UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2023

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

Commission file number: 000-13301


RF INDUSTRIES, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada

88-0168936

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

16868 Via Del Campo Court, Suite 200
San Diego, California

92127

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(858)549-6340

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

RFIL

NASDAQ Global Market

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files.) Yes ☒ No ☐

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

 Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☒

Smaller reporting company ☒

Emerging growth company ☐

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

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

The number of shares of the issuer’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of September 14, 2023 was 10,289,891.

1

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

  

July 31,

  

October 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 
  

(Unaudited)

  

(Note 1)

 

ASSETS

        
         

CURRENT ASSETS

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $4,063  $4,532 

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $224 and $126, respectively

  9,293   14,812 

Inventories

  20,204   21,054 

Other current assets

  1,280   5,849 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

  34,840   46,247 
         
Property and equipment:        

Equipment and tooling

  4,764   4,497 

Furniture and office equipment

  5,491   3,447 
   10,255   7,944 

Less accumulated depreciation

  5,287   4,771 

Total property and equipment, net

  4,968   3,173 
         

Operating lease right of use assets, net

  11,961   13,480 

Goodwill

  8,085   8,085 

Amortizable intangible assets, net

  14,017   15,296 

Non-amortizable intangible assets

  1,174   1,174 

Deferred tax assets

  2,734   1,816 

Other assets

  277   295 

TOTAL ASSETS

 $78,056  $89,566 

2

Item 1: Financial Statements (continued)

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

  

July 31,

  

October 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 
  

(Unaudited)

  

(Note 1)

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        
         

CURRENT LIABILITIES

        

Accounts payable

 $2,702  $5,652 

Accrued expenses

  4,507   8,814 

Revolving credit facility

  1,000   - 

Current portion of Term Loan

  2,424   2,424 

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

  1,418   1,887 

Income taxes payable

  -   759 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

  12,051   19,536 
         

Operating lease liabilities

  14,276   15,025 

Term Loan, net of current portion of debt issuance cost

  11,325   13,136 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

  37,652   47,697 
         

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

      
         

STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

        

Common stock - authorized 20,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value; 10,289,891 and 10,193,287 shares issued and outstanding at July 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively

  103   102 

Additional paid-in capital

  25,878   25,118 

Retained earnings

  14,423   16,649 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

  40,404   41,869 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $78,056  $89,566 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

Item 1: Financial Statements (continued)

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
                 

Net sales

 $15,652  $23,842  $56,294  $62,265 

Cost of sales

  11,828   16,594   41,263   44,853 
                 

Gross profit

  3,824   7,248   15,031   17,412 
                 
Operating expenses:                

Engineering

  690   791   2,535   2,101 

Selling and general

  5,144   5,369   15,186   13,838 

Total operating expenses

  5,834   6,160   17,721   15,939 
                 

Operating (loss) income

  (2,010)  1,088   (2,690)  1,473 
                 

Other expense

  (117)  (177)  (342)  (280)
                 

(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes

  (2,127)  911   (3,032)  1,193 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

  (482)  140   (806)  196 
                 

Consolidated net (loss) income

 $(1,645) $771  $(2,226) $997 
                 
(Loss) earnings per share:                

Basic

 $(0.16) $0.08  $(0.22) $0.10 

Diluted

 $(0.16) $0.08  $(0.22) $0.10 
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                

Basic

  10,290,265   10,127,244   10,267,652   10,100,767 

Diluted

  10,290,265   10,238,932   10,267,652   10,233,209 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Item 1: Financial Statements (continued)

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

  

For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2023

 
          

Additional

         
  

Common Stock

  

Paid-in

  

Retained

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Total

 

Balance, May 1, 2023

  10,290,377  $103  $25,634  $16,068  $41,805 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   -   246   -   246 
                     

Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock

  (486)  -   (2)  -   (2)
                     

Consolidated net loss

  -   -   -   (1,645)  (1,645)
                     

Balance, July 31, 2023

  10,289,891  $103  $25,878  $14,423  $40,404 

  

For the Nine Months Ended July 31, 2023

 
          

Additional

         
  Common Stock  Paid-in  Retained     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Total

 

Balance, November 1, 2022

  10,193,287  $102  $25,118  $16,649  $41,869 
                     

Exercise of stock options

  45,000   -   85   -   85 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   -   687   -   687 
                     

Issuance of restricted stock

  54,092   1   -   -   1 
                     

Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock

  (2,488)  -   (12)  -   (12)
                     

Consolidated net loss

  -   -   -   (2,226)  (2,226)
                     

Balance, July 31, 2023

  10,289,891  $103  $25,878  $14,423  $40,404 

5

Item 1: Financial Statements (continued)

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

  

For the Three Months ended July 31, 2022

 
          

Additional

         
  

Common Stock

  

Paid-In

  

Retained

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Total

 

Balance, May 1, 2022

  10,118,685  $102  $24,648  $15,427  $40,177 
                     

Exercise of stock options

  37,927   -   93   -   93 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   -   191   -   191 
                     

Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock

  (421)  -   (3)  -   (3)
                     

Consolidated net income

  -   -   -   771   771 
                     

Balance, July 31, 2022

  10,156,191  $102  $24,929  $16,198  $41,229 

  

For the Nine Months ended July 31, 2022

 
          

Additional

         
  

Common Stock

  

Paid-In

  

Retained

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital

  

Earnings

  

Total

 

Balance, November 1, 2021

  10,058,571  $101  $24,301  $15,201  $39,603 
                     

Exercise of stock options

  60,854   1   149   -   150 
                     

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   -   498   -   498 
                     

Issuance of restricted stock

  39,666   -   -   -   - 
                     

Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock

  (2,900)  -   (19)  -   (19)
                     

Consolidated net income

  -   -   -   997   997 
                     

Balance, July 31, 2022

  10,156,191  $102  $24,929  $16,198  $41,229 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

Item 1: Financial Statements (continued)

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        

Consolidated net (loss) income

 $(2,226) $997 
         

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

        

Bad debt expense

  82   13 

Depreciation and amortization

  1,795   1,155 

Stock-based compensation expense

  687   498 

Amortization of debt issuance cost

  7   4 

Tax payments related to shares cancelled for vested restricted stock awards

  (12)  (19)

