cash paid

   (869  (1,106  (3,655  (10  (5,640

Non-cash adjustments

   —     88   (234  (101  (247
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2015

   235   253   1,026   14   1,528 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

   1,885   2,293   2,353   1,030   7,561 

Restructuring adjustments

   —     (46  (94  —     (140

Cash paid

   (1,258  (1,563  (2,895  (169  (5,885

Non-cash adjustments

   —     (43  8   —     (35
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2016

   862   894   398   875   3,029 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

   500   972   698   122   2,292 

Restructuring adjustments

   (162  (154  (75  66   (325

Cash paid

   (1,172  (1,672  (984  (948  (4,776

Non-cash adjustments

   23   (40  (14  (3  (34
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring balance at July 31, 2017

  $51  $—    $23  $112  $186 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(8)ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

The following schedules reflect the components of “Accrued expenses” and “Other Current Liabilities”:

   July 31,
2017
   July 31,
2016
 
   (In thousands) 

Accrued taxes

  $2,272   $3,068 

Accrued compensation

   10,678    9,590 

Accrued interest

   1,366    1,346 

Accrued audit, tax and legal

   2,759    2,544 

Accrued contract labor

   1,632    2,966 

Accrued other

   19,191    18,226 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $37,898   $37,740 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

��  July 31,
2017
   July 31,
2016
 
   (In thousands) 

Accrued pricing liabilities

  $18,882   $18,882 

Other

   7,259    8,227 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $26,141   $27,109
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had accrued pricing liabilities of approximately $18.9 million. As previously reported by the Company, several principal adjustments were made to its historic financial statements for periods ending on or before January 31, 2012, the most significant of which related to the treatment of vendor rebates in its pricing policies. Where the retention of a rebate or a mark-up was determined to have been inconsistent with a client contract (collectively referred to as “pricing adjustments”), the Company concluded that these amounts were not properly recorded as revenue. Accordingly, revenue was reduced by an equivalent amount for the period that the rebate was estimated to have been affected. A corresponding liability for the same amount was recorded in that period (referred to as accrued pricing liabilities). The Company believes that it may not ultimately be required to pay all of the accrued pricing liabilities, due in part to the nature of the interactions with its clients. The remaining accrued pricing liabilities at July 31, 2017 will be derecognized when there is sufficient information for the Company to conclude that such liabilities have been extinguished, which may occur through payment, legal release, or other legal or factual determination.

(9)DEBT

Notes Payable

On March 18, 2014, the Company entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, relating to the Company’s issuance of $100 million of 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Notes”). The Notes bear interest at the rate of 5.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2014. The Notes will mature on March 1, 2019, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted by the holder in accordance with their terms prior to such maturity date.

Holders of the Notes may convert all or any portion of their notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at their option at any time prior to the close of business or the business day immediately preceding the maturity date. Each $1,000 of principal of the Notes will initially be convertible into 166.2593 shares of our common stock, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $6.01 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, or, if the Company obtains the required consent from its stockholders, into shares of the Company’s common stock, cash or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at the Company’s election. If the Company has received stockholder approval, and it elects to settle conversions through the payment of cash or payment or delivery of a combination of cash and shares, the Company’s conversion obligation will be based on the volume weighted average prices (“VWAP”) of its common stock for each VWAP trading day in a 40 VWAP trading day observation period. The Notes and any of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion have not been registered. As of July 31, 2017, the if-converted value of the Notes did not exceed the principal value of the Notes.

Holders will have the right to require the Company to repurchase their Notes, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes, subject to certain conditions. No fundamental changes occurred during the year ended July 31, 2017.

The Company may not redeem the Notes prior to the mandatory date, and no sinking fund is provided for the Notes. The Company will have the right to elect to cause the mandatory conversion of the Notes in whole, and not in part, at any time on or after March 6, 2017, if the last reported sale price of its common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive), including the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company notifies holders of its election to mandatorily convert the Notes, during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company notifies holders of its election to mandatorily convert the notes.

Per the Indenture, if the Notes are assigned a restricted CUSIP or the Notes are not otherwise freely tradable by holders at any time during the three months immediately preceding as of the 365th day after the last date of original issuance of the Notes, the Company shall pay additional interest on the Notes at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum of the principal amount of Notes outstanding until the restrictive legend on the Notes has been removed. The restrictive legend was removed on August 26, 2015 and, as such, the Company paid $0.2 million in additional interest associated with this restriction.

The Company has valued the debt using similar nonconvertible debt as of the original issuance date of the Notes and bifurcated the conversion option associated with the Notes from the host debt instrument and recorded the conversion option of $28.1 million in stockholders’ equity prior to the allocation of debt issuance costs. The initial value of the equity component, which reflects the equity conversion feature, is equal to the initial debt discount. The resulting debt discount on the Notes is being accreted to interest expense at the effective interest rate over the estimated life of the Notes. The equity component is included in the additional paid-in-capital portion of stockholders’ equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the debt issuance costs of $3.4 million are allocated between the liability and equity components in proportion to the allocation of the proceeds. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03. As such, the issuance costs allocated to the liability component ($2.5 million) are capitalized as a reduction of the principal amount of the Notes payable on the

Company’s balance sheet and amortized, using the effective-interest method, as additional interest expense over the term of the Notes. The issuance costs allocated to the equity component is recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.

During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company purchased $2.0 million in face value of the Notes in the open market at a purchase price of $1.8 million. The gain of $0.1 million on this transaction is presented as a component of other gains and losses. The fair value of the Company’s Notes payable, calculated as of the closing price of the traded securities, was $63.9 million and $51.0 million as of July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively. This value does not represent the settlement value of these long-term debt liabilities to the Company. The fair value of the Notes payable could vary each period based on fluctuations in market interest rates, as well as changes to our credit ratings. The Notes payable are traded and their fair values are based upon traded prices as of the reporting dates. As of July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, the net carrying value of the Notes was $59.8 million and $57.2 million, respectively.

   July 31,
2017
   July 31,
2016
 
   (In thousands) 

Carrying amount of equity component (net of allocated debt issuance costs)

  $26,961   $27,099 

Principal amount of Notes

  $67,625   $69,625 

Unamortized debt discount

   (7,227   (11,443

Unamortized debt issuance costs

   (640   (1,013
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amount

  $59,758   $57,169 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of July 31, 2017, the remaining period over which the unamortized discount will be amortized is 19 months.

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Interest expense related to contractual interest coupon

  $3,651   $5,159   $5,310 

Interest expense related to accretion of the discount

   3,919    4,967    4,473 

Interest expense related to debt issuance costs

   347    439    344 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $7,917   $10,565   $10,127 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the year ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized interest expense of $7.9 million, $10.6 million and $10.1 million associated with the Notes, respectively. The effective interest rate on the Notes, including amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of the discount, is 13.9%. The notes bear interest of 5.25%.

PNC Bank Credit Facility

On June 30, 2014, two direct and wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company (the “Borrowers”) entered into a revolving credit and security agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), as borrowers and guarantors, with PNC Bank and National Association, as lender and as agent, respectively.

The Credit Agreement has a five (5) year term which expires on June 30, 2019. It includes a maximum credit commitment of $50.0 million, is available for letters of credit (with a sublimit of $5.0 million) and has a $20.0 million uncommitted accordion feature. The actual maximum credit available under the Credit Agreement varies from time to time and is determined by calculating the applicable borrowing base, which is based upon applicable percentages of the values of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory minus reserves determined by the Agent (including other reserves that the Agent may establish from time to time in its permitted discretion), all as specified in the Credit Agreement.

Generally, borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Borrowers’ option, either (a) LIBOR (adjusted to reflect any required bank reserves) for an interest period equal to one, two or three months (as selected by the Borrowers) plus a margin of 2.25% per annum or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the base commercial lending rate publicly announced from time to time by PNC Bank, National Association, (2) the sum of the Federal Funds Open Rate in effect on such day plus one half of one percent (0.5%) per annum, or (3) the LIBOR rate (adjusted to reflect any required bank reserves) in effect on such day plus 1.00% per annum. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, the Borrowers are required to pay a commitment fee, in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder, of 0.25% per annum, paid quarterly in arrears. The Borrowers are also required to pay a customary letter of credit fee equal to the applicable margin on revolving credit LIBOR loans and fronting fees.

Obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Borrowers’ existing and future direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain limited exceptions; and the Credit Agreement is secured by security interests in substantially all the Borrowers’ assets and the assets of each subsidiary guarantor, whether owned as of the closing or thereafter acquired, including a pledge of 100.0% of the equity interests of each subsidiary guarantor that is a domestic entity (subject to certain limited exceptions) and 65.0% of the voting equity interests of any direct first tier foreign entity owned by either Borrower or by a subsidiary guarantor. The Company is not a borrower or a guarantor under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains certain customary negative covenants, which include limitations on mergers and acquisitions, the sale of assets, liens, guarantees, investments, loans, capital expenditures, dividends, indebtedness, changes in the nature of business, transactions with affiliates, the creation of subsidiaries, changes in fiscal year and accounting practices, changes to governing documents, compliance with certain statutes, and prepayments of certain indebtedness. The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative covenants (including periodic reporting obligations) and events of default, including upon a change of control. The Credit Agreement requires compliance with certain financial covenants providing for maintenance of specified liquidity, maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and/or maintenance of a maximum leverage ratio following the occurrence of certain events and/or prior to taking certain actions, all as more fully described in the Credit Agreement. The Company believes that the Credit Agreement provides greater financial flexibility to the Company and the Borrowers and may enhance their ability to consummate one or several larger and/or more attractive acquisitions and should provide the Company’s clients and/or potential clients with greater confidence in the Company’s and the Borrowers’ liquidity. During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company did not meet the criteria that would cause its financial covenants to be applicable. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not have any balance outstanding on the PNC Bank credit facility.

(10)COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases facilities and certain other machinery and equipment under various non-cancelable operating leases and executory contracts expiring through December 2021. Certain non-cancelable leases are classified as capital leases and the leased assets are included in property, plant and equipment, at cost. Future annual minimum payments, including restructuring related obligations as of July 31, 2017, are as follows:

   Operating
Leases
   Capital
Lease
Obligations
   Purchase
Obligations
   Convertible
Notes
Interest &
Principal
   Total 
       (In thousands)     

For the fiscal years ended July 31:

          

2018

  $9,947   $64   $30,998   $3,550   $44,559 

2019

   6,318    101    —      71,175    77,594 

2020

   3,398    55    —      —      3,453 

2021

   2,358    55    —      —      2,413 

2022

   2,160    30    —      —      2,190 

Thereafter

   —      —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $24,181   $305   $30,998   $74,725   $130,209 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total rent and equipment lease expense charged to continuing operations was $15.6 million, $17.3 million and $19.7 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

From time to time, the Company agrees to provide indemnification to its clients in the ordinary course of business. Typically, the Company agrees to indemnify its clients for losses caused by the Company. As of July 31, 2017, the Company had no recorded liabilities with respect to these arrangements.

Purchase obligations represent an estimate of all open purchase orders and contractual obligations in the ordinary course of business for which the Company has not received the goods or services. Although open purchase orders are considered enforceable and legally binding, the terms generally allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust the Company’s requirements based on its business needs prior to the delivery of goods or performance of services.

Legal Proceedings

On June 8, 2015, Sean Peters, a former employee filed a complaint (the “Complaint”) against ModusLink Corporation (together, the “parties”) in Superior Court of California asserting claims, among other things, for failure to pay wages, breach of

contract, wrongful retaliation and termination, fraud, violations of California Business and Professions Code Section 17200, et seq., and civil penalties pursuant to California Labor Code Sections and pursuant to the California Private Attorney General Act, seeking over $1.0 million in damages, attorneys’ fees and costs and penalties. ModusLink filed an Answer to the Complaint making a general denial and asserting various affirmative defenses. The parties agreed to mediate the matter and on June 29, 2017, the parties attended a confidential mediation. At mediation ModusLink Corporation and its insurance carrier agreed to pay an immaterial amount to settle the matter.

On May 12, 2017, the Excise Tax Branch of the Internal Revenue Service issued a claim associated with the Company’s compliance with the self-assessment of excise tax on Ozone Depleting Chemicals. The Company is objecting to the assessment on a number of technical and substantive grounds, and plans to vigorously defend itself against this claim. Currently the Company is unable to determine the probability of an unfavorable outcome or a range of outcomes. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded a reserve associated with this matter.

(11)DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS

During the year ended July 31, 2017, the Company terminated the defined benefit pension plan (the “Taiwan Plan”) covering certain of its employees in its Taiwan facility. As of the Taiwan Plan termination date, the fair value of the Taiwan Plan assets were in excess of the project benefit obligation. The Company received $0.9 million in cash proceeds associated with the termination of this defined benefit pension plan. The termination of this defined benefit pension plan did not result in a gain or loss for the year ended July 31, 2017.

As of July 31, 2017, the Company sponsored two defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its employees in its Netherlands facility and one unfunded defined benefit pension plan covering certain of its employees in Japan. Pension costs are actuarially determined.

The plan assets are primarily related to the defined benefit plan associated with the Company’s Netherlands facility. It consists of an insurance contract that guarantees the payment of the funded pension entitlements. Insurance contract assets are recorded at fair value, which is determined based on the cash surrender value of the insured benefits which is the present value of the guaranteed funded benefits. Insurance contracts are valued using unobservable inputs, primarily by discounting expected future cash flows relating to benefits paid from a notional investment portfolio in order to determine the cash surrender value of the policy. The following table presents the plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 31, 2017 and 2016, classified by fair value hierarchy:

          Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
(In thousands)  July 31, 2017   Asset
Allocations
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Insurance contract

  $20,726    98 $—     $—     $20,726 

Other investments

   478    2  —      —      478 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $21,204    100 $—     $—     $21,204 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
(In thousands)  July 31, 2016   Asset
Allocations
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Insurance contract

  $24,012    94 $—     $—     $24,012 

Other investments

   1,461    6  —      —      1,461 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $25,473    100 $—     $—     $25,473 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The aggregate change in benefit obligation and plan assets related to these plans was as follows:

   July 31, 
   2017   2016 
   (In thousands) 

Change in benefit obligation

    

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $31,667   $25,617 

Service cost

   700    632 

Interest cost

   573    637 

Actuarial (gain) loss

   (6,814   5,351 

Employee contributions

   103    120 

Benefits and administrative expenses paid

   (157   (269

Adjustments

   —      156 

Settlements

   (279   (55

Effect of curtailment

   —      (941

Currency translation

   1,671    419 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

   27,464    31,667 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets

    

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   25,473    19,350 

Actual return on plan assets

   (5,005   5,556 

Employee contributions

   104    120 

Employer contributions (withdrawals), net

   (342   539 

Settlements

   (279   (55

Benefits and administrative expenses paid

   (157   (269

Currency translation

   1,410    232 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   21,204    25,473 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status

    

Assets

   —      889 

Current liability

   (12   (68

Noncurrent liability

   (6,248   (7,015
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized in statement of financial position as a noncurrent asset (liability)

  $(6,260  $(6,194
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accumulated benefit obligation was approximately $25.5 million and $29.0 million at July 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:

   July 31, 
   2017   2016 
   (In thousands) 

Projected benefit obligation

  $27,464   $31,667 

Accumulated benefit obligation

  $25,531   $29,031 

Fair value of plan assets

  $21,204   $24,584 

Components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Service cost

  $700   $632   $658 

Interest costs

   573    637    604 

Expected return on plan assets

   (457   (491   (537

Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss

   201    222    64 

Curtailment gain

   —      (844   (164
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic pension costs

  $1,017   $156   $625 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension costs in fiscal year 2018 is approximately $4.7 million related to amortization of a net actuarial loss and prior service cost.

Assumptions:

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations was as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017  2016  2015 

Discount rate

   2.47  1.72  2.46

Rate of compensation increase

   1.93  1.92  1.95%

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost was as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017  2016  2015 

Discount rate

   1.69  1.95  3.05

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

   1.69  2.41  3.02

Rate of compensation increase

   1.91  1.83  2.41%

The discount rate reflects the Company’s best estimate of the interest rate at which pension benefits could be effectively settled as of the valuation date. It is based on the Mercer Yield Curve for the Eurozone as per July 31, 2017 for the appropriate duration of the plan.

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumptions consideration is given to the current level of expected returns on risk free investments, the historical level of risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for the future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the portfolio.

Benefit payments:

The following table summarizes expected benefit payments from the plans through fiscal year 2026. Actual benefit payments may differ from expected benefit payments. The minimum required contributions to the plans are expected to be approximately $0.2 million in fiscal year 2018.

   Pension Benefit
Payments
 
   (in thousands) 

For the fiscal years ended July 31:

  

2018

   168 

2019

   211 

2020

   210 

2021

   252 

2022

   254 

Next 5 years

   2,095 

The current target allocations for plan assets are primarily insurance contracts. The market value of plan assets using Level 3 inputs is approximately $21.2 million.

Valuation Technique:

Benefit obligations are computed using the projected unit credit method. Benefits are attributed to service based on the plan’s benefit formula. Cumulative gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the pension benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets are amortized over the expected average remaining future service of the current active membership.

(12)OTHER GAINS (LOSSES), NET

The following schedule reflects the components of “Other gains (losses), net”:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Foreign currency exchange gain (losses)

  $199   $(593  $1,796 

Gains (losses) on Trading Securities

   3,128    (5,920   13,611 

Other, net

   (127   756    (402
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $3,200   $(5,757  $15,005
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other gains (losses), net totaled approximately $3.2 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017. The balance consists primarily of $2.2 million and $0.9 million, in net non-cash and cash gains, respectively, associated with its Trading Securities, and $0.2 million in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains, offset by other gain and losses.

Other gains (losses), net totaled approximately $(5.8) million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016. The balance consists primarily of $(12.3) million and $6.4 million, in net non-cash and cash gains and (losses), respectively, associated with its Trading Securities, $0.8 million in non-cash gains associated with the repurchase of the Company’s Notes and $(0.6) million in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange losses, offset by other gain and losses.

Other gains (losses), net totaled approximately $15.0 million for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2015. The balance consists primarily of $12.8 million and $0.8 million, in net non-cash and cash gains, respectively, associated with its Trading Securities and $1.8 million in net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains, offset by other gain and losses.

(13)SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Stock Option Plans

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company had outstanding awards for stock options under two plans: the 2010 Incentive Award Plan (the “2010 Plan”) and the 2005 Non-Employee Director Plan (the “2005 Plan”). Historically, the Company has had the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”), the 2002 Non-Officer Employee Stock Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”), and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”). Options granted under the 2010 Plan are generally exercisable as to 25% of the shares underlying the options beginning one year after the date of grant, with the option being exercisable as to the remaining shares in equal monthly installments over the next three years. The Company may also grant awards other than stock options under the 2010 Plan. Options granted under the 2005 plan are exercisable in equal monthly installments over three years, and have a term of ten years. As of December 2010, no additional grants may be issued under this plan. Stock options granted under all other plans have contractual terms of seven years.

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, under the 2010 Plan, the Company issued to certain officers options that vest based on market conditions, specifically, the performance of the Company’s stock (the “Market Options”). The Market Options have a seven-year term and vest and become exercisable as to 20% of the total number of shares subject to the Market Option on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date, subject to a minimum average share price being achieved as of each such vesting date (the “Price Performance Threshold”), which shall be (i) 1.5 times the exercise price, (ii) 2 times the exercise price, (iii) 2.5 times the exercise price, (iv) 3 times the exercise price and (v) 3.5 times the exercise price, respectively. If the specified minimum average share price for the applicable anniversary date is not achieved, 20% of the total number of shares subject to the Market Option shall not vest and become exercisable but may vest on the subsequent anniversary date if the minimum average share price related to the earlier anniversary date is achieved or exceeded on the subsequent anniversary date. These options were no longer outstanding as of July 31, 2017.

