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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION
Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OFOr 15(d) Of The
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
For the quarter ended September 30, 2007
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
Commission file number 000-21129
AWARE, INC.
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(Exact
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
MASSACHUSETTS 04-2911026
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
Massachusetts | 04-2911026 |
State or Other Jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| Incorporation or Organization) |
40 MIDDLESEX TURNPIKE, BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS,Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, Massachusetts, 01730
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(Address
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip
(Zip Code)
(781) 276-4000
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(Registrant's
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO --- ---
___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated FilerFiler___ Accelerated Filer X Non-Accelerated Filer
--- ---- ---
Filer___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YESYES___ NO X --- ---
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the
issuer'sissuer’s common stock as of
April 27,November 2, 2007:
CLASS NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
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Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share 23,699,087 shares
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Class | Number of Shares Outstanding |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | 23,781,820 shares |
AWARE, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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| | Page |
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements | |
| | |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 | 3 |
| | |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 | 4 |
| | |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 | 5 |
| | |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 6 |
| | |
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 10 |
| | |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 15 |
| | |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 16 |
| | |
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 16 |
| | |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 17 |
| | |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use Of Proceeds | 26 |
| | |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 27 |
| | |
| Signatures | 27 |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006......................... 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
and March 31, 2006........................................... 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
and March 31, 2006........................................... 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................... 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.......................... 10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk.................................................. 14
Item 4. Controls and Procedures...................................... 14
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings............................................ 14
Item 1A. Risk Factors................................................. 15
Item 6. Exhibits .................................................... 24
Signatures................................................... 24
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1: CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AWARE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2007 2006
-------- --------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................. $ 9,094 $ 8,571
Short-term investments ................................................ 30,389 29,263
Accounts receivable, net .............................................. 5,341 4,738
Inventories ........................................................... 1,137 819
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ............................. 978 867
-------- --------
Total current assets ............................................ 46,939 44,258
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net ................................................ 8,181 8,123
Investments ................................................................ - 1,968
Other assets, net .......................................................... 220 237
-------- --------
Total assets .................................................... $ 55,340 $ 54,586
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable ...................................................... $ 951 $ 692
Accrued expenses ...................................................... 132 153
Accrued compensation .................................................. 1,256 1,043
Accrued professional .................................................. 179 198
Deferred revenue ...................................................... 808 800
-------- --------
Total current liabilities ..................................... 3,326 2,886
-------- --------
Long-term deferred revenue ................................................. 330 330
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized,
none outstanding .............................................. - -
Common stock, $.01 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; issued
and outstanding, 23,698,962 as of March 31, 2007 and
23,642,753 as of December 31, 2006............................. 237 236
Additional paid-in capital ........................................... 82,334 81,923
Accumulated deficit .................................................. (30,887) (30,789)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity .................................... 51,684 51,370
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity .................... $ 55,340 $ 54,586
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
3
ITEM 1: CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AWARE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
-----------------------
2007 2006
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Revenue:
Product sales ............................. $ 3,465 $ 1,718
Contract revenue .......................... 1,834 3,692
Royalties ................................. 501 724
-------- --------
Total revenue ......................... 5,800 6,134
CostsBALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and expenses:
Cost of product sales ..................... 496 152
Cost of contract revenue .................. 1,352 1,246
Research and development .................. 2,789 2,790
Selling and marketing ..................... 872 814
General and administrative ................ 884 1,004
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Total costs and expenses ............. 6,393 6,006
Income (loss) from operations ................. (593) 128
Interest income ............................... 505 394
-------- --------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes (88) 522
Provision for income taxes .................... 10 -
-------- --------
Net income (loss) ............................. ($ 98) $ 522
======== ========
Net income (loss) per share - basic ........... $ 0.00 $ 0.02
Net income (loss) per share - diluted ......... $ 0.00 $ 0.02
Weighted average shares - basic ............... 23,657 23,307
Weighted average shares - diluted ............. 23,657 24,840
data)
(unaudited)
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 4,807 | | | $ | 8,571 | |
Short-term investments | | | 32,848 | | | | 29,263 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 7,697 | | | | 4,738 | |
Inventories | | | 1,423 | | | | 819 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 690 | | | | 867 | |
Total current assets | | | 47,465 | | | | 44,258 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 8,022 | | | | 8,123 | |
Investments | | | 492 | | | | 1,968 | |
Other assets, net | | | 186 | | | | 237 | |
Total assets | | $ | 56,165 | | | $ | 54,586 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 1,146 | | | $ | 692 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 130 | | | | 153 | |
Accrued compensation | | | 1,474 | | | | 1,043 | |
Accrued professional | | | 179 | | | | 198 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 359 | | | | 800 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 3,288 | | | | 2,886 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term deferred revenue | | | 330 | | | | 330 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock, $.01 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding, 23,775,720 as of September 30, 2007 and 23,642,753 as of December 31, 2006 | | | 238 | | | | 236 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 83,130 | | | | 81,923 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (30,821 | ) | | | (30,789 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity | | | 52,547 | | | | 51,370 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | $ | 56,165 | | | $ | 54,586 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
4
AWARE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
-----------------------
2007 2006
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Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) ............................................ ($ 98) $ 522
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ............................... 210 157
Stock based compensation .................................... 235 497
Increase (decrease) from changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable .................................... (603) 499
Inventories ............................................ (318) (257)
Prepaid expenses ....................................... (111) 217
Accounts payable ....................................... 259 (291)
Accrued expenses ....................................... 173 311
Deferred revenue ....................................... 8 130
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . (245) 1,785
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment ......................... (251) (77)
Sales of investments ........................................ 6,800 6,722
Purchases of investments .................................... (5,958) (4,946)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by investing activities ........... 591 1,699
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock ..................... 177 264
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities ........... 177 264
-------- --------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents ........................... 523 3,748
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period .................. 8,571 13,068
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ........................ $ 9,094 $ 16,816
======== ========
AWARE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended | | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Product sales | | $ | 5,097 | | | $ | 1,736 | | | $ | 12,333 | | | $ | 4,973 | |
Contract revenue | | | 1,851 | | | | 3,990 | | | | 5,260 | | | | 9,924 | |
Royalties | | | 508 | | | | 956 | | | | 2,092 | | | | 2,710 | |
Total revenue | | | 7,456 | | | | 6,682 | | | | 19,685 | | | | 17,607 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of product sales | | | 901 | | | | 286 | | | | 3,087 | | | | 615 | |
Cost of contract revenue | | | 1,553 | | | | 1,363 | | | | 4,315 | | | | 3,759 | |
Research and development | | | 2,528 | | | | 2,602 | | | | 7,735 | | | | 8,200 | |
Selling and marketing | | | 936 | | | | 784 | | | | 2,808 | | | | 2,518 | |
General and administrative | | | 1,009 | | | | 964 | | | | 3,269 | | | | 3,354 | |
Total costs and expenses | | | 6,927 | | | | 5,999 | | | | 21,214 | | | | 18,446 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income/(loss) from operations | | | 529 | | | | 683 | | | | (1,529 | ) | | | (839 | ) |
Interest income | | | 512 | | | | 490 | | | | 1,520 | | | | 1,342 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes | | | 1,041 | | | | 1,173 | | | | (9 | ) | | | 503 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 6 | | | | 333 | | | | 23 | | | | 352 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) | | $ | 1,035 | | | $ | 840 | | | $ | (32 | ) | | $ | 151 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) per share – basic | | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | |
Net income/(loss) per share – diluted | | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | 0.03 | | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares – basic | | | 23,757 | | | | 23,552 | | | | 23,710 | | | | 23,433 | |
Weighted average shares - diluted | | | 24,996 | | | | 24,987 | | | | 23,710 | | | | 24,976 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
5
AWARE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (32 | ) | | $ | 151 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 652 | | | | 491 | |
Stock based compensation | | | 792 | | | | 1,694 | |
Increase (decrease) from changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (2,959 | ) | | | (2,106 | ) |
Inventories | | | (604 | ) | | | (666 | ) |
Prepaid expenses | | | 177 | | | | 17 | |
Accounts payable | | | 454 | | | | (151 | ) |
Accrued expenses | | | 389 | | | | 567 | |
Deferred revenue | | | (441 | ) | | | 551 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | (1,572 | ) | | | 548 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of property and equipment | | | (500 | ) | | | (301 | ) |
Sales of investments | | | 18,338 | | | | 14,031 | |