Deferred income taxes

  (918)  126 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        

Trade accounts receivable

  5,438   229 

Inventories

  850   (3,980)

Other current assets

  4,570   (1,006)

Right of use assets

  300   78 

Other long-term assets

  18   (224)

Accounts payable

  (2,950)  1,464 

Accrued expenses

  (4,307)  1,261 

Income taxes payable

  (760)  - 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  2,574   596 
         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        

Capital expenditures

  (2,311)  (430)

Purchase of Microlab, net of cash acquired ($33)

  -   (24,442)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (2,311)  (24,872)
         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  86   149 

Debt issuance cost

  -   (32)

Revolving credit facility

  1,000   - 

Term Loan payments

  (1,818)  (808)

Term Loan

  -   17,000 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (732)  16,309 
         

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (469)  (7,967)
         

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  4,532   13,053 
         

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 $4,063  $5,086 
         

Supplemental cash flow information – income taxes paid

 $19  $223 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 Unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements

Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which are normal and recurring, have been included for a fair statement of the financial position. Information included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2022 has been derived from, and certain terms used herein are defined in, the audited consolidated financial statements of RF Industries, Ltd. as of October 31, 2022 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the year ended October 31, 2022 that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Operating results for the nine months ended July 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended October 31, 2023. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Form 10-K.

Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The propriety of using the going-concern basis is dependent upon, among other things, the achievement of future profitable operations, the ability to generate sufficient cash from operations and potential other funding sources, in addition to cash on-hand along with the current Credit Facility (as defined below), to meet its obligations as they become due.

Although we have incurred operating losses during the nine months ended July 31, 2023, we have implemented certain cost-cutting measures to reduce our operating expenses and to help drive positive operating cash flow and increase liquidity. Our plan includes consolidating facilities and recognizing the related operating efficiencies and synergies in our production operations. The Company intends to continue to pursue additional continuous improvement and cost reduction measures, as well as organic growth in revenue and profitability.

Management believes that these actions will enable the Company to continue as a going concern through at least 12 months from the date these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are available to be issued.

Principles of consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods ended on or before January 31, 2022 include the accounts of RF Industries, Ltd. and our four wholly-owned subsidiaries: Cables Unlimited, Inc. (“Cables Unlimited”), Rel-Tech Electronics, Inc. (“Rel-Tech”), C Enterprises, Inc. (“C Enterprises”), and Schroff Technologies International, Inc. (“Schrofftech”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2023 include the accounts of RF Industries, Ltd. and our five wholly-owned subsidiaries: Cables Unlimited, Inc. (“Cables Unlimited”), Rel-Tech Electronics, Inc. (“Rel-Tech”), C Enterprises, Inc. (“C Enterprises”), Schroff Technologies International, Inc. (“Schrofftech”), and Microlab/FXR LLC (“Microlab”). Microlab is a wholly-owned subsidiary that RF Industries, Ltd. acquired on March 1, 2022. For periods on or before January 31, 2022, references herein to the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our” shall refer to RF Industries, Ltd., Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, C Enterprises, and Schrofftech and for all periods after January 31, 2022, reference to the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our” shall refer to RF Industries, Ltd., Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, C Enterprises, Schrofftech and Microlab. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fair value measurement

We measure at fair value certain financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair-value hierarchy:

Level 1— Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

Level 2— Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and

Level 3— Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

8

As of July 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, the carrying amounts reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximated their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

Recent accounting standards

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted:

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses, which requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326), which pushes back the effective date for public business entities that are smaller reporting companies, as defined by the SEC, to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new standard will have on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 Business acquisition

On March 1, 2022, the Company completed its purchase (the “Purchase Transaction”) of 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Microlab, a New Jersey limited liability company, from Wireless Telecom Group, Inc, a New Jersey corporation (the “Seller”) pursuant to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated December 16, 2021, with the Seller. The consideration for the Purchase Transaction was $24,250,000, subject to certain post-closing adjustments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price was paid in cash at the closing. The Company funded $17 million of the cash purchase price from the funds obtained under the Term Loan (as defined in Note 13) and paid the remaining amount of the cash purchase price with cash on hand. During the three months ended July 31, 2022, we paid an additional $225,000 in purchase consideration as a result of certain post-closing adjustments relating to net working capital.

The acquisition was accounted for with the acquisition method of accounting. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been recorded at their estimated fair values. We determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by an independent third-party specialist. Microlab designs and manufactures high-performance radio frequency and microwave products enabling signal distribution and deployment of in-building DAS (distributed antenna systems), wireless base stations and small cell networks. The Microlab acquisition further diversifies and strengthens the portfolio of products that we offer to the market and allows us to provide a more complete solution to our customers in key market segments. All manufacturing operations are performed at Microlab’s facilities in New Jersey.

The acquisition closed on March 1, 2022, accordingly, subsequent to March 1, 2022, Microlab’s financial results have been included in the results of the RF Connector and Cable Assembly (“RF Connector”) segment as well as in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company expects the goodwill recorded to be deductible for income tax purposes. Acquired amortizable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from one to 15 years. Total costs, as of October 31, 2022, related to the acquisition of Microlab were approximately $1.3 million and have been expensed as incurred and categorized in selling and general expenses.

The following table summarizes the components of the purchase price at fair values at March 1, 2022:

Cash consideration paid at closing

 $24,250,000 

Post-closing adjustment

  225,000 

Total consideration transferred

 $24,475,000 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the preliminary purchase price at fair value at March 1, 2022:

Current assets

 $6,620,000 

Property and equipment

  198,000 

Intangible assets

  13,840,000 

Goodwill

  5,617,000 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

  (1,800,000)

Net assets acquired at fair value

 $24,475,000 

9

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined operating results of the Company and Microlab as if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. Pro forma data is subject to various assumptions and estimates and is presented for informational purposes only. This pro forma data does not purport to represent or be indicative of the consolidated operating results that would have been reported had the transaction been completed as described herein, and the data should not be taken as indicative of future consolidated operating results.