Under the 2010 Plan, pursuant to which the Company may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and other equity-based awards for the issuance of (i) 5,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company plus (ii) the number of shares subject to outstanding awards under the Company’s 2000 Plan, 2002 Plan and 2004 Plan (collectively, the “Prior Plans”) that expire or are forfeited following December 8, 2010, the effective date of the 2010 Plan. As of December 8, 2010, the Company ceased making any further awards under its Prior Plans. As of December 8, 2010, the effective date of the 2010 Plan, there were an additional 2,922,258 shares of common stock underlying equity awards issued under the Company’s Prior Plans. This amount represents the maximum number of additional shares that may be added to the 2010 Plan should these awards expire or be forfeited subsequent to December 8, 2010. Any awards that were outstanding under the Prior Plans as of the effective date continued to be subject to the terms and conditions of such Prior Plan. As of July 31, 2017, 5,299,305 shares were available for future issuance under the 2010 Plan.

The Board of Directors administers all stock plans, approves the individuals to whom options will be granted, and determines the number of shares and exercise price of each option and may delegate this authority to a committee of the Board or to certain officers of the Company in accordance with SEC regulations and applicable Delaware law.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company offers to its employees an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (the “ESPP”) under which an aggregate of 600,000 shares of the Company’s stock may be issued. Employees who elect to participate in the ESPP instruct the Company to withhold a specified amount through payroll deductions during each quarterly period. On the last business day of each applicable quarterly payment period, the amount withheld is used to purchase the Company’s common stock at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lower of the market price on the first or last business day of the quarterly period. During the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company issued approximately 11,000, 30,000 and 15,000 shares, respectively, under the ESPP. Approximately 136,000 shares are available for future issuance as of July 31, 2017.

Stock Option Valuation and Expense Information

The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense related to employee stock options, employee stock purchases and nonvested shares for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 

Cost of revenue

  $53   $96   $171 

Selling, general and administrative

   628    1,030    1,586 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $681   $1,126   $1,757 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using a binomial-lattice model. No employee stock options were granted during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017. The weighted-average grant date fair value of employee stock options granted during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, and 2015 was $1.11 and $1.59, respectively, using the binomial-lattice model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
       2016          2015     

Expected volatility

   55.80  56.30

Risk-free interest rate

   1.28  1.24

Expected term (in years)

   4.41   4.41 

Expected dividend yield

   0.00  0.00

The volatility assumption for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 is based on the weighted-average of the historical volatility of the Company’s common shares for a period equal to the expected term of the stock option awards.

The weighted-average risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the interpolation of various U.S. Treasury rates, as of the month of the grants.

The expected term of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical option activity. The determination of the expected term of employee stock options assumes

that employees’ exercise behavior is comparable to historical option activity. The binomial-lattice model estimates the probability of exercise as a function of time based on the entire history of exercises and cancellations on all past option grants made by the Company. The expected term generated by these probabilities reflects actual and anticipated exercise behavior of options granted historically.

As share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. ASC Topic 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

Stock Options

A summary of option activity for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017 is as follows:

   Number
of Shares
  Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
   (in thousands, except exercise price and years) 

Stock options outstanding, July 31, 2016

   1,368  $4.36     

Granted

   —     —       

Exercised

   —     —       

Forfeited or expired

   (795  4.37     
  

 

 

      

Stock options outstanding, July 31, 2017

   573   4.36    2.70   $—   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock options exercisable, July 31, 2017

   532  $4.40    2.60   $—   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of July 31, 2017, unrecognized share-based compensation related to stock options was approximately $0.1 million. This cost is expected to be expensed over a weighted average period of 0.9 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was immaterial.

As of July 31, 2017, there were 0.6 million stock options that were vested and expected to vest in the future with a weighted- average remaining contractual term of 2.71 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of these awards is immaterial.

Nonvested Stock

Nonvested stock consists of shares of common stock that are subject to restrictions on transfer and risk of forfeiture until the fulfillment of specified conditions. Nonvested stock is expensed ratably over the term of the restriction period, ranging from one to five years unless there are performance restrictions placed on the nonvested stock, in which case the nonvested stock is expensed using graded vesting. Nonvested stock compensation expense for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $0.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

A summary of the activity of the Company’s nonvested stock for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, is as follows:

   Number
of Shares
   Weighted-Average
Grant Date  Fair
Value
 
   (share amounts in thousands) 

Nonvested stock outstanding, July 31, 2016

   258   $2.48 

Granted

   296    —   

Vested

   (245   2.45 

Forfeited

   (13   3.05 
  

 

 

   

Nonvested stock outstanding, July 31, 2017

   296   $—  
  

 

 

   

The fair value of nonvested shares is determined based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The total grant date fair value of nonvested stock that vested during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $0.6 million, $1.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively. As of July 31, 2017, there was approximately $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.4 years.

(14) INCOME TAXES

The components of loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes are as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017  2016  2015 
   (In thousands) 

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes:

    

U.S.

  $(34,884 $(69,861 $(8,476

Foreign

   10,475   13,234   (7,878
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total loss from operations before income taxes

  $(24,409 $(56,627 $(16,354)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The components of income tax expense have been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Income tax expense from continuing operations

   2,696    5,443    2,283 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

  $2,696   $5,443   $2,283
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of income tax expense from continuing operations consist of the following:

   Twelve Months Ended
July 31,
 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Current provision

      

Federal

  $—     $—     $—   

State

   —      —      —   

Foreign

   2,298    3,090    4,323 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,298    3,090    4,323 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred provision:

      

Federal

   —      —      —   

State

   —      —      —   

Foreign

   398    2,353    (2,040
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   398    2,353    (2,040
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total tax provision

  $2,696   $5,443   $2,283
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with the nature of the item giving rise to the temporary differences. During the year ended July 31, 2016, the Company elected to early adopt ASU No. 2015-17, which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This guidance allows for adoption on either a prospective or retrospective basis. As of July 31, 2017, the Company recorded a non-current deferred tax asset of $1.9 million and a non-current deferred tax liability of $0.7 million in Other Assets, and Other Long-term Liabilities, respectively. As of July 31,

2016, the Company recorded a non-current deferred tax asset of $2.3 million and a non-current deferred tax liability of $0.8 million in Other Assets and Other Long-term Liabilities, respectively. The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

    July 31, 2017   July 31, 2016 
   (In thousands) 

Deferred tax assets:

    

Accruals and reserves

  $12,193   $12,240 

Tax basis in excess of financial basis of investments in affiliates

   18,332    19,051 

Tax basis in excess of financial basis for intangible and fixed assets

   7,689    8,455 

Net operating loss and capital loss carry forwards

   751,435    744,357 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

   789,649    784,103 

Less: valuation allowance

   (771,884   (760,906
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

  $17,765   $23,197 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Financial basis in excess of tax basis for intangible and fixed assets

  $(784  $(861

Convertible Debt

   (2,655   (4,241

Undistributed accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries

   (13,150   (16,554
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

   (16,589   (21,656
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

  $1,176   $1,541 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subsequently reported tax benefits relating to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of July 31, 2017 will be allocated as follows (in thousands):

Income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statement of operations

  $(756,423

Additional paid in capital

   (15,461
  

 

 

 
  $(771,884)
  

 

 

 

The net change in the total valuation allowance for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017 was an increase of approximately $11.0 million. This increase is primarily due to the U.S. valuation allowance as well as the valuation allowance provided for Taiwan and France for the year ended July 31, 2017. A valuation allowance has been recorded against the gross deferred tax asset in the U.S and certain foreign subsidiaries since management believes that after considering all the available objective evidence, both positive and negative, historical and prospective, it is more likely than not that certain assets will not be realized. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 was an increase of approximately $10.3 million.

The Company has certain deferred tax benefits, including those generated by net operating losses and certain other tax attributes (collectively, the “Tax Benefits”). The Company’s ability to use these Tax Benefits could be substantially limited if it were to experience an “ownership change,” as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In general, an ownership change would occur if there is a greater than 50-percentage point change in ownership of securities by stockholders owning (or deemed to own under Section 382 of the Code) five percent or more of a corporation’s securities over a rolling three-year period.

On October 17, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Tax Benefit Preservation Plan between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent (as amended from time to time, the “Tax Plan”). The Tax Plan reduces the likelihood that changes in the Company’s investor base would have the unintended effect of limiting the Company’s use of its Tax Benefits. The Tax Plan is intended to require any person acquiring shares of the Company’s securities equal to or exceeding 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares to obtain the approval of the Board of Directors. This would protect the Tax Benefits because changes in ownership by a person owning less than 4.99% of the Company’s stock are considered and included in

one or more public groups in the calculation of “ownership change” for purposes of Section 382 of the Code. On October 9, 2014, the Tax Plan was amended by the Company’s Board of Directors to extend the expiration of the Tax Plan until October 17, 2017. Following the stockholders’ approval of the Protective Amendment (as described in the following paragraphs) at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting, the Tax Plan was further amended so that it expired at the close of business on December 31, 2014.

On December 29, 2014, the Company filed an Amendment to its Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Protective Amendment”) with the Delaware Secretary of State to protect the significant potential long-term tax benefits presented by its net operating losses and other tax benefits (collectively, the “NOLs”). The Protective Amendment was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on December 9, 2014. As a result of the filing of the Protective Amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State, the Company amended its Tax Benefit Preservation Plan so that it expired at the close of business on December 31, 2014.

The Protective Amendment limits certain transfers of the Company’s common stock, to assist the Company in protecting the long-term value of its accumulated NOLs. The Protective Amendment’s transfer restrictions generally restrict any direct or indirect transfers of the common stock if the effect would be to increase the direct or indirect ownership of the common stock by any person (as defined in the Protective Amendment) from less than 4.99% to 4.99% or more of the common stock, or increase the percentage of the common stock owned directly or indirectly by a Person owning or deemed to own 4.99% or more of the common stock. Any direct or indirect transfer attempted in violation of the Protective Amendment will be void as of the date of the prohibited transfer as to the purported transferee. The Board of Directors of the Company has discretion to grant waivers to permit transfers otherwise restricted by the Protective Amendment.

In accordance with the Protective Amendment, Handy & Harman (“HNH”), a related party, requested, and the Company granted HNH and its affiliates, a waiver under the Protective Amendment to permit their acquisition of up to 45% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock in the aggregate (subject to proportionate adjustment, the “45% Cap”), in addition to acquisitions of common stock in connection with the exercise of certain warrants of the Company (the “Warrants”) held by Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“SPH”), an affiliate of HNH, as well as a limited waiver under Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law for this purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, HNH and its affiliates (and any group of which HNH or any of its affiliates is a member) are not permitted to acquire securities that would result in an “ownership change” of the Company for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that would have the effect of impairing any of the Company’s NOLs. The foregoing waiver was approved by the independent directors of the Company.

The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state tax purposes of approximately $2.1 billion and $209.8 million, respectively, at July 31, 2017. The federal net operating losses will expire from fiscal year 2022 through 2037 and the state net operating losses will expire from fiscal year 2018 through 2037. The Company has a foreign net operating loss carryforward of approximately $84.1 million, of which $58.8 million has an indefinite carryforward period. In addition, the Company has an immaterial amount of capital loss carryforwards for federal and state tax purposes. The federal and state capital losses will expire in fiscal year 2018.

The Company’s ModusLink Corporation subsidiary has undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $39.1 million at July 31, 2017, of which approximately $2.0 million is considered to be permanently reinvested due to certain restrictions under local laws as well as the Company’s plans to reinvest such earnings for future expansion in certain foreign jurisdictions. The amount of taxes attributable to the permanently undistributed earnings is estimated at $0.7 million. The Company has recorded a deferred tax liability of $13.2 million on the remaining $37.1 million of undistributed earnings that are not considered to be permanently reinvested.

Income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations differs from the expense computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes as a result of the following:

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
   2017  2016  2015 
   (In thousands) 

Computed “expected” income tax expense (benefit)

  $(8,106 $(19,368 $(5,653

Increase (decrease) in income tax expense resulting from:

    

Change in valuation allowance

   10,978   22,907   2,067 

Foreign dividends

   2,724   4,730   732 

Foreign tax rate differential

   (2,386  (1,082  1,262 

Capitalized costs

   —     —     (478

Nondeductible goodwill impairment

   —     —     1,070 

Nondeductible expenses

   20   262   417 

Foreign withholding taxes

   239   762   (19

Reversal of uncertain tax position reserves

   (481  (2,768  —   

Other

   (292  —     2,885 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Actual income tax expense

  $2,696  $5,443  $2,283
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several tax jurisdictions. The Company is periodically reviewed by domestic and foreign tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, the Company records estimated reserves when necessary. Based on the evaluation of current tax positions, the Company believes it has appropriately accrued for exposures.

The Company operates in multiple taxing jurisdictions, both within and outside of the United States. At July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the total amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest, related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively. To the extent the unrecognized tax benefits are recognized, the entire amount would impact income tax expense.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S., various states and in foreign jurisdictions. The federal and state income tax returns are generally subject to tax examinations for the tax years ended July 31, 2013 through July 31, 2017. To the extent the Company has tax attribute carryforwards, the tax year in which the attribute was generated may still be adjusted upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities to the extent utilized in a future period. In addition, a number of tax years remain subject to examination by the appropriate government agencies for certain countries in the Europe and Asia regions. In Europe, the Company’s 2009 through 2016 tax years remain subject to examination in most locations while the Company’s 2005 through 2016 tax years remain subject to examination in most Asia locations.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Balance as of beginning of year

  $994   $3,756   $1,028 

Additions for current year tax positions

   —      19    2,884 

Currency translation

   18    —      (156

Reductions for lapses in statute of limitations

   (331   (27   —   

Reductions of prior year tax positions

   —      (2,754   —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of end of year

  $681   $994   $3,756
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, interest related to income taxes is included in the provision of income taxes line of the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company has not recognized any material interest expense related to uncertain tax positions. As of July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company had recorded liabilities for increases (decreases) in interest expense related to uncertain tax positions in the amount of ($168,000), $40,000 and $48,000, respectively. The Company did not accrue for penalties related to income tax positions as there were no income tax positions that required the Company to accrue penalties. The Company does not expect that any unrecognized tax benefits will reverse in the next twelve months.

(15)ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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

   Foreign
currency
items
   Pension
items
  Unrealized
gains
(losses) on
securities
   Total 
       
       
       
   (In thousands) 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at July 31, 2016

  $6,131   $(4,206 $94   $2,019 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   1,391    —     —      1,391 

Pension liability adjustments

   —      830   —      830 

Net unrealized holding gain on securities

   —      —     73    73 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

   1,391    830   73    2,294 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at July 31, 2017

  $7,522   $(3,376 $167   $4,313 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, the Company recorded approximately $0.3 million in taxes related to other comprehensive income. In the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, the Company recorded an immaterial amount in taxes related to other comprehensive income. In the fiscal years ended July 31, 2015, the Company recorded approximately $0.5 million in taxes related to other comprehensive income.

(16)STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Cash used for operating activities reflect cash payments for interest and income taxes as follows:

   Years Ended July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Cash paid for interest

  $3,783   $6,111   $5,281 

Cash paid for income taxes

  $2,500   $3,287   $2,078 

Cash paid for taxes can be higher than income tax expense as shown on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations due to prepayments made in certain jurisdictions as well as to the timing of required payments in relation to recorded expense, which can cross fiscal years.

Non-cash Activities

Non-cash financing activities during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 included the issuance of approximately 0.3 million, 0.2 million and 0.1 million shares, respectively, of nonvested common stock, valued at approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, to certain employees of the Company. Non-cash financing activities during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 also included the issuance of 2.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at $3.1 million, associated with the repurchase of the Company’s Notes. See Note 17 for further details.

(17)STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

The Company’s board of directors has the authority, subject to any limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix and determine the designation, privileges, preferences and rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of those shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, terms of sinking funds, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of the series, without any further vote or action by the stockholders. Any shares of the Company’s preferred stock so issued may have priority over its common stock with respect to dividend, liquidation and other rights. The Company’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting rights or conversion features that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of its common stock. Although the issuance of preferred stock could provide us with flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, under some circumstances, it could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control.

Common Stock

Each holder of the Company’s common stock is entitled to:

one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, subject to the rights of any preferred stock that may be outstanding;

dividends as may be declared by the Company’s board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, subject to the rights of any preferred stock that may be outstanding; and

a pro rata share in any distribution of the Company’s assets after payment or providing for the payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock in the event of liquidation.

Holders of the Company’s common stock have no cumulative voting rights, redemption rights or preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any shares of its common stock or other securities. All of the outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of its common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any existing series of preferred stock and any series of preferred stock that the Company may designate and issue in the future. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Company’s common stock.

On March 12, 2013, stockholders of the Company approved the sale of 7,500,000 shares of newly issued common stock to Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“Steel Partners”) at a price of $4.00 per share, resulting in aggregate proceeds of $30.0 million before transaction costs. The Company incurred $2.3 million of transaction costs, which consisted primarily of investment banking and legal fees, resulting in net proceeds from the sale of $27.7 million. In addition, as part of the transaction, the Company issued Steel Partners a warrant to acquire an additional 2,000,000 shares at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. These warrants expire after a term of five years after issuance. All the warrants were outstanding as of July 31, 2017.

Pursuant to the investment agreement, the Company agreed to grant Steel Partners certain registration rights. The Company agreed to file a resale registration statement on Form S-3 as soon as practicable after it is eligible to do so, covering the shares of common stock purchased by Steel Partners and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants. The Company is required to keep the resale registration statement effective for three years following the date it is declared effective. Steel Partners also has the right, until such time as it owns less than one-third of the common stock originally issued to it under the investment agreement, to require that the Company file a prospectus supplement or amendment to cover sales of common stock through a firm commitment underwritten public offering. The underwriters of any underwritten offering have the right to limit the number of shares to be included in any such offering. In addition, the Company has agreed to certain “piggyback registration rights.” If the Company registers any securities for public sale, Steel Partners has the right to include its shares in the registration, subject to certain exceptions. The underwriters of any underwritten offering have the right to limit the number of Steel Partners’ shares to be included in any such offering for marketing reasons. The Company has agreed to pay the expenses of Steel Partners in connection with any registration of the securities issued in the Steel Partners investment and to provide customary indemnification to Steel Partners in connection with such registration.

On July 21, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Highbridge International LLC and Highbridge Tactical Credit & Convertibles Master Fund, L.P. (together “Highbridge”) for the repurchase of 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes of the Company. The consideration paid to Highbridge included 2,656,336 newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (valued based on the closing price of the ModusLink Common Stock on July 21, 2016), a cash payment of $18.5 million and a cash payment in the amount of the unpaid interest ($0.6 million). The transaction was executed in a private transaction and closed on July 27, 2016. The Notes were cancelled following closing.