Purchases of investments | | | (20,447 | ) | | | (15,316 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (2,609 | ) | | | (1,586 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | | | 455 | | | | 649 | |
Repurchase of common stock | | | (38 | ) | | | - | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 417 | | | | 649 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (3,764 | ) | | | (389 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | 8,571 | | | | 13,068 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | $ | 4,807 | | | $ | 12,679 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AWARE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
A) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
(unaudited)
A) | Basis of Presentation |
| |
| The accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheet, statements of operations, and statements of cash flows reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position at September 30, 2007, and of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. |
| |
| The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company filed audited financial statements which included all information and footnotes necessary for such presentation for the three years ended December 31, 2006 in conjunction with our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
| |
| The results of operations for the interim period ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year. |
| |
| |
B) | Inventory |
| |
| Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Inventory reserves are established for estimated excess and obsolete inventory. |
| | September 30, 2007 | | | December 31, 2006 | |
Raw materials | | $ | 1,423 | | | $ | 819 | |
C) | Computation of Earnings per Share |
| |
| Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. For the purposes of this calculation, stock options are considered common stock equivalents in periods in which they have a dilutive effect. Stock options that are anti-dilutive are excluded from the calculation. |
| |
| |
| |
| Net income or loss per share is calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share data): |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 1,035 | | | $ | 840 | | | $ | (32 | ) | | $ | 151 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | 23,757 | | | | 23,552 | | | | 23,710 | | | | 23,433 | |
Additional dilutive common stock equivalents | | | 1,239 | | | | 1,435 | | | | - | | | | 1,543 | |
Diluted shares outstanding | | | 24,996 | | | | 24,987 | | | | 23,710 | | | | 24,976 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) per share – basic | | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | |
Net income (loss) per share – diluted | | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | 0.03 | | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | |
| For the nine month period ended September 30, 2007 potential common stock equivalents of 1,423,513 were not included in the per share calculation for diluted EPS, because we had net losses and the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. For the three month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, options to purchase 3,173,175 and 2,441,742 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock and thus would be anti-dilutive. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, options to purchase 2,420,025 and 2,415,492 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock and thus would be anti-dilutive. |
| |
D) | Stock-Based Compensation |
| |
| The following table presents stock-based employee compensation expense included in the Company’s unaudited consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of product sales | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 12 | |
Cost of contract revenue | | | 54 | | | | 13 | | | | 133 | | | | 98 | |
Research and development | | | 127 | | | | 241 | | | | 311 | | | | 786 | |
Selling and marketing | | | 32 | | | | 88 | | | | 78 | | | | 266 | |
General and administrative | | | 88 | | | | 106 | | | | 262 | | | | 532 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | $ | 305 | | | $ | 452 | | | $ | 792 | | | $ | 1,694 | |
| The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This valuation model takes into account the exercise price of the award, as well as a variety of significant assumptions. These assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the expected term, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock over the expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the expected term, and the Company’s expected annual dividend yield. The Company believes that the valuation technique and the approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of the Company’s stock options granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by persons who receive equity awards. |
| |
E) | Business Segments |
| |
| The Company organizes itself as one segment and conducts its operations in the United States. |
| The Company sells its products and technology to domestic and international customers. Revenues were generated from the following geographic regions (in thousands): |
| | Three Months Ended | | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | 4,610 | | | $ | 2,832 | | | $ | 12,225 | | | $ | 9,498 | |
Germany | | | 1,534 | | | | 1,111 | | | | 4,274 | | | | 4,613 | |
Rest of World | | | 1,312 | | | | 2,739 | | | | 3,186 | | | | 3,496 | |
| | $ | 7,456 | | | $ | 6,682 | | | $ | 19,685 | | | $ | 17,607 | |
F) | Income Taxes |
| |
| The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“SFAS 109”) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. At the adoption date of January 1, 2007 and also at September 30, 2007, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. |
| |
| The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. |
| |
| The tax years 2003 through 2006 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. |
| |
| As of December 31, 2006, the Company had federal net operating loss and research and experimentation credit carryforwards of approximately $49.9 million and $11.4 million respectively, which may be available to offset future federal income tax liabilities and expire at various dates from 2007 through 2026. In addition, at December 31, 2006, the Company had approximately $8.3 million and $5.8 million of state net operating losses and state research and development and investment tax carryforwards, respectively, which expire at various dates from 2007 through 2021. |
| |
| Utilization of net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future provided by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as well as similar state provisions. These ownership changes may limit the amount of net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. The Company has not currently completed a study to assess whether a change of control has occurred. Until a study is completed and any limitation known, no amounts are being presented as an uncertain tax position under FIN 48. |
| |
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G) | Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
| |
| In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”(“SFAS 157”). The Statement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. This Statement references fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The Statement applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The Statement does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. It is expected to be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS 157 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
| |
| In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statements No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”). A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting period. This accounting standard is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The effect, if any, of adopting SFAS 159 on the Company’s financial position and results of operations has not been finalized. |
| |
| |
H) | Share Repurchase Program |
| |
| On August 28, 2007, the Company announced a stock repurchase program to purchase up to $5 million of our common stock, subject to market conditions and other factors. Any purchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program may be made from time to time without prior notice. The authorization to repurchase Company stock expires on December 31, 2008. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had repurchased 9,107 shares of common stock under this program. |
| |
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ITEM 2:
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Some of the information in this Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue” and similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they: (1) discuss our future expectations; (2) contain projections of our future operating results or financial condition; or (3) state other “forward-looking” information. However, we may not be able to predict future events accurately. The risk factors listed in this Form 10-Q, as well as any cautionary language in this Form 10-Q, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. You should be aware that the occurrence of any of the events described in these risk factors and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q could materially and adversely affect our business.
Results of Operations
Product Sales. Product sales consist of revenue from the sale of hardware and software products. Hardware products include ADSL test and development systems, modules, and modems. Software products consist of standard off-the-shelf software products for biometric, medical imaging and digital imaging applications, as well as DSL test and diagnostics software.
Product sales increased 194% from $1.7 million in the opinionthird quarter of management, necessary for2006 to $5.1 million in the current year quarter. As a fair presentationpercentage of financial position at
March 31,total revenue, product sales increased from 26% in the third quarter of 2006 to 68% in the current year quarter. The dollar increase was primarily due to a $2.5 million increase in revenue from the sale of software and a $0.9 million increase in revenue from the sale of hardware.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, product sales increased 148% from $5.0 million in 2006 to $12.3 million in 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, product sales increased from 28% in the first nine months of 2006 to 63% in the corresponding period of 2007. The dollar increase was primarily due to a $4.0 million increase in revenue from the sale of hardware and a $3.3 million increase in revenue from the sale of operationssoftware products.
Contract Revenue. Contract revenueconsists of patent, license and cash flowsengineering service fees that we receive under agreements relating to Aware’s patents, Aware’s DSL technology and Aware’s DSL test and diagnostic technology.
Contract revenue decreased 54% from $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2006 to $1.9 million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue, contract revenue decreased from 60% in the third quarter of 2006 to 25% in the current year quarter. The dollar decrease was primarily due to lower patent and license fees from our customers in the current year quarter.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, contract revenue decreased 47% from $9.9 million in 2006 to $5.3 million in 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, contract revenue decreased from 56% in the first nine months of 2006 to 27% in the corresponding period of 2007. The dollar decrease was primarily due to $2.5 million recognized from the transfer of certain technology licenses as a result of the acquisition of a customer’s business in the first nine months of 2006, and a $2.1 million decrease associated with the delivery of licensed technology and engineering services, including $2.0 million associated with a patent license agreement, of which there were no similar transactions in the first nine months of 2007.
While we believe that the transition to ADSL2+ and VDSL2 technology increases the value proposition of our technology, some existing and prospective DSL chipset licensees have continued to be reluctant to begin new development projects given a difficult and uncertain environment in the semiconductor and telecommunications industries, and intense ADSL chipset competition and falling chipset prices. During the last several years, customers and potential customers cautiously evaluated new chipset projects or delayed or cancelled projects in the face of such conditions.
Royalties. Royalties consist of royalty payments that we receive under licensing agreements. We receive royalties from customers for the interim periodsright to use our patents and technology in their chipsets or solutions.
Royalties decreased 47% from $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2006 to $0.5 million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue, royalties decreased from 14% in the third quarter of 2006 to 7% in the current year quarter. The dollar decrease in royalties was primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in DSL royalties and a $0.1 million decrease in other royalties.
For the nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, royalties decreased 23% from $2.7 million in 2006 to $2.1 million in 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, royalties decreased from 15% in the first nine months of 2006 to 11% in the corresponding period of 2007. The dollar decrease in royalties was due to a $0.4 million decrease in DSL royalties and 2006.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepareda $0.2 million decrease in accordance withother royalties.
