1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED] FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1998 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED] For the transition period from to ---------- ---------- Commission File Number: 0-17168 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) VIRGINIA 54-1289115 ------------------------------------ ----------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 45472 HOLIDAY DRIVE STERLING, VIRGINIA 20166 ----------------------------------------- -------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) ----------------------------------------- Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code: 703/318-7750 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None. Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE ------------------------------------------------------------ (Title of Class) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No --- --- Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ] The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price of such shares as of the close of trading on July 8, 1998, was $6,982, 030 (11,082,587 shares times $.63). As of July 8, 1998, there were 12,344,739 shares of the Common Stock of the registrant outstanding. 2 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION INDEX PART I. PAGE Item 1. Business. 3 Item 2. Properties. 11 Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 11 Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders. 12 PART II. PAGE Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. 13 Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 16 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 17 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 24 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 25 PART III. PAGE Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. 26 Item 11. Executive Compensation. 27 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. 32 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. 33 PART IV. PAGE Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K. 34 2 3 PART I. ITEM 1. BUSINESS INTRODUCTION FastComm Communications Corporation (the "Company" or "FastComm"), a Virginia corporation, designs, manufactures, and sells telecommunications access devices. These devices allow computer, terminal and telephone users to connect to public and private wide area (long distance) transmission networks, as provided by common carriers of voice, data and Internet services. The Company's products are aimed at packetized services as well as digital leased-lines, Switched 56 networks, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Internet protocol ("IP") router networks (both private and public, i.e., the "Internet"). The Company's strategy is to produce high quality value-added network access devices--that are the easiest to install, use, and maintain--for several market segments: Legacy-to-LAN transition, Internet/Intranet access, and Voice/Fax and Data integration. The Company targets business customers primarily, and designs its products for volume sales through third party resellers such as network product and service dealers, systems integrators, telephone carriers, PTT's, and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM's"). These resellers form the main distribution channels for the Company and provide installation and maintenance services in the United States and internationally. The Company was incorporated as MicroTel, Inc. under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in May 1983. The Company changed its name to Data Safe Incorporated in February 1984; to Electronic Vaults, Inc., in August 1984; and to FastComm Communications Corporation, in October 1987. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company acquired Comstat Datacomm Corporation, ("CDC or Comstat"), a Georgia corporation engaged in the data communications business. (See Item 7. Business Acquisition) In May 1998, FastComm obtained an exclusive license from KG Data Systems, Inc., ("KG Data") to manufacture, market and sell that firm's ChanlComm(R) product line, a replacement for channel attached front end processors in mainframe networks. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998 FastComm shares were traded publicly on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol FSCX. On June 9, 1998, the Company's shares were delisted from the National Market System. Effective June 16, 1998, the Company's shares have been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the same symbol. PETITION FOR REORGANIZATION UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY LAWS On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This filing was a direct result of enforcement activities by a judgment creditor. (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings) The Company has filed its Schedules and Statements of Financial Affairs in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and is current with its monthly operating reports. The Company continues to operate under Bankruptcy Court protection from creditors while it develops a plan of reorganization. Chapter 11 provides that, unless the court appoints a trustee, the Company has the exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization for the first 120 days subsequent to the filing of the petition (or for such longer or shorter period as the Bankruptcy Court may permit). The Company plans to exercise this right and is currently preparing its plan. Such plan is subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The approval of the plan is dependent on the Company's ability to demonstrate that it will be able to meet its obligations, return to profitability and generate positive cash flow. The Company can offer no assurance as to whether its plan will be approved, or that, if approved, the terms and conditions of the plan will be favorable to its creditors and shareholders. If the Company is unable to attain approval of its plan or the exclusive period lapses, any creditor or party in interest may file a competing plan of reorganization. If the court approves such plan, control of the Company might transfer to the proponents of the competing plan. The Company is unaware of any efforts to prepare a competing plan of reorganization, however it can offer no assurances as to whether one might be prepared in the future. 3 4 DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS NETWORKING INDUSTRY The networking industry encompasses a broad range of communications services and equipment. Communications in the form of voice, data, Internet traffic, electronic mail, facsimile, imaging, video teleconferencing, on-line transaction processing and other forms of information are transmitted across wide-area communications networks. As demand for these information services grows, the demand on communications networks is increasing in terms of the number of sites and users, the number of formats and types of information, and the volume and speed of information to be communicated by each user. The networking industry divides itself into two major areas: 1. BACKBONE COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS, consisting of large switches and multiplexers, plus the wide area network (WAN) transmission lines that provide connectivity for these devices. Public network service providers purchase backbone components for their central offices. Private networks install them at headquarters, major regional centers, and the largest branch locations. 2. ACCESS DEVICES, typically smaller equipment located in customer branch offices and attached to the backbone network through a single digital telephone line. An access device may be part of a local area network (LAN) within a building or site. FASTCOMM'S PRODUCTS The Company's products are based on the second category, the access device segment. The market potential for access products (in units) is far greater than that of backbone and systems products because of the typical ratio of branch offices to headquarters business locations. In addition, companies are providing more networked applications and connectivity to their branch offices. As circuit line costs decline and the bandwidth demands increase, these sites are increasingly able to justify a dedicated network connection (as opposed to dial-up). The original communication networks implemented by businesses were based on dial-up connections for branch offices, and dedicated (leased) circuits for larger regional offices. While residential connectivity in the US remains dial-up, the bulk of the business traffic is carried on dedicated digital lines. FastComm's early products, primarily analog modems, provided access over analog lines. Starting in 1990, the Company developed and promoted new products for connection to digital lines, responding to the needs of businesses. Digital access devices now constitute the majority of the Company's business. FRAME RELAY ACCESS DEVICES The majority of the Company's revenue comes from the sale of frame relay access devices ("FRADs") and multiprotocol access routers. Frame relay is a simple way to transfer (relay) blocks of data (frames) on a "best effort" basis (without error correction) across a public or private network. Frame relay takes advantage of the high-quality (low error rate) of digital and optical fiber transmission lines to simplify communications by not correcting errors. Error correction is performed by computers and terminals attached to the network, not the network itself. Frame relay standards define the format for the data blocks sent to the network. The Company's frame relay access devices and routers adapt terminals, computers, telephone equipment, and facsimile machines to the industry standard frame relay format. FRAD market studies from major consultants such as the Yankee Group and Vertical Systems indicate that frame relay service revenues and unit counts are expected to grow at a rate of 30% or more annually past the year 2000. The Company's FRADs, which are functionally routers, also connect PCs, workstations, local area networks ("LAN"), and host computers to a frame relay service. Data formats on FastComm FRADs are compatible with standard routers for the most important LAN protocols: IP, IPX, and AppleTalk(TM). A solution comprised of mixing FRADs at some sites with routers at others is less expensive than deploying routers everywhere. Certain Internet service providers (ISPs) offer FastComm FRADs or routers as part of their product package, with frame relay service between the ISP site and those customers who require full time Internet access or to maintain a home page on the World Wide Web. In addition to standards compatibility, FastComm relies on additional proprietary features to add value and distinguish its products. To the best of the Company's knowledge, no competitor currently offers, in a single product line, all the features listed below: 4 5 1. Automatic installation has been a key advantage, in the form of three specific features that make FastComm products easier to install than those of its competition. - FastConnect(TM) allows a FastComm FRAD to learn how the frame relay network switch is configured. - FastConfig(TM) allows an EtherFRAD(TM), RingFRAD(TM) or WEB.router(R) access device to learn its IP addressing. - Save and restore configurations via file transfer between the FRAD or WEB.router(R) and a management station 2. MaximumPRIORITY(TM) and FastRATE(TM) features provide sophisticated, multiprotocol prioritization and congestion control, a feature typically found only in transmission switches. These features enable the Company's FRAD and router products to combine multiple "mission critical" applications over a single network connection while offering a superior quality of service. When used in conjunction with a wide area network or service that also offers prioritization of applications (virtual circuits), the Company's products can be used to offer end-to-end prioritization, a highly distinguishing feature. 3. A menu system on a port dedicated to management and configuration guides a user to select and set options for the installation process or to perform maintenance procedures. It also offers easy access to management information and statistics. Competitors, in contrast, typically offer only a command line, which requires the user to learn and manually enter exact commands in the proper format and order. This is a slow, error prone and costly process. A distinguishing feature of FastComm FRADs is their ability to handle terminal protocols with intelligence. An example of this intelligence is seen when dealing with polled protocols like IBM's SDLC (synchronous data link control) where more than half the data on a line may be overhead, not information. FastComm FRADs can eliminate this polling overhead and pass only user information. The Company's equipment emulates multidrop lines, the most common type found in over 50,000 IBM SNA (system network architecture) networks. FastComm FRADs save bandwidth, improve response times and simplify network topologies. Recent versions of the front end processor for IBM mainframe computers and the midrange AS/400 are compatible with direct connections to frame relay networks. FastComm FRADs support the protocol conversion necessary for SDLC devices to interoperate directly with a front end processor or AS/400. As with router networks, FRADs at remote sites with terminal cluster controllers can reduce the overall cost of a network. Additional customer interest has been expressed in the direct Ethernet LAN port on the EtherFRAD(TM) models, the Token Ring port in RingFRAD(TM) models, and in the data compression hardware option that has been shipped with the QuadFRAD(TM) models and will be offered in other models in the future based on market demand. Voice over frame relay became popular during fiscal 1997. In response, the Company introduced the VoiceFRAD(TM) a multiport/multiprotocol voice over frame relay access device. FastComm VoiceFRADs(TM) provide cost effective data and voice access over frame relay networks and support a variety of standard voice interfaces. Voice is digitized and compressed using a CELP algorithm that produces high voice quality at compression ratios of 8:1 and more. Silence suppression halves the bandwidth during the call, effectively producing up to 16:1 compression. Frames are sent only during conversation. Signaling is passed transparently. Facsimile ("FAX") is demodulated and handled as data. A FAX call is recognized from modem / FAX tones and converted to a digital signal. In the frame relay format, a FAX connection is treated and carried like any other data. Frame relay products contributed approximately 72% of the Company's total revenue for fiscal year 1998. WEB.ROUTER(R) The WEB.router(R) product, a low cost Internet access router, provides the Company's solution for Internet access over frame relay. The Internet and its World Wide Web are usually accessed over a dialed up connection or a leased line carrying the Internet Protocol (IP) in a format called Point to Point Protocol (PPP). With the large number of new Internet users, service providers are finding frame relay an efficient way to offer connections to many customers over a single data line at the ISP's site. WEB.router(R) devices were designed for Intranet applications of World Wide Web technology (within companies) as well as general Internet access. ISDN The Company offers Basic Rate Interface (BRI) module to attach to the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network, a digital phone service). This module becomes part of an EtherFRAD, for example. The BRI is an all-digital method to access a telephone company central office. A BRI can carry frame relay and voice at the same time. Software enhancements allow a Company product to use the BRI as its main connection, or as a way to dial up a 5 6 replacement connection if for any reason the original frame relay access line is lost. The BRI option is offered in different versions for North America and Europe. DATA CONTROLLER Data Controllers are small data PABX's that allow up to seven devices to be managed with a single telephone line and modem. A management station places one call to the data controller, then communicates with up to seven attached devices. A typical example would be a branch office equipped with a CSU, multiplexer, bridge or router, terminal controller, and voice PABX or key system. In addition to supporting dial-in access, the Data Controller will accept information from any of the managed devices, then dial out to the central management station, through the modem, and deliver that information -- for example, an alarm message. This product is sold as the SuperView(TM) device. COMSTAT DATACOMM QUICK PRODUCT LINE In January 1997, the Company acquired Comstat Datacomm Corporation, a privately held firm engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of networking products for the banking services and manufacturing market segments. Comstat targets Unisys A and C-series mainframe customers, and others, who require more cost-effective networking solutions for communication between legacy applications / equipment and LAN applications. Sales of Comstat products totaled $2,274,000 during the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998. CHANLCOMM(R) MAINFRAME COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSOR Under an exclusive five year license agreement with KG Data Systems, Inc., the Company has begun to market the ChanlComm(R) product family as a replacement for the front end processor ("FEP") in networks built around IBM mainframe computers. The ChanlComm(R) takes its name from being "channel attached" to the main computer, bypassing the front end processor normally installed to handle communications lines. This product is now shipping with serial (SDLC) interfaces for wide area network lines (point to point and multidrop). The product development plan includes the addition of a direct frame relay interface along with other capabilities and protocols. The current 16 port capacity will be expanded to at least 256 ports. In most applications, the ChanlComm(R) at the host computer will communicate with FastComm FRADs at remote sites. The terms and conditions of this agreement call for an initial payment of $150,000 plus $8,000 per month thereafter and a 5% royalty on all ChanlComm(R) sales. An additional royalty of 3% is due for all revenues in excess of $2,500,000 per year. The Company is also required to reimburse KG Data certain expenses on a monthly basis. The agreement, which is renewable by FastComm for two additional five year terms, also calls for additional cash payments once certain ChanlComm(R) sales milestones are achieved. NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT The Company invests heavily in research and development ("R&D") and expects such investment to continue. Recorded expenses for research and development have been as follows: FY 1998 $2,255,000 25% of revenue FY 1997 $2,042,000 18% of revenue FY 1996 $1,412,000 14% of revenue The R&D plan includes new digital access products in addition to add-on features for existing FRADs. In May 1998, the Company obtained an exclusive license from KG Data Systems, Inc. to sell its ChanlComm(R) product, a replacement for the front end processor (FEP) in an IBM mainframe network. In conjunction with the license, the Company is funding certain expenses at KG, including continuing channel attached product development. The license includes an option whereby FastComm may acquire KG Data. The license from KG Data involves continuing product development on the ChanlComm(R) communications processors. The work plan includes the addition of several protocol variants, including a frame relay network interface, and expansion of overall capacity. 