(18)FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC Topic 820 provides that fair value is an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants based on the highest and best use of the asset or liability. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 requires the Company to use valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

Level 1:Observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets

Level 2:Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs

Level 3:Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets or liabilities

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, funds held for clients, accounts payable, current liabilities and the revolving line of credit approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying

value of capital lease obligations approximates fair value, as estimated by using discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The fair values of the Company’s Trading Securities are estimated using quoted market prices. The Company values foreign exchange forward contracts using observable inputs which primarily consist of an income approach based on the present value of the forward rate less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount. The defined benefit plans have 100% of their assets invested in bank-managed portfolios of debt securities and other assets. Conservation of capital with some conservative growth potential is the strategy for the plans. The Company’s pension plans are outside the United States, where asset allocation decisions are typically made by an independent board of trustees. Investment objectives are aligned to generate returns that will enable the plans to meet their future obligations. The Company acts in a consulting and governance role in reviewing investment strategy and providing a recommended list of investment managers for each plan, with final decisions on asset allocation and investment manager made by local trustees.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 31, 2017 and 2016, classified by fair value hierarchy:

       Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
(In thousands)  July 31, 2017   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Assets:

        

Marketable equity securities

  $11,898   $11,898   $—     $—   

Money market funds

   85,683    85,683    —      —   
       Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
 
(In thousands)  July 31, 2016   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Assets:

        

Marketable equity securities

  $4,209   $4,209   $—     $—   

Marketable corporate bonds

   12,559    12,559    —      —   

Money market funds

   101,224    101,224    —      —   

The following table presents the pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 31, 2017 and 2016, classified by fair value hierarchy:

          Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
(In thousands)  July 31, 2017   Asset
Allocations
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Insurance contract

  $20,726    98 $—     $—     $20,726 

Other investments

   478    2  —      —      478 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $21,204    100 $—     $—     $21,204 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

          Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
(In thousands)  July 31, 2016   Asset
Allocations
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Insurance contract

  $24,012    94 $—     $—     $24,012 

Other investments

   1,461    6  —      —      1,461 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $25,473    100 $—     $—     $25,473 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of the pension plan assets for the years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016:

   July 31, 
   2017   2016 
   (In thousands) 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   25,473    19,350 

Actual return on plan assets

   (5,005   5,556 

Employee contributions

   104    120 

Employer contributions (withdrawals), net

   (342   539 

Settlements

   (279   (55

Benefits and administrative expenses paid

   (157   (269

Currency translation

   1,410    232 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   21,204    25,473 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during any of the periods presented.

When available, quoted prices were used to determine fair value. When quoted prices in active markets were available, investments were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. When quoted prices in active markets were not available, fair values were determined using pricing models, and the inputs to those pricing models were based on observable market inputs. The inputs to the pricing models were typically benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads and benchmark securities, among others.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of these assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the asset group or reporting unit is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The Company estimated the fair values of assets subject to impairment based on the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets and on observable market data, when available.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, funds held for clients and long-term debt and are reflected in the financial statements at cost. With the exception of long-term debt, cost approximates fair value for these items due to their short-term nature.

Included in trading securities in the accompanying balance sheet are marketable equity securities and marketable corporate bonds. These instruments are valued at quoted market prices in active markets. Included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying balance sheet are money market funds. These are valued at quoted market prices in active markets.

The following table presents the Company’s debt not carried at fair value:

   July 31, 2017   July 31, 2016     
   Carrying
Amount
   Fair
Value
   Carrying
Amount
   Fair
Value
   Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
   (In thousands) 

Notes payable

  $59,758   $63,852   $57,169   $50,957    Level 1 

The fair value of the Company’s Notes payable represents the value at which its lenders could trade its debt within the financial markets, and does not represent the settlement value of these long-term debt liabilities to us. The fair value of the Notes payable could vary each period based on fluctuations in market interest rates, as well as changes to our credit ratings. The Notes payable are traded and their fair values are based upon traded prices as of the reporting dates.

(19) SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has four operating segments: Americas; Asia; Europe; and e-Business. Based on the information provided to the Company’s chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”) for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance and quantitative thresholds, the Company has determined that it has four reportable segments: Americas, Asia, Europe and e-Business. During the prior year, the Company had determined that it had three reportable segments: Americas; Asia; and Europe. e-Business was reported as a part of the All Other category in the prior year. The Company also has Corporate-level activity, which consists primarily of costs associated with certain corporate administrative functions such as legal and finance, which are not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments. The Corporate-level balance sheet information includes cash and cash equivalents, trading securities, Notes payables and other assets and liabilities which are not identifiable to the operations of the Company’s operating segments. All significant intra-segment amounts have been eliminated.

Management evaluates segment performance based on segment net revenue, operating income (loss) and “adjusted operating income (loss)”, which is defined as the operating income (loss) excluding net charges related to depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment, share-based compensation and restructuring. These items are excluded because they may be considered to be of a non-operational or non-cash nature. Historically, the Company has recorded significant impairment and restructuring charges and therefore management uses adjusted operating income to assist in evaluating the performance of the Company’s core operations.

Summarized financial information of the Company’s continuing operations by operating segment is as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Net revenue:

      

Americas

  $92,324   $106,143   $200,929 

Asia

   158,048    167,861    163,262 

Europe

   159,085    151,842    160,602 

e-Business

   27,163    33,177    36,880 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $436,620   $459,023   $561,673 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

      

Americas

  $(10,342  $(14,731  $(4,407

Asia

   5,620    (855   10,003 

Europe

   (9,008   (13,825   (6,479

e-Business

   (1,185   (4,384   (2,367
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Segment operating income (loss)

   (14,915   (33,795   (3,250

Corporate-level activity

   (4,846   (6,777   (11,089
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating loss

   (19,761   (40,572   (14,339
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

   4,648    16,055    2,015 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

  $(24,409  $(56,627  $(16,354)
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   July 31,
2017
   July 31,
2016
 
   (In thousands) 

Total assets:

    

Americas

  $21,876   $28,280 

Asia

   63,819    89,242 

Europe

   64,639    75,952 

e-Business

   20,703    22,884 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total—segment assets

   171,037    216,358 

Corporate

   110,261    131,574 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $281,298   $347,932 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Summarized financial information of the Company’s net revenue from external customers by group of services is as follows:

   Twelve Months Ended 
   July 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 

Supply chain services

  $409,457   $425,846   $524,793 

e-Business services

   27,163    33,177    36,880 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $436,620   $459,023   $561,673 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of July 31, 2017, approximately $9.3 million, $3.3 million, $3.6 million $2.4 million and $2.2 million of the Company’s long-lived assets were located in the U.S.A., Netherlands, Ireland, Singapore and China, respectively. As of July 31, 2016, approximately $5.2 million, $3.0 million, $3.5 million, $2.9 million and $3.0 million of the Company’s long-lived assets were located in the U.S.A., Netherlands, Ireland, Singapore and China, respectively.

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, the Company’s net revenues within U.S.A., China, Netherlands and Czech Republic were $95.1 million, $128.3 million, $70.8 million and $79.8 million, respectively. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the Company’s net revenues within U.S.A., China, Netherlands and Czech Republic were $110.9 million, $140.2 million, $68.1 million and $75.7 million, respectively. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, the Company’s net revenues within U.S.A., China, Netherlands and Czech Republic were $205.0 million, $134.5 million, $71.9 million and $80.6 million, respectively.

(20) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On December 24, 2014, the Company entered into a Management Services Agreement with SP Corporate Services LLC (“SP Corporate”), effective as of January 1, 2015 (as amended, the “Management Services Agreement”). SP Corporate is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“Steel Holdings”) and is a related party. Pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, SP Corporate provided the Company and its subsidiaries with the services of certain employees, including certain executive officers, and other corporate services.

The Management Services Agreement had an initial term of six months. On June 30, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment that extended the term of the Management Services Agreement to December 31, 2015 and provided for automatic renewal for successive one year periods, unless and until terminated in accordance with the terms set forth therein, which include, under certain circumstances, the payment by the Company of certain termination fees to SP Corporate. On March 10, 2016, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Management Services Agreement with SPH Services, Inc. (“SPH Services”) pursuant to which SPH Services assumed rights and responsibilities of SP Corporate and the services provided by SPH Services to the Company were modified pursuant to the terms of the amendment. SPH Services is the parent of SP Corporate and an affiliate of SPH Group Holdings LLC. On March 10, 2016, the Company entered into a Transfer Agreement with SPH Services pursuant to which the parties agreed to transfer to the Company certain individuals who provide corporate services to the Company. SPH Services has since changed its name to Steel Services Ltd. (“Steel Services”).

During the year ended July 31, 2017, pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, the Company paid a fixed monthly fee of $175,000 in consideration for the services and incremental costs as incurred. A third amendment to the Management Services Agreement, effective September 1, 2017, reduced the fixed monthly fee paid by the Company to Steel Services under the Management Services Agreement from $175,000 per month to $95,641 per month. The monthly fee is subject to review and adjustment by agreement between the Company and Steel Services for periods commencing in fiscal 2016 and beyond. Additionally, the Company may be required to reimburse Steel Services and its affiliates for all reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred on the Company’s behalf in connection with the performance of the services under the Management Services Agreement. Total expenses incurred related to this agreement for the twelve months ended July 31, 2017 and 2016 were $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. As of July 31, 2017 and 2016, amounts due to SP Corporate and Steel Services were $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

The Related Party Transactions Committee of the Board (the “Related Party Transactions Committee”) approved the entry into the Management Services Agreement (and the first and second amendments thereto) and the Transfer Agreement. The Audit Committee of the Board approved the third amendment to the Management Services Agreement. The Related Party Transactions Committee held the responsibility to review, approve and ratify related party transactions from November 20, 2014, until October 11, 2016. On October 11, 2016, the Board adopted a Related Person Transaction Policy that is administered by the Audit Committee and applies to all related party transactions. As of October 11, 2016, the Audit Committee reviews all related party transactions on an ongoing basis and all such transactions must be approved or ratified by the Audit Committee.

Mutual Securities, Inc. (“Mutual Securities”) serves as the broker and record-keeper for all the transactions associated with the Trading Securities. An officer of SP Corporate and of the General Partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., is a registered principal of Mutual Securities. Commissions charged by Mutual Securities are generally commensurate with commissions charged by other institutional brokers, and the Company believes its use of Mutual Securities is consistent with its desire to obtain best price and execution. During the year ended July 31, 2017, Mutual Securities received an immaterial amount in commissions associated with these transactions. During the year ended July 31, 2016, Mutual Securities received $0.1 million in commissions associated with these transactions.

(21) SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial information for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016. The operating results for any given quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.

  Quarter Ended  Quarter Ended 
  Oct. 31, ‘16  Jan. 31, ‘17  Apr. 30, ‘17  Jul. 31, ‘17  Oct. 31, ‘15  Jan. 31, ‘16  Apr. 30, ‘16  Jul. 31, ‘16 
  (In thousands, except per share data)  (In thousands, except per share data) 

Net revenue

 $121,327  $117,568  $97,948  $99,777  $141,089  $119,966  $96,460  $101,508 

Cost of revenue

  111,994   106,370   89,406   92,485  $128,637  $116,311  $94,286  $95,031 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

  9,333   11,198   8,542   7,292   12,452   3,655   2,174   6,477 

Total operating expenses

  14,975   12,702   13,785   14,664   14,021   15,318   14,671   21,320 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating loss

  (5,642  (1,504  (5,243  (7,372  (1,569  (11,663  (12,497  (14,843

Total other income (expense)

  (2,352  (1,075  763   (1,984  (12,354  (2,338  (260  (1,103

Income tax expense

  (1,049  (723  (819  (105  (850  (206  (408  (3,979

Gains on investments in affiliates, net of tax

  500   396   232   150   —     259   316   214 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

 $(8,543 $(2,906 $(5,067 $(9,311 $(14,773 $(13,948 $(12,849 $(19,711
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

        

Net income (loss)

 $(0.16 $(0.05 $(0.09 $(0.17 $(0.29 $(0.27 $(0.25 $(0.38

(22) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent to July 31, 2017, and prior to the issuance of these financial statements, the Company sold $11.9 million in Trading Securities. During this period, the Company received approximately $13.7 in cash proceeds associated with the trading activities.

Subsequent to July 31, 2017, and prior to the issuance of these financial statements, the Company completed the sale of its facility in Kildare, Ireland for the sale price of approximately $4.5 million, less legal and administrative expense.

ITEM 9.—    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL                        DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

ITEM 9A.— CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

At the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. “Disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of July 31, 2017 because of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting discussed below.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of its financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based upon that evaluation, management identified a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in the prior fiscal year. Because of the material weakness described below, despite significant Audit Committee oversight, management involvement and the engagement of a nationally recognized accounting firm, management concluded that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in one area, as of July 31, 2017, based on the criteria established by COSO.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement to the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In its evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2017, management identified that the Company did not maintain effective internal controls over the financial statement close process for the Company’s e-Business operating segment.

Notwithstanding the identified material weakness, management believes the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly represent in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows at and for the periods presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and has issued an attestation report as of July 31, 2017. Please see their report included in this Item 9A below.

Remediation of the Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management had been actively engaged in the planning for, and implementation of, remediation efforts to address the material weakness throughout the fiscal year 2017. These remediation efforts, outlined below, are intended both to address the identified material weakness and to enhance the Company’s overall financial control environment.

Management has enhanced the formality and rigor of the reconciliation procedures and the evaluation of certain accounts and transactions, controls, including access controls. This deficiency was not effectively remediated during the fiscal year primarily due to the number of access rights, segregation of duties and review controls not sufficiently documented for a sufficient period of time, primarily within the e-Business segment.

Management has enhanced the design and precision level of existing monitoring controls to provide additional controls supporting the reporting process.

A significant amount of remediation was performed in implementing additional policies, improved processes and documented procedures relating to our financial statement close processes and procedures within the e-Business and Americas segments.

We will continue to engage a nationally recognized accounting firm to provide assistance and guidance in designing, implementing and testing the Company’s internal controls during the year.

Under the direction of the Audit Committee, management will continue to review and make necessary changes to the overall design of the Company’s internal control environment, as well as policies and procedures to improve the overall effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

Management believes the measures described above and others that will be implemented will remediate the control deficiencies the Company has identified and strengthen its internal control over financial reporting. Management is committed to continuous improvement of the Company’s internal control processes and will continue to diligently review the Company’s financial reporting controls and procedures. The material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting will not be considered remediated until the remediated controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. We are working to have the material weakness remediated as soon as possible and significant progress has been made to date. We are committed to continuing to improve our internal control processes and will continue to diligently and vigorously review our financial reporting controls and procedures. As management continues to evaluate and work to improve internal control over financial reporting, the Company may decide to take additional measures to address control deficiencies or decide to modify, or in appropriate circumstances not to complete, certain of the remediation measures described above.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than the changes resulting from the remediation activities described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended July 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders

ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.

Waltham, Massachusetts

We have audited ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A material weakness regarding management’s failure to design and maintain controls over the financial statement closing process has been identified and described in management’s assessment. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the fiscal year 2017 financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated October 16, 2017 on those financial statements.

In our opinion, ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on management’s statements referring to any corrective actions taken by the company after the date of management’s assessment.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. as of July 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2017 and our report dated October 16, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

October 16, 2017

ITEM 9B.— OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.— DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information with respect toInformation Concerning the Directors

Set forth below are the names and ages of the directors and executive officers required by this Item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the close of business of the fiscal yearCompany and is incorporated in this report by reference.

Duringtheir principal occupations at present and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, we made no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to ourpast five years.  Our Board of Directors currently has seven members and is divided into three classes, with a class of directors elected each year for a three-year term.No family relationships exist between any directors or executive officers, as describedsuch term is defined in Item 401 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.

Name

Age

Current Position with the Company

Director Since

Warren G. Lichtenstein53Class I Director, Executive Chairman, Interim Chief Executive OfficerMarch 2013
Glen M. Kassan75Class I Director, Vice ChairmanMarch 2013
*Philip E. Lengyel(1)(2)(3)69Class II DirectorMay 2014
Jack L. Howard57Class II DirectorDecember 2017
William T. Fejes, Jr.62Class II DirectorDecember 2017
*Jeffrey J. Fenton(1)(2)61Class III DirectorNovember 2010
*Jeffrey S. Wald(2)(3)44Class III DirectorFebruary 2012

*Independent

(1)Member of Human Resources and Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”).
(2)MemberofAudit Committee.
(3)Member of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Governance Committee”).

Class I Directors Continuing in Office until the 2018 Annual Meeting

Warren G. Lichtenstein, age 53. Mr. Lichtenstein has served as the Chairman of the Board and as a Director of the Company since March 12, 2013, and as its Executive Chairman since June 17, 2016. Following Mr. Henderson’s resignation, effective December 4, 2018, Mr. Lichtenstein assumed the additional role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Lichtenstein had previously served as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer from March 28, 2016, until June 17, 2016. Mr. Lichtenstein has served as Executive Chairman of the Board of Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. (“Steel Holdings GP”) since February 2013 and had previously served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman from July 2009 to February 2013. Steel Holdings GP is the general partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“Steel Holdings”), a diversified holding company that engages in multiple businesses. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Handy & Harman Ltd. (“HNH”) since July 2005. Mr. Lichtenstein has served as a director of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (“Aerojet”), a manufacturer of aerospace and defense products with a real estate business segment since March 2008, and serving as the Chairman of the Board from March 2013 to June 2016 and as Executive Chairman since June 2016. Mr. Lichtenstein has served as a director of Steel Excel Inc. (“Steel Excel”), a company whose business currently consists of Steel Sports Inc. and Steel Energy Services Ltd., since October 2010 and Chairman of the Board since May 2011. Mr. Lichtenstein served as a director of SL Industries, Inc., a company that designs, manufactures and markets power electronics, motion control, power protection, power quality electromagnetic and specialized communication equipment, from March 2010 until it was acquired by HNH in June 2016.

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Glen M. Kassan, age 75. Mr. Kassan has served as a Director of the Company since March 2013 and as its Vice Chairman since May 2014. He served as the Company’s Chief Administrative Officer from May 2014 until January 2015. Mr. Kassan served as a director of HNH from July 2005 until May 2015 and as the Company's Vice Chairman of the Board since October 2005 until May 2015. He served as HNH’s Chief Executive Officer from October 2005 until December 2012. He has been associated with Steel Partners LLC (“Partners LLC”) and its affiliates since August 1999. He served as the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of a predecessor entity of Steel Holdings from June 2000 to April 2007. He served as a director of SL Industries from January 2002, and its Chairman of the Board from May 2008, until SL Industries was acquired by HNH in June 2016. He previously served as SL Industries' Vice Chairman of the Board from August 2005 to May 2008, its President from February 2002 to August 2005, its interim Chief Executive Officer from June 14, 2010 to June 29, 2010 and its interim Chief Financial Officer from June 14, 2010 to August 30, 2010. We believe Mr. Kassan is qualified to serve as a director due to his years of experience and record of success in leadership positions in industrial and other public companies having attributes similar to the Company as well as the expertise he possesses in capital markets and corporate finance.

Class II Directors Continuing in Office until the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Philip E. Lengyel,age 69. Mr. Lengyel has served as a Director of the Company since May 2014. Mr. Lengyel is currently Executive Vice President for Dick Cook Studios in Los Angeles, California, a next generation family multi-media company involved in creating, producing, marketing and distributing family entertainment. Since January 2009 Mr. Lengyel has also been self-employed as a consultant providing services to companies and organizations relating to marketing, branding strategies, promotions, sponsorships and public relations. Previously, Mr. Lengyel served over two decades in senior marketing and other business positions with Walt Disney World, most recently from March 1999 through April 2005, as Vice President of Alliance Development. Mr. Lengyel brings to the Board significant experience in the areas of marketing, advertising, promotions, publicity, branding and business development.