Our royalty revenue comes predominantly from ADSL chipset sales by Ikanos Communications, Inc. (“Ikanos”), and Infineon Technologies AG (“Infineon”). Despite steady growth of worldwide ADSL subscribers over the instructions for Form 10-Qlast several years, the availability of ADSL chipsets from a number of suppliers and therefore
do not include all informationintense competition among those suppliers has caused chipset prices to steadily decline. We are uncertain how the transition to ADSL2+ and footnotes necessary for a complete
presentationVDSL2 will impact our customers in the near term, how quickly sales of our financial position, resultscustomers’ chipsets will increase and whether such increases will contribute meaningful royalties to us. We have experienced fluctuations from period to period in our VDSL2 royalties due to the purchasing patterns for our customers’ chipsets and cannot guarantee this will be a meaningful revenue stream for us. Infineon recently acquired Texas Instruments’ DSL CPE product line. We are uncertain how this acquisition may affect our future royalty revenues.
Cost of operations and cash
flows, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. We
filed audited financial statements which included all information and
footnotes necessary for such presentation forProduct Sales. Since the three years ended
December 31, 2006 in conjunction with our 2006 Annual Report on Form
10-K.
The resultscost of operations for the interim period ended March 31, 2007
are not necessarily indicativesoftware product sales is minimal, cost of the results to be expected for the
year.
B) INVENTORY
Inventoryproduct sales consists primarily of the following (in thousands):
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2007cost of hardware product sales. Cost of product sales increased 215% from $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2006 ---------------- ----------------
Raw materials.......... $ 1,137 $ 819
================ ================
C) COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss byto $0.9 million in the weighted average numbercurrent year quarter. As a percentage of common shares outstanding. Diluted
earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss byproduct sales, cost of product sales increased from 16% in the weighted average numberthird quarter of common shares outstanding plus additional
common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential
common shares had been issued. 2006 to 18% in the current year quarter. The percentage and dollar increases were primarily due to increases in cost of product sales associated with new hardware products, which resulted in a lower product gross margin as a percent of product sales. However, product gross margin dollars increased primarily due to an increase in test and diagnostic hardware and software sales, and an increase in biometric, medical and other software sales.
For the purposesnine months ended September 30, 2007, cost of this calculation,
stock optionsproduct sales increased 402% from $0.6 million in 2006 to $3.1 million in 2007. As a percentage of product sales, cost of product sales increased from 12% in the first nine months of 2006 to 25% in the corresponding period of 2007. The percentage and dollar increases were primarily due to increases in cost of product sales associated with new hardware products, which resulted in a lower product gross margin as a percent of product sales. However, product gross margin dollars increased primarily due to an increase in test and diagnostic hardware and software sales, and an increase in biometric, medical and other software sales.
Cost of Contract Revenue. Cost of contract revenue consists primarily of compensation costs for engineers and expenses for consultants, technology licensing fees, recruiting, supplies, equipment, depreciation and facilities associated with customer development projects. Our total engineering costs are considered common stock equivalentsallocated between cost of contract revenue and research and development expense. In a given period, the allocation of engineering costs between cost of contract revenue and research and development is a function of the level of effort expended on each.
Cost of contract revenue increased 14% from $1.4 million in periodsthe third quarter of 2006 to $1.6 million in the current year quarter. Cost of contract revenue as a percentage of contract revenue increased from 34% in the third quarter of 2006 to 84% in the current year quarter. The dollar increase in cost of contract revenue was primarily due to higher compensation costs principally related to an increase in the level of effort expended on our customer projects during the current quarter. The percentage increase is primarily due to higher revenue in the third quarter of 2006 as a result of a $2.0 million patent license agreement, for which they havethere was no similar transaction in 2007.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, cost of contract revenue increased 15% from $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2006 to $4.3 million in the corresponding period of 2007. Cost of contract revenue as a
dilutive effect. Stock options that are anti-dilutive
are excludedpercentage of contract revenue increased from 38% in the first nine months of 2006 to 82% in the corresponding period of 2007. The dollar increase in cost of contract revenue was primarily due to higher compensation and fringe benefit costs principally related to an increase in the level of effort expended on our customer projects during the first nine months of 2007. The percentage increase is primarily due to higher revenue in 2006 as a result of $2.5 million from the
calculation.
6
Net income or loss per share is calculatedtransfer of certain technology licenses and a $2.0 million patent license agreement, for which there were no similar transactions in 2007.
Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense consists primarily of compensation costs for engineers and expenses for consultants, recruiting, supplies, equipment, depreciation and facilities related to engineering projects to improve our broadband intellectual property offerings, as follows (in thousands,
except per share data):
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
-----------------------
2007well as our software and hardware product technology.
Research and development expenses decreased from $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2006 -------- --------
Net income (loss) .......................... ($ 98) $ 522
Weighted average common shares outstanding . 23,657 23,307
Additional dilutive common stock equivalents - 1,533
-------- --------
Diluted shares outstanding ................. 23,657 24,840
======== ========
Net income (loss) per share - basic ........ $ 0.00 $ 0.02
Net income (loss) per share - diluted ...... $ 0.00 $ 0.02to $2.5 million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue, research and development expense decreased from 39% in the third quarter of 2006 to 34% in the current year quarter. For the three month period, ended March 31, 2007 potential common stock
equivalentsthe dollar decrease was mainly attributable to lower stock-based compensation expense of 1,484,561 were not included$114,000 and lower lab supplies expense of $35,000 that was partially offset by higher salary and other compensation costs of $82,000.
Research and development expenses decreased from $8.2 million in the per share calculationfirst nine months of 2006 to $7.7 million in the first nine months of 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, research and development expense decreased from 47% in the first nine months of 2006 to 39% in the corresponding period of 2007. For the nine month period, the dollar decrease was mainly attributable to lower stock-based compensation expense of $476,000 and lower consulting and outside services fees of $159,000 that was partially offset by higher salary and other compensation costs of $157,000.
Our research and development spending was principally focused on improving our ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2plus StratiPHY2+™ technology and chips, developing and improving our VDSL2 StratiPHY3 technology and chips, developing bonded ADSL and VDSL technology and chips, developing analog front-end technology for diluted EPS, because we hadDSL solutions, developing test and diagnostics hardware and software and developing imaging and biometrics software.
Selling and Marketing Expense. Selling and marketing expense consists primarily of compensation costs for sales and marketing personnel, travel, advertising and promotion, recruiting, and facilities expense. Sales and marketing expense increased 19% in the current quarter compared with the corresponding quarter of 2006, and was $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2006 and $0.9 million in the current year quarter. As a net losspercentage of total revenue, sales and marketing expense increased from 12% in the effectthird quarter of their
inclusion would be anti-dilutive.2006 to 13% in the current year quarter. For the three month periodsperiod, the dollar increase was mainly attributable to higher sales commissions and bonuses of $181,000, and higher salary costs of $33,000 that was partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense of $57,000.
For the nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2007, sales and marketing expenses increased 11%, from $2.5 million in 2006 options to purchase 2,425,242$2.8 million in 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, sales and 2,467,673
shares of common stock, respectively,marketing expenses were outstanding, but were not
included14% in the computationthird quarter of diluted EPS because the options' exercise
prices were greater than the average market price of the common stockboth 2006 and thus would be anti-dilutive.
D) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION2007. The following table presents stock-based employee compensation expenses
includeddollar increase in the Company's unaudited consolidated statements of
operations (in thousands):
THREE MONTHS ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 2007 MARCH 31, 2006
------------------ ------------------
Cost of product sales $ 2 $ 3
Cost of contract revenue 36 64
Research and development 85 149
Selling and marketing 21 68expenses was mainly attributable to higher sales commissions and bonuses of $352,000, and higher salary costs of $87,000 that was partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense of $189,000.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative 91 213
------------------ ------------------
Stock-basedexpense consists primarily of compensation costs for administrative personnel, facility costs, bad debt, audit, legal, stock exchange and insurance expenses. General and administrative expenses were approximately $1.0 million in the third quarter of both 2006 and 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses were 14% in the third quarter of both 2006 and 2007.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, general and administrative expenses decreased 3% from $3.4 million in 2006 to $3.3 million in 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased from 19% in the first nine months of 2006 to 17% in the corresponding period of 2007. The dollar decrease was mainly attributable to lower stock-based compensation expense $ 235 $ 497
================== ==================
The Company estimatesof $269,000 that was partially offset by higher legal fees of $160,000.
Interest Income. Interest income increased 5% from $490,000 in the fair valuethird quarter of stock options using2006 to $512,000 in the Black-Scholes valuation model. This valuation model takes into accountcurrent year quarter. For the exercise pricenine months ended September 30, 2007, interest income increased 13%, from $1,342,000 in 2006 to $1,520,000 in 2007. For the three and nine month periods, the dollar increase was primarily due to higher interest rates earned on our cash and investment balances.