Unaudited pro forma financial information assuming the acquisition of Microlab as of November 1, 2021 is presented in the following table:

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
                 

Revenue

 $15,652  $23,842  $56,294  $68,369 

Net (loss) income

  (1,645)  771   (2,226)  1,510 
                 
(Loss) Earnings per share                

Basic

 $(0.16) $0.08  $(0.22) $0.15 

Diluted

 $(0.16) $0.08  $(0.22) $0.15 
                 

Basic

  10,290,265   10,127,244   10,267,652   10,100,767 

Diluted

  10,290,265   10,238,932   10,267,652   10,233,209 

Note 3 Concentrations of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents with high-credit quality financial institutions. At July 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalent balances in excess of federally insured limits in the amount of approximately $2.9 million.

Sales from each customer that were 10% or greater of net sales were as follows:

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Wireless provider

  *   16%  13%  23%

Distributor A

  12%  *   *   * 

For the three months ended July 31, 2023, a distributor customer accounted for 12% of net sales and 12% of total net accounts receivable balance, and a wireless carrier customer accounted for less than 10% of net sales. For the nine months ended July 31, 2023, the same wireless carrier customer accounted for 13% of net sales and 4% of total net accounts receivable balance; for the three months ended July 31, 2022, it accounted for 16% of net sales and 19% of total net accounts receivable balance; for the nine months ended July 31, 2022, it accounted for 23% of net sales and 19% of total net accounts receivable balance. We also have another distributor customer whose sales were less than 10% of our net sales but for which we had an 11% of total net accounts receivable balance for both the three and nine months ended July 31,2023; for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2022, it accounted for 5% of total net account receivable balance. Although these customers have been significant customers of the Company, the written agreements with these customers do not have any minimum purchase obligations and these customers could stop buying our products at any time and for any reason. A reduction, delay or cancellation of orders from these customers or the loss of these customers could significantly reduce our future revenues and profits.

10

Note 4 Inventories and major vendors

Inventories, consisting of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost has been determined using the weighted average cost method. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

  

July 31, 2023

  

October 31, 2022

 
         

Raw materials and supplies

 $14,107  $15,238 

Work in process

  510   439 

Finished goods

  5,587   5,377 
         

Totals

 $20,204  $21,054 

For the three months ended July 31, 2023, a single vendor accounted for 10% of inventory purchases. For the three months ended July 31, 2022, the same vendor accounted for 17% of inventory purchases. For the nine months ended July 31, 2023, this vendor accounted for 17% of inventory purchases and it accounted for 28% of inventory purchases for the nine months ended July 31, 2022. We have arrangements with this vendor to purchase products based on purchase orders that we periodically issue.

Note 5 Other current assets

Other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):

  

July 31, 2023

  

October 31, 2022

 
         

Employee retention credit ("ERC")

 $176  $1,636 

Prepaid taxes

  30   - 

Prepaid expense

  665   972 

Reimbursement for tenant improvements

  -   2,810 

Other

  409   431 
         
         

Totals

 $1,280  $5,849 

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), eligible employers are able to claim an ERC, which is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes. If the employer’s employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, the employer may get an advance payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The period assessed for eligibility of the ERC is on a calendar year basis. As of July 31, 2023, the remaining portion of the ERC that we have not yet received is included as other receivables in other current assets.

Note 6 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

  

July 31, 2023

  

October 31, 2022

 
         

Wages payable

 $2,163  $3,634 

Accrued receipts

  1,050   2,136 

Other accrued expenses

  1,294   1,847 
Tenant improvements payable  -   1,197 
         

Totals

 $4,507  $8,814 

Accrued receipts represent purchased inventory for which invoices have not been received.

Note 7 Loss per share

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding increased by the effects of assuming that other potentially dilutive securities (such as stock options) outstanding during the period had been exercised and the treasury stock method had been applied. During the three and nine months ended July 31, 2023 we reported a net loss, and in periods with a net loss, the basic loss per share equals the diluted loss per share as all common stock equivalents are excluded from the per share calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect. Potentially issuable securities that are out-of-the-money totaled 814,154 and 471,464 shares for the three months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 750,967 and 482,889 shares for the nine months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and were excluded from the calculation of diluted per share amounts because of their anti-dilutive effect.

11

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
                 

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share

  10,290,265   10,127,244   10,267,652   10,100,767 
                 

Add effects of potentially dilutive securities-assumed exercise of stock options

  -   111,688   -   132,442 
                 

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share

  10,290,265   10,238,932   10,267,652   10,233,209 

Note 8 Stock-based compensation and equity transactions

On January 10, 2022, we granted a total of 39,666 shares of restricted stock and 106,001 incentive stock options to one manager and three officers. The shares of restricted stock and incentive stock options vest over four years as follows: (i) one-quarter of the restricted shares and options vested on January 10, 2023; and (ii) the remaining restricted shares and options shall vest in 12 equal quarterly installments over the next three years. All incentive stock options expire 10 years from the date of grant.

On January 10, 2023, we granted a total of 54,092 shares of restricted stock and 108,181 incentive stock options to one manager and three officers. The shares of restricted stock and incentive stock options vest over four years as follows: (i) one-quarter of the restricted shares and options shall vest on January 10, 2024; and (ii) the remaining restricted shares and options shall vest in 12 equal quarterly installments over the next three years. Also on January 10, 2023, we granted another manager 50,000 incentive stock options. These options shall vest in five equal installments on each of the next five anniversaries of January 10, 2023, the grant date. All incentive stock options expire 10 years from the date of grant.

No other shares or options were granted to company employees during the three and nine months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022.

The weighted average fair value of employee stock options that were granted during the nine months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 was estimated to be $3.21 and $3.77, respectively, per share, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

 

Risk-free interest rate

  3.76%  1.47%

Dividend yield

  0.00%  0.00%

Expected life of the option (in years)

  7.01   7.00 

Volatility factor

  54.30%  53.36%

Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of our stock price and other factors. We used the historical method to calculate the expected life of the 2023 and 2022 option grants. The expected life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate with a maturity date corresponding to the options’ expected life. The dividend yield is based upon the historical dividend yield.