Jack L. Howard,age 57. Mr. Howard has served as a director of the Company since December 15, 2017. Mr. Howard has served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of HNH since March 2012 and Principal Executive Officer of HNH since January 2013, and has served as a director of HNH since July 2005. Mr. Howard has been a registered principal of Mutual Securities, Inc., a FINRA registered broker-dealer, since 1989. Mr. Howard has served as the President of Steel Holdings GP since July 2009 and has served as a director of Steel Holdings GP since October 2011. He also served as the Assistant Secretary of Steel Holdings GP from July 2009 to September 2011 and as Secretary from September 2011 to January 2012. He is the President of SP General Services LLC. He is the President of Steel Holdings and has been associated with Steel Holdings and its predecessors and affiliates since 1993. Mr. Howard has been a director of Steel Excel since December 2007, serving as Vice Chairman of the Steel Excel Board since May 2012, and Principal Executive Officer of Steel Excel since March 2013. He currently holds the securities licenses of Series 7, Series 24, Series 55 and Series 63.

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William T. Fejes, Jr., age 62. Mr. Fejes has served as a director of the Company since December 15, 2017. Mr. Fejes has served as the president of Steel Services, Ltd. an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Holdings, since October 2017. Mr. Fejes served as Senior Vice President of HNH and President and Chief Executive Officer of Handy & Harman Group Ltd. (“HNH Group”) from June 2016 until October 2017. Mr. Fejes has served as President of SL Industries, Inc. (“SLI”) since June 2010 and served as Chief Executive Officer of SLI from June 2010 until October 2016. From 2007 until April 2010, Mr. Fejes was the Chief Operating Officer of Seakeeper, Inc., a company that designs, manufactures and markets motion stabilization equipment for boats under 50 meters in length. Prior to joining Seakeeper, Inc., Mr. Fejes was the President and Chief Executive Officer of TB Wood’s Corporation (“TB Wood’s”), a public company that designs, manufactures and markets industrial power transmission components, with plants in the United States, Mexico and Italy, from 2004 to 2007, and was a director of TB Wood’s from 2004 to 2005. Mr. Fejes also held various executive and management roles at Danaher Corporation, a public company that designs, manufactures and markets industrial and consumer products, for 18 years. From March 2009 to February 2015, Mr. Fejes served as a director of Broadwind Energy, a public company for which he also served as the Chairman of the Governance /Nominating Committee, as a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Fejes was a Director of Automation Solutions, Inc., a privately held distributor of factory automation equipment.

Class III Director Nominees for a three year term expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Jeffrey J. Fenton, age 61. Mr. Fenton has served as a Director of the Company since November 2010. Mr. Fenton was initially appointed to the Board pursuant to a Settlement Agreement among the Company, LCV Capital Management, LLC, Raging Capital Management, LLC and certain of their affiliates, dated October 20, 2010. In January 2013, he was appointed as Senior Vice President, Business Development of United Rentals, Inc., a construction and industrial equipment rental company. Since March 2004, Mr. Fenton has served as a Principal of Devonshire Advisors LLC, an advisory services firm. From March 2004 to April 2008, Mr. Fenton also served as Senior Advisor to Cerberus Capital Management L.P., a leading private investment firm. Mr. Fenton served as a director of Bluelinx Holdings Inc., Formica Corporation, IAP Worldwide Services, Global Motorsports Group, Inc. and Transamerica Trailer Leasing Co. Mr. Fenton brings to the Board significant finance, international business and leadership experience, having served as a senior advisor at a leading private investment firm as well as chief executive officer of a major industrial company.

Jeffrey S. Wald, age 44. Mr. Wald has served as a Director of the Company since February 2012. Mr. Wald was elected to the Board at the Company’s 2011 annual meeting of stockholders after being nominated for election by Peerless Systems Corporation. Since May 2010, Mr. Wald has been the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Work Market, Inc., a labor resource platform that he co-founded. From May 2008 to May 2010, Mr. Wald was a Managing Director at Barington Capital Group, L.P. an activist hedge fund manager, where he initiated investments and managed Barington’s portfolio of investments. From March 2007 through May 2008, Mr. Wald was the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Spinback, Inc., an internet commerce company he co-founded (sold to Buddy Media Corporation). From January 2003 to March 2007, Mr. Wald was a Vice President at The GlenRock Group, a private equity firm which invests in undervalued, middle market companies as well as emerging and early stage companies. Earlier in his career, Mr. Wald held positions in the mergers and acquisitions department at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Mr. Wald is currently a director of Work Market, Inc. and CoStar Technologies, Inc., where he also serves on the audit committee. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Wald served as a director of Peerless Systems Corporation and from 2009 to 2010 he served on the board of Register.com. Mr. Wald brings to the Board substantial experience in the area of venture capital, technology, principal investing and operations.

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Information Concerning Executive Officers

Officers are elected annually by the Board and serve at the discretion of the Board. Set forth below is information regarding the executive officers of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report.

Name

Age

Position

Officer Since

Warren G. Lichtenstein(1)(2)53Interim Chief Executive Officer, Class I Director, Executive ChairmanDecember 2018, March 2016 – June 2016
James R. Henderson(1)61President and Chief Executive OfficerMay 2016 – December 2018
Louis J. Belardi67Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and SecretaryJune 2016
John Whitenack(1)53Chief Executive Officer of ModusLinkOctober 2018
James N. Andersen60Chief Executive Officer of IWCODecember 2017

(1) Mr. Henderson resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink, effective October 31, 2018, and resigned from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective upon the filing of the Original Form 10-K on December 4, 2018. Mr. Whitenack assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink upon Mr. Henderson’s resignation from ModusLink, and Mr. Lichtenstein assumed the additional role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective upon Mr. Henderson’s resignation from the Company.

(2) Mr. Lichtenstein’s biographical information is provided above in the section entitled, “Class I Directors Continuing in Office until the 2018 Annual Meeting.

James R. Henderson, age 61, served as our most recent proxy statement.President and Chief Executive Officer until his resignation effective upon the filing of the Original Form 10-K on December 4, 2018. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink from May 2016 until his resignation on October 31, 2018. Mr. Henderson has served as a director of Aerojet since 2008 and serves as a Manager of the Board of Managers of Easton Development Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Aerojet. Mr. Henderson was a Managing Director and operating partner of Partners LLC, a subsidiary of Steel Holdings, a global diversified holding company that owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in leading companies in a variety of industries, including diversified industrial products, energy, defense, banking, insurance, and food products and services, until April 2011. He was associated with Partners LLC and its affiliates from August 1999 until April 2011. Mr. Henderson served as a director of DGT Holdings Corp., a manufacturer of proprietary high-voltage power conversion subsystems and components, from November 2003 until December 2011. Mr. Henderson also served as a director of SL Industries from January 2002 to March 2010. Mr. Henderson was an Executive Vice President of SP Acquisition Holdings, Inc. a company formed for the purpose of acquiring one or more businesses or assets, from February 2007 until October 2009. He was a director of Angelica Corporation, a provider of healthcare linen management services, from August 2006 to August 2008. Mr. Henderson was a director and CEO of WebFinancial Corporation, the predecessor entity of Steel Holdings, from June 2005 to April 2008, President and COO from November 2003 to April 2008, and was the Vice President of Operations from September 2000 to December 2003. He was also the CEO of WebBank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steel Holdings, from November 2004 to May 2005. He was a director of ECC International Corp., a manufacturer and marketer of computer controlled simulators for training personnel to perform maintenance and operation procedures on military weapons, from December 1999 to September 2003 and was acting CEO from July 2002 to March 2003. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Point Blank Solutions, Inc. (“Point Blank”), a designer and manufacturer of protective body armor, from August 2008 until October 2011, CEO from June 2009 until October 2011, and was Acting CEO from April 2009 to May 2009. Mr. Henderson was also the CEO and Chairman of the Board of certain subsidiaries of Point Blank. On April 14, 2010, Point Blank and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The Chapter 11 petitions are being jointly administered under the caption “In re Point Blank Solutions, Inc., et. al.” Case No. 10-11255, which case is ongoing. He has served as the CEO of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc., the successor to the business of Point Blank, from October 2011 to September 2012. He served as Acting CEO of School Specialty, Inc., a company that provides education-related products, programs and services from July 2013 to April 2014, and serves as a Director since June 2013, served as Chairman from June 2013 to June 2017. Mr. Henderson served as a Director of RELM Wireless Corporation from March 2014 to September 2015. Mr. Henderson has served on the Board of Aviat Network from January 2015 to November 2016 and Armor Express since September 2015.

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Louis J. Belardi, age 67, has served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company since June 17, 2016. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Belardi was the Chief Financial Officer of SL Industries from August 2010 through June 2016, and as SL Industries’ Secretary and Treasurer from July 2010 through June 2016. Mr. Belardi previously served as the Corporate Controller of SL Industries from 2004 until August 2010, during which time he was responsible for management of SL Industries’ corporate accounting, SEC reporting functions and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. Prior to joining SL Industries, Mr. Belardi was a partner in his own management consulting firm that specialized in providing financial consulting to public corporations. Before entering consulting, he was promoted through several financial roles to the position of Vice President Finance and Administration at Aydin Corporation, now part of L-3 Communications. Mr. Belardi started his career as a CPA at Price Waterhouse and has an MBA in finance.

John Whitenack, age 53, has served as the Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink since October 31, 2018, and as Chief Operating Officer of ModusLink since June 25, 2018. From March 2014 until April 2018, Mr. Whitenack served as President and CEO of Lucas-Milhaupt, a global brazing and metal joining products and services leader and an indirect subsidiary of Steel Holdings.  From August 2007 until March 2014, he served as President and CEO of Indiana Tube Corporation, a premium manufacturer specializing in welded, low carbon & HSLA steel tubing and an indirect subsidiary of Steel Holdings. Mr. Whitenack also served as the Chief Operating Officer of Paradigm Precision, a manufacturer of complex fabrication and precision machined components for gas turbine engines from 2006 to 2007. Additionally, Mr. Whitenack served as President and CEO of Cline Services, and several GE Subsidiaries from 2001 to 2006. Mr. Whitenack earned his degree in Management Studies from the United States Military Academy at West Point and proudly served in the U.S. Army, holding the rank of Captain before honorably discharging from military service.

James N. Andersen, age 60. Mr. Andersen has served as the CEO of IWCO Direct, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, since April 1999. IWCO Direct, which was acquired by the Company in December 2017, is a leading provider of data-driven marketing solutions that help its clients drive response across marketing channels to create new and more loyal customers. Mr. Andersen earned his Bachelor of Science in Judicial Administration from American University. He was honored with the 2010 Harry V. Quadracci VISION award from the Printing Industries of America and was inducted into the Printing Impressions/RIT Printing Industry Hall of Fame in 2008.

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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership with the SEC.

Based solely on its review of the copies of such reports furnished to us or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that, during Fiscal 2018, its officers, directors and ten-percent stockholders complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to such individual, other than the inadvertent late filing by Steel Holdings of one Form 4, filed on June 1, 2018, reporting four transactions.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, including the Company’s principal executive officer, and its senior financial officers (principal financial officer and controller or principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions). The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on its website, www.moduslink.comwww.moduslink.com/about/ (under the Investor Relations—Relations & Press Release—Governance section). We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to the Company’s principal executive officer or its senior financial officers (principal financial officer and controller or principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions) by posting such information on our website.

Director Nominations

During Fiscal 2018, we made no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors, as described in our most recent proxy statement.

Audit Committee

The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities to stockholders concerning the Company’s financial reporting and internal controls and facilitates open communication among the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors, outside auditors and management. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which can be found by clicking on “Governance” under the Investor Relations & Press tab on our website atwww.moduslink.com/about. The contents of our website are not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our internet address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only. The Audit Committee currently consists of Jeffrey J. Fenton, Phillip E. Lengyel and Jeffrey S. Wald, as Chairman, each of whom is independent as defined in applicable Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board of Directors has determined that Jeffrey S. Wald is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 11.— EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides details about the Company’s compensation practices for its Named Executive Officers (as defined below in the section entitled “Executive Compensation - Summary Compensation Table”). The information in this section should be read together with the tables and narratives that accompany the information presented.

The following executives are the Company’s Named Executive Officers for Fiscal 2018:

·*James R. Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer;
·Louis J. Belardi, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary; and
·James N. Andersen, Chief Executive Officer of IWCO Direct.

* Mr. Henderson resigned from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective upon the filing of the Original Form 10-K on December 4, 2018.

Executive Summary of Fiscal 2018 Compensation

Fiscal 2018 was a year of continued emphasis on improving operational efficiency and building upon the programs and strategic initiatives implemented in fiscal 2013 and thereafter to position us for the future. Among other things, we continued our multi-year transformation to streamline our company and create the capacity to invest in innovation and new markets for our business in addition to pursuing initiatives that will allow us to better allocate resources and prioritize investment dollars. Our compensation actions and decisions for Fiscal 2018 were selective. Accordingly, we took the following actions with respect to compensation of our executive officers in Fiscal 2018:

·When compensation was determined for Fiscal 2018, base salaries for all of our Named Executive Officers were maintained at the same levels used for the year ended July 31, 2017 (“Fiscal 2017”).
·As a result of the Compensation Committee’s ongoing review of our executive compensation programs, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with our full Board, worked with management to re-evaluate our annual cash incentive and equity incentive plans for potential changes in an effort to better align the plans with our business mission, strategy and goals for the Company. As a result of this review, the Compensation Committee maintained a broad based management incentive plans and made certain adjustments to the program metrics for our annual incentive plans.
·As a result of the IWCO Acquisition, the Company integrated certain IWCO Direct compensation practices into the Company’s compensation framework. Specifically, Mr. Andersen continues to participate in the IWCO Direct 2018 Short-Term and Long-Term Incentive Plans (the “2018 IWCO Incentive Plans”).

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Company and ModusLink Plans

The FY 2018 Management Incentive Plan (the “2018 MIP”), which related to the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2018 (the “Plan Year”), was designed to motivate appropriate behaviors that support short-term and long-term growth of shareholder value by rewarding the achievement of financial, business and management goals that are essential to the success of the Company and ModusLink. The 2018 MIP covers certain executive officers, executive leadership team members and key managers of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Participants”), as determined by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. All awards under the 2018 MIP (the “Awards”), if any, would be paid in cash. Participants were employees of the Company or its subsidiaries who were 2018 MIP eligible for six months or greater since the start of the Plan Year. In order to receive an Award under the 2018 MIP, the Participant must have been an employee of the Company in good standing at the time of the Award payment.

All Awards under the 2018 MIP were subject to the achievement of a minimum Plan Year adjusted EBITDA target (the “EBITDA Target”) for the Company’s supply chain business. Under the terms of the 2018 MIP, Awards to Participants who are direct employees of the Company (“Corporate Participants”) and to employees of the Company’s business units (the “Business Unit Participants”), would be determined based on the achievement of certain performance targets and only after EBITDA Target was been achieved. For Corporate Participants, provided the EBITDA Target was achieved or exceeded, Awards would be determined based on the following performance target components: (a) 50% of the Award would be based on achievement of the EBITDA Target, (b) 35% of the Award would be based on year-over-year revenue growth as defined (c) 15% of the Award would be based on the Participant’s implementation of defined objectives in support of the Company’s strategic plan. For Business Unit Participants, provided the EBITDA Target was achieved or exceeded, Awards would be determined based on the following performance target components: (a) 25% of the Award would be based on the achievement of the EBITDA Target (b) 35% of the Award would be based on the business unit’s Operating Income as defined (c) 25% of the Award would be based on the Participant’s implementation of their defined objectives in support of the Company’s strategic plan, and (d) 15% of the Award would be based on the business unit’s cash conversion cycle as defined. Awards, if any, would be subject to meeting minimum or greater performance results, audited financial results and the approval of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee was responsible for approving Awards to the Chief Executive Officer and his direct management reports.

Under the 2018 MIP, the Award target for Mr. Henderson was set at 100% of base salary and the Award target for Mr. Belardi was set at 60% of base salary. Based on the achievement of the objectives set forth in the 2018 MIP, the percentage of base salary that could be earned by Participants ranged from 3.75% to 200% of base salary. No Awards could made under the 2018 MIP if the EBITDA Target is not achieved.

In determining the EBITDA Target, the Compensation Committee noted that the financial objectives, while feasible to meet, would be challenging to achieve and would require improved performance compared with prior year results. For Fiscal 2018, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company did not meet the EBITDA Target and, accordingly, no Participants received Awards under the 2018 MIP.

IWCO Plans

Mr. Andersen is the only Named Executive Officer who participates in the IWCO compensation plans (the “IWCO Plans”).

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IWCO Direct 2017 Management Incentive Plan (the “2017 IWCO MIP”)

The 2017 IWCO MIP, which related to IWCO Direct’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 (the “2017 IWCO Plan Year”), was designed to motivate appropriate behaviors that support short-term and long-term growth of shareholder value by rewarding the achievement of financial, business and management goals that are essential to the success of IWCO Direct. The 2017 IWCO MIP covers certain executive officers, executive leadership team members and key managers of IWCO Direct (the “IWCO Participants”), as determined by IWCO Direct’s Chief Executive Officer. All awards under the 2017 IWCO MIP (the “2017 IWCO Awards”) were paid in cash. In order to receive an IWCO Award under the 2017 IWCO MIP, the IWCO Participant must have been an employee of the Company in good standing at the time of the IWCO Award payment.

All Awards under the 2017 IWCO MIP were subject to the achievement of a minimum IWCO Plan Year adjusted EBITDA target (the “2017 IWCO EBITDA Target”) for IWCO Direct. Under the terms of the 2017 IWCO MIP, the 2017 IWCO Awards to IWCO Participants were determined based on the achievement of certain performance targets once the 2017 IWCO EBITDA Target was achieved. Upon achieving or exceeding the 2017 IWCO EBITDA Target, the 2017 IWCO Awards were determined based on the following performance target components: (a) 80% of the 2017 IWCO Award was based on the achievement of the 2017 IWCO EBITDA Target (b) 10% of the 2017 IWCO Award was based on the achievement of an accounts receivable days sales outstanding target as defined and (c) 10% of the 2017 IWCO Award was based on the achievement of defined objectives in support of IWCO’s corporate objectives as defined. The 2017 IWCO Awards were subject to audited financial results and the approval of IWCO Direct’s Chief Executive Officer and IWCO Direct’s Board of Directors.

Under the 2017 IWCO MIP, the 2017 IWCO Award target for Mr. Andersen was 50% of base salary. Under the terms of the 2017 IWCO MIP, no IWCO Awards could be made under the 2017 IWCO MIP if the 2017 IWCO EBITDA Target is not achieved, but 2017 IWCO Awards could exceed the 2017 IWCO Award target if the 2017 IWCO EBITDA Target is exceeded.

In determining the 2017 IWCO EBITDA Target, the financial objectives, while feasible to meet, would be challenging to achieve and would require improved performance compared with prior year results. For the 2017 IWCO Plan Year, the Company exceeded the 2017 IWCO EBITDA Target, met the accounts receivable days sales outstanding target and partially met the defined objectives in support of IWCO’s corporate objectives. Accordingly, Mr. Andersen received a 2017 IWCO Award of 92% of base salary (award of $656,131) under the 2017 IWCO MIP, which was paid on February 23, 2018.