Income Taxes. We made no provision for income taxes in the first nine months of 2006 and 2007 due to net losses incurred and the uncertainty of the award,timing of profitability in future periods, except for $330,000 of taxes paid in non-U.S. jurisdictions that assess source withholding tax and $22,000 of state excise tax paid in 2006, and $23,000 of state excise tax paid in 2007. In 2002, we determined that due to our continuing operating losses as well as a variety of significant
assumptions. These assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock
options include the expected term, the expected volatilityuncertainty of the Company's stock overtiming of profitability in future periods, we should fully reserve our deferred tax assets. As of September 30, 2007, our deferred tax assets continue to be fully reserved. We will continue to evaluate, on a quarterly basis, the expected term,positive and negative evidence affecting the risk-free interest rate over
the expected term, and the Company's expected annual dividend yield. The
Company believes that the valuation technique and the approach utilized
to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the
fair valuesrealizability of the Company's stock options granted in the three months
ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006. Estimates of fair value are not
7
intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately
realized by persons who receive equity awards.
E) BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company organizes itself as one segment and conducts its operations
in the United States.
The Company sells its products and technology to domestic and
international customers. Revenues were generated from the following
geographic regions (in thousands):
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
United States..................... $ 3,997 $ 4,476
Germany........................... 1,005 1,266
Rest of World..................... 798 392
------------- -------------
$ 5,800 $ 6,134
============= =============
F) INCOME TAXES
our deferred tax assets.
We adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ("(“FIN 48"48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("(“SFAS 109"109”) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. At the adoption date of January 1, 2007 and also at March 31,September 30, 2007, we had no unrecognized tax benefits.
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, we had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
The tax years 2003 through 2006 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject.
As of December 31, 2006, we had federal net operating loss and research and experimentation credit carryforwards of approximately $49.9 million and $11.4 million respectively, which may be available to offset future federal income tax liabilities and expire at various dates from 2007 through 2026. In addition, at December 31, 2006, we had approximately $8.3 million and $5.8 million of state net operating losses and state research and development and investment tax carryforwards, respectively, which expire at various dates from 2007 through 2021.
Utilization of net operating loss and research and development credit
carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to
ownership change limitations that have occurred previously or that could
occur in the future provided by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as well as similar state provisions. These ownership changes
may limit the amount of net operating loss and research and development
credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future
taxable income and tax,
8
respectively. The Company has not currently completed a study to assess
whether a change of control has occurred. Until a study is completed and
any limitation known, no amounts are being presented as an uncertain tax
position under FIN 48.
G RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, "Fair Value
Measurements" ("SFAS 157"). The Statement provides guidance for using
fair value to measure assets and liabilities. This Statement references
fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid
to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The
Statement applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or
liabilities to be measured at fair value. The Statement does not expand
the use of fair value in any new circumstances. It is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November
15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of
SFAS 157 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statements No.
115" ("SFAS 159"). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose, at specified
election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the "fair value
option"). A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on
items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at
each subsequent reporting period. This accounting standard is effective
as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after
November 15, 2007. The effect, if any, of adopting SFAS 159 on our
financial position and results of operations has not been finalized.
9
ITEM 2:
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
SOME OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS FORM 10-Q CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
THAT INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. YOU CAN IDENTIFY THESE
STATEMENTS BY FORWARD-LOOKING WORDS SUCH AS "MAY," "WILL," "EXPECT,"
"ANTICIPATE," "BELIEVE," "ESTIMATE," "CONTINUE" AND SIMILAR WORDS. YOU SHOULD
READ STATEMENTS THAT CONTAIN THESE WORDS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY: (1) DISCUSS OUR
FUTURE EXPECTATIONS; (2) CONTAIN PROJECTIONS OF OUR FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS OR
FINANCIAL CONDITION; OR (3) STATE OTHER "FORWARD-LOOKING" INFORMATION. HOWEVER,
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PREDICT FUTURE EVENTS ACCURATELY. THE RISK FACTORS LISTED
IN THIS FORM 10-Q, AS WELL AS ANY CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE IN THIS FORM 10-Q, PROVIDE
EXAMPLES OF RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND EVENTS THAT MAY CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO
DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE EXPECTATIONS WE DESCRIBE IN OUR FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS. YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THE EVENTS
DESCRIBED IN THESE RISK FACTORS AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS FORM 10-Q COULD MATERIALLY
AND ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
PRODUCT SALES. Product sales consist of revenue from the sale of
hardware and software products. Hardware products include ADSL test and
development systems, modules, and modems. Software products consist of standard
off-the-shelf software products for biometric, medical imaging and digital
imaging applications, as well as DSL test and diagnostics software.
Product sales increased 102% from $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2006 to
$3.5 million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue,
product sales increased from 28% in the first quarter of 2006 to 60% in the
current year quarter. The dollar increase was primarily due to increases in the
sale of test and diagnostic hardware and software products, and to a lesser
extent an increase in other software sales.
CONTRACT REVENUE. Contract revenue consists of patent, license and
engineering service fees that we receive under agreements relating to Aware's
patents, Aware's DSL technology and Aware's DSL test and diagnostic technology.
Contract revenue decreased 50% from $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2006 to
$1.8 million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue,
contract revenue decreased from 60% in the first quarter of 2006 to 32% in the
current year quarter. The dollar decrease was due to $2.0 million recognized
from the transfer of certain technology licenses as a result of the acquisition
of a customer's business in the first quarter of 2006, of which there was no
similar transaction in the first quarter of 2007. This decrease was partially
offset by an increase of $0.1 million associated with the delivery of licensed
technology and engineering services.
While we believe that the transition to ADSL2+ and VDSL2 technology increases
the value proposition of our technology, some existing and prospective DSL
chipset licensees have continued to be reluctant to begin new development
projects given a difficult and uncertain environment in the semiconductor and
telecommunications industries, and intense ADSL chipset competition and falling
chipset prices. During the last several years, customers and potential
10
customers cautiously evaluated new chipset projects or delayed or cancelled
projects in the face of such conditions.
ROYALTIES. Royalties consist of royalty payments that we receive under
licensing agreements. We receive royalties from customers for the right to use
our patents and technology in their chipsets or solutions.
Royalties decreased 31% from $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2006 to $0.5
million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue, royalties
decreased from 12% in the first quarter of 2006 to 9% in the current year
quarter. The dollar decrease in royalties was due to a $0.1 million decrease in
ADSL royalties and a $0.1 million decrease in biometrics and medical imaging
royalties.
Our royalty revenue comes predominantly from ADSL chipset sales by Ikanos
Communications, Inc. ("Ikanos"), and Infineon Technologies AG ("Infineon").
Despite steady growth of worldwide ADSL subscribers over the last several years,
the availability of ADSL chipsets from a number of suppliers and intense
competition among those suppliers has caused chipset prices to steadily decline.
We are uncertain how the transition to ADSL2+ and VDSL2 will impact our
customers in the near term, how quickly sales of our customers' chipsets will
increase and whether such increases will contribute meaningful royalties to us.
COST OF PRODUCT SALES. Since the cost of software product sales is
minimal, cost of product sales consists primarily of the cost of hardware
product sales. Cost of product sales increased 225% from $152,000 in the first
quarter of 2006 to $496,000 in the current year quarter. As a percentage of
product sales, cost of product sales increased from 9% in the first quarter of
2006 to 14% in the current year quarter. The percentage and dollar increases
were primarily due to hardware manufacturing and period cost increases
associated with new hardware products. The dollar increase in product margin was
primarily due to an increase in test and diagnostic hardware and software sales,
and to a lesser extent an increase in other software sales.
COST OF CONTRACT REVENUE. Cost of contract revenue consists primarily of
compensation costs for engineers and expenses for consultants, technology
licensing fees, recruiting, supplies, equipment, depreciation and facilities
associated with customer development projects. Our total engineering costs are
allocated between cost of contract revenue and research and development expense.
In a given period, the allocation of engineering costs between cost of contract
revenue and research and development is a function of the level of effort
expended on each.
Cost of contract revenue increased 8% from $1.2 million in the first quarter of
2006 to $1.4 million in the current year quarter. Cost of contract revenue as a
percentage of contract revenue, excluding a $2.0 million fee related to the
transfer of certain technology licenses as a result of the acquisition of a
customer's business in the first quarter of 2006, was 74% in the first quarter
of both 2006 and 2007. The dollar increase in cost of contract revenue was
primarily due to higher compensation costs principally related to an increase in
the level of effort expended on our customer projects during the current
quarter.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE. Research and development expense
consists primarily of compensation costs for engineers and expenses for
consultants, recruiting, supplies, equipment, depreciation and facilities
related to engineering projects to improve our broadband intellectual property
offerings, as well as our software and hardware product technology.