Company stock option plans

Descriptions of our stock option plans are included in Note 9 to our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022. A summary of the status of the options granted under our stock option plans as of July 31, 2023 and the changes in options outstanding during the nine months then ended is presented in the table that follows:

      

Weighted

 
      

Average

 
  

Shares

  

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at November 1, 2022

  691,005  $5.87 

Options granted

  158,181  $5.46 

Options exercised

  (45,000) $1.90 

Options cancelled

  -  $- 

Options outstanding at July 31, 2023

  804,186  $6.01 

Options exercisable at July 31, 2023

  471,466  $6.34 

Options vested and expected to vest at July 31, 2023

  798,697  $6.02 

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Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as of July 31, 2023: 6.68 years

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable as of July 31, 2023: 5.65 years

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options vested and expected to vest as of July 31, 2023: 6.69 years

Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at July 31, 2023: $124,280

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable at July 31, 2023: $80,120

Aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest at July 31, 2023: $122,285

As of July 31, 2023, $866,591 and $528,229 of expenses with respect to nonvested stock options and restricted shares, respectively, has yet to be recognized but is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.74 and 1.30 years, respectively.

Stock option expense

During the three months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, stock-based compensation expense totaled $246,000 and $191,000, respectively, and was classified in selling and general expense. During the nine months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, stock-based compensation expense totaled $687,000 and $498,000, respectively, and was classified in selling and general expenses.

Note 9 Segment information

We aggregate operating divisions into two reporting segments that have similar economic characteristics primarily in the following areas: (1) the nature of the product and services; (2) the nature of the production process; (3) the type or class of customer for their products and services; (4) the methods used to distribute their products or services; and (5) if applicable, the nature of the regulatory environment. Based upon this evaluation, as of July 31, 2023, we had two reportable segments – RF Connector and Cable Assembly (“RF Connector”) segment and Custom Cabling Manufacturing and Assembly (“Custom Cabling”) segment.

The RF Connector segment consists of two divisions and the Custom Cabling segment consists of four divisions. The six divisions that met the quantitative thresholds for segment reporting are the RF Connector and Cable Assembly division (“RF Connector division”), Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, C Enterprises, Schrofftech, and Microlab. While each segment has similar products and services, there was little overlapping of these services to their customer base. The biggest difference in segments is in the channels of sales: sales of product and services for the RF Connector segment were primarily through the distribution channel, while the Custom Cabling segment sales were through a combination of distribution and direct to the end user.

Management identifies segments based on strategic business units that are, in turn, based along market lines. These strategic business units offer products and services to different markets in accordance with their customer base and product usage. For segment reporting purposes, the RF Connector and Microlab divisions constitutes the RF Connector segment, and the Cables Unlimited, Rel-Tech, C Enterprises, and Schrofftech divisions constitute the Custom Cabling segment.

We evaluate the performance of each segment based on income or loss before income taxes. We charge depreciation and amortization directly to each division within the segment. Accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, right of use assets, goodwill and intangible assets are the only assets identified by segment. Except as discussed above, the accounting policies for segment reporting are the same for the Company as a whole.

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All of our operations are conducted in the United States; however, we derive a portion of our revenue from export sales. We attribute sales to geographic areas based on the location of the customers. The following table presents the sales by geographic area for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 
                 

United States

 $13,955  $19,925  $50,967  $56,292 

Foreign Countries:

                

Canada

  703   2,218   1,875   3,179 

Italy

  300   1,214   1,692   1,387 

Mexico

  -   29   3   106 

All Other

  694   456   1,757   1,301 
   1,697   3,917   5,327   5,973 
                 

Totals

 $15,652  $23,842  $56,294  $62,265 

Net sales, (loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes and other related segment information for the three months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

  

RF Connector

  

Custom Cabling

         
  

and

  

Manufacturing and

         

 

 

Cable Assembly

  

Assembly

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
2023                

Net sales

 $7,799  $7,853  $-  $15,652 

(Loss) income before benefit for income taxes

  (1,103)  (713)  (311)  (2,127)

Depreciation and amortization

  488   143   -   631 

Total assets

  49,175   20,528   8,353   78,056 
                 

2022

                

Net sales

 $10,495  $13,347  $-  $23,842 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  988   600   (677)  911 

Depreciation and amortization

  390   147   -   537 

Total assets

  48,351   26,553   12,291   87,195 

Net sales, (loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes and other related segment information for the nine months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (in thousands):

  

RF Connector

  

Custom Cabling

         
  

and

  

Manufacturing and

         

 

 

Cable Assembly

  

Assembly

  

Corporate

  

Total

 
2023                

Net sales

 $25,507  $30,787  $-  $56,294 

(Loss) income before benefit from income taxes

  (1,162)  (823)  (1,047)  (3,032)

Depreciation and amortization

  1,359   436   -   1,795 

Total assets

  49,175   20,528   8,353   78,056 
                 
2022                

Net sales

 $21,928  $40,337  $-  $62,265 

Income (loss) before benefit from income taxes

  1,621   1,721   (2,149)  1,193 

Depreciation and amortization

  720   435   -   1,155 

Total assets

  48,351   26,553   12,291   87,195 

Note 10 Income taxes

We use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate, to determine its quarterly (benefit) provision for income taxes. Certain significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur and can be a source of variability in the effective tax rates from quarter to quarter.

14

We recorded income tax (benefits) provisions of ($482,000) and $140,000 for the three months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate was 22.7% for the three months ended July 31, 2023, compared to 15.4% for the three months ended July 31, 2022. For the nine months ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded income tax (benefits) provisions of ($806,000) and $196,000, respectively. The effective tax rate was 26.6% for the nine months ended July 31, 2023, compared to 16.4% for the nine months ended July 31, 2022. The change in effective tax rate for the nine months ended July 31, 2023 compared to the nine months ended July 31, 2022 was primarily driven by stock-based compensation windfall/shortfalls and the Company's full year forecasted financial loss.

We had $168,000 and $121,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, as of July 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, respectively. The unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would result in a net tax benefit of $164,000 as of July 31, 2023.