2018 IWCO Incentive Plans

The 2018 IWCO Incentive Plans, which relates to IWCO Direct’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 (the “2018 IWCO Plan Year”), is designed to motivate appropriate behaviors that support short-term and long-term growth of shareholder value by rewarding the achievement of financial, business and management goals that are essential to the success of IWCO Direct. The 2018 IWCO Incentive Plans cover the IWCO Participants, as determined by IWCO Direct’s Chief Executive Officer.  All awards under the 2018 IWCO Incentive Plans (the “2018 IWCO Awards”) will be paid in cash. In order to receive the 2018 IWCO Award under the 2018 IWCO Incentive Plans, the IWCO Participant must be an employee of the Company in good standing at the time of the 2018 IWCO Award payment.

           The 2018 IWCO Awards under the 2018 IWCO Incentive Plans to IWCO Participants will be determined based on the achievement of certain performance targets. The 2018 IWCO Awards will be determined based on the following performance target components: (a) 63% of the 2018 IWCO Award will be based on the achievement of the 2018 IWCO Plan Year adjusted EBITDA target (the “2018 IWCO EBITDA Target”) for IWCO Direct (b) 21% of the IWCO Award will be based on the achievement of defined objectives in support of IWCO’s corporate objectives as defined and (c) 16% of the IWCO Award will be based on the achievement of a working capital target as defined. IWCO Awards are subject to the approval of IWCO Direct’s Chief Executive Officer and IWCO Direct Board of Directors. 

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Under the 2018 IWCO Incentive Plans, the 2018 IWCO Award target for Mr. Andersen is 100% of base salary.

In determining the 2018 IWCO EBITDA Target, the financial objectives, while feasible to meet, will be challenging to achieve and will require improved performance compared with prior year results. No 2018 IWCO Awards have been earned or paid. To the extent a 2018 IWCO Award is earned, approximately 80% of the 2018 IWCO Awards will be paid in calendar year 2019, 10% in calendar year 2020 and 10% in calendar year 2021.

Executive Compensation Objectives

Our executive compensation program is designed to meet the following objectives:

·Attract and retain executive officers who contribute to our success;
·Align compensation with our short-term and long-term strategy and goals; and
·Motivate and reward high levels of performance.

These objectives serve as guiding principles in our compensation program design, and collectively seek to link compensation to overall Company performance, which helps to ensure that the interests of our executives are aligned with the interests of our stockholders.

Our compensation philosophy generally is to set target total compensation (base salary, bonus and long term incentives) at the median for similarly situated individuals at companies we consider to be our peers and competitors for talented individuals and within the general industry and geography (as more fully described below under “Benchmarking”). We also consider the need to account for factors such as tenure, individual performance, and unique characteristics and criticality of the job to the Company, and, as a result, from time to time and for certain individuals, we will exceed or trail the median target.

Our Committee has not adopted any rigid policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between short-term and long-term compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation or among different forms of cash compensation. However, the Compensation Committee is guided by the principle that a substantial portion of the total compensation for our executives should be comprised of performance-based incentives that link to the Company’s financial results.

In determining performance-based compensation, the Compensation Committee believes that the primary measure of the effectiveness of a performance-based compensation plan is whether compensation is being earned commensurate with performance and whether goals are set properly to reward desired performance. In years in which the Company did not meet its financial and operational goals, no amounts were earned under our variable cash compensation plans or performance-based equity programs. For Fiscal 2018, the Compensation Committee determined that we did not meet the performance criteria relating to the financial goals underlying the 2018 MIP and, as a result, none of the executive officers who were eligible to participate in the 2018 MIP received bonuses in accordance with the terms of the 2018 MIP. Because the performance criteria relating to the financial goals underlying the 2017 IWCO MIP was met, executive officers who were eligible to participate in the 2017 IWCO MIP received bonuses in accordance with the terms of the 2017 IWCO MIP.

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Components of Executive Compensation

The principal components of compensation for our executive officers consist of base salary and may also include performance-based annual cash bonus or time based restricted stock or performance-based restricted stock, limited perquisites and other benefits. Each component is described in more detail below. The Compensation Committee engages a compensation consultant from time to time to assist us in determining these compensation levels and to review our executive compensation programs.

Base Salary

Base salary is the fixed component of an executive’s annual cash compensation and supports our compensation objectives to attract and retain talented executives and adequately compensate and reward them for services rendered during the fiscal year. Changes in base salary are typically considered based on an evaluation of individual performance during our annual performance review process. Assessment of individual performance includes achievements and performance of the applicable operating unit or function for which the executive is responsible. In addition, from time to time, adjustments are made to base salaries during the fiscal year in light of promotions, added responsibilities or in reaction to changes in the market for an individual possessing the skills and abilities required by our executives.

The Compensation Committee reviewed the base salaries of our Named Executive Officers and determined that no change in base salary would be made for any Named Executive Officers for Fiscal 2018. Accordingly, the Fiscal 2018 annual base salaries for Mr. Henderson and Mr. Belardi remained unchanged at $600,000 and $325,000, respectively. The base salary for Mr. Andersen was $715,628, which remains unchanged since the closing of the IWCO Acquisition.

Performance-Based Annual Cash Bonus

In most years, the Compensation Committee has established a Management Incentive Plan (or MIP), which provides cash incentives for our non-IWCO executives. As a result of the IWCO Acquisition, the Company has also integrated certain IWCO compensation practices into its compensation objectives. Specifically, Mr. Andersen continues to participate in the IWCO Plans, which provides cash incentives for IWCO Participants. The MIP and IWCO Plans support our compensation objectives by focusing on annual financial and operating results and enabling our target total compensation to remain competitive within the marketplace for executive officers.

Target bonus awards under the MIP are expressed as a percentage of the base salary paid to the non-IWCO executive officer during that plan year. Typically, the Compensation Committee has selected bonus amounts for the executive officers such that the target total cash compensation approximates the median of comparable positions at our peer companies or the general industry. For Fiscal 2018, the target bonuses for our Named Executive Officers who participated in the 2018 MIP and the 2017 IWCO MIP were:

Executive Officer

Target as Percentage
of Base Salary (%)

James R. Henderson100
Louis J. Belardi60
James N. Andersen50

MIPs provide for cash payments to executive officers based on achievement of certain corporate financial objectives. Bonus payouts on the financial objectives could range from 0% to 200% of an individual’s target bonus depending on the Company’s actual performance versus the established performance goals. For Fiscal 2018, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company did not meet the EBITDA Target and, accordingly, no Participants received Awards under the 2018 MIP. The 2018 MIP is described in more detail above in the section entitled “Company and ModusLink Plans.”

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Target bonus awards under the IWCO Plan are expressed as a percentage of the base salary paid to IWCO Participants during the applicable plan year. Mr. Andersen is the only Named Executive Officer who participates in the IWCO Plans. Because the performance criteria relating to the financial goals underlying the 2017 IWCO MIP was met, executive officers who were eligible to participate in the 2017 IWCO MIP received bonuses in accordance with the terms of the 2017 IWCO MIP. The 2017 IWCO MIP is described in more detail above in the section entitled “IWCO Plans.”

Equity Grants

Compensation in the form of equity grants, including stock options, performance-based stock options, time-based restricted stock, performance-based restricted stock, and restricted stock units (“RSU”) have been a key component of our executives’ compensation in the past. Over the past two years however, our emphasis on equity grants has declined. No equity awards were granted to Named Executive Officers in Fiscal 2018 as our compensation objectives for Fiscal 2018 emphasized base pay and cash incentives.

Stock Options

Our equity program for executive officers has periodically utilized stock options, with the size and value of awards based on the executive’s position and market compensation data. In Fiscal 2018, we did not award any stock options to our Named Executive Officers.

Performance-Based Stock Options

Our equity program has periodically utilized performance-based stock options as an additional incentive for our executive officers to increase stockholder value. In Fiscal 2018, we did not award any performance-based stock options to our Named Executive Officers.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock

From time to time the Company’s equity program may grant performance-based restricted stock, pursuant to which executive officers are granted a predetermined number of shares or value of restricted stock in the event that the Company achieves a certain level of financial performance. As the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, performance-based restricted stock will be awarded to align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of investors, rewarding executives for enhancing our stock valuation and serves as a retention vehicle. We did not establish a plan for performance-based restricted stock grants for Fiscal 2018 or grant any performance-based restricted stock in Fiscal 2018.

Restricted Shares

The Compensation Committee may, from time to time, award shares of restricted stock to executive officers at commencement of employment or in recognition of a promotion, added responsibilities, exemplary performance, to address market factors or to serve as a means to retain and motivate management. During Fiscal 2018, no time-based restricted stock was awarded to our Named Executive Officers.

Restricted Stock Units

The Compensation Committee may, from time to time, award RSUs to executive officers at commencement of employment or in recognition of a promotion, added responsibilities, exemplary performance, to address market factors or to serve as a means to retain and motivate management. On October 4, 2017, the Compensation Committee granted 609,137 RSUs to Mr. Henderson and 329,949 RSUs to Mr. Belardi. These awards are described more fully below in the section entitled, “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”

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Perquisites and Other Benefits

The Compensation Committee believes that the perquisites provided to our executive officers are reasonable and modest compared to the general market. To the extent we offer any perquisites, we do so in order to be competitive with the market. Except for Mr. Andersen who was provided a company car, our Named Executive Officers did not receive executive perquisites in Fiscal 2018. Our Named Executive Officers do, however, receive other benefits that are available to all benefit eligible employees, including a 401(k) matching benefit.

From time to time, we have awarded discretionary cash or equity bonuses based on, for example, exemplary performance or the assumption of additional responsibilities. None of our Named Executive Officers was awarded a discretionary cash bonus in Fiscal 2018.

Assessment of Risk

The Compensation Committee believes that our compensation policies and practices motivate our employees to achieve our corporate objectives and to remain with our Company while avoiding unreasonable risk taking, and that our compensation policies and practices for our employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company. We believe we have allocated our compensation among base salary and incentive compensation target opportunities in such a way as to not encourage excessive risk taking. In addition, we believe our approach to goal setting, and our bonus plan design that provides for payouts at various levels of performance, further aligns employee and stockholder interests. Also, the multi-year vesting of our equity awards and our share ownership guidelines encourage our employees to have a long-term perspective.

Benchmarking

The Compensation Committee reviews executive compensation relative to marketplace norms on a regular basis and historically has followed a practice of refreshing this data every few years. The Compensation Committee last conducted a comprehensive review of executive compensation working with the Hay Group during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015 (“Fiscal 2015”). The Hay Group was again consulted in during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 (“Fiscal 2016”) in connection with preliminary plan design. The Hay Group was not consulted in Fiscal 2017 and 2018.

With input from the Compensation Committee, the Hay Group recommended a list of comparable companies for compensation comparisons based primarily on the following pre-defined selection criteria:

(i)Peer Company Size – Sizing factors included revenue, profitability, market capitalization and number of employees, with a greater emphasis on revenue as a correlation to pay levels;
(ii)Comparable Industry – Companies that operate in the logistics, software and e-commerce/IT transactions services area;
(iii)Business Model – Supply chain management companies more likely to serve enterprise-level customers and operate in lower margin businesses; and
(iv)Executive Talent Sources – Companies with whom we compete for executive talent.

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In early Fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee worked with the Hay Group to refine our peer group for purposes of assessing our executive compensation. Historically, we identified potential peers using a rules-based process that considered industry, size with respect to revenues, employees, assets, financial and operating characteristics, including operating leverage and EBITDA margin, as well as customer base and end markets served. Our peer group was developed by considering companies identified during such process, and reflected the Company’s evolution to a supply chain management services model.

Given the relatively small number of similar-sized companies operating in our industry, the Hay Group considered a revenue range slightly outside its standard 50% - 200% parameter in an effort to balance the size and scope of the Company’s business within the peer group. As a result of this review, the Compensation Committee removed four companies from the Fiscal 2014 peer group either because the company had recently been acquired (Brightpoint, Inc., GSI Commerce, Inc. and Pacer International, Inc.) or because the former peer’s size was sufficiently different from that of the Company that they should no longer be considered a peer for compensation comparison purposes (Hub Group, Inc.), and added seven companies (CSG System International, Inc., Echo Global Logistics, Inc., ePlus, Inc., Neustar, Inc., Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., Radiant Logistics, Inc. and Virtusa Corp.) to our peer group. Accordingly, effective as of September 2015, the Company’s peer group consisted of the following 15 companies (the “2015 Peer Group”);

·CIBER, Inc.;
·Computer Task Group, Inc.;
·CSG Systems international, Inc.;
·CTS Corporation;
·Digital River, Inc.;
·Echo Global Logistics, Inc.;
·ePlus, Inc.;
·Forward Air Corporation;
·Neustar, Inc.;
·Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.;
·Radiant Logistics, Inc.;
·PC Connection, Inc.;
·PFSweb, Inc.;
·ScanSource, Inc.; and
·Virtusa Corp.

To supplement our proxy peer group data, the Hay Group also provided the Compensation Committee with market survey data from its 2014 General Industry Executive Compensation Report. Only revenue size appropriate cuts of data were used. The Compensation Committee generally considered the market survey data as a broader industry reference to the peer group data.

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In Fiscal 2016, the compensation of Mr. Henderson, our President and Chief Executive Officer at the time, and Mr. Belardi, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, were determined based on competitive market practice and supported by survey data previously provided by the Hay Group. Survey data focused on total cash compensation at the 50th percentile of the market. On a total pay basis, compensation for Mr. Henderson and Mr. Belardi are at or below the reported market median.

President and Chief Executive Officer Compensation Decisions

In connection with the appointment of Mr. Henderson as President and Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink in March 2016 and of the Company in June 2016, the Board, as noted above, relied on competitive market practice to determine Mr. Henderson’s compensation. Mr. Henderson’s offer letter (the “Henderson Offer Letter”) specifies an annual salary of $600,000 paid bi-weekly and an annual cash bonus of up to 100% of base salary subject to attainment of short term objectives to be mutually agreed upon. The Compensation Committee did not make any adjustments to Mr. Henderson’s salary for Fiscal 2017 or 2018 and accordingly, his annual base salary remained at $600,000. Mr. Henderson received a bonus of $720,000 for Fiscal 2017 under the 2017 Management Incentive Plan (the “2017 MIP”) Mr. Henderson did not receive a bonus under the 2018 MIP. Mr. Henderson resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink, effective October 31, 2018, and resigned from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective upon the filing of the Original Form 10-K on December 4, 2018.

Warren G. Lichtenstein, the Chairman of our Board, served as the Company’s Interim CEO from March 28, 2016, to June 17, 2016. Following Mr. Henderson’s resignation, effective December 4, 2018, Mr. Lichtenstein again assumed the additional role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On June 17, 2016, the Board appointed Mr. Lichtenstein as Executive Chairman.

Mr. Lichtenstein was not separately compensated for serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer or for serving as Executive Chairman. Mr. Lichtenstein’s compensation is set forth on the Director Compensation Table.

Input from Management

In determining the performance criteria and compensation of our executive officers, the Compensation Committee generally takes into account the recommendations of our President and Chief Executive Officer (except as they relate to his own compensation). Typically, our President and Chief Executive Officer will make these recommendations based on his assessment of each executive officer’s individual performance as well as his knowledge of each executive officer’s job responsibilities, seniority, expected contributions, and his understanding of the competitive market for such executives. Our President and Chief Executive Officer may also attend meetings of the Compensation Committee at which executive compensation matters are addressed, except with respect to discussions involving his own compensation. All decisions with respect to the President and Chief Executive Officer’s compensation are made by the Compensation Committee, all of whom are independent members of the Board.

Related Policies and Considerations

Employment, Termination of Employment and Change-In-Control Agreements

Each of our executive officers is an employee-at-will, meaning that his employment may be terminated at any time and for any reason.

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Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Compensation Committee believes that it is appropriate for the executive officers to hold equity in the Company. Under our stock ownership guidelines, the Chief Executive Officer’s ownership requirement is set at three times his annual salary and other executive officers’ ownership requirement is set at two times their respective annual salaries. All individuals will have five years from the later of the adoption of the guidelines or his or her first appointment as an executive officer to reach these ownership levels. In computing the amounts owned, the Company will consider the value of shares owned outright, unvested restricted stock held by the individual, and in-the-money vested options.

Tax and Accounting Implications

Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, certain executive compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain officers of a public company is not deductible for federal income tax purposes unless the executive compensation is awarded under a performance-based plan approved by stockholders. To maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals, the Compensation Committee has not adopted a policy that all compensation must be deductible. The Compensation Committee intends, to the extent practicable, to preserve deductibility under the Internal Revenue Code of compensation paid to our executive officers while maintaining compensation programs that support attraction and retention of key executives.

Stock options awarded to executive officers under our stock option plans, which were approved by stockholders, and shares of restricted stock awarded under our performance-based restricted stock program are performance-based and are potentially deductible for us. Restricted stock awards that are not performance-based do not qualify for the performance-based exception to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, but the Compensation Committee believes that the retention benefit derived outweighs any tax benefit that might otherwise be obtained.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act") generally eliminated the ability to deduct compensation qualifying for the "performance-based compensation" exception under Code Section 162(m) for tax years commencing after December 31, 2017. Code Section 162(m) imposes a $1 million limit on the amount that a public company may deduct for compensation paid to anyone who has ever been the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer or one of the three highest compensated officers in any fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2016 (i.e., a "covered employee"). For 2017 and prior taxable years, an exception to this deduction limit applied to "performance-based compensation," such as stock options and other equity awards that satisfied certain criteria. Under the Tax Act, the performance-based pay exception to Code Section 162(m) was eliminated, but a transition rule may allow the exception to continue to apply to certain performance-based compensation payable under written binding contracts that were in effect on November 2, 2017. Because of the fact-based nature of the performance-based compensation exception under Code Section 162(m), the limited availability of guidance thereunder, and the uncertain scope of the aforementioned transition relief, we cannot provide assurance that any awards under theCompany’s 2010 Incentive Award Plan, as amended (the “2010 Plan”),will qualify for the performance-based compensation exception. The Board and the Compensation Committee will consider the potential impact of Code Section 162(m) on grants made under the 2010 Plan, but reserve the right to approve grants of options and other awards for a covered employee that exceeds the deduction limit of Code Section 162(m).


The compensation that we pay to the Named Executive Officers is expensed in our financial statements as required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As one of many factors, the Compensation Committee considers the financial statement impact in determining the amount of, and allocation among the elements of, compensation. We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC 718”) (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment”).

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on this review and discussion, recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beincluded in this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Jeffrey J. Fenton, Chair
Philip E. Lengyel

The information contained in the foregoing report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s previous or future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Fiscal 2018, Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 compensation of: (i) individuals who served as, or acted in the capacity of, the Company’s principal executive officer or principal financial officer for the calendar year August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018; (ii) the Company’s three most highly compensated executive officers, other than the principal executive officer or principal financial officer, who were serving as executive officers at the end of the calendar year from August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018; and (iii) up to two additional individuals for whom disclosure would have been provided but for the fact that the individual was not serving as an executive officer of the Company at the end of the calendar year ended July 31, 2018. Collectively, we refer to all of these individuals as the “Named Executive Officers.”