Research and development expenses were $2.8 million in the first quarter of both
2006 and 2007. As a percentage of total revenue, research and development
expense increased from 45% in the
11
first quarter of 2006 to 48% in the current year quarter. Although there was no
dollar increase in the current quarter, there was an increase in patent related
fees of $120,000 that was offset by lower consulting and outside services fees
of $115,000.
Our research and development spending was principally focused on improving our
ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2plus StratiPHY2+(TM) technology and chips, developing and
improving our VDSL2 StratiPHY3 technology and chips, developing bonded ADSL and
VDSL technology and chips, developing analog front-end technology for DSL
solutions, developing test and diagnostics hardware and software and developing
imaging and biometrics software.
SELLING AND MARKETING EXPENSE. Selling and marketing expense consists
primarily of compensation costs for sales and marketing personnel, travel,
advertising and promotion, recruiting, and facilities expense. Sales and
marketing expense increased 7% in the current quarter compared with the
corresponding quarter of 2006, and was $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2006
and $0.9 million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue,
sales and marketing expense increased from 13% in the first quarter of 2006 to
15% in the current year quarter. For the three month period, the dollar increase
was mainly attributable to increases in salary and other compensation costs of
$102,000 that was partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense of
$47,000.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE. General and administrative expense
consists primarily of compensation costs for administrative personnel, facility
costs, bad debt, audit, legal, stock exchange and insurance expenses. General
and administrative expenses decreased 12% from $1.0 million in the first quarter
of 2006 to $0.9 million in the current year quarter. As a percentage of total
revenue, general and administrative expense decreased from 16% in the first
quarter of 2006 to 15% in the current year quarter. For the three month period,
the dollar decrease was mainly attributable to lower stock-based compensation
expense of $121,000.
INTEREST INCOME. Interest income increased 28% from $394,000 in the
first quarter of 2006 to $505,000 in the current year quarter. For the three
month period, the dollar increase was primarily due to higher interest rates
earned on our cash and investment balances.
INCOME TAXES. We made no provision for income taxes in the first three
months of 2006 and 2007 due to net losses incurred and the uncertainty of the
timing of profitability in future periods, except for $10,000 of state excise
tax paid in 2007. In 2002, we determined that due to our continuing operating
losses as well as the uncertainty of the timing of profitability in future
periods, we should fully reserve our deferred tax assets. As of March 31, 2007,
our deferred tax assets continue to be fully reserved. We will continue to
evaluate, on a quarterly basis, the positive and negative evidence affecting the
realizability of our deferred tax assets.
We adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation
No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes ("FIN 48") an interpretation
of FASB Statement No. 109 ("SFAS 109") on January 1, 2007. As a result of the
implementation of FIN 48, we recognized no material adjustment in the liability
for unrecognized income tax benefits. At the adoption date of January 1, 2007
and also at March 31, 2007, we had no unrecognized tax benefits.
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income
tax expense. As of March 31, 2007, we had no accrued interest or penalties
related to uncertain tax positions.
12
The tax years 2003 through 2006 remain open to examination by the major taxing
jurisdictions to which we are subject.
As of December 31, 2006, we had federal net operating loss and research and
experimentation credit carryforwards of approximately $49.9 million and $11.4
million respectively, which may be available to offset future federal income tax
liabilities and expire at various dates from 2007 through 2026. In addition, at
December 31, 2006, we had approximately $8.3 million and $5.8 million of state
net operating losses and state research and development and investment tax
carryforwards, respectively, which expire at various dates from 2007 through
2021.
Utilization of net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future provided by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as well as similar state provisions. These ownership changes may limit the amount of net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. The Company has not currently completed a study to assess whether a change of control has occurred. Until a study is completed and any limitation known, no amounts are being presented as an uncertain tax position under FIN 48.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At March 31,September 30, 2007, we had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, and long-term investments of $39.5$38.1 million, which represents a decrease of $0.3$1.7 million from December 31, 2006. The decrease was primarily due to $0.2$1.6 million of cash used in operations and $0.3$0.5 million of capital expenditures. The decrease was partially offset by $0.2$0.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options.
Cash used in operations in the first threenine months of 2007 was from the net lossprimarily due to working capital requirements of $0.1$3.0 million adjusted forless non-cash items related to depreciation and amortization of $0.2$0.6 million and stock based compensation expense of $0.2
million and working capital requirements of $0.5$0.8 million. Capital spending was primarily related to the purchase of computer hardware and software, and laboratory equipment used principally in engineering activities.
We have initiated a stock repurchase program that may require the use of funds. While we can not assure you that we will not require additional financing, or that such financing will be available to us, we believe that our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and short-termlong-term investments will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, "Fair“Fair Value Measurements"
("Measurements”(“SFAS 157"157”). The Statement provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. This Statement references fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The Statement applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The Statement does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. It is expected to be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS 157 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, "The“The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statements No. 115" ("115” (“SFAS 159"159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the "fair“fair value option"option”). A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting period. This accounting standard is effective as of the beginning of an entity'sentity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The effect, if any, of adopting SFAS 159 on our financial position and results of operations has not been finalized.
ITEM 3:
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our exposure to market risk relates primarily to our investment portfolio, and the effect that changes in interest rates would have on that portfolio. Our investment portfolio has included:
o Cash and cash equivalents, which consist of financial
instruments with original maturities of three months or less;
and
o Investments, which consist of financial instruments that meet
the high quality standards specified in our investment policy.
This policy dictates that all instruments mature in three years
or less, and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one
issue, issuer, and type of instrument.
| | |
| — | Cash and cash equivalents, which consist of financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less; and |
| — | Investments, which consist of financial instruments that meet the high quality standards specified in our investment policy. This policy dictates that all instruments mature in three years or less, and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer, and type of instrument. |
We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. As of March 31,September 30, 2007, we had $39.5$37.6 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments that matured in twelve months or less. Due to the short duration of these financial instruments, we do not expect that an increase in interest rates would result in any material loss to our investment portfolio.
As of September 30, 2007, we had invested $0.5 million in long-term investments that matured in one to three years. These long-term securities are invested in high quality securities. Despite the high quality of these securities, they may be subject to interest rate risk. This means that if interest rates increase, the principal amount of our investment would probably decline. A large increase in interest rates may cause a material loss to our long-term investments. The following table (dollars in thousands) presents hypothetical changes in the fair value of our long-term investments at September 30, 2007. The modeling technique measures the change in fair value arising from selected potential changes in interest rates. Movements in interest rates of plus or minus 50 basis points (BP) and 100 BP reflect immediate hypothetical shifts in the fair value of these investments.
| | Valuation of securities given an interest rate decrease of | | | | | | Valuation of securities given an interest rate increase of | |
Type of security | | (100BP) | | | (50 BP) | | | No change in interest rates | | | 100 BP | | | 50 BP | |
Long-term investments with | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
maturities of one to three years | | $ | 499 | | | $ | 496 | | | $ | 492 | | | $ | 485 | | | $ | 489 | |
ITEM 4:
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this Form 10-Q and has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. They also concluded that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarterly period covered by this Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1:
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Proceedings
From time to time we are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not party to any lawsuit or proceeding that, in our opinion, is likely to seriously harm our business.
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ITEM 1A:
RISK FACTORS
RISK FACTORS
OUR QUARTERLY RESULTS ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND MAY FLUCTUATE SIGNIFICANTLY
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Our Quarterly Results are Unpredictable and May Fluctuate Significantly
Our quarterly revenue and operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter. Because our revenue components fluctuate and are difficult to predict, and our expenses are largely independent
of revenues in any particular period, it is difficult for us to accurately forecast revenues and profitability. When appropriate, we recognize contract revenues ratably over the period during which we expect to deliver technology and provide engineering services. While this means that contract revenues from certain current agreements are generally predictable, changes can be introduced by a reevaluation of the length of the development period, or by the termination of a contract. The initial estimate of this period is subject to revision as the product being developed under a contract nears completion, and a revision may result in an increase or decrease to the quarterly revenue for that contract. In addition, accurate prediction of revenues from new contracts or licensees is difficult because contract negotiation is a lengthy process, frequently spanning a year or more, and the fiscal period in which a new license agreement will be entered into, if at all, and the financial terms of such an agreement are difficult to predict. Contract revenues also include fees for engineering services, which are dependent upon the varying level of assistance desired by licensees and, therefore, the revenue from these services is also difficult to predict.
It is also difficult for us to make accurate forecasts of royalty revenues. Royalties are recognized in the quarter in which we receive a report from a licensee regarding the shipment of licensed integrated circuits in the prior quarter, and are dependent upon fluctuating sales volumes and/or prices of chips containing our technology, all of which are beyond our ability to control or assess in advance.
It is also difficult for us to make accurate forecasts of product revenues. Product revenues consist of sales of test and diagnostics hardware as well as biometrics, medical imaging and test and diagnostics software. Sales of hardware and software products fluctuate based upon demand by our customers which is difficult to predict. Since our product revenues include the sales of hardware products which typically have lower gross margins than our other sources of revenue, profitability is difficult to predict.