Note 11 Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

  

July 31, 2023

  

October 31, 2022

 
Amortizable intangible assets:        

Non-compete agreement (estimated life 5 years)

 $423  $423 

Accumulated amortization

  (367)  (334)
   56   89 
         

Customer relationships (estimated lives 7 - 15 years)

  6,058   6,058 

Accumulated amortization

  (3,364)  (3,074)
   2,694   2,984 
         

Backlog (estimated life 1 - 2 years)

  327   327 

Accumulated amortization

  (327)  (313)
   -   14 
         

Patents (estimated life 10 - 14 years)

  368   368 

Accumulated amortization

  (167)  (143)
   201   225 
         

Tradename (estimated life 15 years)

  1,700   1,700 

Accumulated amortization

  (161)  (76)
   1,539   1,624 
         

Proprietary Technology (estimated life 10 years)

  11,100   11,100 

Accumulated amortization

  (1,573)  (740)
   9,527   10,360 
         

Totals

 $14,017  $15,296 
         
Non-amortizable intangible assets:        

Trademarks

 $1,174  $1,174 

Amortization expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2023 and the year ended October 31, 2022 was $1,279,000 and $1,282,000, respectively. As of July 31, 2023, the weighted-average amortization period for the amortizable intangible assets is 8.78 years.

Note 12 Commitments

We have operating leases for corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, and certain storage units. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to three years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to five years. A portion of our operating leases are leased from K&K Unlimited, a company controlled by Darren Clark, the former owner and current President of Cables Unlimited, to whom we make rent payments totaling $16,000 per month.

15

We also have other operating leases for certain equipment. The components of our facilities and equipment operating lease expenses for the periods ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

  

Three Months Ended July 31,

  

Nine Months Ended July 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2023

  

2022

 

Operating lease cost

 $663  $477  $2,129  $1,048 

Other information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):

  

July 31, 2023

  

October 31, 2022

 

Supplemental Cash Flows Information

        
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:        

Operating leases

 $281  $13,352 
         

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term

        

Operating leases (in months)

  110.12   113.72 
         

Weighted Average Discount Rate

        

Operating leases

  3.77%  3.75%

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of July 31, 2023 were as follows:

Year ending October 31,

 

Operating Leases

 
     

2023 (excluding nine months ended July 31, 2023)

 $551 

2024

  2,036 

2025

  1,796 

2026

  1,835 

2027

  1,874 

Thereafter

  10,619 

Total future minimum lease payments

  18,711 

Less imputed interest

  (3,017)

Total

 $15,694 

Reported as of July 31, 2023

 

Operating Leases

 

Other current liabilities

 $1,418 

Operating lease liabilities

  14,276 

Total

 $15,694 

As of July 31, 2023, operating lease ROU asset was $12.0 million and operating lease liability totaled $15.7 million, of which $1.4 million is classified as current. There were no finance leases as of July 31, 2023.

On July 11, 2023, we entered into a Third Amendment to Lease (the “Amendment”) with Sorrento West Properties (the “Lessor”), amending that certain AIRCRE Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease - Net, dated as of December 28, 2021, between the Company and Lessor, under which we lease from Lessor industrial and commercial space located at 16868 Via Del Campo Court, San Diego, California (the “Premises”). The Amendment provides for an increase in tenant improvements by an additional $1,000,000 (the “Additional TIA”) and requires funding of the Additional TIA beginning October 1, 2023, provided certain conditions are met as further set forth in the Amendment. The primary purpose of the Additional TIA is to cover the costs and expenses for the construction, fit-out and furnishing of the adjacent vacant office spaces located at the Premises, which will be subject to the Managed Client Agreement with RGN-MCA San Diego II, LLC (the “Managed Client Agreement”) and managed services arrangement, as previously disclosed. In consideration for the Additional TIA, the Amendment provides for an increase in monthly base rent, effective commencing as of October 1, 2023. The conditions set forth in the Amendment include a finalized build-out budget. The budget for the construction, fit-out and furnishings of the vacant office for RGN-MCA San Diego II, LLC has not been finalized, and we have a right to terminate the Managed Client Agreement should the budget exceed an amount agreed upon. Therefore, we have not reflected this Amendment in our financials as of July 31, 2023, or included it in our disclosure tables.

16

Note 13 Term Loan and Line of credit

In February 2022, we entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) providing for a revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) in the amount of $3.0 million and a $17.0 million term loan (the “Term Loan”, and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Bank”). Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility shall bear interest at a rate of 2.0% plus the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index Rate. The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is March 1, 2024. The Company drew down the entire amount of the Term Loan on March 1, 2022. The primary interest rate for Term Loan is 3.76% per annum. The maturity date of the Term Loan is March 1, 2027.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a security interest in certain assets of the Company and are subject to certain loan covenants. The Credit Facility requires the maintenance of certain financial covenants, including: (i) consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00; (ii) consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00; and (iii) consolidated minimum EBITDA of at least $600,000 for the discrete quarter ended January 31, 2022. In addition, the Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants.

As of July 31, 2023, we were not in compliance with the consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio nor were we in compliance with the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio covenants (the “Defaults”). On September 12, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to the Loan Agreement (the “Loan Amendment”) with the Bank, which, among other matters, provided for a temporary waiver of (i) the Defaults, and (ii) compliance with the consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio and the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio minimum covenants for the quarterly periods ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024 and July 31, 2024. Further, pursuant to the Loan Amendment, we are required to maintain (i) (a) until September 21, 2023, minimum liquidity (week-end cash balance plus availability from the Revolving Credit Facility) of $4.0 million, and (b) from September 22, 2023 and thereafter, liquidity equal to the greater of (1) $4.0 million or (2) 80% of the liquidity that had been forecast for this date at the fourth week of the forecast; and (ii) minimum EBITDA of ($400,000), $500,000, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million for the quarters ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, respectively.

As of July 31, 2023, we have borrowed $13,768,000 under the Term Loan and $1.0 million from the Revolving Credit Facility.

The foregoing summary description of the Loan Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Loan Amendment, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Note 14 Cash dividend and declared dividends

We did not pay any dividends during the three or nine months ended July 31, 2023, nor did we pay any dividends during the three or nine months ended July 31, 2022.

Item 2:Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This report contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may,” “will,” “should,” “except,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither the Company, nor any other person, assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in its expectations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors which affect our business, including without limitation the disclosures made under the caption “Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” under the caption “Risk Factors,” and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2022 and other reports and filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventory reserves, earn-out liabilities, and contingencies on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be appropriate under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined using the weighted average cost method of accounting. Certain items in inventory may be considered obsolete or excess and, as such, we periodically review our inventories for excess and slow-moving items and make provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value. Because inventories have, during the past few years, represented up to one-fourth of our total assets, any reduction in the value of our inventories would require us to take write-offs that would affect our net worth and future earnings.