Name and
Principal Position*
 Year Salary
($)
 Bonus
($)
 Stock
Awards
($)
 Option
Awards
($)
 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(1)

 All Other
Compensation
($)
 Total
($)
James R. Henderson  2018   600,000   —     1,169,543(2)  —     —     5,999(3)  1,775,542 
President and Chief  2017   600,000   —     —     —     720,000   7,999(3)  1,327,999 
Executive Officer  2016   205,385   —     —     —     —     —     205,385 
                                 
Louis J. Belardi  2018   325,000   —     633,502(2)  —     —     1,667(3)  960,169 
Executive Vice  2017   325,000   —     —     —     234,000   —     559,000 
President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary  2016   31,250   50,000(4)  —     —     —     —     81,250 
                                 
James N. Andersen  2018   453,231(5)  1,349,804(6)  —     —     —     6,683(7)  1,809,718 
Named Executive Officer of IWCO Direct                                

*Henderson – On March 23, 2016, the Board appointed Mr. Henderson to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink; and on June 17, 2016, the Board appointed Mr. Henderson to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Henderson subsequently resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink, effective October 31, 2018, and resigned from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective upon the filing of the Original Form 10-K on December 4, 2018. Mr. Lichtenstein, the Company’s Executive Chairman, assumed the additional role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective upon Mr. Henderson’s resignation from the Company. Mr. Lichtenstein had previously served as the Company’s Interim CEO from March 28, 2016, to June 17, 2016. On June 17, 2016, the Board appointed Mr. Lichtenstein as Executive Chairman. Mr. Lichtenstein was not separately compensated for serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer or for serving as Executive Chairman. Mr. Lichtenstein’s compensation is set forth on the Director Compensation Table.

Belardi – On June 17, 2016, the Board appointed Louis J. Belardi to serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary effective June 27, 2016.

Andersen – Upon the closing of the IWCO Acquisition on December 15, 2017, Mr. Andersen was the Chief Executive Officer of one of the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries. The amounts reflected in the Summary Compensation Table are for the Company’s full 2018 fiscal year.

_____________

(1)Represents amounts earned under the Company’s Fiscal 2017 Management Incentive Plan. The Company did not establish a Management Incentive Plan in Fiscal 2016.

(2)Represents the full fair value at grant date of a one-time grant of RSUs computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

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(3)Amounts represent employer 401(k) plan matching cash contributions.
(4)Represents a signing bonus paid to Mr. Belardi in connection with commencing employment with the Company.
(5)Represents Mr. Andersen’s pro-rated salary for Fiscal 2018. Mr. Andersen joined the Company following the IWCO Acquisition and his annual base salary is $715,628.
(6)Represents Mr. Andersen’s 2017 IWCO Award under the 2017 IWCO MIP, which was paid on February 23, 2018 and a cash bonus paid on December 31, 2017 to Mr. Andersen in connection to IWCO’s prior practice of granting discretionary bonus amounts to management due to their participation in certain liquidity events.
(7)Represents employer 401(k) plan matching cash contributions ($4,350) and the amount attributable to the business and personal use of a company car ($2,333).

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

    

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity IncentivePlan Awards ($)

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive PlanAwards (#)

 

 

All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units

 

 

All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options

 

 

Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards

 

 

Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards

Name Grant Date Threshold Target Maximum Threshold Target Maximum (#) (#) ($/Sh) ($)(1)
James R. Henderson 10/4/2017  —     —     —     —     —     —     609,137(2)  —     —     1,169,543 
                                           
Louis J. Belardi 10/4/2017  —     —     —     —     —     —     329,949(3)  —     —     633,502 
                                           
James N. Andersen     —  —     —     —     —     —     —        —     —     —    
                                           

(1)Represents the full fair value at grant date of RSUs computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(2)Represents RSUs issued under the Company’s 2010 Plan. One hundred percent (100%) of the RSUs were scheduled to vest on the earlier of (a) the one (1) year anniversary of October 4, 2017, subject to Mr. Henderson's continuing employment or services through such date or (b) Mr. Henderson's death, disability or involuntary separation from service with the Company other than for cause. On October 4, 2018, the RSUs fully vested to Mr. Henderson. For more information on this grant, see the section above entitled, “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”
(3)Represents RSUs issued under the Company’s 2010 Plan. One hundred percent (100%) of the RSUs were scheduled to vest on the earlier of (a) the one (1) year anniversary of October 4, 2017, subject to Mr. Belardi's continuing employment or services through such date or (b) Mr. Belardi's death, disability or involuntary separation from service with the Company other than for cause. On October 4, 2018, the RSUs fully vested to Mr. Belardi. For more information on this grant, see the section above entitled, “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table.

The compensation paid to the above named Named Executive Officers during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 included salaries, bonuses and perquisites as more fully described in the notes to the Summary Compensation Table. As noted in the Summary Compensation Table, Mr. Henderson received contributions to his 401(k) plan under our matching contribution program in Fiscal 2017.

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CEO Pay Ratio

As required by thisSection 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item will be contained in402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our Definitive Proxy Statementemployees and is incorporatedthe annual total compensation of Mr. Henderson, our CEO. The pay ratio included in this reportinformation is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.

For Fiscal 2018, our last completed fiscal year:

• The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of our Company (excluding our CEO) who were employed by reference.us on July 31, 2018 (the last day of our 2018 fiscal year) was $22,922.07.

• The annual total compensation of our CEO, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included elsewhere in this Amendment, was $1,775,542.35, which includes the full fair value at grant date (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) of a one-time Henderson Grant of 609,137 RSUs to our CEO valued at $1,169,543.

• Based on this information, for Fiscal 2018 the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Henderson, our CEO, to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees was 77 to 1.

To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees, globally, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our median employee and our CEO, we took the following steps:

1.We determined that, as of July 31, 2018, our global employee population consisted of approximately 1,561 individuals.
2.We selected July 31, 2018, which is within the last three months of Fiscal 2018, as the date upon which we would identify the "median employee" because it enabled us to make such identification in a reasonably efficient and economical manner.
3.To identify the "median employee" from our global employee population, we compared the amount of salary and wages of our employees as reflected in our payroll records.
4.In order to determine the total compensation of our median employee, we combined all of the elements of employee compensation for Fiscal 2018 for all our employees in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, resulting in annual total compensation of $22,922.07. Included in the median employee's annual total compensation were: the match to the employee's 401(k) retirement plan (if any), the contributions towards pension for international plans (if any), spot bonuses and the different allowances as required by statutory regulations and/or local best practices (if any). Since we do not maintain a defined benefit or other actuarial plan for our employees, our median employee's annual total compensation did not include amounts attributable to these arrangements.
5.With respect to the annual total compensation of our CEO, we used the amount reported in the "Total" column of our Fiscal 2018 Summary Compensation Table included in this Amendment. Included were: base wages, equity grants and the match to the 401(k) retirement plan.

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Supplemental CEO Pay Ratio (Excluding the Henderson Grant)

Excluding the value of the one-time Henderson Grant, the ratio of our CEO’s total annual compensation to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees would be 26 to 1.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

Option AwardsStock Awards
NameNumber of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) ExercisableNumber of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) UnexercisableEquity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#)Option Exercise Price ($)Option Expiration DateNumber of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(1)Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)
James R. Henderson-----609,137(2)1,169,543--
Louis J. Belardi-----329,949(3)633,502  --
James N. Andersen---------

(1)Represents the full fair value at grant date of RSUs computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
(2)Represents RSUs issued under the Company’s 2010 Plan. One hundred percent (100%) of the RSUs were scheduled to vest on the earlier of (a) the one (1) year anniversary of October 4, 2017, subject to Mr. Henderson's continuing employment or services through such date or (b) Mr. Henderson's death, disability or involuntary separation from service with the Company other than for cause. On October 4, 2018, the RSUs fully vested to Mr. Henderson. For more information on this grant, see the section above entitled, “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”
(3)Represents RSUs issued under the Company’s 2010 Plan. One hundred percent (100%) of the RSUs were scheduled to vest on the earlier of (a) the one (1) year anniversary of October 4, 2017, subject to Mr. Belardi's continuing employment or services through such date or (b) Mr. Belardi's death, disability or involuntary separation from service with the Company other than for cause. On October 4, 2018, the RSUs fully vested to Mr. Belardi. For more information on this grant, see the section above entitled, “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”

Employment Arrangements of Named Executive Officers

We do not have agreements with any of the Named Executive Officers which guarantee employment for a set term and, accordingly, all of the Named Executive Officers are employees at will.

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James R. Henderson

James R. Henderson was appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on June 17, 2016, and appointed the Chief Executive Officer ModusLink, one of the Company’s principal operating subsidiary on March 23, 2016. In connection therewith, the Company and Mr. Henderson executed an employment offer letter dated April 13, 2016, which provides for the employment of Mr. Henderson at an annualized base salary of $600,000. Mr. Henderson is also eligible for an annual cash bonus, with a target equal to 100% of his base salary.

Louis J. Belardi

Louis J. Belardi was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company effective June 27, 2016. In connection therewith, the Company and Mr. Belardi executed an employment offer letter effective June 27, 2016, which provides for the employment of Mr. Belardi at an annualized base salary of $325,000. Mr. Belardi is also eligible for an annual cash bonus with a target equal to 60% of his base salary. Mr. Belardi’s employment offer letter specified a $50,000 signing bonus payable after 30 days service. The bonus was paid.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

James R. Henderson

On October 4, 2017, the Compensation Committee approved a one-time grant of 609,137 RSUs to Mr. Henderson (the “Henderson Grant”), which was made under the 2010 Plan and pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “RSU Agreement”). The RSUs granted pursuant to the Henderson Grant vest and become non-forfeitable on the earlier of: (i) the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued employment or services through the first anniversary date; (ii) the recipient’s “involuntary separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(n)) with the Company other than for Cause (as defined in the 2010 Plan) and whether or not a Change in Control (as defined in the 2010 Plan) has occurred; (iii) the recipient’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) for “Good Reason” (as defined in Section 2(c) of the RSU Agreement) with the Company and whether or not a Change in Control has occurred; (iv) the recipient’s separation from service due to a disability (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(4); or (v) the recipient’s death.

  The Henderson Grant vested in its entirety, in accordance with its terms, on October 4, 2018, the first anniversary of the grant date. Following the time-based vesting of the Henderson Grant, Mr. Henderson was no longer party to any agreement that provides for payments or benefits in the event of termination of employment and as a result, he did not receive any termination-related payments as a result of his resignation form the Company effective December 4, 2018.

If the Henderson Grant were to have vested upon a qualifying termination of service on July 31, 2018, the last day of Fiscal 2018, the RSUs granted pursuant to the Henderson Grant would have a value of approximately $1,291,370 based on the closing price of $2.12 per share for the Company’s common stock on July 31, 2018.

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Louis J. Belardi

On October 4, 2017, the Compensation Committee approved a one-time grant of 329,949 RSUs to Mr. Belardi (the “Belardi Grant”). The Belardi Grant was made under the 2010 Plan and pursuant to an RSU Agreement. The RSUs granted pursuant to the Belardi Grant vest and become non-forfeitable on the earlier of: (i) the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued employment or services through the first anniversary date; (ii) the recipient’s “involuntary separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(n)) with the Company other than for Cause (as defined in the 2010 Plan) and whether or not a Change in Control (as defined in the 2010 Plan) has occurred; (iii) the recipient’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) for “Good Reason” (as defined in Section 2(c) of the RSU Agreement) with the Company and whether or not a Change in Control has occurred; (iv) the recipient’s separation from service due to a disability (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(4); or (v) the recipient’s death.

The Belardi Grant vested in its entirety, in accordance with its terms, on October 4, 2018, the first anniversary of the grant date. Following the time-based vesting of the Belardi Grant, Mr. Belardi was no longer party to any agreement that provides for payments or benefits in the event of termination of employment.

If the Belardi Grant were to have vested upon a qualifying termination of service on July 31, 2018, the last day of Fiscal 2018, the RSUs granted pursuant to the Belardi Grant would have a value of approximately $699,492 based on the closing price of $2.12 per share for the Company’s common stock on July 31, 2018.

Director Compensation

The table below sets forth certain information concerning our Fiscal 2018 compensation of our Directors.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2018

Name

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)

Stock Awards ($)(1)(2)

All Other Compensation ($)

Total
($)

Anthony Bergamo(3)16,000--16,000
Jeffrey J. Fenton(4)87,50063,266-150,766
Glen M. Kassan(5)55,00063,266-118,266
Philip E. Lengyel(6)81,50063,266-144,766
Warren G. Lichtenstein(7)119,00063,2665,566,200(11)5,748,466
Jeffrey S. Wald(8)92,50063,266-155,766
William T. Fejes, Jr.(9)34,74563,266927,700(11)1,025,711
Jack L. Howard(10)35,24563,2662,783,100(11)2,881,611

(1)The amounts shown in the “Stock Awards” column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with ASC 718, not the actual amounts paid to or realized by the directors during Fiscal 2018.
(2)Each director received an award of 32,258 shares of restricted stock on April 12, 2018, pursuant to the ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. Fourth Amended and Restated Director Compensation Plan, as amended. Restricted stock awards are subject to a restriction on transfer; the restricted stock vest on January 2, 2019, provided he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date.
(3)Anthony Bergamo passed away on September 29, 2017. During Fiscal 2018, he was not granted restricted stock.
(4)As of July 31, 2018, Mr. Fenton held 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019, provided he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date and remain subject to a restriction on transfer until vesting. Mr. Fenton does not hold any vested or unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock.

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(5)As of July 31, 2018, Mr. Kassan held 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019, provided he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date and remain subject to a restriction on transfer until vesting. Mr. Kassan does not hold any vested or unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock.
(6)As of July 31, 2018, Mr. Lengyel held 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019, provided he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date and remain subject to a restriction on transfer until vesting. Mr. Lengyel does not hold any vested or unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock.
(7)As of July 31, 2018, Mr. Lichtenstein held 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019, provided that he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date and remain subject to a restriction on transfer until vesting. Mr. Lichtenstein does not hold any vested or unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock. See footnote 11 for disclosure regarding the December 15 Awards.
(8)As of July 31, 2018, Mr. Wald held 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019, provided he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date and remain subject to a restriction on transfer until vesting. Mr. Wald does not hold any vested or unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock.
(9)As of July 31, 2018, Mr. Fejes held 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019, provided that he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date and remain subject to a restriction on transfer until vesting. Mr. Fejes does not hold any vested or unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock. See footnote 11 for disclosure regarding the December 15 Awards.
(10)As of July 31, 2018, Mr. Howard held 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019, provided that he remains a director of the Company on such vesting date and remain subject to a restriction on transfer until vesting. Mr. Howard does not hold any vested or unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock. See footnote 11 for disclosure regarding the December 15 Awards.
(11)On December 15, 2017, the Board, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and a Special Committee of the Board,  approved the following restricted stock grants and market performance based restricted stock grants to Messrs. Howard, Fejes and Lichtenstein (the “December 15 Awards”), in each case effective upon the closing of the IWCO Acquisition and in consideration for current and future services to the Company:

 RecipientTotal AwardVested Portion of Award(a)Unvested Portion of Award(a)(b)
Warren G. Lichtenstein3,300,000 shares3,000,000 shares300,000 shares
Jack L. Howard1,650,000 shares1,500,000 shares150,000 shares
William T. Fejes, Jr.550,000 shares500,000 shares50,000 shares

(a)As of July 31, 2018.

(b)Shares of restricted stock will automatically vest, in their entirety, on the day the price of the Company’s common stock shall have closed at or above $2.50 per share for any five consecutive business days after the grant date (December 15, 2017), subject to the Director’s continuous service with the Company from the grant date through the vesting date.

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Director Compensation Plan

Members of the Board receive a combination of cash compensation and equity in the form of restricted stock awards, provided they are eligible under the applicable plan. In addition, all of the Directors of the Company receive reimbursement of expenses incurred with respect to attendance at meetings of the Board and meetings of committees thereof, which is not included in the above table.

The Fourth Amended and Restated Director Compensation Plan, adopted December 20, 2015 (the “Director Compensation Plan”), governs cash and equity compensation to eligible Directors. All Directors are eligible to participate in the Director Compensation Plan other than any Director who (i) is an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or (ii) unless otherwise determined by the Board, is an affiliate, employee, representative or designee of an institutional or corporate investor in the Company (an “Affiliated Director”).

Under the Director Compensation Plan, each participating Director who serves as a Director during any fiscal quarter receives a payment for such quarter of $12,500, with a pro rata fee applicable to service for less than a whole quarter; provided, however, that any Director who serves as the non-executive Chairman of the Board during any fiscal quarter receives a payment for such quarter of $28,750 instead of $12,500, with a pro rata fee applicable to service for less than a whole quarter. Each participating Director who serves as the chairperson of a committee of the Board during any fiscal quarter receives a payment of $1,250; provided, however, that the chairperson of the Audit Committee during any fiscal quarter receives a payment of $2,500, in each such case with a pro rata fee applicable to service for less than a whole quarter. Each participating Director who attends a telephonic meeting of the Board or a committee thereof receives a meeting fee of $500. Each participating Director who attends a meeting of the Board or a committee thereof, where a majority of the Directors attend such meeting in person, receives a meeting fee of $1,000. Payment of these fees was temporarily suspended by the Board between May 2016 and August 2017.

In addition, the Director Compensation Plan provides that each Director, other than an Affiliated Director, will receive a restricted stock award for shares of Common Stock with a fair market value equal to $100,000 on the first business day of the calendar year provided that such Director is serving as a Director on such date (an “Annual Award”). These Annual Awards vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant, provided that the Director remains a director of the Company on the vesting date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Director ceases to be a director due to (i) removal without cause, (ii) resignation upon request of a majority of the Board, other than for reasons the Board determines to be cause, (iii) the failure to be re-elected to the Board either because the Company fails to nominate the Director for re-election or the Director fails to receive sufficient stockholder votes, then, on the day the Director ceases to be a Director, 25% of the Annual Award vests for each full calendar quarter that the Director has served as a Director from and after the award date. The Board temporarily lowered the fair market value of the Annual Awards to $80,000 and the fair market value of the Annual Awards continues to be $80,000. The granting of the 2018 Annual Awards was delayed until an amendment of the 2010 Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholder that made enough shares available under the 2010 Plan for such awards.

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Two of the Company’s Directors have each entered into an Indemnification Agreement with the Company pursuant to which the Company shall indemnify the Director to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law in the event that the Director is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, or any inquiry or investigation, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or by any other party and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, by reason of the fact that the Director is or was a Director of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all expenses, judgments, fines and penalties, provided that the Director shall not have been finally adjudged to have engaged in willful misconduct or to have acted in a manner which was knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest, or had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Directors who served as members of the Compensation Committee during Fiscal 2018 were Jeffrey J. Fenton and Philip E. Lengyel. Prior to his passing, Anthony Bergamo served as a member of the Compensation Committee and was independent as determined in accordance with the Compensation Committee charter and applicable NASDAQ rules. No member of the Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of the Company while serving on the Compensation Committee in Fiscal 2018. No executive officer of the Company has served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has or has had one or more executive officers who served as a member of the Board or the Compensation Committee during Fiscal 2018.

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ITEM 12.— SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED

STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information regardingSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information, as of December 4, 2018, with respect to the securitybeneficial ownership of certain beneficial ownersshares of Common Stock by: (i) 5% stockholders; (ii) the members of the Board of the Company, (iii) the Named Executive Officers (as defined under “Summary Compensation Table”); and management will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement(iv) all current executive officers and is incorporated in this report by reference.members of the Board of the Company, as a group.