Our business is subject to a variety of additional risks, which could materially adversely affect quarterly and annual operating results, including:
o market acceptance of broadband technologies we supply by
semiconductor or equipment companies;
o the extent and timing of new license transactions with
semiconductor companies;
o changes in our and our licensees' development schedules and
levels of expenditure on research and development;
o the loss of a strategic relationship or termination of a project
by a licensee;
o equipment companies' acceptance of integrated circuits produced
by our licensees;
o the loss by a licensee of a strategic relationship with an
equipment company customer;
o announcements or introductions of new technologies or products
by us or our competitors;
o delays or problems in the introduction or performance of
enhancements or of future generations of our technology;
o failures or problems in our hardware or software products;
o price pressure in the biometrics or test and diagnostics markets
from our competitors;
o delays in the adoption of new industry standards or changes in
market perception of the value of new or existing standards;
o competitive pressures resulting in lower contract revenues or
royalty rates;
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o competitive pressures resulting in lower software or hardware
product revenues;
o personnel changes, particularly those involving engineering and
technical personnel;
o costs associated with protecting our intellectual property;
o the potential that licensees could fail to make payments under
their current contracts;
o ADSL market-related issues, including lower ADSL chipset unit
demand brought on by excess channel inventory and lower average
selling prices for ADSL chipsets as a result of market
surpluses;
o VDSL market-related issues, including lower VDSL chipset unit
demand brought on by excess channel inventory and lower average
selling prices for VDSL chipsets as a result of market
surpluses;
o Hardware manufacturing issues, including yield problems in our
hardware platforms, and inventory build up and obsolescence.
o regulatory developments; and
o general economic trends and other factors.
| | |
| · | market acceptance of broadband technologies we supply by semiconductor or equipment companies; |
| · | the extent and timing of new license transactions with semiconductor companies; |
| · | changes in our and our licensees’ development schedules and levels of expenditure on research and development; |
| · | the loss of a strategic relationship or termination of a project by a licensee; |
| · | equipment companies' acceptance of integrated circuits produced by our licensees; |
| · | the loss by a licensee of a strategic relationship with an equipment company customer; |
| · | announcements or introductions of new technologies or products by us or our competitors; |
| · | delays or problems in the introduction or performance of enhancements or of future generations of our technology; |
| · | failures or problems in our hardware or software products; |
| · | price pressure in the biometrics or test and diagnostics markets from our competitors; |
| · | delays in the adoption of new industry standards or changes in market perception of the value of new or existing standards; |
| · | competitive pressures resulting in lower contract revenues or royalty rates; |
| · | competitive pressures resulting in lower software or hardware product revenues; |
| · | personnel changes, particularly those involving engineering and technical personnel; |
| · | costs associated with protecting our intellectual property; |
| · | the potential that licensees could fail to make payments under their current contracts; |
| · | ADSL market-related issues, including lower ADSL chipset unit demand brought on by excess channel inventory and lower average selling prices for ADSL chipsets as a result of market surpluses; |
| · | VDSL market-related issues, including lower VDSL chipset unit demand brought on by excess channel inventory and lower average selling prices for VDSL chipsets as a result of market surpluses; |
| · | hardware manufacturing issues, including yield problems in our hardware platforms, and inventory buildup and obsolescence; |
| · | product gross margin may be affected by various factors including, but not limited to, product mix, product life cycle, and provision for excess and obsolete inventory.; |
| · | significant fluctuations in demand for our hardware products; |
| · | regulatory developments; and |
| · | general economic trends and other factors. |
As a result of these factors, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our revenue levels and operating results are not necessarily meaningful. You should not rely on our quarterly revenue and operating results to predict our future performance.
WE EXPERIENCED NET LOSSES
We Experienced Net Losses
We had a net annual loss during 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.2005 and the first nine months of 2007. We may experience losses in the future if:
o the semiconductor and telecommunications markets decline;
o our existing customers do not increase their revenues from sales
of chipsets with our technology;
o new or existing customers do not choose to license our
intellectual property for new chipset products; or
o new or existing customers do not choose to use our software or
hardware products.
WE HAVE A UNIQUE BUSINESS MODEL
| · | the semiconductor and telecommunications markets decline; |
| · | our existing customers do not increase their revenues from sales of chipsets with our technology; |
| · | new or existing customers do not choose to license our intellectual property for new chipset products; or |
| · | new or existing customers do not choose to use our software or hardware products. |
We Have a Unique Business Model
The success of our DSL licensing products depends upon our ability to license our technology to semiconductor and equipment companies, and our customers'customers’ willingness and ability to sell products that incorporate our technology so that we may receive significant royalties that are consistent with our plans and expectations.
We face numerous risks in successfully obtaining suitable licensees on terms consistent with our business model, including, among others:
o we must typically undergo a lengthy and expensive process of
building a relationship with a potential licensee before there
is any assurance of a license agreement with such party;
o we must persuade semiconductor and equipment manufacturers with
significant resources to rely on us for critical technology on
an ongoing basis rather than trying to develop similar
technology internally;
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o we must persuade potential licensees to bear development costs
associated with our technology applications and to make the
necessary investment to successfully manufacture chipsets and
products using our technology; and
o we must successfully transfer technical know-how to licensees.
| · | we must typically undergo a lengthy and expensive process of building a relationship with a potential licensee before there is any assurance of a license agreement with such party; |
| · | we must persuade semiconductor and equipment manufacturers with significant resources to rely on us for critical technology on an ongoing basis rather than trying to develop similar technology internally; |
| · | we must persuade potential licensees to bear development costs associated with our technology applications and to make the necessary investment to successfully manufacture chipsets and products using our technology; and |
| · | we must successfully transfer technical know-how to licensees. |
Moreover, the success of our business model also depends on the receipt of royalties from licensees. Royalties from our licensees are often based on the selling prices of our licensees'licensees’ chipsets and products, over which we have little or no control. We also have little or no control over our licensees'licensees’ promotional and marketing efforts. They are not prohibited from competing against us.
Our business could be seriously harmed if:
o we cannot obtain suitable licensees;
o
| · | we cannot obtain suitable licensees; |
| · | our licensees fail to achieve significant sales of chipsets or products incorporating our technology; or |
| | we otherwise fail to implement our business strategy successfully. |
There Has Been and May Continue to achieve significant sales of chipsets or
products incorporating our technology; or
o we otherwise failbe a Cyclical Demand for DSL Chipsets, and There is Intense Competition for DSL Chipsets, Which Has Caused Our Royalty Revenue to implement our business strategy
successfully.
THERE HAS BEEN AND MAY CONTINUE TO BE A CYCLICAL DEMAND FOR DSL CHIPSETS, AND
THERE IS INTENSE COMPETITION FOR DSL CHIPSETS, WHICH HAS CAUSED OUR ROYALTY
REVENUE TO DECLINE
Decline
The royalties we receive are influenced by many of the risks faced by the DSL market in general, including cyclical demand which may result in reduced average selling prices ("ASPs"(“ASPs”) for DSL chipsets during periods of surplus. In the past, the DSL industry has experienced an oversupply of DSL chipsets, central office or customer premises equipment. Excessive inventory levels led to soft chipset demand, which in turn led to declining ASPs. ASPs have also been under pressure because of intense competition in the DSL chipset marketplace. As a result of the soft demand and declining ASPs for ADSL chipsets, our royalty revenue has decreased substantially from the levels we achieved in 2000. Price decreases for ADSL or VDSL chipsets, and the corresponding decreases in per unit royalties received by us, can be sudden and dramatic. Pricing pressures may continue during the secondfourth quarter of 2007 and beyond. Our royalty revenue may decline over the long term.
WE DEPEND SUBSTANTIALLY UPON A LIMITED NUMBER OF LICENSEES
We Depend Substantially Upon a Limited Number of Licensees
There are a relatively limited number of semiconductor and equipment companies to which we can license our broadband technology in a manner consistent with our business model. If we fail to maintain relationships with our current licensees or fail to establish a sufficient number of new licensing relationships, our business could be seriously harmed. In addition, our prospective customers may use their superior size and bargaining power to demand license terms that are unfavorable to us and prospective customers may not elect to license from us.
WE DERIVE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF REVENUE FROM A SMALL NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS
We Derive a Significant Amount of Revenue from a Small Number of Customers
In 2004, 2005 and 2006, we derived 28%, 20% and 20%, respectively, of our total revenue from ADI and 28%, 30%, and 26% respectively, of our total revenue from Infineon. ADI and Infineon have developed many generations of ADSL chipsets based upon our technology. On February 17, 2006 ADI sold its ADSL business relating to Aware technology to Ikanos Communications, Inc.