17

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We record an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our assessment of various factors. We consider historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balance, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions and other factors that may affect a customer’s ability to pay.

Long-Lived Assets Including Goodwill

We assess property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, which are considered definite-lived assets, for impairment. Definite-lived assets are reviewed when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If property and equipment and intangible assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair market value.

We amortize our intangible assets with definite useful lives over their estimated useful lives and review these assets for impairment.

We test our goodwill and trademarks and indefinite-lived assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate these assets may be impaired. These events or circumstances require significant judgment and could include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition and sale or disposition of all or a portion of a division. This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital.

As of July 31, 2023, we performed an impairment test analysis for Schrofftech. As noted above, we test our goodwill, trademarks, and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, which we have traditionally done in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances suggest these assets may be impaired. Impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset over its fair value.

Impairment may result from a number of factors, including performance deterioration, negative cash flows from operations and/or changes in anticipated future cash flows, changes in business plans, adverse economic or market conditions, or other factors beyond our control. The amount of any impairment must be expensed as a charge to operations. Schrofftech’s three and nine-months results ended July 31, 2023 triggered an impairment analysis. Schrofftech was acquired on November 4, 2019 for a total purchase price of $5.3 million, consisting of cash consideration of $4.0 million and $1.3 million in earn-out, of which none was earned. As of July 31, 2023, Schrofftech has a carrying value of $3.2 million, of which includes $1.1 million in goodwill, $0.5 million in non-amortizable intangible assets and $1.6 million in net amortizable intangible assets. The analysis performed included a blend of the income approach (discounted cash flow method) and market approach (guideline public company method) to reach a fair value of equity in excess of the fair value to the carrying amount.

The analysis performed in blending the income approach and the market approach incorporates several significant judgments and assumptions about projected revenue growth, future operating margins and discount rates. There are inherent uncertainties related to these assumptions and our judgment in applying them to the impairment analysis. Changes in certain events or circumstances could result in changes to our estimated fair values, and may result in future write-downs to the carrying values of these assets. Impairment charges could adversely affect our financial results, financial ratios and could limit our ability to obtain financing in the future.

Income Taxes

We record a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.

The calculation of the tax provision involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of GAAP and complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. 

18

Stock-based Compensation

We use the Black-Scholes model to value the stock option grants. This valuation is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of inputs which involve significant judgments and estimates. These inputs include the expected term of employee stock options, the expected volatility of the stock price, the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.

Overview

RF Industries, Ltd. (together with subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a national manufacturer and marketer of interconnect products and systems, including high-performance components such as RF connectors and adapters, dividers, directional couplers and filters, coaxial cables, data cables, wire harnesses, fiber optic cables, custom cabling, energy-efficient cooling systems and integrated small cell enclosures. Through our manufacturing and production facilities, we provide a wide selection of interconnect products and solutions primarily to telecommunications carriers and equipment manufacturers, wireless and network infrastructure carriers and manufacturers and to various original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) in several market segments. We also design, engineer, manufacture and sell energy-efficient cooling systems and integrated small cell solutions and related components.

We operate through two reporting segments: (i) the RF Connector and Cable Assembly (“RF Connector”) segment, and (ii) the Custom Cabling Manufacturing and Assembly (“Custom Cabling”) segment. The RF Connector segment primarily designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of RF connector, adapter, coupler, divider, and cable products, including coaxial passives and cable assemblies that are used in telecommunications and information technology, OEM markets and other end markets. The Custom Cabling segment designs, manufactures, markets and distributes custom copper and fiber cable assemblies, complex hybrid fiber optic and power solution cables, electromechanical wiring harnesses, wiring harnesses for a broad range of applications in a diverse set of end markets, energy-efficient cooling systems for wireless base stations and remote equipment shelters and custom designed, pole-ready 4G and 5G small cell integrated enclosures.

For the nine months ended July 31, 2023, revenues from the Custom Cabling segment were generated from the sale of fiber optics cable, copper cabling, custom patch cord assemblies, and wiring harnesses, which collectively accounted for 55% of the Company’s total sales. Revenues from the RF Connector segment were generated from the sales of RF connector products and cable assemblies and accounted for 45% of total sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2023. The RF Connector segment mostly sells standardized products regularly used by customers and, therefore, has a more stable revenue stream. On the other hand, the Custom Cabling segment mostly designs, manufactures, and sells customized cabling and wireless-related equipment under larger purchase orders. Accordingly, the Custom Cabling segment is more dependent upon larger orders and its revenues can therefore be more volatile than the revenues of the RF Connector segment.

Our corporate headquarters are located at 16868 Via Del Campo Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92127. Our phone number is (858) 549-6340.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have been able to fund our liquidity and other capital requirements from funds we generated from operations. However, we have incurred operating losses during the three and nine months ended July 31, 2023. During the period, we have implemented certain cost-cutting measures to reduce our operating expenses and to help drive positive operating cash flow and increase liquidity. Our plan includes consolidating facilities and recognizing the related operating efficiencies and synergies in our production operations. We intend to continue to pursue additional continuous improvement and cost reduction measures, as well as organic growth in revenue and profitability.

As of July 31, 2023, we had a total of $4.1 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to a total of $4.5 million of cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2022. As of July 31, 2023, we had working capital of $22.8 million and a current ratio of approximately 2.9:1 with current assets of $34.8 million and current liabilities of $12.1 million. We believe that the amount of cash remaining, plus the amount available to us under the Revolving Credit Facility, will be sufficient to fund our anticipated liquidity needs.

As of July 31, 2023, we had $17.2 million of backlog, compared to $27.8 million as of October 31, 2022. The decrease in backlog relates primarily to shipments made against orders for our hybrid fiber cables. Since purchase orders are submitted from customers based on the timing of their requirements, our ability to predict orders in future periods or trends in future periods is limited. Furthermore, purchase orders may be subject to cancellation from customers, although we have not historically experienced material cancellations of purchase orders.