  

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1)

Name of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares 

Percent of Class(2)

5% Stockholders    
Steel Partners Holdings L.P.(3)  41,365,072   52.63%
         
Directors        
Jeffrey J. Fenton(4)  224,469   * 
Glen M. Kassan(5)  178,713   * 
Philip E. Lengyel(6)  71,276   * 
Warren G. Lichtenstein(7)  3,241,995   5.35%
Jeffrey S. Wald(8)  196,958   * 
Jack L. Howard(9)  1,542,258   2.54%
William T. Fejes, Jr.(10)  362,258   * 
         
Named Executive Officers**        
James R. Henderson(11)  408,143   * 
Louis J. Belardi(12)  232,779   * 
James N. Andersen  0   * 
         
Other Executive Officers        
John Whitenack  0   * 
         
All current executive officers and directors, as a group (11 persons)  6,458,849   10.64%
         

________

*Less than 1%
**On March 23, 2016, the Board appointed Mr. Henderson to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink; and on June 17, 2016, the Board appointed Mr. Henderson to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Henderson subsequently resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of ModusLink, effective October 31, 2018, and resigned from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective upon the filing of the Original Form 10-K on December 4, 2018. Mr. Lichtenstein, the Company’s Executive Chairman, assumed the additional role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective upon Mr. Henderson’s resignation from the Company. Mr. Lichtenstein had previously served as the Company’s Interim CEO from March 28, 2016, to June 17, 2016.
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(1)For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership is determined by rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares over which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days after December 4, 2018, through the exercise of any stock option or other right (“Presently Exercisable Options”). The inclusion herein of such shares, however, does not constitute an admission that the named stockholder is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of such shares. The Company believes that each person or entity named in the table has sole voting power and investment power (or shares such power with his or her spouse) with respect to all shares of Common Stock listed as owned by such person or entity unless noted otherwise. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person listed in the table is c/o Steel Connect, Inc., 1601 Trapelo Road, Suite 170, Waltham, MA 02451.
(2)Number of shares deemed outstanding includes 60,612,214 shares of Common Stock as of December 4, 2018, plus any shares subject to Presently Exercisable Options held by the person in question.
(3)Based on information provided in the Schedule 13D filed by HNH, BNS Holdings, Inc. (“BNS”), Steel Partners, Ltd. (“SPL”), Steel Holdings, SPH Group LLC (“SPHG”), SPH Group Holdings LLC (“SPHG Holdings”), Partners LLC, and Warren G. Lichtenstein with the SEC on October 14, 2011 and all amendments thereto, including that certain Amendment No. 22 to Schedule 13D filed by HNH, WHX CS Corp. (“WHX CS”), SPL, Steel Holdings, SPHG, SPHG Holdings, Steel Holdings GP, Mr. Lichtenstein, Glen M. Kassan, Jack L. Howard and William T. Fejes, Jr. on December 19, 2017; a Form 4 filed by Steel Holdings, SPHG, SPHG Holdings and Steel Holdings GP on December 19, 2017; a Form 4 filed by Mr. Lichtenstein on April 16, 2018; a Form 4 filed by Mr. Kassan on April 16, 2018; a Form 4 filed by Mr. Howard on April 16, 2018; and a Form 4 filed by Mr. Fejes on April 16, 2018. The principal business address of HNH and WHX CS is 1133 Westchester Avenue, Suite N222, White Plains, NY 10604. The principal business address of SPL, Steel Holdings, SPHG, SPHG Holdings and Partners LLC is 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10022.
·SPL owns 60,000 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Lichtenstein is the Chief Executive Officer and stockholder of SPL. Accordingly, Mr. Lichtenstein may be deemed to have shared investment and voting power with respect to such shares of Common Stock held indirectly by him. Mr. Lichtenstein disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock owned directly by SPL except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
·SPHG Holdings owns 2,245,990 shares of Common Stock and beneficially owns an additional 17,857,143 shares of Common Stock underlying currently convertible Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of the Issuer (the “Preferred Stock”) owned directly by SPHG Holding. Steel Holdings owns 99% of the membership interests of SPHG. SPHG is the sole member of SPHG Holdings. Steel Holdings GP is the general partner of Steel Holdings, the managing manager of SPHG and the manager of SPHG Holdings. Accordingly, by virtue the relationships discussed above, each of Steel Holdings, SPHG, and Steel Holdings GP may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by SPHG Holdings. Each of SPHG, Steel Holdings, and Steel Holdings GP disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock owned directly by SPHG Holdings except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein.
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·HNH owns 2,496,545 shares of Common Stock. SPHG Holdings owns 100% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of HNH. Steel Holdings owns 99% of the membership interests of SPHG. SPHG is the sole member of SPHG Holdings. Steel Holdings GP is the general partner of Steel Holdings, the managing manager of SPHG and the manager of SPHG Holdings Accordingly, each of SPHG Holdings, Steel Holdings, SPHG and Steel Holdings GP may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by HNH. Each of SPHG Holdings, Steel Holdings, SPHG and Steel Holdings GP disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock owned directly by HNH.
·

WHX CS owns 5,940,170 shares of Common Stock. HNH owns 100% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of WHX CS, and SPHG Holdings owns 100% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of HNH. Steel Holdings owns 99% of the membership interests of SPHG. SPHG is the sole member of SPHG Holdings. Steel Holdings GP is the general partner of Steel Holdings, the managing manager of SPHG and the manager of SPHG Holdings. Accordingly, by virtue of the relationships described above, each of HNH, SPHG Holdings, Steel Holdings, SPHG and Steel Holdings GP may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock owned directly by WHX CS. Each of HNH, SPHG Holdings, Steel Holdings, SPHG and Steel Holdings GP disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock owned directly by WHX CS. Each of WHX CS, HNH, SPHG Holdings, SPHG, Steel Holdings and Steel Holdings GP is deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose of the shares owned directly by WHX CS. Each of HNH, SPHG Holdings, SPHG, Steel Holdings and Steel Holdings GP is deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose of the shares owned directly by HNH. Each of SPHG Holdings, Steel Holdings, SPHG and Steel Holdings GP is deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose of the shares owned directly by SPHG Holdings. Each of Steel Holdings and Steel Holdings GP is deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose of the shares owned directly by Steel Holdings. Each of SPL and Mr. Lichtenstein is deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose of the shares owned directly by SPL. Each of Messrs. Lichtenstein, Kassan, Howard and Fejes has the sole power to vote all shares he directly owns and has the sole power to dispose all shares (other than unvested restricted shares) he directly owns.

·Steel Holdings directly owns 7,500,000 shares of Common Stock. Steel Holdings GP may be deemed to beneficially own the shares. Mr. Lichtenstein beneficially owns 3,181,995 shares of Common Stock, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that will vest on January 2, 2019. Mr. Kassan beneficially owns 178,713 shares of Common Stock, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that will vest on January 2, 2019. Mr. Howard beneficially owns 1,542,258 shares of Common Stock, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that will vest on January 2, 2019. Mr. Fejes beneficially owns 362,258 shares of Common Stock, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that will vest on January 2, 2019. As described above Mr. Lichtenstein may also be deemed to have shared investment and voting power with respect to 60,000 shares owned by SPL, and Mr. Lichtenstein disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock owned directly by SPL except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
·Each of Messrs. Lichtenstein, Fejes, and Howard also hold shares of restricted stock that will automatically vest, in their entirety, on the day the price of the Company’s common stock shall have closed at or above $2.50 per share for any five consecutive business days after the grant date, subject to the Reporting Person's continuous service with the Issuer from the grant date through the vesting date. Mr. Lichtenstein holds 300,000 shares of such restricted stock, Mr. Fejes holds 50,000 shares of such restricted stock, and Mr. Howard holds 150,000 shares of such restricted stock. Such shares of restricted stock held by each of Messrs. Lichtenstein, Fejes, and Howard, are not included because the vesting of such shares is subject to a material condition beyond their control.
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(4)Consists of 224,469 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Fenton, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019.
(5)Consists of 178,713 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Kassan, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019. Mr. Kassan is a member of the Section 13(d) group described in Footnote 3 above that owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Mr. Kassan disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned directly by the other members of the Section 13(d) group except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(6)Consists of 71,276 shares owned directly by Mr. Lengyel, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019.
(7)Consists of 3,181,995 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Lichtenstein (including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019) and 60,000 shares of Common Stock owned directly by SPL. Does not include the 300,000 shares of restricted stock that will automatically vest, in their entirety, on the day the price of the Company’s common stock shall have closed at or above $2.50 per share for any five consecutive business days after the grant date, subject to Mr. Lichtenstein’s continuous service with the Company from the grant date through the vesting date, because such stock is subject to a material condition beyond Mr. Lichtenstein’s control. Mr. Lichtenstein is the Chief Executive Officer and sole director of SPL. Accordingly, by virtue of the Mr. Lichtenstein’s relationship with SPL, Mr. Lichtenstein may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned directly by SPL. Mr. Lichtenstein disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned directly by SPL except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Mr. Lichtenstein is a member of the Section 13(d) group described in Footnote 3 above that owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Mr. Lichtenstein disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned directly by the other members of the Section 13(d) group except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(8)Consists of 196,958 shares owned directly by Mr. Wald, including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019.
(9)Consists of 1,542,258 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Howard (including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019). Does not include 150,000 shares of restricted stock that will vest in their entirety, on the day the price of the Company’s common stock shall have closed at or above $2.50 per share for any five consecutive business days after the grant date, subject to Mr. Howard’s continuous service with the Company from the grant date through the vesting date, because such stock is subject to a material condition beyond Mr. Howard’s control. Mr. Howard is a member of the Section 13(d) group described in Footnote 3 above that owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Mr. Howard disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned directly by the other members of the Section 13(d) group except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(10)Consists of 362,258 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Fejes (including 32,258 shares of restricted stock that vest on January 2, 2019). Does not include 50,000 shares of restricted stock that will automatically vest, in their entirety, on the day the price of the Company’s common stock shall have closed at $2.50 per share for any five consecutive business days after the grant date, subject to Mr. Fejes’ continuous service with the Company from the grant date through the vesting date, because such stock is subject to a material condition beyond Mr. Fejes’ control. Mr. Fejes is a member of the Section 13(d) group described in Footnote 3 above that owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Mr. Fejes disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common Stock of the Company owned directly by the other members of the Section 13(d) group except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
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(11)Consists of 408,143 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Henderson.
(12)Consists of 232,779 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Belardi.

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of July 31, 20172018

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans as of July 31, 2017:2018:

   (a)   (b)   (c) 

Plan Category

  Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   838,734   $2.73    5,299,305(1) 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(2)

   30,250   $6.58    —   
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

   868,984   $9.31    5,299,305 
  

 

 

     

 

 

 

  

(a)

 
 

(b)

 
 

(c)

 

Plan Category

 
  

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 
   

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 
   

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  2,103,144  $1.71   4,929,789(1) 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(2)  —    $—     —   
             
Total  2,103,144  $1.71   4,929,789 
             
(1)Includes approximately 136,400Includes:
·125,954 shares available for issuance under the Company’s Amended and Restated 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.

·4,803,835 shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2010 Incentive Award Plan, as amended April 12, 2018.

(2)In March 2002, the Board of Directors adopted the 2002 Non-officer Employee Stock Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”), which was adopted without the approval of our security holders. Pursuant to the 2002 Plan, 415,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and other similar events). In May 2002, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the 2002 Plan in which the total shares available under the plan were increased to 1,915,000. Under the 2002 Plan, non-statutory stock options or restricted stock awards were granted to the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ employees, other than those who were also officers or directors, as defined. In connection with the adoption of the 2010 Incentive Award Plan on December 8, 2010, equity awards are no longer granted under the 2002 Plan.

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Controlled Company

As a result of the Preferred Stock Transaction and Warrant Repurchase described below under the section entitled “Preferred Stock Transaction and Warrant Repurchase,” SPHG Holdings and its affiliates beneficially own approximately 52.63% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock, which includes shares of Common Stock underlying currently convertible Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of the Issuer (the Preferred Stock). As a result, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of Rule 5615(c) of the Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rules. Under the Nasdaq rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, including: (i) the requirement that a majority of the Board consist of independent directors; (ii) the requirement that we have director nominees selected or recommended for the Board’s selection, either by a majority vote of only the independent directors or by a nomination committee comprised solely of independent directors, with a written charter or Board resolution addressing the nominations process; and (iii) the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. We currently rely on some of these exemptions. Although our Governance Committee and our Compensation Committee consist entirely of independent directors, we do not currently have a majority of independent directors on the Board.

ITEM 13.— CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Management by Affiliates of Steel Holdings

As of December 4, 2018, Steel Holdings and its affiliates beneficially owned 60,612,214 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, representing approximately 52.63% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. Steel Holdings GP is the general partner of Steel Holdings. Warren G. Lichtenstein, the Executive Chairman of our Board, is also the Executive Chairman of Steel Holdings GP. Glen Kassan, our Vice Chairman of the Board and former Chief Administrative Officer, is also affiliated with Steel Holdings GP. Jack L. Howard, the President and a director of Steel Holdings GP, was appointed to the Board upon the closing of the Preferred Stock Transaction described below. William T. Fejes, an employee of a subsidiary of Steel Holdings, was appointed to the Board upon the closing of the Preferred Stock Transaction described below. Full biographical information for Messrs. Lichtenstein, Kassan, Howard and Fejes can be found above in Proposal 1 under the section entitled “Information Concerning the Directors and the Board’s Nominees.” Prior to his passing, Mr. Bergamo was a director of Steel Holdings and of the Company and also served as Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee.

As of July 31, 2018, SPHG Holdings held $14.9 million principal amount of the Company’s 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes. SPHG Holdings had previously advised the Company that it will not require a cash payment on the Notes when they mature on March 1, 2019 (the “Maturity Date”) and for a period of twelve months from the date of the Original Form 10-K filing. On December 12, 2018, SPHG Holdings further advised the Company that in addition to not requiring a cash payment on the Notes on the Maturity Date, that SPHG Holdings agrees to either (a) the extension of the Maturity Date to a date later than January 15, 2020, or (b) the issuance of a replacement convertible security with a maturity date later than January 15, 2020.

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Preferred Stock Transaction and Warrant Repurchase

On December 15, 2017, the Company entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with SPHG Holdings, pursuant to which the Company issued 35,000 shares of the Company’s newly created Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Preferred Stock), to SPHG Holdings at a price of $1,000 per share, for an aggregate purchase consideration of $35.0 million (the “Preferred Stock Transaction”).  The terms, rights, obligations and preferences of the Preferred Stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (the “Series C Certificate of Designations”), which has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

Under the Series C Certificate of Designations, each share of Preferred Stock can be converted into shares of the our Common Stock, at an initial conversion price equal to $1.96 per share, subject to appropriate adjustments for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, reclassification or similar transaction. Holders of the Preferred Stock will also receive dividends at 6% per annum payable in cash or Common Stock. If at any time the closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock exceeds 170% of the conversion price for at least five consecutive trading days (subject to appropriate adjustments for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, reclassification or similar transaction), the Company has the right to require each holder of Preferred Stock to convert all, or any whole number, of shares of the Preferred Stock into Common Stock. The Preferred Stock is currently convertible into 17,857,143 shares of Common Stock.

The informationPreferred Stock Transaction was approved and recommended to the Board by a special committee of the Board (the “Special Committee”) consisting of Messrs. Wald, Fenton and Lengyel. Each member of the Special Committee was independent and not affiliated with Steel Holdings GP, which controls the power to vote and dispose of the securities held by SPHG Holdings and its affiliates.

On December 15, 2017, contemporaneously with the closing of the Preferred Stock Transaction, the Company entered into a Warrant Repurchase Agreement (the “Warrant Repurchase”) with Steel Holdings, an affiliate of SPHG Holdings, pursuant to which the Company repurchased for $100 the warrant to acquire 2,000,000 shares of the Common Stock (the “Warrant”) that the Company had previously issued to Steel Holdings. The Warrant, which was to expire in 2018, was terminated by the Company upon repurchase.

As of December 14, 2017 (prior to the closing of the Preferred Stock Transaction), SPHG Holdings and its affiliates beneficially owned approximately 35.62% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. Upon closing of the Preferred Stock Transaction and the Warrant Repurchase and following the previously reported equity grants to Messrs. Lichtenstein, Howard and Fejes on December 15, 2017, SPHG Holdings and its affiliates beneficially own approximately 52% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock, and the Company may be deemed to be a controlled company under Nasdaq rules.

Management Services Agreement

On December 24, 2014, we entered into a Management Services Agreement with SP Corporate Services LLC (“SP Corporate”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Holdings, effective as of January 1, 2015 (as amended, the “Management Services Agreement”).

The Management Services Agreement had an initial term of six months. On June 30, 2015, we entered into an amendment that extended the term of the Management Services Agreement to December 31, 2015, and provided for automatic renewal for successive one year periods, unless and until terminated in accordance with the terms set forth therein, which include, under certain circumstances, the payment by the Company of certain termination fees to SP Corporate. On March 10, 2016, we entered into a Second Amendment to the Management Services Agreement with SPH Services, Inc. (“SPH Services”), the parent of SP Corporate and an affiliate of SPHG Holdings, pursuant to which SPH Services assumed rights and responsibilities of SP Corporate and the services provided by SPH Services to the Company were modified pursuant to the terms of the Amendment. Also on March 10, 2016, we entered into a Transfer Agreement with SPH Services pursuant to which we agreed to the transfer to the Company of certain individuals who provide corporate services to the Company. SP Corporate and Partners LLC merged with and into SPH Services, with SPH Services surviving. SPH Services has since changed its name to Steel Services Ltd. (“Steel Services”).

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Warren Lichtenstein, our Executive Chairman of the Board, is affiliated with Steel Holdings, and was the Chief Executive Officer of SP Corporate and is now the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Steel Services. In addition, Glen Kassan, our Vice Chairman of the Board and former Chief Administrative Officer, is also affiliated with Steel Holdings. Under the Management Services Agreement, Steel Services furnishes us with personnel to perform additional services, which include, without limitation:

·Services related to corporate treasury functions and financing matters;
·Support of M&A functions; and
·Legal services, including but not limited to advising the Company on risk management, governance and compliance generally, assisting with public company reporting requirements, advising on investigations and litigation, and advising on major business transactions.

The Management Services Agreement was approved by the Related Party Transactions Committee, a special committee of the Board comprised entirely of independent directors having no affiliation with SP Corporate or its affiliates. Performance of services under the Management Services Agreement by Steel Services and its personnel are now subject to the oversight of the Audit Committee, and the authority of Steel Services and its personnel to incur any obligation or enter into any transaction is subject to the prior approval of the Audit Committee or a prior written delegation of authority of the Audit Committee delivered to Steel Services. In connection with entry into the Management Services Agreement, eight employees of the Company were transferred to SP Corporate, at which time SP Corporate assumed the majority of costs associated with compensating those employees and providing applicable benefits. The services that such persons provide to the Company are provided on a non-exclusive basis. However, pursuant to the terms of the Management Services Agreement, all such persons are required to devote such time and effort as is reasonably necessary to fulfill the statutory and fiduciary duties applicable to them in performing such services.

A third amendment to the Management Services Agreement, effective September 1, 2017 (the “Third Amendment”), reduced the fixed monthly fee paid by this Itemthe Company to Steel Services under the Management Services Agreement from $175,000 per month to $95,641 per month. The monthly fee is subject to review and adjustment by agreement between the Company and Steel Services for periods commencing in Fiscal 2016 and beyond. Additionally, we may be required to reimburse Steel Services and its affiliates for all reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred on our behalf in connection with the performance of the services under the Management Services Agreement, including travel expenses.