6 7 Product features that were finished in the past year include: 1) ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) basic rate interface ("BRI"), an alternative to the integral 56 Kbps DSU/CSU for principal access, or dial backup protection. Several telephone companies tariffed ISDN BRI access to their frame relay networks during 1997. 2) Integral T-1 and E-1 (1.5 and 2 Mbps, respectively) CSU options. These CSU interfaces are increasingly popular with customers. The Company's ability to offer these options integral to its products, and as a managed part of the network access device is a distinguishing feature. 3) SNMP management. This is the defacto management for products deployed in a LAN environment. It is a requirement of most major network users. Competitive pressure requires aggressive pricing. Product development stresses low cost, reliable components and ease of assembly. A modular approach allows many different products to be created from a few basic components. To keep costs low or to bring a product to market quickly, any design may be done entirely internally, externally, jointly with another firm, or from licensed technology. Larger companies, with larger engineering resources and more internal expertise, may be able to develop a larger portion of their products without outside technology. Not having to pay licensing fees or royalties could provide them a cost advantage. Research and development project schedules for high technology products are inherently difficult to predict, and there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve its expected initial shipment dates of products in development. The timely availability of new and enhanced products is critical to the success of the Company. Delays in availability of these new products, or lack of market acceptance of such products, could adversely affect the Company. The Company's ability to anticipate changes in technology, industry standards and communications service provider offerings, and its ability to develop and introduce new and enhanced products on a timely basis that are successful in the market will be a significant factor in the Company's competitive position and in its prospects for growth. BACKLOG Because of its quarterly design and build cycle, the Company builds and fills essentially all of its customer orders within the fiscal quarter of receipt. Backlog of undeliverable orders is usually not significant. Management believes that the Company's backlog as of any given date is not necessarily indicative of actual revenues for any succeeding period. Management knows of no material effect from compliance with environmental laws or regulations. SEASONALITY AND INFLATION The Company's operations have not proven to be seasonal, although quarterly revenue and net income may vary. Although the Company cannot accurately determine the amounts attributable thereto, the Company has been affected by inflation through increased costs of employee compensation and other operating expenses. The Company believes that inflation has not had a material effect on the Company's results of operation or financial condition. MARKETING AND SALES On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Company believes that this filing has negatively impacted its ability to sell its product in the market place in the near term and it is unable to predict the effect this filing will have on future sales. DOMESTIC FastComm sells its frame relay products primarily via indirect channels such as value added resellers, systems integrators, major telephone companies, PTT's, OEM's and distributors. These entities provide the installation and local maintenance support required by end-user customers 7 8 The Comstat Division and that portion of the Company's sales force selling the ChanlComm(R) products do sell directly to end users as well as through a limited number of resellers. The Company also provides direct technical support for these customers. As of July 1998, resellers of the Company's products include Alcatel Data Networks, Anicom, C&L Communications, GTE Corporation and Computer Services Inc. These resellers, along with others not mentioned, issue firm purchase orders to the Company, take volume shipments against these orders and resell the FastComm product to smaller dealers and end users. Title to product transfers to the reseller upon shipment. Certain Resellers may request a stock adjustment/rotation twice annually and a stock update at any time. "Stock adjustment/rotation" and "stock update" are agreements whereby FastComm permits a reseller, at FastComm's sole discretion, to return already purchased but unused and still current products to FastComm. Stock adjustments/rotations and stock updates, which require the approval of an officer of FastComm, are granted for specific purposes: - - Stock adjustment/rotation allows an exchange for other FastComm products of equal value. At the sole discretion of FastComm, stock adjustments may be limited to 10% or 20% of the value of product ordered and accepted by the reseller during the prior six-month period. - - Stock updates may be approved for either warranty revalidation and/or software revision level changes on products that are then returned to the dealer. At FastComm's sole discretion, returned products may be exchanged for the same types of equipment from inventory. FastComm, at its sole discretion, may charge a reseller a "restocking charge" of up to 20% to execute a stock adjustment or stock update. Stock adjustment/rotation and stock update do not permit distributors to return purchased merchandise for a refund. The Company's practices concerning stock adjustment/rotation and stock updates are believed to be consistent with those of the communications manufacturing industry, based on management's experiences and its analysis of similar companies. Normally, payment in full is due within thirty days from date of shipment to the reseller. The Company offers extended payment terms in certain situations. The Company also offers prompt payment discounts. Although normal payment terms are net 30 days from date of shipment, as a practical matter, the Company normally receives payments on accounts receivable beyond thirty (30) days, even from its most credit-worthy customers. Management does not believe that its credit and collection history is substantially different from other companies in the data-communications industry, based on management's experiences with similar companies. With the exception of the stock adjustment/rotation policies as discussed above and product warranty, the Company is not contractually obligated to accept returned merchandise. During fiscal year 1998, sales to Alcatel Data Networks accounted for 32.2% of total sales. During fiscal year 1997 sales to System One Corporation and GTE Telephone Operations accounted for 29% and 16% of sales, respectively. During fiscal year 1996 sales to System One Corporation and GTE Telephone Corporation accounted for 31% and 21% of sales, respectively. There were no Government contracts during the fiscal year that were subject to renegotiation of profits or termination. INTERNATIONAL In the international marketplace, independent distributors represent the Company in more than 30 countries. These firms are most often locally owned and managed, which gives them an important presence in their markets. Terms of international distribution agreements are similar to domestic agreements and grant to the distributor similar stock adjustment/rotation and stock update rights. In most cases, a distributor obtains non-exclusive rights to all FastComm products for a specific geographic area. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company had export sales to foreign customers totaling $3,292,000, $846,000 and $1,300,000, respectively. The majority of the sales to Alcatel Data Networks are for export, primarily to Latin America and Asia. The Company's export sales may be subject to restrictions on foreign operations, including restrictions imposed by foreign governments on imports as well as US Government originated restrictions, and are subject to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Although substantially all foreign contracts are denominated, and revenues are paid, in United States dollars, to the extent the Company receives payments in foreign currencies, 8 9 it may incur gains or losses because of exchange fluctuations between currencies. Moreover, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may cause the Company's established prices to be relatively more or less expensive in terms of local currencies. CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND SERVICE The Company maintains a technical support staff. Their work primarily supports resellers, but end users are periodically given technical information and assistance by telephone. For new products or features, including beta tests, Company personnel will visit end user sites to participate in installation and training. The Comstat Division and operations related to the ChannlComm products provide technical support either directly or through separate groups. NCR Corp. and Unisys have signed agreements with the Company whereby they assume responsibility for installation and/or maintenance of FastComm products sold by them or by third parties. The Company may enter into similar agreements with others in the future. PROMOTION Advertising in trade publications stress the unique benefits and the Company's strong points. Most publications in which the Company advertises have international circulation, aiding the Company's selling efforts outside the U.S. The Company participates regularly in industry trade shows in order to meet prospective customers, generate sales leads, communicate with the press, and to do market research. The Company exhibits under its own name and also takes opportunities to exhibit with its dealers and distributors who show FastComm products. To generate interest and to identify prospects among data center managers, the Company uses direct mail targeted at known users of mainframe computers. COMPETITION On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the effect this filing will have on its ability to compete in its marketplace. The communications industry is highly competitive. Rapid technological change, evolving standards and regulatory developments characterize the market for the Company's products. Many of the Company's competitors and potential competitors have greater financial, technological, manufacturing, marketing and personnel resources than the Company. The Company's success depends to a large extent on the insight, experience, and energy of its people, and therefore on its ability to attract and retain experienced professionals. The primary competition for each of the Company's major products is as follows: FRAME RELAY ACCESS DEVICES: This continues to be a developing market, where functionality differences among vendors still persist. FastComm enjoys an advantage in its ability to handle legacy protocols as well as LAN traffic, an integral CSU, small size, a low price, and automatic self-configuration features that simplify installation. Other vendors with distinguishing features focus on specific applications or market niches, with feature sets or distribution channels. The EtherFRAD(TM), because of its compatibility with routers, competes with the low end products of most router vendors. They attempt to compete on name recognition, size, or backbone router features rather than strictly as an access product. VOICE OVER FRAME RELAY: Many FRAD vendors have shipped FRADs with voice capability, and several have gained reputations for having voice. The initial shipments of FastComm VoiceFRAD(TM) product occurred during late FY 1997. The Company acquires VoiceFRADS from an Australian manufacturer and resells this product under both its own name and that of customers. UNISYS MAINFRAME MARKET: The users of the Comstat products are those with older Unisys mainframe computers that were designed to communicate using the Poll/Select protocol on leased lines. Progress in computers and communications technologies will force these networks to a more modern transmission format, typically frame relay or Internet Protocol (IP). Comstat supports both migration strategies, with equipment that is more flexible, reliable, and cost-effective than the few alternatives now available. IBM MAINFRAME MARKET: The ChanlComm(R) is one of the very few communications devices that attach directly to the mainframe computer via the block or byte channel (bus and tag connectors). No other FRAD vendor offers a 9 10 channel-attached device. Among router vendors, only Cisco has announced a channel attachment option, licensed from IBM. While new entrants may appear, the cost to buy or design a channel interface to the mainframe will pose a significant barrier to market entry for some years, Company management believes. Current users of IBM front end processors ("FEP") have been advised that IBM will discontinue support for certain older models at the end of 1998. The ChanlComm(R) products easily replace these FEP versions. However, the Company expects that third-party maintenance organizations will continue to offer support for the older FEPs, allowing them to remain in service for some additional time. Having a channel-attached device is expected to provide a competitive advantage to the Company as it seeks a share of the business to be generated between now and the year 2003 when an expected 35,000 IBM networks convert from leased lines to a frame relay transmission service. However, competitors like IBM and Cisco, which are larger and have greater resources, are expected to compete for the same customers so there is no assurance that revenue targets will be achieved on schedule. LICENSES, PATENTS, AND TRADEMARKS The communications industry traditionally relies more on trade secrets and rapid obsolescence than patents. None of the Company's current products is protected by patent except the autodialer card. This patent expires on November 21, 2006. To date, sales of the autodialer product have been minimal. In May 1998, the Company entered into an exclusive license from KG Data Systems, Inc. to manufacture, market and sell its ChanlComm(R) product, a replacement for the front end processor (FEP) in an IBM mainframe network. The terms and conditions of this agreement call for an initial payment of $150,000, with $70,000 payable upon execution and the remaining $80,000 payable in four weekly installments of $20,000 beginning May 18, 1998. The agreement calls for royalties of 5% on net sales of the ChanlComm(R) product with minimum royalties of $8,000 per month. Additional cash payments of $100,000 and $200,000 are due if net revenues of ChanlComm(R) product exceed $1,500,000 and $2,500,000, respectively. An additional royalty of 3% is due for all net revenues in excess of $2,500,000. The initial term of the agreement is five years and is renewable by the Company for two additional five year terms. The Company is also required to reimburse KG Data certain expenses on a monthly basis, as specified in the agreement. The agreement includes an option whereby FastComm may acquire KG Data. The Company licenses outside technology for its product development. The cost to license software from commercial vendors is less than the loaded cost of internal developments. Licensing also speeds product delivery. All of the software licenses currently owned by the Company are perpetual. The Company expects to license additional software, particularly in areas that are highly standardized and have multiple sources to minimize costs. Software related to the ISDN, X.25 and SNA interfaces is licensed to the Company and has been integrated into its FRAD product line. MANUFACTURING On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. To date, the Company believes that this filing has negatively impacted its ability to procure components or manufacturing services. It is unable to predict the effect this filing will have on its ability to procure components and manufacturing services in the future. The Company's manufacturing process consists of planning, purchasing, material management, circuit board assembly, final assembly and testing. FastComm manufacturing personnel perform all of these functions with the exception of circuit board assembly which for the most part is outsourced to third party manufacturers. The Company believes that the outsourcing of manufacturing preserves capital for other business purposes. The Company will continue this outsourcing activity. On July 30, 1997, the Company entered into a two year contract manufacturing services agreement with Tanon Manufacturing, Inc. ("Tanon"). Under the terms and conditions of this agreement, Tanon will manufacture, on a turnkey basis, circuit board assemblies in accordance with FastComm's specifications. During fiscal year 1998, virtually all data FRAD products were based on circuit board assemblies manufactured by Tanon. Upon mutual agreement of both parties and 90 days notice, this agreement may be extended for additional one year periods. The Company believes that its relationship with Tanon is satisfactory and plans to use its services for the foreseeable future. 