In the nine months ended July 31, 2023, we generated $2.6 million of cash in our operating activities. This net inflow of cash is primarily related to an increase in other current assets of $4.6 million, the collections of accounts receivable of $5.4 million, $1.8 million from depreciation and amortization, and $0.7 million from stock-based compensation expense. The cash usage was primarily due to accrued expenses of $4.3 million and our net loss of $2.2 million. The cash generated by other current assets represents $4.6 million, which primarily consists of $2.8 million of reimbursement for tenant improvements and $1.5 million received from ERC.

During the nine months ended July 31, 2023, we also spent $2.3 million on capital expenditures, and $1.8 million in Term Loan payments. The cash used in operating activities and the amounts spent on capital expenditures were partially offset by $0.1 million of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options. As noted above, we also drew $1.0 million from the Revolving Credit Facility as of July 31, 2023, primarily to fund leasehold improvements to the new corporate headquarters.

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Our goal to expand and grow our business both organically and through acquisitions may require material additional capital equipment. In the past, we have purchased all additional equipment, or financed some of our equipment and furnishings requirements through capital leases. At this time, we have not identified any additional capital equipment purchases that would require significant additional leasing or capital expenditures during the next 12 months. We also believe that based on our current financial condition, our current backlog of unfulfilled orders, and our anticipated future operations, we would be able to finance our expansion, if necessary.

From time to time, we may undertake acquisitions of other companies or product lines in order to diversify our product and solutions offerings and customer base. Conversely, we may undertake the disposition of a division or product line due to changes in our business strategy or market conditions. Acquisitions may require the outlay of cash, which may reduce our liquidity and capital resources while dispositions may increase our cash position, liquidity and capital resources. Since our goal is to continue to expand our operations and accelerate our growth through future acquisitions, we may use some of our current capital resources to fund acquisitions we may undertake in the future.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended July 31, 2023 vs. Three Months Ended July 31, 2022

Net sales for the three months ended July 31, 2023 (the “fiscal 2023 quarter”) decreased by 34%, or $8.1 million, to $15.7 million as compared to the three months ended July 31, 2022 (the “fiscal 2022 quarter”). Net sales for the fiscal 2023 quarter at the Custom Cabling segment decreased by $5.4 million, or 40.6%, to $7.9 million, compared to $13.3 million in the fiscal 2022 quarter. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in sales of hybrid fiber cables to wireless carrier customers and a decrease in sales of small cell products and systems to customers in the Tier-1 wireless ecosystem. Net sales for the fiscal 2023 quarter at the RF Connector segment decreased by $2.7 million, or 25.7%, to $7.8 million as compared to $10.5 million in the fiscal 2022 quarter, primarily due to a decrease in sales related to carrier projects involving approved RF components.

Gross profit for the fiscal 2023 quarter decreased by $3.4 million to $3.8 million, and gross margins decreased to 24.4% of sales compared to 30.4% of sales in the fiscal 2022 quarter. The decreases in gross profit and gross margins were primarily related to the overall decrease in sales.

Engineering expenses decreased by $0.1 million to $0.7 million in the fiscal 2023 quarter compared to $0.8 million in the fiscal 2022 quarter. Engineering expenses represent costs incurred relating to the ongoing research and development of current and new products.

Selling and general expenses decreased by $0.3 million to $5.1 million (32.9% of sales) compared to $5.4 million (22.5% of sales) in the third quarter last year primarily due to a decrease in variable compensation related to commissions and bonuses as a result of the lower sales. We also incurred a one-time charge of $194,000 (related to the move of our C Enterprises and Microlab divisions, and including system implementation charges and severance) compared to acquisition-related expenses and a one-time charge of $114,000 (including professional fees, system implementation charges and severance).

For the fiscal 2023 quarter, the Custom Cabling segment had pretax loss of $0.7 million and the RF Connector segment had a pretax loss of $1.1 million, as compared to $0.6 million income and $1 million income, respectively, for the comparable quarter last year. The pretax loss at the Custom Cabling segment was due to the decrease in sales of hybrid fiber cables to wireless carrier customers and a decrease in sales of small cell products and systems to customers in the Tier-1 wireless ecosystem. The decrease in the pretax net income at the RF Connector segment was primarily due to the decrease in Microlab sales related to carrier projects involving approved RF components.

For fiscal 2023 and 2022 quarters, we recorded income tax (benefit) provision of ($482,000) and $140,000, respectively. The effective tax rate was 22.7% for the fiscal 2023 quarter, compared to 15.4% for the fiscal 2022 quarter. The change in the effective tax rate from the fiscal 2022 quarter to fiscal 2023 quarter was primarily driven by the increased benefit from research and development credits and the Company's full year forecasted financial loss.

For the fiscal 2023 quarter, net loss was $1.6 million and fully diluted loss per share was $0.16, compared to a net income of $0.8 million and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.08 for the fiscal 2022 quarter. For the fiscal 2023 quarter, the diluted weighted average shares outstanding was 10,290,265 as compared to 10,238,932 for the fiscal 2022 quarter.

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2023 vs. Nine Months Ended July 31, 2022

Net sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2023 (the “fiscal 2023 nine-month period”) of $56.3 million decreased by 9.6%, or $6.0 million, compared to the nine months ended July 31, 2022 (the “fiscal 2022 nine-month period”). The decrease in net sales is attributable to the Custom Cabling segment, which decreased by $9.5 million, or 23.6%, to $30.8 million compared to $40.3 million in the fiscal 2022 nine-month period, primarily related to wireless carrier network deployment slowdowns across the industry in 2023 impacting both our hybrid fiber sales and our small cell and direct air cooling products. Net sales for the fiscal 2023 nine-month period at the RF Connector segment increased by $3.6 million, or 16.4%, to $25.5 million compared to $21.9 million in the fiscal 2022 nine-month period. The increase was primarily the result of the Microlab acquisition on March 1, 2022.

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Gross profit for the fiscal 2023 nine-month period decreased by $2.4 million to $15.0 million and gross margins decreased to 26.7% of sales from 28.0% of sales in the fiscal 2022 nine-month period. The decreases in gross profit and gross margins were primarily related to the overall decrease in sales.

Engineering expenses increased by $0.4 million to $2.5 million for the fiscal 2023 nine-month period compared to $2.1 million in the fiscal 2022 nine-month period. The increase was primarily due to additional engineering expenses during the fiscal 2023 nine-month period related to the engineering efforts associated with our integrated systems products and three full quarters of Microlab. Engineering expenses represent costs incurred relating to the ongoing research and development of new products.