("Ikanos"(“Ikanos”) and Ikanos replaced ADI as an Aware licensee. Our royalty revenue in the near
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term is highly dependent upon the respective market share and pricing of Ikanos'Ikanos’ and Infineon'sInfineon’s ADSL chipsets. The ADSL market has experienced significant price erosion, which has adversely affected ADSL chipset revenues, which in turn has adversely affected our royalty revenue. To the extent that Ikanos loses ADSL2+ market share or Infineon loses market share, is unable to gain market share, is unable to transition its product to support new ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL2 standards, or experiences further price erosion in its DSL chipsets, our royalty revenue could decline.
OUR SUCCESS REQUIRES ACCEPTANCE OF OUR TECHNOLOGY BY EQUIPMENT COMPANIES
Our Success Requires Acceptance of Our Technology by Equipment Companies
Due to our business strategy, our success is dependent on our ability to generate significant royalties from our licensing arrangements with semiconductor manufacturers. Our ability to generate significant royalties is materially affected by the willingness of equipment companies to purchase integrated circuits that incorporate our technology from our licensees. There are other competitive solutions available for equipment companies seeking to offer broadband communications products. We face the risk that equipment manufacturers will choose those alternative solutions. Generally, our ability to influence equipment companies'companies’ decisions whether to purchase integrated circuits that incorporate our technology is limited.
We also face the risk that equipment companies that elect to use integrated circuits that incorporate our technology into their products will not compete successfully against other equipment companies. Many factors beyond our control could influence the success or failure of a particular equipment company that uses integrated circuits based on our technology, including:
o competition from other businesses in the same industry;
o market acceptance of its products;
o its engineering, sales and marketing, and management
capabilities;
o technical challenges of developing its products unrelated to our
technology; and
o its financial and other resources.
| · | competition from other businesses in the same industry; |
| · | market acceptance of its products; |
| · | its engineering, sales and marketing, and management capabilities; |
| · | technical challenges of developing its products unrelated to our technology; and |
| · | its financial and other resources. |
Even if equipment companies incorporate chipsets based on our intellectual property into their products, their products may not achieve commercial acceptance or result in significant royalties to us.
OUR SUCCESS REQUIRES TELEPHONE COMPANIES TO INSTALL
Our Success Requires Telephone Companies to Install DSL SERVICE IN VOLUME
Service in Volume
The success of our DSL licensing business depends upon telephone companies installing DSL service in significant volumes. Factors that affect the volume deployment of DSL service include:
o the desire of telephone companies to install ADSL or VDSL
service, which is dependent on the development of a viable
business model for ADSL or VDSL service, including the
capability to market, sell, install and maintain the service;
o the pricing of ADSL or VDSL services by telephone companies;
o the success of internet protocol TV ("IPTV") or video-based
services as viable consumer service offerings;
o the transition by telephone companies to new ADSL technologies,
such as ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL2;
o the quality of telephone companies' networks;
o deployment by phone companies of fiber-to-the-home or broadband
wireless services;
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o government regulations; and
o the willingness of residential telephone customers to demand DSL
service in the face of competitive service offerings, such as
cable modems, fiber-based service or broadband wireless access.
| · | the desire of telephone companies to install ADSL or VDSL service, which is dependent on the development of a viable business model for ADSL or VDSL service, including the capability to market, sell, install and maintain the service; |
| · | the pricing of ADSL or VDSL services by telephone companies; |
| · | the success of internet protocol TV (“IPTV”) or video-based services as viable consumer service offerings; |
| · | the transition by telephone companies to new ADSL technologies, such as ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL2; |
| · | the quality of telephone companies’ networks; |
| · | deployment by phone companies of fiber-to-the-home or broadband wireless services; |
| · | government regulations; and |
| · | the willingness of residential telephone customers to demand DSL service in the face of competitive service offerings, such as cable modems, fiber-based service or broadband wireless access. |
If telephone companies do not install DSL service in significant volumes, or if telephone companies install broadband service based on other technology such as cable or fiber-to-the-home, our business will be seriously harmed.
OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO LIMITED PROTECTION
Our Intellectual Property is Subject to Limited Protection
Because we are a technology provider, our ability to protect our intellectual property and to operate without infringing the intellectual property rights of others is critical to our success. We regard our technology as proprietary, and we have approximately 48 U.S. patents and 104105 foreign patents and a number of pending patent applications. We also rely on a combination of trade secrets, copyright and trademark law and non-disclosure agreements to protect our unpatented intellectual property. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our technology without authorization.
As part of our licensing arrangements, we typically work closely with our semiconductor and equipment manufacturer licensees, many of whom are also our potential competitors, and provide them with proprietary know-how necessary for their development of customized chipsets based on our ADSL technology. Although our license agreements contain non-disclosure provisions and other terms protecting our proprietary know-how and technology rights, it is possible that, despite these precautions, some of our licensees might obtain from us proprietary information that they could use to compete with us in the marketplace. Although we intend to defend our intellectual property as necessary, the steps we have taken may be inadequate to prevent misappropriation.
In the future, we may choose to bring legal action to enforce our intellectual property rights. Any such litigation could be costly and time-consuming for us, even if we were to prevail. Moreover, even if we are successful in protecting our proprietary information, our competitors may independently develop technologies substantially equivalent or superior to our technology. The misappropriation of our technology or the development of competitive technology could seriously harm our business.
Our technology, software or products may infringe the intellectual property rights of others. A large and increasing number of participants in the telecommunications and compression industries have applied for or obtained patents. Some of these patent holders have demonstrated a readiness to commence litigation based on allegations of patent and other intellectual property infringement. Third parties may assert patent, copyright and other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to our business. In the past, we have received claims from other companies that our technology infringes their patent rights. Intellectual property rights can be uncertain and can involve complex legal and factual questions. We may infringe the proprietary rights of others, which could result in significant liability for us. If we were found to have infringed any third
party'sparty’s patents, we could be subject to substantial damages and an injunction preventing us from conducting our business.
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OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
Our Business is Subject to Rapid Technological Change
The semiconductor and telecommunications industries for high-speed network access technologies, are characterized by rapid technological change, with new generations of products being introduced regularly and with ongoing evolutionary improvements. We expect to depend on our DSL technology for a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. Therefore, we face risks that others could introduce competing technology that renders our DSL technology less desirable or obsolete. Also, the announcement of new technologies could cause our licensees or their customers to delay or defer entering into arrangements for the use of our existing technology. Either of these events could seriously harm our business. The biometrics industry is also subject to rapid technological change and uncertainty.
We expect that our business will depend to a significant extent on our ability to introduce enhancements and new generations of our DSL and biometrics technology and products as well as new technologies and products that keep pace with changes in the telecommunications and broadband industries and that achieve rapid market acceptance. It is expected that the International Telecommunication Union will be issuing a new standard for VDSL in the fall of 2008. We must continually devote significant engineering resources to achieving technical innovations and product developments. These developments are complex and require long development cycles. Moreover, we may have to make substantial investments in technological innovations and product developments before we can determine their commercial viability. We may lack sufficient financial resources to fund future development. Also, our licensees may decide not to share certain research and development costs with us. Revenue from technological innovations, even if successfully developed, may not be sufficient to recoup the costs of development.
One element of our business strategy is to assume the risks of technology development failure while reducing such risks for our licensees and OEM customers. In the past, we have spent significant amounts on development projects that did not produce any marketable technologies or products, and we cannot assure you that it will not occur again.
WE FACE INTENSE COMPETITION FROM A WIDE RANGE OF COMPETITORS
We Face Intense Competition from a Wide Range of Competitors
Our success as an intellectual property supplier depends on the willingness and ability of semiconductor manufacturers to design, build and sell integrated circuits based on our intellectual property. The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and has been characterized by price erosion, rapid technological change, short product life cycles, cyclical market patterns and increasing foreign and domestic competition.
As an intellectual property supplier to the semiconductor industry, we face intense competition from internal development teams within potential semiconductor customers. We must convince potential licensees to license from us rather than develop technology internally. Furthermore, semiconductor customers, who have licensed our intellectual property, may choose to abandon joint development projects with us and develop chipsets themselves without using our technology. In addition to competition from internal development teams, we compete against other independent suppliers of intellectual property. We anticipate intense competition from suppliers of intellectual property for ADSL.
The market for DSL chipsets is also intensely competitive. Our success within the DSL industry requires that DSL equipment manufacturers buy chipsets from our semiconductor licensees, and that telephone companies buy DSL equipment from those equipment manufacturers. Our
customers'customers’ chipsets compete with products from other vendors of standards-based and DSL
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chipsets, including Broadcom, Centillium, Conexant, Ikanos, Texas Instruments and ST Microelectronics andMicroelectronics. Infineon, one of our larger customers, recently announced their intention to acquire Texas Instruments.