10 11 Most of the components use in the Company's manufacturing process are available from multiple sources. Single-source items are all from large vendors with stable histories of supplying material as needed. FastComm and its third party manufacturer have established strong relationships with key vendors to reduce the risk of significant shortages or delays relating to availability of materials. Shortages or delays in the supply of components, however, could adversely affect the Company's ability to meet scheduled product shipments in any particular fiscal quarter, which could materially affect the Company's near term operating results. Management believes the loss of any supplier would not be materially detrimental to the Company's business in the long term. The Company enters into contracts with other manufacturers to acquire equipment to resell. The Company puts its name or that of a customer on these products for its existing distribution channels. These products include VoiceFRADs(TM) which the Company resells under both its own name and under that of customers. Management knows of no material effect on its business from compliance with environmental laws and regulations. EMPLOYEES At July 8, 1998, the Company had 63 full-time employees. None of the Company's employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and the Company believes that its employee relations are satisfactory. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company's executive, administrative, manufacturing, research and development and marketing operations are located in a leased 17,000 square foot facility in Sterling, Virginia. Aggregate base rent and common charges for this facility approximated $207,000 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998. The Company entered into a new five year lease agreement for this space effective May 1, 1998. Expenditures under this lease agreement approximate $22,000 per month plus annual escalation. Effective August 1, 1998, the Company entered into a two year lease agreement for 2,100 square feet in Duluth Georgia that supports its Comstat Datacomm division. The base rent for this facility is $1,700 per month. The Company also leases small sales offices in Colorado and the state of Washington. Management believes that its leased facilities adequately serve the Company's present needs. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has conducted an inquiry pursuant to an order directing a private investigation relating to certain prior public disclosures and periodic reports of the Company. On April 7, 1998, the Company was informed by the staff of the SEC that the staff intends to seek authorization from the Commission to file a civil injunctive action against the Company and certain of its past and current officers for various violations of the federal securities laws. The Company continues to work with the SEC in an effort to settle this proposed action. No assurance can be given that the matter will be settled. In 1997, Gary H. Davison a former officer and director of the Company commenced two lawsuits against the Company in the Circuit Court of Fairfax, Virginia, one for wrongful termination and the other for breach of contract. The breach of contract action involved claims for options to purchase 100,000 shares of stock and a $100,000 bonus. On February 17, 1998, a jury in Fairfax County awarded Mr. Davison $1,125,000 in damages and $163,233 in interest accrued from May 26, 1996 in this case. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss provision for this amount in its third fiscal quarter ended January 31, 1998. Subsequently, this award was reduced by $100,000. The Company has filed an appeal of this decision with the Virginia Supreme Court and believes it has sufficient meritorious issues to overturn this verdict. The filing of the bankruptcy petition has stayed any activity on the second case. Following the verdict in the Davison lawsuit, another former employee filed a similar claim, by way of a counterclaim in a lawsuit commenced to collect monies owed by this employee to the Company's President. The Company settled this counterclaim on May 1, 1998 for $50,000. In connection with the bankruptcy filing, the Company may be compelled to demand that this payment be repaid to the Company as an avoidable preference. On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This filing was a direct result of enforcement activities by a judgment creditor, Gary Davison. The Company has filed its Schedules and Statements of Financial Affairs in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Court and is current with its monthly operating reports. Chapter 11 provides that, unless a trustee is appointed, the Company has the exclusive 11 12 right to file a plan of reorganization for the first 120 days subsequent to the filing of the petition (or for such longer or shorter period as the Bankruptcy Court may permit). The Company plans to exercise this right. The Company continues to operate under bankruptcy court protection from creditors while seeking to work out a plan of reorganization. No other material legal proceeding to which the Company is party or to which the Company is subject is pending and no such proceeding is known by the Company to be contemplated. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS During the year ended April 30, 1998 two matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders at the Company's annual meeting on March 31, 1998. (1) a proposal to amend the Articles of Incorporation of the Company to authorize a serial preferred stock and (2) a proposal to approve issuance of shares of Common Stock underlying the Company's convertible debentures and certain warrants. Proposal one was defeated by a vote of 3,095,700 for and 670,610 against; Proposal two was defeated by a vote of 3,188,500 for and 596,589 against. 12 13 PART II. ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998 FastComm shares were traded publicly on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol FSCX. On June 9, 1998, following the Company's bankruptcy filing, the Company's shares were delisted from the National Market System. Effective June 16, 1998, the Company's shares have been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the same symbol. The following table sets forth the range of high and low bid prices or sales prices, as applicable, of the Common Stock for each fiscal quarter during the two most recent fiscal years, as furnished by NASDAQ. The bid prices represent prices between dealers, do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions and do not necessarily represent actual transactions. High Low ---- --- Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 1998: First Quarter................................ $7 7/8 $5 1/4 Second Quarter............................... 6 9/16 4 1/2 Third Quarter................................ 5 3/16 2 3/32 Fourth Quarter .............................. 3 13/32 1 1/4 High Low ---- --- Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 1997: First Quarter................................ $19 7/8 $12 Second Quarter............................... 13 7 1/2 Third Quarter................................ 9 1/8 5 5/8 Fourth Quarter ........................... 7 3/8 4 1/16 As of July 8, 1998, there were 200 registered holders of record of the Common Stock and the closing sale price on such date for the Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ was $.63 per share. DIVIDEND POLICY The Company has not paid dividends on its Common Stock. The Company anticipates that it will retain all earnings to finance the operation and growth of its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. 13 14 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION THE COMPANY CAUTIONS THAT CERTAIN STATEMENTS IN THIS REPORT AND IN COMPANY'S OTHER PERIODIC REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED (THE "EXCHANGE ACT"), IN MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" AND ELSEWHERE , MAY BE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 21E OF THE EXCHANGE ACT, THE "SAFE HARBOR" FOR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ENACTED IN THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT ON 1995. THE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT MAY BE CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY'S REPORTS UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT AND IN OTHER ORAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENTS MADE BY THE COMPANY OR BY ITS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES INVOLVE A NUMBER OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. AS A CONSEQUENCE, ACTUAL RESULTS MIGHT DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM RESULTS FORECAST OR SUGGESTED IN THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. SOME OF THESE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THESE FACTORS AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY MAY BE REFERRED TO AS PART OF PARTICULAR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MADE BY THE COMPANY OR ON ITS BEHALF ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE IMPORTANT FACTORS DISCUSSED BELOW AND TO THOSE THAT MAY BE DISCUSSED AS PART OF PARTICULAR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. The Company cautions that the following important factors, among others, could cause actual results for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998 and for subsequent financial reporting periods to differ materially from those forecast or suggested in any forward-looking statement made by the Company or on its behalf, in this report and otherwise. A number of these important factors have been discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q previously filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This filing was a direct result of enforcement activities by a judgment creditor. (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings) The Company has filed its Schedules and Statements of Financial Affairs in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and is current with its monthly operating reports. Chapter 11 provides that, unless a trustee is appointed, the Company has the exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization for the first 120 days subsequent to the filing of the petition (or for such longer or shorter period as the Bankruptcy Court may permit). The Company plans to exercise this right. The Company continues to operate under bankruptcy court protection from creditors while it develops a plan of reorganization. POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS AND GROWTH RATE A significant portion of the Company's sales are derived from products shipped against firm purchase orders received in each fiscal quarter and from products shipped against firm purchase orders released in that quarter. Unforeseen delays in product deliveries or the closing of sales, introduction of new products by the Company or its competitors, fluctuations in customer capital expenditures or other conditions affecting the networking industry or the economy during any fiscal quarter could cause quarterly revenue and net earnings to vary greatly. Further, the Company schedules some production of its products and budgets expenses based on forecasts of sales, which are difficult to predict. The Company's manufacturing procedures are designed to assure rapid response to customer demand, but may, in certain circumstances, create risk of excess or inadequate inventory of orders do not match forecast. Moreover, shortages or delays in the supply of manufacturing components at shipments at acceptable prices could adversely affect the Company's ability to meet scheduled product shipments in any particular quarter, which could materially affect the Company's operating results. Because a substantial portion of customer orders are filled within the fiscal quarter of receipt, and because of the ability of customers to revise or cancel orders and change delivery schedules without significant penalty, quarter to quarter revenues and, to a greater degree, net earnings, may be subject to greater variability and less predictability. TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES The markets for the Company's products are characterized by continuous technological change, evolving industry standards and frequent product introductions. Such changes in the market may adversely affect the Company's ability to sell its products. The Company's ability to anticipate changes in technology, industry standards and to develop and introduce new and enhanced products on a timely basis that are successful in the market, will be significant factors in the Company's competitive position and its prospects for growth. Moreover, if technologies or standards supported by the Company's products or carrier service offerings based on the Company's products become obsolete or fail to gain widespread commercial acceptance, the Company's business may be adversely affected. As a result, Management believes that significant expenditures for research and development will be required in the future. Research and development project schedules for high technology products are inherently difficult to predict , and there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve its expected initial shipment dates for products in development. Because timely availability of new and enhanced products is critical to the success of 14 15 the Company, delays in availability of these products, or lack of market acceptance of such products, could adversely affect the Company. COMPETITION On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the effect this filing will have on its ability to compete in its marketplace. The market for the Company's product is characterized by intense competition. With the development of the worldwide communications market and the growing demand for related equipment, numerous manufacturers such as the Company have emerged to offer products for these markets in competition with traditional communications equipment suppliers. Competition could further increase if new companies enter the market or if existing competitors expand their product lines or upgrade existing products to accommodate new technologies and features. An increase in competition could require increased spending by the Company on research and development and sales and marketing and may otherwise adversely affect the Company's business. Many of the Company's competitors and potential competitors have greater financial, technological, manufacturing, marketing, and personnel resources than the Company. DEPENDENCE ON KEY EMPLOYEES On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. As a direct result of this filing, the Company has suffered the loss of certain key employees. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the long term effect this filing will have on its ability to attract and retain key employees. The Company's success depends upon the continued contributions of its employees, many of whom would be difficult to replace. FastComm believes that its future success will depend upon its ability to attract and retain skilled and talented engineers, sales and marketing personnel and management. Failure to attract and retain key employees could adversely affect the Company's business and operating results. MARKET PRICE VOLATILITY OF COMMON SHARES The Company's common shares have been subject to substantial market price volatility, some of which has occurred when there have been variations between the Company's actual or anticipated financial results and the expectations of that of the financial community and in the aftermath of public announcements by the Company and its competitors. Further, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations from time to time which have affected the market price of many technology companies in particular and which have often been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. These broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic conditions, may adversely affect the market price of the Company's common shares. OTHER FACTORS The Company further cautions that the factors referred to above and those referred to as part of particular forward looking statements may not be exhaustive, and that new risk factors emerge from time to time in its rapidly changing business. The Company does not undertake to update any forward looking statements it may make or has made on its behalf to reflect changes it its expectations or assumptions or the risks and uncertainties referred to. 15 16 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following sets forth certain selected consolidated financial data for the five fiscal years in the period ended April 30, 1998. The consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1998, April 30, 1997 and April 30, 1996 and the consolidated balance sheet data at April 30, 1998 and April 30, 1997 are derived from and are qualified by reference to the consolidated financial statements of the Company audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, the Company's independent certified public accountants, included elsewhere, herein. The consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1995 and 1994 and the consolidated balance sheet data at April 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 are derived from consolidated financial statements of the Company also audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, but not included in this Report. The financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Report. FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, ------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ($000's except per share data) STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA: Total revenues $8,907 $11,163 $10,009 $4,166 $5,136 ------ ------- ------- ------ ------ Operating costs and expenses Cost of goods sold 5,441 4,737 5,047 2,907 2,128 Other operating expenses 11,684 7,202 5,722 5,357 5,063 ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- Total operating costs and expenses 17,125 11,939 10,769 8,264 7,191 ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ Operating income (loss) (8,218) (776) (760) (4,098) (2,055) Other income (expense), net (871) 181 129 14 46 Income tax (expense) benefit -0- -0- -0- -0- 10 --- --- --- --- -- (9,089) (595) (631) (4,084) ($1,999) ======= ===== ===== ======= ======== Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.87) $(0.06) $(0.07) $(0.49) $(0.27) ======= ======= ======= ======== ======== Weighted average number of shares 10,391 9,961 9,522 8,409 7,521 outstanding during each period Dividends -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- BALANCE SHEET DATA: Total assets $9,226 $12,622 $9,034 $7,577 $7,248 Total long term obligations $1,205 $3,000 $-0- $ 132 $ 152 Shareholders' equity $3,246 $7,759 $6,880 $6,149 $5,600 16 17 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO INCLUDED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT. IN ADDITION, THE COMPANY DESIRES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. SPECIFICALLY, THE COMPANY WISHES TO ALERT READERS THAT THE FACTORS SET FORTH IN ITEM 5, "MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS - CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION", AS WELL AS OTHER FACTORS, IN THE PAST HAVE AFFECTED AND IN THE FUTURE COULD AFFECT THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS, AND COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY'S RESULTS FOR FUTURE QUARTERS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED IN ANY FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS MADE BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY. PETITION FOR REORGANIZATION UNDER CHAPTER 11 On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This filing was a direct result of enforcement activities by a judgment creditor. (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings) The Company has filed its Schedules and Statements of Financial Affairs in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and is current with its monthly operating reports. The Company continues to operate under Bankruptcy Court protection from creditors while it develops a plan of reorganization. Chapter 11 provides that, unless the court appoints a trustee, the Company has the exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization for the first 120 days subsequent to the filing of the petition (or for such longer or shorter period as the Bankruptcy Court may permit). The Company plans to exercise this right and is currently preparing its plan. Such plan is subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The approval of the plan is dependent on the Company's ability to demonstrate that it will be able to meet its obligations, return to profitability and generate positive cash flow. The Company can offer no assurance as to whether its plan will be approved, or that, if approved, the terms and conditions of the plan will be favorable to its creditors and shareholders. If the Company is unable to attain approval of its plan or the exclusive period lapses, any creditor or party in interest may file a competing plan of reorganization. If the court approves such plan, control of the Company might transfer to the proponents of the competing plan. The Company is unaware of any efforts to prepare a competing plan of reorganization, however it can offer no assurances as to whether one might be prepared in the future. FUTURE PROSPECTS During the current fiscal year, the Company consolidated its manufacturing operation and downsized its administrative overhead. Full-time headcount was reduced from 78 employees at April 30, 1997 to 62 full-time employees at July 25, 1998. The Company's plan calls for reductions in core research and development and advertising expenditures. During the current fiscal year, the Company changed sales management and reorganized its sales force. On a forward-looking basis, the Company anticipates improved sales of data based frame relay products. It is currently making changes to the Comstat product that will qualify this product for a larger and enhanced distribution channel. The Company anticipates that sales related to its license agreement with KG Data will begin generating revenues commencing with the later part of its fiscal year ended April 30, 1999. The Company anticipates that it may require additional funding requirements to meet future expansion and research and development expenses. It is anticipated that such funding will be generated by way of additional placements of equity, through research and development arrangements funded by third parties or by investments by strategic partners. The Company can give no assurance as to whether it will be able to conclude such financing arrangements, or that, if concluded, they will be on terms favorable to the Company. The Company anticipates significant legal expenses associated with its reorganization and other legal affairs, however, it is unable to estimate the amount of such expenses at this time. The Company anticipates a return to profitability in the latter part of its fiscal year ended April 30, 1999. There can be no assurance that the required increased sales and improved operating efficiencies necessary to return to profitability will materialize or if they do, the Company will be able to raise sufficient funding to finance its working capital needs. Absent a return to profitability or the receipt of additional capital, FastComm is unlikely to be able to operate and meet its obligations throughout fiscal year 1999. The Company's independent auditors have 17 18 included an explanatory paragraph in their opinion on the fiscal 1998 consolidated financial statements related to this uncertainty. No adjustments to the financial statements have been made to reflect these risks. BUSINESS ACQUISITION During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company acquired Comstat Datacomm Corporation, ("CDC or Comstat"), a Georgia corporation engaged in the data communications business. Comstat offers various products and solutions that serve to broaden FastComm's product line. The aggregate purchase price amounted to $1,000,000 (subject to post closing adjustments) consisting of $900,000 funded at closing and an additional $100,000 funded on the attainment of predetermined revenue targets. The Company funded this acquisition through the issuance of 146,600 shares of its common stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition. The purchase price plus costs directly attributable to the completion of the acquisition have been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired. The Company recorded approximately $587,000 in goodwill related to this transaction. This goodwill is being amortized over a seven year period. Approximately $75,000 of the total purchase price represented the value of in process research and development that had not reached technological feasibility and was charged to the Company's operations. As this transaction was concluded on the last business day of the Company's third fiscal quarter, the operating results of Comstat are consolidated into the operating results of the Company commencing in the fourth fiscal quarter of the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, the percentage of revenues represented by certain items in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Fiscal Year Ended April 30, --------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- Revenues 100% 100% 100% ---- ---- ---- Operating costs and expenses: Cost of goods sold 61% 42% 50% Selling, general and administrative 86% 44% 40% Research and development 25% 18% 14% Reserve for litigation settlement 13% Depreciation and amortization 7% 3% 3% -- -- -- 192% 107% 107% ---- ---- ---- Operating (loss) income (92%) (7%) (7%) Other income (expense), net (10%) 2% 1% Income tax (expense) benefit - - - Net (loss) income (102%) (5%) (6%) ====== ==== ==== FISCAL 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997 Total revenues decreased from $11,163,000 to $8,907,000 or by 20% during fiscal 1998 as compared to fiscal 1997. The $2,256,000 decrease was primarily attributable to decreased unit sales volumes of data based frame relay products. The Company did not make any significant price adjustments during the current fiscal year. Data based frame relay product sales decreased from $8,896,000 to $3,820,000 or by 57% during fiscal 1998 as compared to fiscal 1997. This decrease is attributable to the completion, in fiscal 1997, of the Company's two largest projects to date, System One and GTE. This decline was offset with $2,493,000 in sales of voice based frame relay access devices. The voice based FRAD product was not sold in fiscal year 1997. The sale of Comstat product increased 18 19 $1,499,000 to $2,274,000 when compared with that of the previous fiscal year. This increase is attributable to the fact that the Company acquired Comstat during the prior fiscal year and accordingly included only one quarter of Comstat sales in that period. On a proforma basis, Comstat sales totaled $2,610,000 during fiscal year 1997. Frame Relay product sales, as a percentage of total product sales, decreased from approximately 80% in fiscal 1997 to approximately 72% in fiscal 1998. The Company believes its future growth will be achieved through the sale of frame relay and other digital products. Accordingly, the sale of its analog based products and data compression products declined $1,085,000 when compared with that of the previous fiscal year. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, one customer accounted for 32.2% of total sales. A significant portion of the Company's sales are derived from products shipped against firm purchase orders received in each fiscal quarter and from products shipped against firm purchase orders released in that quarter. Unforeseen delays in product deliveries or the closing of sales, introduction of new products by the Company or its competitors, fluctuations in customer capital expenditures or other conditions affecting the networking industry or the economy during any fiscal quarter could cause quarterly revenue and net earnings to vary greatly. Gross margins, as a percentage of total revenues, decreased from 58% to 39% during fiscal 1998 as compared to fiscal 1997. The decline in gross margin is attributable in part to the sale of voice frame relay access products. The voice products, which were not sold in the previous fiscal year, are produced by another manufacturer and as such generate a significantly lower gross margin when compared with that of data products. Gross margins were also negatively impacted by lower sales of data frame relay access products that generate higher gross margins. This change in product mix negatively impacted gross margins by approximately 8%. The Company anticipates continued sales of voice frame relay products and is currently investigating alternatives that will improve gross margins on this product. During the current fiscal year, the Company disposed of $240,000 of obsolete inventory while increasing its reserve for inventory obsolescence by $1,110,000 to $1,370,000. This increase relates to the year over year decline in the unit sales of analog modem and data compression products and to a lesser degree, the decline in unit sales of certain frame relay products. These transactions reduced the gross margin by approximately 11%. Management believes that its reserve for inventory obsolescence is adequate. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $4,822,000 in fiscal 1997 to $7,622,000 in fiscal 1998. This 58% increase in expense is attributable to the annualized effect of an expanded sales force ($456,000), a full year of costs associated with the operation of Comstat ($335,000), an enhanced marketing and advertising program ($235,000), increased legal fees associated with the Davison litigation ($1,037,000) and increased international travel ($182,000). Selling, general and administrative expenses were negatively affected by a $275,000 increase in bad debt expense. The Company's reserve for bad debt totals $300,000. Management believes that its reserve for bad debts is adequate. Research and development expenditures consist primarily of hardware and software engineering, personnel expenses, subcontracting costs and, to a lesser degree, equipment and facilities. Research and development expenses increased from $2,042,000 in fiscal 1997 to $2,255,000 in the current fiscal year. This 10% increase is primarily attributable to increased research and development manpower ($147,000), an increase in outside consulting services ($59,000) and costs associated with the operation of Comstat ($104,000). The previous fiscal year included a non recurring $75,000 charge related to the acquisition of Comstat representing the value of in process research and development that had not reached technological feasibility. The markets for the Company's products are characterized by continuous technological change. Management believes that significant expenditures for research and development will continue to be required. In 1997, Gary H. Davison a former officer and director of the Company commenced two lawsuits against the Company in the Circuit Court of Fairfax, Virginia, one for wrongful termination and the other for breach of contract. The breach of contract action involved claims for options to purchase 100,000 shares of stock and a $100,000 bonus. On February 17, 1998, a jury in Fairfax County awarded Mr. Davison $1,125,000 in damages and $163,233 in interest accrued from May 26, 1996 in this case. Subsequently, this award was reduced by $100,000. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss provision in the amount of $1,196,000 in the current fiscal year. (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings) Depreciation and amortization expenses increased from $339,000 in fiscal 1997 to $611,000 in fiscal 1998. This increase is primarily attributable to the amortization of goodwill associated with the acquisition of Comstat ($128,000) and depreciation associated with fixed asset additions. Under Statement of Accounting Standards No. 109 (FAS 109), deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets due to uncertainties regarding their realization. 19 20 Although the Company has tax net operating loss carry forwards available, management believes that, should the Company generate taxable income during fiscal 1998, it will be required to make alternative minimum tax payments on earnings. FISCAL 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1996 Total revenues increased from $10,009,000 to $11,163,000 or by 12% during fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996. The $1,154,000 increase was primarily attributable to $775,000 in sales generated by Comstat Datacomm Corporation that was acquired by the Company during the fiscal year 1997 and increased unit sales volumes of frame relay products. Frame relay product sales increased from $8,553,000 to $8,896,000 or by 4% during fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996. Frame Relay product sales, as a percentage of total product sales, decreased from approximately 85% in fiscal 1996 to approximately 80% in fiscal 1997. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, two customers accounted for 29.3% and 16.4% of total sales. Gross margins, as a percentage of total revenues, increased from 50% to 58% during fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996. The eight percentage point improvement in gross margin is primarily attributable to improved manufacturing efficiencies through the outsourcing of certain labor intensive manufacturing activities and reduced component costs. The Company recorded a $100,000 reduction to its reserve for inventory obsolescence during the fiscal 1997 to adjust the April 30, 1997 ending allowance to $500,000. This adjustment reflects the continued sales of analog modem and data compression products and the related reduction in such inventories. Further, during the fiscal year, the Company disposed of approximately $80,000 in obsolete inventory. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $4,038,000 in fiscal 1996 to $4,822,000 in fiscal 1997. This 19% increase in expense is attributable to the costs associated with the establishment of a sales office in Australia ($140,000), costs associated with the operation of Comstat ($166,000), an enhanced marketing and advertising program ($223,000), increased salary and related costs associated with additional employees ($100,000), and increased international travel ($74,000). Research and development expenses increased from $1,412,000 in fiscal 1996 to $2,042,000 in the current fiscal year. This 45% increase is primarily attributable increased research and development manpower ($213,000), new product prototype development ($295,000), costs associated with the operation of Comstat ($34,000), and a $75,000 charge related to the acquisition of Comstat representing the value of in process research and development that had not reached technological feasibility. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased from $274,000 in fiscal 1996 to $339,000 in fiscal 1997. This 24% increase is primarily attributable to the amortization of goodwill associated with the acquisition of Comstat ($18,000), depreciation of Comstat fixed assets ($6,000), and depreciation associated with other fixed asset additions. FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS During the fourth quarter ending April 30, 1998, the Company recorded provisions for obsolete inventory of $570,000 and a valuation allowance related to a note receivable of $273,600 all of which had the effect of increasing the operating loss and net loss by $843,600 or $.08 per share. During the fourth quarter ended April 30, 1997, the Company reduced its reserve for inventory obsolescence by $100,000 which had the effect of reducing the operating loss by $100,000 or $.01 per share. During the fourth quarter ended April 30, 1996, the Company reduced its allowance for doubtful accounts by $104,000 which had the effect of reducing the operating loss by $104,000 or $.01 per share. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES BUSINESS ACQUISITION During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company acquired Comstat Datacomm Corporation, ("CDC" or "Comstat"), a Georgia corporation engaged in the data communications business. The aggregate purchase price amounted to $1,000,000 (subject to post closing adjustments) consisting of $900,000 funded at closing and an additional $100,000 of contingent consideration to be funded pending the occurrence of certain events. The Company funded this acquisition through the issuance of 146,563 shares of its common stock. An additional 58,651 shares of common stock with a fair value of approximately $400,000, at the time of the closing of this transaction, were placed in escrow to be issued upon CDC achieving certain revenue targets for the fiscal years ended May 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively. 20 21 CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES In April and May of 1997, the Company issued $3,000,000 and $2,000,000 respectively, in 5.0% Convertible Debentures due April 2001. For the first 180 days following the issuance, the debentures were convertible at the option of the holder into common stock at a conversion price equal to the average closing bid price on NASDAQ ten trading days prior to conversion. If the conversion occurs more than 180 days after issuance, the conversion price is the lesser of 125% of the average closing bid prices on NASDAQ for the ten trading days prior to issuance, or, 90% of the average closing bid prices on NASDAQ for the ten trading days prior to the conversion date. In addition, if the conversion occurs more than 180 days after issuance, the holder will receive one warrant for every five shares of common stock received upon conversion of the debentures. If the conversion occurs more than 360 days from the date of issuance, the holder will receive one warrant for every 2 1/2 common shares received upon conversion of the debentures. Each warrant will have a strike price set at 125% of the market price of the Company's common stock at the time of conversion. The terms of the Convertible Debentures provide for conversion at a discount to the market commencing 181 days after issuance. The value of the discount, using a conversion price of 90% of the average closing bid prices on NASDAQ for the ten trading days prior to the conversion date, is approximately $550,000. Based on the foregoing, the Company recognized in the current fiscal year this conversion discount in the form of two non cash charges to interest expense totaling $550,000. CONVERSION OF DEBENTURES During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, debentures in the amount of $3,794,701 plus $157,924 in accrued interest were converted into 1,997,232 shares of common stock. Subsequent to April 30, 1998 but prior to the issuance of this report, an additional $450,000 in debentures plus $21,500 in accrued interest have been converted into 294,689 shares of common stock. In connection with the conversion of debentures and in accordance with the terms of the debenture agreement, the Company has issued warrants to purchase an additional 746,611 common shares at a strike price set at 125% of the market price of the Company's common stock at the time of conversion. When and if exercised, the warrants will generate a maximum of $1,829,321 in additional cash for the Company. However, since the warrant holders cannot be forced to exercise, the Company can give no assurance as to whether any of the warrants will be exercised, nor can it give assurance as to the amount of cash that will actually be generated. OTHER CASH REQUIREMENTS During fiscal year 1998, the Company used approximately $4,395,000 in cash to fund its operating activities. This amount includes $6,217,000 required to fund the net loss, after adjusting for non-cash expenses (consisting principally of depreciation, amortization, debenture discount and provisions for inventory obsolescence and doubtful accounts). In addition, $168,000 was used by increases in accounts receivable and $1,091,000 was invested in inventory. Cash was generated by a $1,718,000 increase in accounts payable and a $1,196,000 reserve for litigation settlement. The Company has a $300,000 allowance for doubtful accounts at April 30, 1998. Management believes that its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate. During fiscal year 1998, one customer accounted for 32.2% of total sales. These sales were made under normal terms and conditions to an international distributor. Subsequent to fiscal year end but prior to the date of this report, the related accounts receivable was collected. Inventory levels increased during fiscal year 1998. This increase is primarily attributable increased inventory of frame relay subassemblies and to the increase of voice based frame relay products. All of FastComm's frame relay printed circuit assemblies ("PCA's") are manufactured outside the Company's facilities by contract manufacturers. The PCA'a are built to forecast. Inventory levels increase when sales do not meet forecast. The Company purchases voice based products from another manufacturer and is required to place high volume orders. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $1,110,000 increase in its reserve for inventory obsolescence during the fiscal 1998. This was necessitated by the decline in sales of analog modem and data compression products and by the increase in the overall inventory balance. During the fiscal year, the Company disposed of approximately $240,000 in obsolete inventory. Management believes its $1,370,000 reserve for inventory obsolescence is adequate. At April 30, 1998, the Company had $1.2 million in cash, $3.1 million of working capital and a current ratio of over 1.6 to 1. None of the Company's accounts receivable or inventories are collateralized currently. On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This filing was a direct 21 22 result of enforcement activities by a judgment creditor. (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings) The Company continues to operate under bankruptcy court protection from creditors while it develops a plan of reorganization. The Company anticipates that it may require additional funding requirements to meet future expansion and research and development expenses. It is anticipated that such funding will be generated by way of additional placements of equity, through research and development arrangements funded by third parties or by investments by strategic partners. The Company can give no assurance as to whether it will be able to conclude such financing arrangements, or that, if concluded, they will be on terms favorable to the Company. Management believes that inflation did not have a material effect on operations during the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998. In fiscal 1999, the Company's cash commitments include minimum payments of $286,000 under its operating lease arrangements. Management believes that expenditures for research and development and legal fees in fiscal 1999 will continue to be significant. The Company anticipates capital spending for software, computer and test equipment and furniture and fixtures in fiscal 1999. Where possible, such capital requirements are expected to be met through lease financing arrangements. FISCAL 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997 Cash used in operating activities increased from $2,259,000 in fiscal 1997 to $4,395,000 in fiscal 1998. The $2,136,000 increase in cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to the $8,494,000 increase in the net loss for the year offset by changes in working capital items in fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal 1997, including a $2,227,000 reduction in cash used to fund current liability balances in fiscal 1998, a $1,196,000 non cash reserve for litigation settlement and increases in other non cash expenses, primarily increases in asset valuation accounts and non cash discount and interest on convertible debentures. Cash used by investing activities amounted to $318,000 in fiscal 1998 as compared $511,000 in fiscal 1997. The $193,000 decrease is primarily attributable to reduced fixed asset purchases. Cash provided by financing activities decreased from $2,998,000 in fiscal 1997 to $1,889,000 in fiscal 1998. The $1,109,000 decrease is primarily attributable to a $1,000,000 decline, in fiscal year 1998, in proceeds from convertible debentures FISCAL 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1996 Cash used in operating activities increased from $447,000 in fiscal 1996 to $2,259,000 in fiscal 1997. The $1,812,000 increase in cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to changes in working capital items in fiscal 1997 compared to fiscal 1996, including a $1,463,000 net change in cash flows to fund the pay down of current liability balances in fiscal 1997 and a $999,000 net change in cash flows to fund the increase in inventory levels. Cash used by investing activities amounted to $511,000 in fiscal 1997 as compared to cash provided of $29,000 in fiscal 1996. The $540,000 increase is primarily attributable a $266,000 increase in fixed asset purchases, the issuance of a $300,000 note receivable under the terms and conditions of the agreement to acquire Comstat Datacomm partially offset by $355,000 in cash assumed as part of the Comstat acquisition. In fiscal 1996, the Company received $375,000 from the sale of restricted investments. No such sale occurred in fiscal 1997. Cash provided by financing activities increased from $1,120,000 in fiscal 1996 to $2,998,000 in fiscal 1997. The $1,878,000 increase is primarily attributable to the $2,810,000 in net proceeds from the issuance of convertible debentures as compared to $-0- in fiscal 1996, offset by reduced net proceeds received from the exercise of stock options of $473,000 in fiscal 1997 as compared to $1,362,000 in fiscal 1996. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" is effective for years beginning after December 15, 1995 and was adopted by the Company as of May 1, 1996. This statement requires that long-lived assets, including certain intangibles, held and used by the Company be reviewed for potential impairment. This new pronouncement did not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements when adopted. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" is effective for years beginning after December 15, 1995 and was adopted by the Company as of May 1, 1996. This statement establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for stock based employee compensation plans. SFAS No. 123 permits, but does not require, a 22 23 fair-value based method of accounting for employee stock option plans which results in compensation expense recognition when stock options are granted. As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company will provide pro forma disclosure of net income and earnings per share, as applicable in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" is effective for periods ending after December 15, 1997. This statement revises the manner in which earnings per share is calculated and requires the restatement, when first applied, of prior period earnings per share data. The Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a material effect on the previously reported earnings per share data. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income", establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances for periods ending after December 15, 1997. Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, SFAS 130 requires that all items that are required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. Due to the recent issuance of this standard, management has been unable to fully evaluate the impact, if any, they may have on future financial statement disclosures. SFAS 131, "Disclosure about Segments of a Business Enterprise," establishes standards for the way that public enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim financial statements issued to the public for periods ending after December 15, 1997. It also establishes standards for disclosures regarding products and services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS 131 defines operating segments as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Due to the recent issuance of this standard, management has been unable to fully evaluate the impact, if any, they may have on future financial statement disclosures. In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments" ("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. SFAS 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair market value. Under certain circumstances, a portion of the derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into income when the transaction affects earnings. For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the period of change. Presently, the Company does not use derivative instruments either in hedging activities or as investments. Accordingly, the Company believes that adoption of FASB 133 will have no impact on its financial position or results of operations. YEAR 2000 In accordance with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Legal Bulletin No. 5, the Company has assessed both the cost of addressing and the costs or consequences of incomplete or untimely resolution of the Year 2000 issue. Most of the Company's major systems have already been updated or replaced with applications, in the normal course of business, that are Year 2000 compliant. To date, the costs of such upgrades have been minimal. The Company will need to upgrade its manufacturing system. The cost of this upgrade is not expected to exceed $10,000. Accordingly, the Company has determined that its estimated costs related to the Year 2000 issue are not anticipated to be material to the Company's business, operations or financial condition. ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS The ongoing financial crisis in Asia may have a negative impact on the Company due to lost business opportunities in that region. 23 24 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The following financial statements and financial statement schedules are filed as part of this Report: Page ---- Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants F-1 Balance Sheets at April 30, 1998 and 1997 F-2 Statements of Operations for the Years Ended April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 F-4 Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 F-5 Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 F-6 Summary of Accounting Policies F-8 Notes to Financial Statements F-14 Financial Statement Schedule: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule II) F-30 24 25 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Board of Directors and Stockholders FastComm Communications Corporation We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY as of April 30, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and schedule are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and schedule. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY at April 30, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has sustained significant operating losses and cash flow deficits in fiscal 1998. Also, as discussed in Note 1, in June 1998 the Company filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are described in Note 1. The financial statements do not contain any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties. BDO Seidman, LLP Washington, D.C. August 3, 1998 F-1 26 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS April 30, 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS CURRENT Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,213,052 $ 4,036,336 Accounts receivable, net (Notes 4 and 11) 3,123,340 3,144,906 Receivables from related party (Note 13) 2,760 3,895 Inventories, net (Notes 3 and 14) 3,118,195 2,897,497 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 374,614 329,503 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 7,831,961 10,412,137 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization (Note 5) 775,457 815,401 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER Deferred financing costs 76,344 190,279 Goodwill (Note 2) 482,144 569,165 Notes receivable (Notes 2 and 14) 26,400 300,000 Software license rights and other intangibles, net - 166,474 Deposits 33,723 168,759 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 618,611 1,394,677 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 9,226,029 $12,622,215 =========================================================================================================== See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements. F-2 27 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS April 30, 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6) $ - $ 29,000 Accounts payable 2,427,712 1,277,541 Accrued payroll 308,109 207,290 Reserve for litigation settlement 1,195,560 - Other current liabilities 843,178 349,666 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 4,774,559 1,863,497 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES (Note 6) 1,205,299 3,000,000 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES 5,979,858 4,863,497 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 8 and 9) Common stock, $.01 par - shares authorized, 25,000,000; issued and outstanding 12,048,753 and 10,038,022 120,488 100,380 Additional paid-in capital 20,636,197 16,079,355 Accumulated deficit (17,510,514) (8,421,017) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 3,246,171 7,758,718 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 9,226,029 $12,622,215 =========================================================================================================== See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements. F-3 28 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Year ended April 30, 1998 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVENUES (Notes 11 and 13) Product sales $ 8,672,150 $10,961,750 $ 9,720,969 Product sales to related parties 13,335 43,028 195,427 Research and development contracts and other 221,185 158,551 92,901 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL REVENUES 8,906,670 11,163,329 10,009,297 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES Cost of goods sold 5,440,991 4,736,660 5,047,015 Selling, general and administrative 7,622,394 4,821,556 4,037,737 Research and development 2,255,097 2,042,331 1,411,503 Reserve for litigation settlement 1,195,560 - - Depreciation and amortization 611,078 338,522 273,507 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES 17,125,120 11,939,069 10,769,762 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING LOSS (8,218,450) (775,740) (760,465) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER INCOME (expense) Other income (82,692) 64,966 23,218 Interest income 174,120 160,461 127,574 Interest expense (962,475) (44,721) (20,975) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL OTHER INCOME (expense) (871,047) 180,706 129,817 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET LOSS $ (9,089,497) $ (595,034) $ (630,648) ============================================================================================================ Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (0.87) $ (0.06) $ (0.07) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year 10,390,552 $ 9,961,107 9,522,000 =========================================================================================================== See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 29 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Years ended April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock ---------------- Additional Par Paid-in Accumulated Shares Values Capital (Deficit) Total - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, April 30, 1995 9,444,529 $ 94,445 $13,249,770 $ (7,195,335) $6,148,880 Shares issued for stock options 342,090 3,421 1,358,693 - 1,362,114 Net loss - - - (630,648) (630,648) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, April 30, 1996 9,786,619 97,866 14,608,463 (7,825,983) 6,880,346 Shares issued for stock options 104,803 1,048 472,358 - 473,406 Shares issued for acquisition of Comstat DataComm, Corp. 146,600 1,466 998,534 - 1,000,000 Net loss - - - (595,034) (595,034) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, April 30, 1997 10,038,022 100,380 16,079,355 (8,421,017) 7,758,718 Shares issued for stock options 3,499 35 18,042 - 18,077 Shares issued on conversion of debentures 1,997,232 19,973 3,926,400 - 3,946,373 Recognition of discount on debentures - - 550,000 - 550,000 Shares issued for compensation 10,000 100 62,400 - 62,500 Net loss - - - (9,089,497) (9,089,497) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, April 30, 1998 12,048,753 $120,488 $20,636,197 $(17,510,514) $3,246,171 =========================================================================================================== See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 30 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year ended April 30, 1998 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $(9,089,497) $ (595,034) $ (630,648) ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET LOSS TO CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES Depreciation and amortization 611,078 338,522 273,507 Compensation expenses associated with stock options granted 26,440 20,500 - Provision for doubtful accounts 275,421 151,000 100,000 Provision for inventory obsolescence 1,110,000 - 105,000 Amortization of imputed discount 286 3,415 14,702 Discount on convertible debentures 550,000 - - Reserve for note and interest receivable 316,225 - - Amortization of deferred financing costs 213,935 - - Accrued interest converted to stock 151,672 - - Compensation expense on shares issued 62,500 - - CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET OF EFFECTS OF ACQUISITIONS (INCREASE) DECREASE IN ASSETS Accounts receivable (253,855) (765,576) (1,164,337) Receivables from related party 1,135 21,430 25,661 Inventory (1,330,698) (867,234) 131,999 Prepaid expense and other current assets (87,736) (27,065) (169,440) Deposits 135,036 (27,313) (85,736) INCREASE (DECREASE) IN LIABILITIES Accounts payable 1,150,171 (467,890) 874,893 Provision for litigation settlement 1,195,560 - - Accrued payroll 74,379 48,199 (47,592) Income taxes payable - (955) - Other current liabilities 493,512 (90,655) 125,146 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (4,394,436) (2,258,656) (446,845) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F-6 31 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year ended April 30, 1998 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of property and equipment (317,639) (565,749) (300,077) Issuance of notes receivable - (300,000) - Net proceeds assumed in acquisition - 355,084 - Sale (purchase) of restricted investments - - 374,687 Purchase of long-term investments - - (45,328) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (317,639) (510,665) 29,282 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures 2,000,000 3,000,000 - Payment of deferred financing costs (100,000) (190,279) - Net proceeds from exercise of stock options 18,077 473,406 1,362,114 Repayments of notes payable (29,286) (285,325) (242,042) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 1,888,791 2,997,802 1,120,072 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (2,823,284) 228,481 702,509 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year 4,036,336 3,807,855 3,105,346 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year $ 1,213,052 $ 4,036,336 3,807,855 =========================================================================================================== See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements. F-7 32 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES ORGANIZATION FastComm Communications Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated in Virginia in May 1983. The Company designs, manufactures, and markets data communications equipment for high-speed data transmission over public and private telephone networks. The Company's fiscal year ends on April 30. For interim financial reporting purposes the interim fiscal quarters are closed on the first weekend following the calendar quarter end date, unless the calendar quarter end date falls on a weekend, in which case such weekend is used as the interim fiscal quarter end. PRINCIPLES OF The consolidated financial statements include the CONSOLIDATION accounts of FastComm Communications Corporation (the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Comstat Datacomm Corporation. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain estimates used by management are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the economic environment. These include estimates of inventory obsolescence, valuation allowances for trade receivables and deferred tax assets, and evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill. Each of these estimates, as well as the related amounts reported in the financial statements, are sensitive to near term changes in the factors used to determine them. A significant change in any one of those factors could result in the determination of amounts different than those reported in the financial statements. Management believes that as of April 30, 1998, the estimates used in the financial statements are adequate based on the information currently available. F-8 33 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES RISKS AND The Company's future operating results may be affected UNCERTAINTIES by a number of factors. During fiscal 1998, 32% of revenues were from one customer. During fiscal 1997 and 1996, 45% and 52% of revenues, respectively, were derived from two customers. The risk to the Company is that a loss of one or two customers could have a significant negative impact on revenues and operating results. The Company sells primarily to domestic and foreign dealers and distributors. Generally sales are on credit and no collateral is required, although the Company reserves the right to have the products returned in the event of default. The Company provides an allowance for estimated sales returns and uncollectible accounts. The Company's concentration of sales to certain customers, discussed above, exposes the Company to a relatively greater risk of loss than would be the case with greater diversification. The Company operates in a highly volatile industry that is characterized by fierce industry-wide competition resulting in aggressive pricing practices, continually changing customer demand patterns, growing competition from well-capitalized high technology and consumer electronics companies, and rapid technological development. The Company's operating results could be adversely affected should the Company be unable to anticipate customer demand accurately, to maintain short design cycles while meeting evolving industry performance standards, to manage its product transactions, inventory levels, and manufacturing processes efficiently, to distribute its product quickly in response to customer demand, to differentiate its products from those of its competitors, or to compete successfully in the markets for its new products. REVENUE Revenues from product sales are recognized at the time RECOGNITION of product shipment. An allowance is provided for estimated sales returns and uncollectible accounts. F-9 34 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES INVENTORY Production materials are valued using standard costs which approximate the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Work-in-process represents direct labor, materials and overhead incurred on products not delivered to date. Finished goods are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined on the specific identification method. PROPERTY, Property and equipment is recorded at cost and EQUIPMENT AND depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated DEPRECIATION useful life of the related assets (generally three to five years). Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the useful life of the property. RESEARCH AND All costs incurred to establish the technological DEVELOPMENT COSTS feasibility of products are considered research and development costs which are charged to expense as incurred. RESEARCH AND The Company enters into contracts to perform research DEVELOPMENT and development for third parties. The Company accounts CONTRACTS for these contracts in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 68, "Accounting for Research and Development Arrangements" (FASB 68). Under FASB 68, research and development contracts with fixed obligations to repay the contracting party irregardless of the outcome are treated as loans. Contracts without fixed obligations to repay are treated as obligations to perform contractual services and revenue is recognized as expenses are incurred and in accordance with the contracts provisions. As of April 30, 1998, no research and development contracts have fixed obligations to repay, accordingly, revenue is recognized as expenses are incurred. MANUFACTURING The Company capitalizes the cost of acquiring software AND SOFTWARE license rights and amortizes them over the shorter of LICENSE RIGHTS the expected product life or the license period, not to exceed 5 years. F-10 35 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES GOODWILL The Company has recorded goodwill based on the difference between the cost and the fair value of certain purchased assets and it is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period of benefit, which ranges from 3 to 7 years. The Company periodically evaluates the goodwill for possible impairment. The analysis consists of a comparison of future projected cash flows to the carrying value of the goodwill. Any excess goodwill would be written off due to impairment. INCOME TAXES The Company files Federal and State income tax returns. Certain income and expense items are recognized in different periods for income tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. CASH AND The Company considers all highly liquid investments with CASH EQUIVALENTS an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company invests its excess cash principally in overnight repurchase accounts and short-term government securities. The Company maintains amounts in excess of the federal deposit insurance limitation of $100,000 in its bank accounts. FAIR VALUE OF Financial instruments of the Company include convertible FINANCIAL debentures. Based upon the current borrowing rates INSTRUMENTS available to the Company, estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximate their recorded carrying amounts. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings (loss) per share of common stock have been calculated by dividing earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares (including shares held in escrow). The Company has excluded the effects of outstanding options and warrants as it would have been anti-dilutive. F-11 36 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES RECLASSIFICATION Certain amounts as previously reported for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with presentations in the current year. The reclassifications have no effect upon previously reported results of operations. NEW ACCOUNTING Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, PRONOUNCEMENTS Reporting Comprehensive Income ("SFAS 130"), establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances. Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Among other disclosures, SFAS 130 requires that all items that are required to be recognized under current accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 131, "Disclosure about Segments of a Business Enterprise", establishes standards for the way that public enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected information about operating segments in interim financial statements issued to the public for periods ending after December 15, 1997. It also establishes standards for disclosures regarding products and services, geographic areas and major customers. SFAS 131 defines operating segments as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Due to the recent issuance of this standard, management has been unable to fully evaluate the impact, if any, they may have on future financial statement disclosures. In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" (SFAS 132"). SFAS 132 revised employers' disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans but does not change measurement or recognition of those plans. Also, SFAS 132 requires additional information on changes in the benefit F-12 37 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES obligations and fair values of plan assets. Presently, the Company does not offer postretirement benefits. Adoption of SFAS 132 will not have an effect on reported financial and operating results. In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments" (SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. SFAS 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair market value. Under certain circumstances, a portion of the derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into income when the transaction affects earnings. For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the period of change. Presently, the Company does not use derivative instruments either in hedging activities or as investments. Accordingly, the Company believes that adoption of FASB 133 will have no impact on its financial position or results of operations. F-13 38 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. BANK- On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition RUPTCY for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal FILING AND bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court FUTURE for the Eastern District of Virginia. This filing was a PROSPECTS direct result of enforcement activities by a judgment creditor (See Note 7). The Company has filed its Schedules and Statements of Financial Affairs in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and is current with its monthly operating reports. The Company continues to operate under bankruptcy court protection from creditors while it develops a plan of reorganization. Chapter 11 provides that, unless the court appoints a trustee, the Company has the exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization for the first 120 days subsequent to the filing of the petition (or for such longer or shorter period as the Bankruptcy Court may permit). The Company plans to exercise this right and is currently preparing its plan. Such plan is subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The approval of the plan is greatly dependent on the Company's ability to demonstrate that it will be able to meet its obligations, return to profitability and generate positive cash flow. The Company can offer no assurance as to whether its plan will be approved, or that, if approved, the terms and conditions of the plan will be favorable to its creditors and shareholders. If the Company is unable to obtain approval of its plan or the exclusive period lapses, any creditor or party-in-interest may file a competing plan of reorganization. If the court approves such plan, control of the Company might transfer to the proponents of the competing plan. The Company is unaware of any efforts to prepare a competing plan of reorganization, however, it can offer no assurances as to whether one might be prepared in the future. The Company anticipates that it may require additional funding to meet future expansion and research and development expenses. It is anticipated that such funding will be generated by way of additional placements of equity, through research and development arrangements funded by third parties or by investments by strategic partners. The Company can give no assurance as to F-14 39 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS whether it will be able to conclude such financing arrangements, or that, if concluded, they will be on terms favorable to the Company. During the current fiscal year, the Company consolidated its manufacturing operation and downsized its administrative overhead. Full-time employees were reduced from 78 at April 30, 1997 to 62 at July 25, 1998. The Company's plan calls for reductions in core research and development and advertising expenditures. During the current fiscal year, the Company changed sales management and reorganized its sales force. On a forward-looking basis, the Company anticipates improved sales of data based frame relay products. It is currently making changes to the Comstat product that will qualify this product for a larger and enhanced distribution channel. The Company anticipates that sales related to its license agreement with KG Data Systems will generate significant revenues commencing with the latter part of fiscal 1999 (See Note 7). However, based on preliminary sales data for the first quarter ended July 31, 1998, the Company believes that the bankruptcy filing has had an adverse impact on its ability to sell its products. Consequently, the Company expects to report a significant net loss for the quarter ended July 31, 1998. The Company anticipates significant legal expenses associated with its reorganization and other legal affairs, however, it is unable to estimate the amount of such expenses at this time. The Company anticipates a return to profitability in the latter part of fiscal 1999. There can be no assurance that the required increased sales and improved operating efficiencies necessary to return to profitability will materialize or if they do, the Company will be able to raise sufficient funding to finance its working capital needs. Absent a return to profitability or the receipt of additional capital, FastComm is unlikely to be able to operate and meet its obligations throughout fiscal year 1999. The financial statements do not contain any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties. The foregoing matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. F-15 40 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. BUSINESS On January 31, 1997, the Company acquired Comstat ACQUISITION Datacomm Corporation, ("CDC"), a Georgia corporation engaged in the data communications business. The aggregate purchase price amounted to $1,000,000 (subject to post closing adjustments) consisting of $900,000 funded at closing and an additional $100,000 of contingent consideration to be funded pending the occurrence of certain events the outcome of which management believes is determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. The Company funded this acquisition through the issuance of 146,600 shares of its common stock, of which 43,985 shares, with a fair value at the acquisition date of approximately $300,000, were placed in escrow as collateral for a $300,000 note issued to the then principle stockholder of CDC, due in fiscal 2000. As of April 30, 1998, the fair value of these shares was approximately $26,400. The Company established a reserve of $273,600 at April 30, 1998 because of the uncertainty surrounding the fair value of the common stock which collateralizes the note receivable. An additional 58,651 shares of common stock with a fair value of approximately $400,000, at the acquisition date, have been placed in escrow and would be issued if CDC achieved certain revenue targets for the fiscal years ended May 31, 1998 and 1997. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition. The purchase price plus costs directly attributable to the completion of the acquisition have been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired. The Company recorded $587,388 goodwill related to this transaction. This goodwill is being amortized over a seven year period. Approximately $75,000 of the total purchase price represented the value of in process research and development that had not reached technological feasibility and was charged to the Company's operations. The following unaudited pro forma summary presents information as if the acquisition of CDC had occurred at May 1, 1996. The pro forma information, which is provided for information purposes only, is based on historical F-16 41 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS information and does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results of operations of the combined entities. Proforma information (unaudited): (in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended April 30, 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Sales $ 12,998 Net income (loss) (50) Earnings (loss) per share (0.01) =========================================================================================================== 3. INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following components: April 30, 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Production materials $ 2,917,922 $2,115,875 Work-in-process 336,680 160,991 Finished goods 1,233,593 1,120,631 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4,488,195 3,397,497 Provision for inventory obsolescence (1,370,000) (500,000) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 3,118,195 $2,897,497 =========================================================================================================== 4. ACCOUNTS Accounts receivable consist of the following: RECEIVABLES April 30, 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trade $ 3,343,500 $3,166,735 Employee and other 79,840 88,171 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3,423,340 3,254,906 F-17 42 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts (300,000) (110,000) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 3,123,340 $3,144,906 =========================================================================================================== 5. PROPERTY AND Property and equipment consists of the following: EQUIPMENT April 30, 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manufacturing equipment $ 491,179 $ 484,909 Furniture and fixtures 316,212 297,147 Leasehold improvements 24,649 22,999 Computers and electronics 616,780 500,660 Software 391,004 264,957 Demo equipment 92,320 43,833 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,932,144 1,614,505 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,156,687) (799,104) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 775,457 $ 815,401 =========================================================================================================== Depreciation expense for the three years ended April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $357,583, $227,346 and $145,550, respectively. F-18 43 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6. LONG-TERM Long-term debt consists of the following: DEBT April 30, 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Noninterest bearing note issued in connection with acquisition of patent rights, due in 1998 less unamortized discount of $0 and $286, based on imputed interest rate of 7.25% $ - $ 29,000 5.0% Convertible debentures, due April and May 2001. 1,205,299 3,000,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1,205,299 3,029,000 Less current maturities - (29,000) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,205,299 $ 3,000,000 =========================================================================================================== In April 1997, the Company issued $3,000,000 in 5.0% Convertible Debentures due April 2001. In May 1997, the Company issued $2,000,000 in 5% convertible debentures due May 2001. For the first 180 days following the issuance, the debentures were convertible at the option of the holder into common stock at a conversion price equal to the average closing bid prices on NASDAQ for the ten trading days prior to conversion. If the conversion occurs more than 180 days after the issuance, the conversion price is the lesser of 125% of the average closing bid prices on NASDAQ for the ten trading days prior to the issuance date, or, 90% of the average closing bid prices on NASDAQ for the ten trading days prior to the conversion date. In addition, if the conversion occurs more than 180 days after the issuance, the holder will receive one warrant for every five shares of common stock received upon conversion of the debentures. If the conversion occurs more than 360 days from the issuance, the holder will receive one warrant for every 2 1/2 common shares received upon conversion of the debentures. F-19 44 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Each warrant will have a strike price set at 125% of the market price of the Company's common stock at the time of conversion. During 1998, holders of the debentures converted $3,794,701 of debentures into 1,997,232 shares of common stock. The terms of the Convertible Debenture provide for conversion at a discount to the market commencing 181 days after issuance. The value of the discount, using a conversion price of 90% of the average closing bid prices on NASDAQ for the ten trading days prior to the conversion date, was approximately $550,000. Since the holders of the Convertible Debentures did not elect to exercise their option to convert the debentures into common stock of the Company within 180 days of issuance (i.e., at a conversion price of 100% of market), the Company was required to recognize on the 181st day from issuance the amount of the conversion discount. Recognition of the conversion discount reduced income available to common shareholders during fiscal 1998 by $550,000 in the form of a one-time non-cash charge to interest expense. Subsequent to April 30, 1998, an additional $450,000 in convertible debentures were converted into 294,689 shares of common stock. 7. COMMITMENTS LITIGATION AND CONTINGENCIES In 1997, Gary H. Davison a former officer and director of the Company commenced two lawsuits against the Company in the Circuit Court of Fairfax, Virginia, one for wrongful termination and the other for breach of contract. The breach of contract action involved claims for options to purchase 100,000 shares of stock and a $100,000 bonus. On February 17, 1998, a jury in Fairfax County awarded Mr. Davison $1,125,000 in damages and $163,233 in interest accrued from May 26, 1996 in this case. Accordingly, the Company recorded a loss provision for this amount in its third fiscal quarter ended January 31, 1998. Subsequently, this award was reduced by $100,000. The Company has filed an appeal of this decision with the Virginia Supreme Court and believes it has sufficient meritorious issues to F-20 45 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS overturn this verdict. The filing of the bankruptcy petition has stayed any activity on the second case. EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT In May 1998, the Company entered into an exclusive license agreement with KG Data Systems, Inc. to manufacture, market and sell products with channel-attached technology known as ChanlComm. The terms of this agreement call for an initial payment of $150,000, with $70,000 payable upon executing the agreement and the remaining $80,000 payable in four weekly installments of $20,000 beginning May 18, 1998. The agreement calls for royalties of 5% of net sales with minimum royalties or $8,000 per month. Additional cash payments of $100,000 and $200,000 are due if net revenues of ChanlComm products exceed $1,500,000 and $2,500,000, for the years ended April 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively. An additional royalty of 3% is due for all net revenues in excess of $2,500,000. The initial term of the agreement is five years and is renewable by the Company for two additional five year terms. The Company is also required to reimburse KG Data Systems, Inc. certain expenses on a monthly basis, as specified in the agreement. OPERATING LEASES The Company leases office space and certain office equipment under operating lease arrangements that expires at various dates through 2003. The main office lease provides for scheduled rent increases in the future which are being amortized over the lease period. Rent expense for the years ended April 30, 1998, 1997, and 1996, was approximately $662,000, $515,000 and $308,000, respectively. Aggregate future minimum lease payments under the operating leases are as follows: Year ended April 30, -------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 232,938 2000 238,541 2001 229,785 2002 231,426 2003 212,140 ============================================================== F-21 46 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS COMPENSATION The Company maintains an employment agreement with its President and Principal Executive Officer. This agreement provides for a base salary, bonus and incentive compensation as may be deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. The agreement was scheduled to expire on January 31, 1998, however, the agreement was automatically renewed through January 31, 1999 because the Board of Directors did not terminate it in advance of the expiration date. 8. STOCKHOLDERS' STOCK ISSUANCES EQUITY On January 31, 1997, the Company acquired Comstat Datacomm Corporation, ("CDC"), a Georgia corporation engaged in the data communications business. The aggregate purchase price amounted to $1,000,000 (subject to post closing adjustments) consisting of $900,000 funded at closing and an additional $100,000 of contingent consideration to be funded pending the occurrence of certain events the outcome of which management believes is determinable beyond a reasonable doubt. The Company funded this acquisition through the issuance of 146,600 shares of its common stock. An additional 43,985 shares of common stock with a fair value of approximately $300,000 have been placed in escrow and will be issued upon CDC achieving certain revenue targets for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998. The revenue targets were not met, and the escrow shares will be canceled. 9. STOCK OPTIONS In 1991 and 1992, the Board of Directors approved the 1991 Non-Qualified, 1992 Non-Qualified and 1992 Incentive Stock Option Plans (the Plans) under which options to purchase up to 2,260,000 shares of common stock may be granted to officers, directors and other key employees of the Company. The exercise price of each option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant for incentive stock options or 85% of such fair market value for non-qualified stock options, as determined by the Board. Options vest over a three year period and expire five years from the date of grant and, in most cases, upon termination of employment. The following table relates to options outstanding, granted, exercised, and F-22 47 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS canceled during 1998, 1997 and 1996, under the Plan: Option Number Price Options of Shares Per Shares ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OUTSTANDING AT April 30, 1996 897,209 $ 2.06 to 7.88 April 30, 1997 1,165,535 $ 2.06 to 15.63 April 30, 1998 1,360,911 $ 2.06 to 15.63 GRANTED During 1996 381,500 $ 4.00 to 7.88 During 1997 514,000 $ 6.50 to 15.63 During 1998 1,046,564 $ 2.50 to 5.88 EXERCISED During 1996 342,090 $ 1.09 to 7.63 During 1997 104,803 $ 3.25 to 5.13 During 1998 3,499 $ 5.00 to 5.88 CANCELED During 1996 266,169 $ 3.25 to 6.80 During 1997 140,871 $ 3.25 to 12.00 During 1998 847,689 $ 2.50 to 15.63 At April 30, 1998, 311,644 stock options are exercisable under the plans at exercise prices ranging from $2.06 to $15.63 with a weighted-average exercise price of $9.53 and a weighted-average contractual maturity of approximately one year, as follows: 70,000 options exercisable at $6.50 to $15.63, weighted at $8.89, with a weighted maturity of one-half year; 226,871 options exercisable at $2.06 to $7.75, weighted at $4.32, with a weighted maturity of one and one-half years; and 14,773 options exercisable at $5.00 to $7.88, weighted at $5.49, with a weighted maturity of one year. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS-No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation", but applies Accounting F-23 48 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock options plans. Compensation expense was immaterial for fiscal years 1998 and 1997. For SFAS No. 123 purposes, the weighted average fair value of each option grant has been estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 5.77% and 6.45% and expected volatility of 65% for the years ended April 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively, a dividend payout rate of zero for each year and an expected option life of 5 years. Using these assumptions, the weighted average fair value of the stock options granted is $1.76 and $5.84, for 1998 and 1997, respectively. There were no adjustments made in calculating the fair value to account for vesting provisions or for non-transferability or risk of forfeiture. If the Company had elected to recognized compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant dates for options issued under the plans described above, consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders and earnings (loss) per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below: Year ended April 30, (in thousands, except per share data) 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders: as reported $ (9,089) (595) pro forma (10,931) $ (1,605) Earnings (loss) per share: as reported $ (0.87) $ (0.06) pro forma (1.05) (0.16) 10. INCOME TAXES The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for income tax reporting purposes of approximately $18,941,000 which begin to expire in 2008. The amount of the net operating loss carryforward related to the compensation element of stock options is approximately $10,156,000, which when F-24 49 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS realizable will be a credit to paid in capital. In addition, the Company has research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $552,000, which begin to expire in 2006. The difference between the Federal Tax rate and the effective tax rate realized as a percent of pretax earnings for the years ended April 30, 1998, 1997, and 1996, is as follows: 1998 1997 1996 Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tax provision (benefit) at statutory rates $(5,817,000) (34.0%) $ (202,000) (34.0%) $(214,000) (34.0%) Tax benefit not recorded 5,817,000 34.0 382,000 64.0 593,000 94.0 Compensation element of stock options - - (235,000) (39.5%) (390,000) (61.8) Other - - (55,000) (9.5%) 11,000 1.7% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ - - $ - - $ - - ====================================================================================== The primary differences between income (loss) for financial reporting and income tax purposes is the recognition of reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable and obsolete inventory, the compensation element of stock options and research and development expenses, which are not currently deductible for income tax purposes. No deferred taxes have been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of April 30, 1998 and 1997. The components of deferred income taxes are as follows: April 30, 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES Accelerated depreciation $ 113,000 $ 28,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total deferred tax liabilities $ 113,000 $ 28,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ F-25 50 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 1998 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEFERRED TAX ASSETS Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 120,000 $ 44,000 Inventory reserve 548,000 200,000 Tax credits 552,000 408,000 NOL carryforwards 7,577,000 6,678,000 Reserve for litigation settlement 478,000 - Other 24,000 65,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deferred tax assets 9,299,000 7,395,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net deferred tax assets 9,186,000 7,367,000 Less: Valuation allowance (9,186,000) (7,367,000) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL $ - $ - ============================================================================= Management has provided a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of April 30, 1998 and the benefit of these items will be recognized in future years to the extent that such items are available to reduce taxable income. 