Selling and general expenses increased by $1.4 million to $15.2 million (27.0% of sales) compared to $13.8 million (22.2% of sales) in the nine-month period last year. Microlab, which was acquired on March 1, 2022, accounted for $3.6 million of the selling and general expenses, as compared to $2.0 million for the same period last fiscal year. The increase at Microlab was offset by decreases in variable compensation related to commissions and bonus as a result of the lower sales overall. We also incurred one-time charges totaling $0.8 million related to an additional rent expense of $444,000 (of which $387,000 was non-cash) related to lease accounting, $213,000 in facility move expenses, severance of $75,000 and $45,000 in ERP system implementations in the fiscal 2023 nine-month period compared to acquisition related expenses and other one-time charges (including attorney fees, due diligence and broker fees) which accounted for $1.6 million for the fiscal 2022 nine-month period.

For the fiscal 2023 nine-month period, we recorded a pretax loss for the Custom Cabling segment of $0.8 million and a pretax loss for the RF Connector segment of $1.2 million, as compared to $1.7 million and $1.6 million of income, respectively, for the comparable nine-month period last year. The pretax loss at the Custom Cabling segment was primarily due to the decrease in sales of hybrid fiber cables to our wireless carrier customers and a decrease in sales of small cell products and systems to customers in the Tier-1 wireless ecosystem. The decrease in the pretax net income at the RF Connector segment was primarily due to the decrease in sales related to carrier projects involving approved RF components.

For the fiscal 2023 and 2022 nine-month periods, we recorded income tax (benefit) provision of ($806,000) and $196,000, respectively. The effective tax rate was 26.6% for the fiscal 2023 nine-month period, compared to 16.4% for the fiscal 2022 nine-month period. The change in effective tax rate for the fiscal 2023 and 2022 nine-month periods was primarily driven by stock-based compensation windfall/shortfalls and the Company’s full year forecasted financial loss.

For the fiscal 2023 nine-month period, net loss was $2.2 million and fully diluted loss per share was $0.22 as compared to a net income of $1.0 million and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.10 for the fiscal 2022 nine-month period. For the fiscal 2023 nine-month period, the diluted weighted average shares outstanding was 10,267,652 as compared to 10,223,209 for the fiscal 2022 nine-month period.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) that are designed to assure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide reasonable assurance only of achieving the desired control objectives, and we necessarily are required to apply our judgment in weighing the costs and benefits of possible new or different controls and procedures. Limitations are inherent in all control systems, so no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and any fraud have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations, we regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our processes and systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, and to maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating activities, and migrating processes.

As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), as of the end of the period covered by this report, we, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, there were no changes in the internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. As of the date of this report, we are not subject to any proceeding that is not in the ordinary course of business or that is material to the financial condition of our business.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business, financial condition and operating results are affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, including risks specific to us or our industry, as well as risks that affect businesses in general. In addition to the information and risk factors set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on January 24, 2023. The risks disclosed in such Annual Report and in this Quarterly Report could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations and thus our stock price. We believe there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in the Annual Report. However, additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or which we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

These risk factors may be important to understanding other statements in this Quarterly Report and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” and Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Because of such risk factors, as well as other factors affecting the Company’s financial condition and operating results, past financial performance should not be considered to be a reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

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

The following table sets forth information regarding the shares of common stock cancelled, and deemed to have been repurchased, during the three months ended July 31, 2023 in connection with employee tax withholding for shares of restricted stock that vested under our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan:

Period

 

Total

number of

shares

purchased

  

Average

price paid

per share

  

Total number of

shares purchased

as part of publicly

announced plans or

programs

  

Approximate dollar

value of shares that

may yet be purchased under the plans or

programs

 

May 2023

  -  $-   -  $- 

June 2023

  -  $-   -  $- 

July 2023

  486  $4.07   -  $- 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

Waiver and Amendment to Loan Agreement

On September 12, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to the Loan Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2022, (the “Loan Amendment”) with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Loan Amendment, among other matters, provided for a one-time waiver of our failure to maintain (i) consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio not exceeding 3.00 to 1.00 (the “Debt Test”), measured as of the last day of each calendar quarter, for the period ended July 31, 2023; and (ii) consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00 (the “FCCR Test”), measured as of the last day of each calendar quarter, for the period ended July 31, 2023. The Loan Amendment also waives testing for compliance with the Debt Test and FCCR Test for the quarterly periods ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, with the Debt Test and FCCR Test resuming with the period ending October 31, 2024, and continuing thereafter on a trailing 12-month basis. Further, pursuant to the Loan Amendment, we are required to maintain (i) (a) until September 21, 2023, minimum liquidity (week-end cash balance plus availability from the revolving line of credit) of $4.0 million, and (b) from September 22, 2023 and thereafter, liquidity equal to the greater of (1) $4.0 million or (2) 80% of the liquidity that was forecast for this date at the fourth week of the forecast; and (ii) minimum EBITDA of ($400,000), $500,000, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million for the quarters ending October 31, 2023, January 31, 2024, April 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024, respectively. The effectiveness of the Loan Amendment is conditioned upon, among other things, our payment of a waiver fee of $50,000, and each guarantor’s execution of a consent to the Loan Amendment and reaffirmation of its obligations under its respective guaranty.

The foregoing summary description of the Loan Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Loan Amendment, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Insider Trading Arrangements

During the quarterly period ended July 31, 2023, no director or officer adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, and/or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined pursuant to Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).  

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit

Number

3.1

Amended and Restated Bylaws of RF Industries, Ltd (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on June 14, 2023).

10.1

Third Amendment to Lease by and between Sorrento West Properties, Inc. and RF Industries, Ltd., dated July 11, 2023 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 13, 2023).

10.2

Managed Client Agreement between RF Industries, Ltd. and RGN-MCA San Diego II, LLC, dated June 27, 2023 (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 13, 2023).

10.3Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to Loan Agreement, between Bank of America, N.A. and RF Industries, Ltd., dated September 12, 2023.

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Schema.

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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SIGNATURES

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

RF INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Date: September 14, 2023

By:

/s/ Robert Dawson

Robert Dawson

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: September 14, 2023

By:

/s/ Peter Yin

Peter Yin

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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