Instruments’ DSL CPE product line. We are uncertain as to how this acquisition may affect us from a competitive standpoint.
ADSL and VDSL services offered over copper telephone networks also compete with alternative broadband transmission technologies that use the telephone network as well as other network architectures. Alternative technologies for the telephone network include several types of symmetric high speed DSL, including HDSL, SDSL and G.SHDSL. Alternative technologies that use other network architectures to provide high-speed data service include cable modems using cable networks, wireless solutions using wireless networks, and optical solutions using fiber optics technology. These alternative broadband transmission technologies may be more successful than ADSL or VDSL and we may not be able to participate in the markets involving these alternative technologies.
Many of our current and prospective DSL licensees, as well as chipset competitors that compete with our semiconductor licensees, including Broadcom, Conexant, ST Microelectronics and Texas Instruments, have significantly greater financial, technological, manufacturing, marketing and personnel resources than we do. We may be unable to compete successfully, and competitive pressures could seriously harm our business.
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON A SINGLE SOURCE CONTRACT MANUFACTURER FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF
OUR
We are Dependent On a Single Source Contract Manufacturer for the Manufacture of Our DSL HARDWARE PRODUCTS, THE LOSS OF WHICH WOULD HARM OUR BUSINESS
Hardware Products, the Loss of Which Would Harm Our Business
We currently depend on one contract manufacturer to manufacture our DSL hardware products. If this company was to terminate its arrangement with us or fail to provide the required capacity and quality on a timely basis, we would be unable to manufacture our products until replacement contract manufacturing services could be obtained. To qualify a new contract manufacturer, familiarize it with our products, quality standards and other requirements, and commence production is a costly and time-consuming process. We cannot assure you that we would be able to establish alternative manufacturing relationships on acceptable terms. Although we make reasonable efforts to ensure that our contract manufacturer performs to our standards, our reliance on a single source limits our control over quality assurance and delivery schedules. Defects in workmanship, unacceptable yields, and manufacturing disruptions and difficulties may impair our ability to manage inventory and cause delays in shipments and cancellation of orders that may adversely affect our relationships with current and prospective customers. As a result, our revenues and operations may be harmed.
OUR MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE FOR OUR
Our Manufacturing Systems May Not Be Adequate For Our DSL TEST AND DIAGNOSTICS
HARDWARE PRODUCT OFFERINGS
Test and Diagnostics Hardware Product Offerings
Our current manufacturing systems adequately address hardware products we are currently manufacturing in limited volumes. Our manufacturing systems have not been extensively tested under anticipated, more complex hardware products or in volumes higher than that of our current hardware products. If our manufacturing systems are inadequate or have other problems, our revenues and operating results may be harmed.
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WE ARE DEPENDENT ON SINGLE SOURCE SUPPLIERS FOR COMPONENTS IN OUR
We are Dependent on Single Source Suppliers for Components in Our DSL HARDWARE
PRODUCTS
Hardware Products
Biometrics Business Risks
Our biometrics business is subject to a variety of additional risks, which could materially adversely affect quarterly and annual operating results, including:
o market acceptance of our biometric technologies and products;
o changes in contracting practices of government or law
enforcement agencies;
o the failure of the biometrics market to experience continued
growth;
o announcements or introductions of new technologies or products
or our competitors;
o
| — | market acceptance of our biometric technologies and products; |
| — | changes in contracting practices of government or law enforcement agencies; |
| — | the failure of the biometrics market to experience continued growth; |
| — | announcements or introductions of new technologies or products or our competitors; |
| — | delays or problems in the introduction or performance of enhancements or of future generations of our technology; |
| — | failures or problems in our biometric software products; |
| — | delays in the adoption of new industry biometric standards or changes in market perception of the value of new or existing standards; |
| — | growth of proprietary biometric systems which do not conform to industry standards; |
| — | competitive pressures resulting in lower software product revenues; |
| — | personnel changes, particularly those involving engineering, technical and sales and marketing personnel; |
| — | costs associated with protecting our intellectual property; |
| — | litigation by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights; |
| — | the potential that licensees could fail to make payments under their current contracts; |
| — | regulatory developments; and |
| — | general economic trends and other factors. |
We Must Make Judgments in the introduction or performanceProcess of enhancements or of future generations of our technology;
o failures or problems in our biometric software products;
o delays in the adoption of new industry biometric standards or
changes in market perception of the value of new or existing
standards;
o growth of proprietary biometric systems which do not conform to
industry standards;
o competitive pressures resulting in lower software product
revenues;
o personnel changes, particularly those involving engineering,
technical and sales and marketing personnel;
o costs associated with protecting our intellectual property;
o litigation by third parties for alleged infringement of their
proprietary rights;
o the potential that licensees could fail to make payments under
their current contracts;
o regulatory developments; and
o general economic trends and other factors.
WE MUST MAKE JUDGMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Preparing Our Financial Statements
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and certain critical accounting polices that are relevant to our business. The application of these principles and policies requires us to make significant judgments and estimates. In the event that judgments and estimates we make are incorrect, we may have to change them, which could materially affect our financial position and results of operations.
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Moreover, accounting standards have been subject to rapid change and evolving interpretations by accounting standards setting organizations over the past few years. The implementation of new standards requires us to interpret and apply them appropriately. If our current interpretations or applications are later found to be incorrect, our financial position and results of operations could be materially affected.
OUR STOCK PRICE MAY BE EXTREMELY VOLATILE
Our Stock Price May Be Extremely Volatile
Volatility in our stock price may negatively affect the price you may receive for your shares of common stock and increases the risk that we could be the subject of costly securities litigation. The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially and could continue to fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including:
o quarterly fluctuations in our operating results;
o changes in future financial guidance that we may provide to
investors and public market analysts;
o changes in our relationships with our licensees;
o announcements of technological innovations or new products by
us, our licensees or our competitors;
o changes in DSL or biometrics market growth rates as well as
investor perceptions regarding the investment opportunity that
companies participating in the DSL or biometrics industry afford
them;
o changes in earnings estimates by public market analysts;
o key personnel losses;
o sales of our common stock; and
o developments or announcements with respect to industry
standards, patents or proprietary rights.
| · | quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; |
| · | changes in future financial guidance that we may provide to investors and public market analysts; |
| · | changes in our relationships with our licensees; |
| · | announcements of technological innovations or new products by us, our licensees or our competitors; |
| · | changes in DSL or biometrics market growth rates as well as investor perceptions regarding the investment opportunity that companies participating in the DSL or biometrics industry afford them; |
| · | changes in earnings estimates by public market analysts; |
| · | key personnel losses; |
| · | sales of our common stock; and |
| · | developments or announcements with respect to industry standards, patents or proprietary rights. |
In addition, the equity markets have experienced volatility that has particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many high technology companies and that often has been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
OUR BUSINESS MAY BE AFFECTED BY GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
Our Business May Be Affected by Government Regulations
The extensive regulation of the telecommunications industry by federal, state and foreign regulatory agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission, and various state public utility and service commissions, could affect us through the effects of such regulation on our licensees and their customers. In addition, our business may also be affected by the imposition of certain tariffs, duties and other import restrictions on components that our customers obtain from non-domestic suppliers or by the imposition of export restrictions on products sold internationally and incorporating our technology. Changes in current or future laws or regulations, in the United States or elsewhere, could seriously harm our business.
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ITEM 2:
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period | | (a) Total Number of Shares Purchased | | (b) Average Price Paid per Share | | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1) | | (d) Maximum Number(or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |
August 28, 2007 to August 30, 2007 | | - | | | | | | | | | |
September 1, 2007, to Sept. 30, 2007 | | 9,107 | | $ | 4.19 | | 9,107 | | $ | 4,961,830 | |
(1)
On August 28, 2007, we issued a press release announcing that our board of directors has approved the repurchase from time to time through December 31, 2008 of up to $5,000,000 of our common stock. During the period covered by this report, we purchased 9,107 shares authorized under this plan.
ITEM 6:
EXHIBITS
Exhibits
(a) EXHIBITS
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
- --------------------
Exhibits
| Exhibit 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| | |
| Exhibit 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| | |
| Exhibit 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
__________________________
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
AWARE, INC.
Date: May 10, 2007 By: /s/ Michael A. Tzannes
-------------------------------------------
Michael A. Tzannes, Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 10, 2007 By: /s/ Keith E. Farris
-------------------------------------------
Keith E. Farris, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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| AWARE, INC. |
| | |
| | |
Date: November 8, 2007 | By: | /s/ Michael A. Tzannes |
| | Michael A. Tzannes, Chief Executive Officer |
| | |
| | |
Date: November 8, 2007 | By: | /s/ Keith E. Farris |
| | Keith E. Farris, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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