The Management Services Agreement provides that, under certain circumstances, we may be required to indemnify and hold harmless Steel Services and its affiliates and employees from any claims or liabilities by a third party in connection with activities or the rendering of services under the Management Services Agreement.

Our Related Party Transactions Committee approved the entry into the Management Services Agreement, the first two amendments to the Management Services Agreement and the Transfer Agreement. The Audit Committee approved the Third Amendment. The Related Party Transactions Committee concluded that by consolidating back office functions and corporate overhead between SP Corporate (now Steel Services) and the Company, the Company likely would achieve cost savings over time. In negotiating and approving the Management Services Agreement, the Related Party Transactions Committee, consisting of Jeffrey J. Fenton, Philip E. Lengyel and Jeffrey S. Wald, each of whom is an independent director as defined by the rules of Nasdaq, considered, among other things, issues such as the scope of the services to be provided by SP Corporate and SPH Services to the Company, the pricing of the arrangement under the Management Services Agreement, and the limits of authority for the outsourced personnel.

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On December 15, 2017, the Board, upon the recommendation of the Special Committee and the Compensation Committee, approved restricted stock grants and market performance based restricted stock grants to non-employee directors Messrs. Howard, Fejes and Lichtenstein, the Executive Chairman of the Board, as more fully described in the section entitled “New Plan Benefits.” Messrs. Howard and Lichtenstein are affiliated with Steel Holdings GP, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steel Holdings. Mr. Fejes is currently affiliated with Steel Services, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Holdings. These awards were measured based on the fair market value on the Grant Date.

Air Travel

During Fiscal 2018, the Company reimbursed SP General Services, LLC (“SPGS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of SPL, for air travel in the amount of $547,524.78, which was primarily related to the IWCO acquisition and its integration.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

The Audit Committee reviews all related party transactions on an ongoing basis and all such transactions must be approved or ratified by the Audit Committee. On October 11, 2016, the Board adopted a Related Person Transaction Policy that is administered by the Audit Committee and applies to all related party transactions. The Related Person Transaction Policy was adopted in part to address Auditing Standard No. 18 (Related Parties). The responsibility to review, approve and ratify related party transactions was previously held by the Related Party Transactions Committee from November 20, 2014, until October 11, 2016.

A “related-party transaction” is a transaction that meets the minimum threshold for disclosure under the relevant SEC rules (generally, transactions involving amounts exceeding $120,000 in which a “related person” or entity has a direct or indirect material interest). “Related persons” include the Company’s executive officers, directors, nominees for directors, 5% or more beneficial owners of our Common Stock, immediate family members of these persons and entities in which one of these persons has a direct or indirect material interest.

During the period between the August 1, 2016 and October 11, 2016, the Related Party Transactions Committee was responsible to review, approve and ratify related-party transactions. The Related Party Transactions Committee reviewed the material facts of any related-party transaction and either approves or disapproves of the entry into the transaction. In the course of reviewing the related-party transaction, the Related Party Transactions Committee considered whether (i) the transaction was fair and reasonable to the Company, (ii) under all of the circumstances the transaction was in, or not inconsistent with, the Company’s best interests, and (iii) the transaction will be containedon terms no less favorable to the Company than could have been obtained in our Definitive Proxy Statementan arms’ length transaction with an unrelated third party. If advance approval of a related-party transaction was not feasible, then the transaction was considered and, if the Related Transactions Party Committee determined it to be appropriate, it was then ratified by the Related Party Transactions Committee. No director participated in the approval of a transaction for which he or she is incorporateda related party. When a related-party transaction was ongoing, any amendments or changes are reviewed and the transaction was reviewed annually for reasonableness and fairness to the Company.

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Beginning October 11, 2016, under the Related Person Transaction Policy, the Audit Committee reviews the material facts of any related-party transaction and either approves or disapproves of the entry into the transaction or ratification of the transaction. If advance approval of a related-party transaction is not feasible, then the transaction is considered and, if the Audit Committee determines it to be appropriate, it is then ratified by the Audit Committee. No director may participate in this reportthe approval of a transaction for which he or she is a related party. When a related-party transaction is ongoing, any amendments or changes are reviewed in accordance with the previous approval granted by reference.the Audit Committee.

Independence of Members of the Board

The Board has determined that each of Jeffrey J. Fenton, Philip E. Lengyel and Jeffrey S. Wald, satisfy the criteria for being an “independent director” under the standards of Nasdaq and has no material relationship with the Company other than by virtue of his service on the Board. A full list of directors is set forth above under “ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE – Information Concerning the Directors.”

The Audit Committee currently consists of Jeffrey J. Fenton, Philip E. Lengyel, and Jeffrey S. Wald, as chairman, each of whom is independent as defined in applicable Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Compensation Committee currently consists of Jeffrey J. Fenton, as chairman, and Philip E. Lengyel, each of whom is an independent director as determined in accordance with the Compensation Committee charter and applicable Nasdaq rules. The Governance Committee currently consists of Philip E. Lengyel and Jeffrey S. Wald, each of whom is independent as defined in applicable Nasdaq listing standards. 

Prior to his passing, Mr. Bergamo served as Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Compensation Committee and Governance Committee. Mr. Bergamo was independent as defined in applicable Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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ITEM 14.— PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information requiredfollowing table presents fees for professional audit services and other services rendered by this Item willthe Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2018 and 2017:

Fee Category Fiscal 2018 Fees Fiscal 2017 Fees
Audit Fees(1) $3,389,040  $2,323,152 
Audit-Related Fees(2)  264,392   11,500 
Tax Fees(3)  61,142   0 
All Other Fees  0   0 
Total Fees $3,714,574  $2,334,652 

(1)Audit Fees. Audit fees for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports, services that are normally provided by the Company’s auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, and costs associated with compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(2)Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.”  Those audit-related services for Fiscal 2018 includes an audit of an employee benefit plan and due diligence services related to the IWCO Acquisition and for Fiscal 2017 includes an audit of an employee benefit plan.
(3)Tax Fees. Tax fees for Fiscal 2018 consist of professional services for state and local tax compliance services.

Audit Committee Policy on Pre-Approval of Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit services to be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statementprovided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm or other firms, and all non-audit services to be provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is incorporatedgenerally subject to a specific budget. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this reportpre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. During Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017, all services rendered by reference.BDO USA, LLP to the Company were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

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PART IV

ITEM 15.— EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) 1. Financial Statements.

The financial statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this report.

(a) 2. Financial Statement Schedules.

All financial statement schedules have been omitted as they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included.

(a) 3. Exhibits.

The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index are filed, furnished, or incorporated by reference in this report.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December  15, 2017, by and among ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., MLGS Merger Company, Inc., IWCO Direct Holdings Inc., CSC Shareholder Services, LLC (solely in its capacity as representative), and the stockholders of IWCO Direct Holdings Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2017. Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby agrees to furnish supplementary copies of any of the omitted schedules or exhibits upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 3.1 
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 26, 2008 (File No. 000-23262).2008.
 3.2 
3.2Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 18, 2011 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2011 (File No. 000-23262).2011.
 3.3 
3.3Certificate of Designations of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 22, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 3.4 
3.4Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., as currently in effect, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.
 3.5 
3.5Certificate of Elimination of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., dated March 26, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 3.6 
3.6Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 29, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 3.7 
3.7Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. (Effecting the Reverse Split), filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 16, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 3.8 
3.8Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. (Effecting the Forward Split), filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 16, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 4.1 
3.9Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 15, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2017.
3.10Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series D Junior Participating Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 19, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2018.
3.11Certificate of Ownership and Merger filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on February 20, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-Kfiled on February 26, 2018 .
3.12Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April  12, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 16, 2018.
4.1Specimen stock certificate representing the Registrant’s Common Stock, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.

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 4.2 
4.2Tax Benefit Preservation Plan, dated as of October 17, 2011, between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, which includes the Form of Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the Form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit C is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2011 (File No. 000-23262).2011.
 4.3 
4.3Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 21, 2012 to Tax Benefit Preservation Plan, dated as of October 17, 2011, between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 4.4 
4.4Amendment No. 2 to Tax Benefit Preservation Plan, dated as of October 14, 2014, between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 14, 2014 (File No. 000-23262).2014.
 4.5 
4.5Amendment No. 3, dated December 31, 2014, to Tax Benefit Preservation Plan between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 4.6 
4.6Rights Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2012, between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, which includes the Form of Certificate of Designations of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the Form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit C is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 4.7 
4.7Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 11, 2013 to Rights Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2012, between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.

 10.1* 
4.8Tax Benefits Preservation Plan, dated as of January  19, 2018, by and between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2018.
10.1*Amended and Restated 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended by Amendment No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 thereto, is incorporated herein by reference to Appendix II to the Registrant’s Definitive Schedule 14A filed on November 16, 2001 (File No. 000-23262).2001.
 10.2* 
10.2*Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2006 (File No. 000-23262).2006.
 10.3* 
10.3*Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2008 (File No. 000-23262).2008.
 10.4* 
10.4*Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Appendix I to the Registrant’s Definitive Schedule 14A filed on October 23, 2009 (File No. 000-23262).2009.
 10.5* 
10.5*2002 Non-Officer Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2002 (File No. 000-23262).2002.
 10.6* 
10.6*Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Non-Officer Employee Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2002 (File No. 000-23262).2002.
 10.7* 
10.7*Amendment No. 2 to 2002 Non-Officer Employee Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 23, 2007 (File No. 000-23262).2007.
 10.8* 
10.8*Amendment No. 3 to 2002 Non-Officer Employee Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2008 (File No. 000-23262).2008.
 10.9* 
10.9*2005 Non-Employee Director Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Appendix V to the Registrant’s Definitive Schedule 14A filed on November 7, 2005 (File No. 000-23262).2005.
 10.10* 
10.10*Amendment No. 1 to 2005 Non-Employee Director Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2008 (File No. 000-23262).2008.

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 10.11* 
10.11*Amendment No. 2 to ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Director Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.12* 
10.12*Amendment No. 3 to ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Director Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2011 (File No. 000-23262).2011.
 10.13* 
10.13*Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement for usage under the Registrant’s 2005 Non-Employee Director Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 (File No. 000-23262).2006.
 10.14* 
10.14*ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. 2010 Incentive Award Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Appendix I to the Registrant’s Definitive Schedule 14A filed on October 26, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.15* 
10.15*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Granted Under 2010 Incentive Award Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.16* 
10.16*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Granted Under 2010 Incentive Award Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.17* 
10.17*Form of 2010 Incentive Award Plan Non-Statutory Stock Option Certificate is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.18* 
10.18*Form of 2010 Incentive Award Plan Incentive Stock Option Certificate is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.19* 
10.19*ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. Fourth Amended and Restated Director Compensation Plan, dated as of December 20, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2016 (File No. 001-35319).2016.

10.20* Offer Letter, dated August 1, 2011, by and between the Registrant and Scott R. Crawley is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.58 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 10.21* 
10.21*Executive Severance Agreement, dated August 29, 2011, by and between the Registrant and Scott R. Crawley is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 10.22* 
10.22*First Amendment to Executive Severance Agreement, dated July 30, 2012, by and between the Registrant and Scott R. Crawley is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 10.23* 
10.23*Retention Bonus Letter Agreement, dated July 19, 2012, by and between the Registrant and Scott R. Crawley is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 10.24* 
10.24*Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (executed by the Registrant and each member of the Board of Directors) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998 (File No. 000-23262).1998.
 10.25* 
10.25*Form of Indemnification Agreement (executed by the Registrant and each member of the Executive Officers) dated December 17, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2009 (File No. 000-23262).2009.
 10.26 
10.26Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2010, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., Silicon Valley Bank and HSBC Business Credit (USA) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.27 
10.27First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2011, and effective as of January 31, 2011, by and among the Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., Silicon Valley Bank and HSBC Business Credit (USA) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2011 (File No. 000-23262).2011.

41

 10.28 
10.28Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2012, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., Silicon Valley Bank and HSBC USA, National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 10.29 
10.29Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Forbearance Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2012, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., Silicon Valley Bank and HSBC Bank USA, National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 10.30 
10.30Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2010, by and among the Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries and Bank of America, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.31 
10.31Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note, dated as of February 1, 2010, issued by the Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries to Bank of America, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.32 
10.32Revolving Credit Note, dated as of February 1, 2010, issued by the Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries to Silicon Valley Bank is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.33 
10.33Revolving Credit Note, dated as of February 1, 2010, issued by the Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries to HSBC Business Credit (USA) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010 (File No. 000-23262).2010.
 10.34* 
10.34*Offer Letter, dated as of January 13, 2013, from ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. to John J. Boucher is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.

10.35* Executive Severance Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2013, by and between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and John J. Boucher is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 10.36 
10.36Investment Agreement, dated February 11, 2013, between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and Steel Partners Holdings, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 10.37 
10.37Settlement Agreement, dated February 11, 2013, among ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., Handy & Harman, Ltd. and certain of its affiliates party thereto is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 10.38 
10.38Amendment No. 1 to Settlement Agreement, dated January 5, 2015, between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and Handy & Harman Ltd., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 10.39* 
10.39*ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. FY2014 Executive Management Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 10.40* 
10.40*ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. FY2014 Performance Based Restricted Stock Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 10.41* 
10.41*Offer Letter from ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. to Alan Cormier entered into December 20, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 10.42* 
10.42*Executive Severance Agreement by and between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and Alan Cormier, dated as of December 23, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2013 (File No. 001-35319).2013.
 10.43 
10.43Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2012, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.

42

 10.44 
10.44Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2012, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2012 (File No. 001-35319).2012.
 10.45 
10.45First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2013, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.
 10.46 
10.46Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2014, by and between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.
 10.47 
10.47Form of 5.25% Convertible Senior Note due 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.
 10.48 
10.48Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 13, 2014, between the Registrant, ModusLink Corporation, and ModusLink PTS, Inc., the financial institutions identified on the signature pages thereto as lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent for the lenders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 18, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.
 10.49 
10.49Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2014, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.
 10.50 
10.50Credit Agreement by and among ModusLink Corporation and ModusLink PTS, Inc., certain subsidiaries thereof, and PNC Bank, National Association, dated as of June 30, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 7, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.
 10.51* 
10.51*Management Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2015, by and between SP Corporate Services LLC and ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-35319).2014.

10.52* Amendment to Management Services Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2015, by and between SP Corporate Services LLC and ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 10.53* 
10.53*Second Amendment to Management Services Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2016, by and between SPH Services, Inc. and ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 11, 2016 (File No. 001-35319).2016.
 10.54* 
10.54*ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. FY 2015 Management Incentive Plan, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 10.55* 
10.55*ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. FY 2015 Performance Based Restricted Stock Plan, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2015 (File No. 001-35319).2015.
 10.56* 
10.56*Transfer Agreement, dated March 10, 2016, by and between SPH Services, Inc. and ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. is incorporated is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2016 (File No. 001-35319).2016.
 10.57* 
10.57*Offer Letter, dated April 13, 2016, by and among ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., ModusLink Corporation and James R. Henderson, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed April 18, 2016.
 10.58 
10.58Letter Agreement, dated July 21, 2016, by and among ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc., Highbridge International LLC and Highbridge Tactical Credit & Convertibles Master Fund, L.P., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2016.
 10.59 
10.59*Offer Letter, dated June 17, 2016, by and among the Company and Louis J. Belardi is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 20, 2016.
 10.60 
10.60Third Amendment to Management Services Agreement, effective as of September 1, 2017, by and between Steel Services Ltd. and ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 29, 2017.

43

 10.61** 
10.61ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. FY 2018 Management Incentive Plan.Plan, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 16, 2018.
 10.62* 
10.62*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Granted Under 2010 Incentive Award Plan, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 5, 2017.
 21** 
10.63Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated October 5, 2017, between ModusLink Pte. Ltd. and Far East Group Limited, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 15, 2018.
10.64Financing Agreement dated as of December  15, 2017, by and among IWCO Direct Holdings Inc., MLGS Merger Company, Inc., Instant Web, LLC, certain subsidiaries of IWCO Direct Holdings Inc. identified on the signature pages thereto, the lenders from time to time party hereto, and Cerberus Business Finance, LLC, as collateral agent and administrative agent for the lenders, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2017.
10.65Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of December  15, 2017, by and between ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. and SPH Group Holdings LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form  8-K filed on December 19, 2017.
10.66Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Financing Agreement, dated as of May  9, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2018.
10.67*Steel Connect, Inc. 2010 Incentive Award Plan, as amended, April 12, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on June 18, 2018.
10.68*Form of Award Agreement Granted Under 2010 Incentive Award Plan between the Company and each of Messrs. Lichtenstein, Howard and Fejes during the second quarter of the 2018 fiscal year (filed with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
10.69*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Granted Under 2010 Incentive Award Plan entered into in connection with annual awards of restricted stock to directors pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Director Compensation Plan (filed with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
21Subsidiaries of the Registrant.Registrant (filed with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
 23.1** 
23.1Consent of BDO USA, LLP.
  24.1**PowerLLP (filed with the initial filing of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
 31.1** 
24.1Power of Attorney (filed with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
31.1Certification of the Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
31.2Certification of the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
31.3**Certification of the Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 31.2** 
31.4**Certification of the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 32.1‡ 
32.1Certification of the Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.2002 (furnished with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
 32.2‡ 
32.2Certification of the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.2002 (furnished with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).
101**101 Interactive Data Files Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Audited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2017,2018, (ii) Audited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Twelve Months ended July 31, 2017,2018, (iii) Audited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twelve Months ended July 31, 20172018 and (iv) Notes to Audited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements (filed with the initial filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2018).

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed in response to Item 15(a)(3) of the instructions toForm 10-K.
**Filed herewith.

Furnished herewith.44

SIGNATURES

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

Date: December 17, 2018

MODUSLINK GLOBAL SOLUTIONS,STEEL CONNECT, INC.
Date: October 16, 2017By:

/s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein

 Warren G. Lichtenstein
 By:/s/    JAMES R. HENDERSON        
James R. Henderson
President andInterim Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints jointly and severally, Glen M. Kassan and James R. Henderson, or either of them as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated.

Pursuantto the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrantregistrant and in the capacities and on the 16th day of October 2017.

date indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

Signature/s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein

 

Title

/S/    JAMES R HENDERSON        

James R. Henderson

Warren G. Lichtenstein

President andInterim Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer), Executive Chairman of the Board and Director

December 17, 2018

/S/    LOUIS J. BELARDI        

s/ Louis J. Belardi

 
Louis J. Belardi

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

December 17, 2018

/S/    JEFFREY J. FENTON        

Jeffrey J. Fentons/ *

 

Director

Jeffrey J. FentonDirectorDecember 17, 2018

/S/    GLEN M. KASSAN        

s/ Glen M. Kassan

 

Director

Glen M. KassanDirectorDecember 17, 2018

/S/    PHILIP E. LENGYEL        

Philip E. Lengyels/ *

 

Director

Philip E. LengyelDirectorDecember 17, 2018

/S/    WARREN G. LICHTENSTEIN        

Warren G. Lichtensteins/ *

 

Executive Chairman of the Board and Director

/S/    JEFFREY S. WALD        

Jeffrey S. Wald

DirectorDecember 17, 2018
 

/s/ *
Jack L. HowardDirector

December 17, 2018
/s/ *
William T. Fejes, Jr.DirectorDecember 17, 2018

 

91*By/s/ Glen M. Kassan

Glen M. Kassan, Attorney-in-fact

45