11. SIGNIFICANT Certain customers accounted for 10% or more of the CUSTOMERS AND Company's total revenue during the years ended FOREIGN EXPORTS April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 as noted below: 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- Customer % of Sales Customer % of Sales Customer % of Sales C 32 A 29 A 31 B 16 B 21 F-26 51 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company had export sales to foreign customers totalling approximately $3,292,000, $846,000, and $1,310,000, respectively. At April 30, 1998 trade receivables from two customers represented 25% and 22% of total trade receivables outstanding. At April 30, 1997 trade receivable from two customers represented 33% and 18% of total trade receivables outstanding. The two customers were different in 1998 and 1997. 12. SUCCESS Effective May 1, 1991, the Company established the SHARING PLAN FastComm Communications Corporation Success Sharing Plan, a defined contribution plan that covers substantially all of its employees. Employer contributions are determined using an actuarially determined factor based on the employee's age and compensation level. No employer contributions were made for the years ended April 30, 1998, 1997 or 1996. 13. RELATED PARTY During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company had sales of TRANSACTIONS approximately $13,000, $43,000, and $158,000, respectively, to a customer whose Board of Directors includes the president and principle executive officer of the Company. At April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, accounts receivable includes approximately $3,000, $4,000 and $25,000, respectively from this related party which was paid to the Company subsequent to year end. 14. FOURTH QUARTER During the fourth quarter ended April 30, 1998, the ADJUSTMENTS Company recorded provisions for obsolete inventory of $570,000 and a valuation allowance related to a note receivable of $273,600 all of which had the effect of increasing the operating loss and net loss by $843,600 or $0.08 per share. These additional provisions were necessary in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 due to changes in estimates caused by decreased sales and the decline in the fair value of the related collateral for the note receivable. During the fourth quarter ended April 30, 1997, the Company reduced its reserve for inventory obsolescence by $100,000 which had the effect of reducing the operating loss and net loss by $100,000 or $0.01 per share. During the fourth quarter ended April 30, 1996, the Company reduced its allowance for F-27 52 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS doubtful accounts by $104,000, which had the effect of reducing the operating loss and net loss by $104,000 or $0.01 per share. 15. SUPPLEMENTAL Supplemental information on interest and income taxes CASH FLOW paid is as follows: INFORMATION For the Year ended April 30, 1998 1997 1996 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest $ 542 $ 35,721 $ 20,975 Income taxes $110,290 $ - $ - ========================================================================================================== Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: For the Year ended April 30, 1998 1997 1996 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Issuance of stock for convertible debentures $ 3,794,701 $ - $ - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Issuance of stock in connection with acquisition of assets of CDC: Fair value of assets acquired $ - 1,482,536 - Fair market value of common stock issued - 1,000,000 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liabilities assumed $ - $ 482,536 $ - ========================================================================================================== F-28 53 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION The audits referred to in our report, which includes an explanatory paragraph related to substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, to FastComm Communications Corporation, dated August 3, 1998 which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, included the audit of the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 1998. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statement schedule based upon our audits. In our opinion, such schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. BDO Seidman, LLP Washington, D.C. August 3, 1998 F-29 54 FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS SCHEDULE II Balance Charged to Balance at Beginning Costs and at End Description of Period Expenses Deductions of Period - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended April 30, 1996 Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Obsolescence reserve for inventory $495,000 105,000 - $ 600,000 Allowance for doubtful accounts $204,000 100,000 (204,000)1/ $ 100,000 ============================================================================================================ Year Ended April 30, 1997 Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Obsolescence reserve for inventory $600,000 - (100,000)2/ $ 500,000 Allowance for doubtful accounts $100,000 151,000 (141,000)1/ $ 110,000 ============================================================================================================ Year Ended April 30, 1998 Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Obsolescence reserve for inventory $500,000 1,110,000 (240,000) $ 1,370,000 Allowance for doubtful accounts $110,000 275,421 (85,421) $ 300,000 ============================================================================================================ 1/ Accounts written off 2/ Inventory scrapped or disposed of F-30 55 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE NONE. 25 56 PART III. ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The following lists the directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, descriptions of their business experience and positions held with the Company as of April 30, 1998: Name Age Position ---- --- -------- Peter C. Madsen(1)(2) 47 President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Robert C. Abbott 54 Vice President - Engineering, Secretary William A. Flanagan 55 Vice President - Technology Mark H. Rafferty(1) 43 Vice President - Finance, Treasurer, and Director Edward C. Bursk 39 Vice President - Marketing Richard L. Apel 53 Vice President - General Manager Comstat Division William A. Grant 45 Vice President - Global Sales Edward R. Olson(1)(2) 57 Director Thomas G. Amon(1)(2) 51 Director (1) Member Stock Option Committee. (2) Member Audit Committee. All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of the shareholders and the election and qualification of their successors. The officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. See "Employment and Control Arrangements" under Item 11. Peter C. Madsen has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company since September 1992. Mr. Madsen is also President of Professional Marketing Corporation, a telecommunications equipment distributor. From November 1986 to January 1992, he was an officer of the Newbridge Networks Corporation, a Canadian telecommunications company, most recently as Vice President and General Manager, United States Region, and President of Newbridge Networks Inc., Newbridge Networks Corporation's United States subsidiary. Mr. Madsen served as a director of Newbridge Networks Corporation from September, 1987 until June, 1998. Robert C. Abbott has served as Vice President - Engineering and as Secretary of the Company since 1984. From December 1980 until joining the Company, he served as product manager, VF Products, for the Telesystems Division of Comsat Corporation in Fairfax, Virginia. William A. Flanagan has served as Vice President - Technology since September 1991. Prior to that, from 1987 through September 1991, he was Vice President - Network Marketing and Vice President - Technology for Newbridge Networks Inc. Mr. Flanagan is the author of a variety of best selling books on digital communications technology. Mark H. Rafferty served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since August 1993 and as a director of the Company since March 1998. From August 1992 to August 1993, Mr. Rafferty was Vice President, Finance at Newbridge Networks Inc. From August 1987 through August 1992, Mr. Rafferty was Controller of Newbridge Networks Inc. Edward C. Bursk was Vice President, Sales and Marketing of the Company from November 1996 to July 1998 at which time he resigned. From September 1995 to October 1996, Mr. Bursk was President of the U.S. Division of Ouest Standard Telematique S.A., a French telecommunications manufacturer. From May 1994 to September 1995, Mr. Bursk served as Assistant Vice President, Marketing for FastComm. Mr. Bursk served as General Manager, Packet Switching for Dynatech Communications from June 1993 to May 1994 and as Director of Small Switching Systems for Netrix Corporation from September 1990 to June 1993. Richard L. Apel was been Vice President of the Company and President of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Comstat Datacomm Corporation since February 1997. For five years prior to this time, Mr. Apel was President of Comstat Datacomm Corporation. Mr. Apel's employment with the Company terminated in June, 1998. (See Item 10, Employment and Control Arrangements) Edward R. Olson has served as a director since January 1989. From 1990 to April 1997, Mr. Olson has served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of M-C Industries, Inc., a fluid hydraulics equipment manufacturer. Commencing July 1, 1995, Mr. Olson became a principal in KPMG Baymark Strategies LLC, an independent consulting firm in a strategic alliance with KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP. KPMG Baymark Strategies 26 57 LLC has since become Dominion Management LLC. From 1992 to 1993, Mr. Olson was Senior Vice President, Operations of Audiovox Corp., a company concentrating in the marketing and distribution of consumer electronic devices. Mr. Olson was President and COO of Porta Systems Corporation from November 1995 to January 1997. Mr. Olson is also Chairman of S&L Metal Products Corporation, Queens, NY. William A. Grant has served as Vice President - Global Sales for the Company since November, 1997. From October 1996 through October 1997, Mr. Grant served as Vice President - Global Sales for Memotec Communications Corporation. From January 1994 through September 1996, Mr. Grant was Vice President - Business Development for FastComm. Prior to this time, Mr. Grant was President of Inteletouch Corporation, a telecommunications equipment company. Thomas G. Amon has served as a director since December 1994. Mr. Amon has been a partner in the law firm of Amon & Sabatini for the past five years. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) system. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for those persons. The Company believes that during its fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION BOARD REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Company does not have a formal compensation committee. Compensation levels for executive officers are approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is presently comprised of the following individuals: Peter C. Madsen, Thomas G. Amon , Edward R. Olson and Mark H.Rafferty. Salaries are reviewed periodically and are based on individual performance, the extent of individual responsibility and comparisons with salaries paid in the industry. The Company recruits for its executive officer positions from within the communications industry. In most instances, the source Company is significantly larger than the Company. It has been the policy of the Board of Directors of FastComm to hire executive officers at levels below that of their current salaries along with a stock option package intended to make up for the differentiation and to provide a performance incentive. The Company has felt that stock options are an attractive benefit in that they enhance performance and loyalty at little cost. The Company believes the compensation packages offered to its current employees and prospective employees have been consistent with that of the telecommunications industry. The Board establishes compensation levels based on experience and responsibility. On June 2, 1998, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the effect this filing will have on its ability to attract and retain skilled and talented engineers, sales and marketing personnel and management. The Board granted two executive officers options during fiscal 1998. One of these grants were determined by the individuals performance, responsibility, seniority. The remaining grant was a condition of employment. The Board adheres to a policy of granting options to executive officers based upon performance and responsibility. In addition, the Board also considers the relative importance of the job function being performed and the number of options currently held by the executive officer. 27 58 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION During the year, Peter C. Madsen, Edward R. Olson, Thomas G. Amon and Mark H. Rafferty as directors participated in deliberations of the Company's Board of Directors concerning executive officer compensation and stock option grants, including their own. Other than the foregoing, none of such directors was party to any reportable interlock or participation during fiscal 1998. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, the Company sold approximately $13,000 of product under normal terms and conditions to Newbridge Networks Inc. ("Networks") a United States subsidiary of Newbridge Networks Corporation, a Canadian Telecommunications Company ("Newbridge"). Peter C. Madsen, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company is was a director of Newbridge during the current fiscal year. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid by the Company to the seven named executives (the "Named Executive Officers") for services furnished in all capacities to the Company during the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, as well as such compensation paid by the Company to the Named Executive Officers during the Company's two previous fiscal years: Long term Compensation Annual Compensation Awards ------------------- ------ Shares of Other Annual Common Stock Compensation Underlying Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) ($)(1) Options - --------------------------- ---- ---------- --------- ------ ------- Peter C. Madsen (2) 1998 98,077 0 7,320 0 President, CEO and Chairman 1997 101,757 0 6,613 0 of the Board of Directors 1996 104,196 0 6,219 0 Mark H. Rafferty (3) 1998 116,732 0 8,075 0 Vice President and 1997 108,503 0 5,824 25,000 Chief Financial Officer 1996 106,207 0 5,824 0 Robert C. Abbott (4) 1998 86,999 0 0 0 Vice President - Engineering 1997 98,639 0 0 15,000 Corporate Secretary 1996 95,552 0 0 0 William A. Flanagan (5) 1998 106,645 0 2,220 10,000 Vice President - 1997 109,417 0 2,511 0 Technology 1996 106,715 0 6,632 15,000 Edward C. Bursk (6) 1998 116,250 15,000 4,800 0 Vice President- 1997 52,532 0 2,400 55,000 Sales and Marketing Richard L. Apel (7) 1998 110,000 0 5,800 0 Vice President 1997 25,853 0 1,200 50,000 William A. Grant 1998 64,098 30,000 3,000 100,000 (1) Automobile benefit. (2) At April 30, 1998, Mr. Madsen held 813,086 restricted shares of Common Stock with a market value of $1,496,078 at that date. (3) At April 30, 1998, Mr. Rafferty held 30,087 restricted shares of Common Stock with a market value of $55,360 at that date. 28 59 (4) At April 30, 1998, Mr. Abbott held 192,408 restricted shares of Common Stock with a market value of $354,031 at that date. (5) At April 30, 1998, Mr. Flanagan held 219,421 restricted shares of Common Stock with a market value of $403,735 at that date. (6) At April 30, 1998, Mr. Bursk held 500 restricted shares of Common Stock with a market value of $920 at that date. (7) At April 30, 1998, Mr. Apel held 146,563 restricted shares of Common Stock with a market value of $269,673 at that date. FISCAL 1998 OPTION GRANTS The following table sets forth information concerning grants of stock options to the Named Executive Officers made pursuant to the Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan during the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998: Stock Option Grants in Fiscal Year 1998 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS Securities Percent of Potential Realizable Value Underlying Total Options Exercise at Assumed Annual Rates Options Granted to or of Stock Price Appreciation Granted Employees in Base Price Expiration For Option Term Name (#) Fiscal Year ($/sh.) Date 5%($) 10%($) - ---- --- ----------- ------- ---- ----- ------ Peter C. Madsen 0 - - - - - Mark H. Rafferty 0 - - - - - Robert C. Abbott 0 - - - - - William A. Flanagan 10,000 0.96% $5.88 7/14/02 $16,250 $35,950 Thomas G. Amon 10,000 0.96% $5.88 7/14/02 $16,250 $35,950 Edward R. Olson 10,000 0.96% $5.88 7/14/02 $16,250 $35,950 Edward C. Bursk 0 - - - - - Richard L. Apel 0 - - - - - William A. Grant 50,000 4.78% $2.50 12/15/02 $34,500 $78,500 William A. Grant 50,000 4.78% $2.59 3/13/03 $36,000 $81,500 The exercise price of each option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant for incentive options or 85% of such fair value for non-qualified stock options, as determined by the Board of Directors. Options vest over a three year period and expire five years from date of grant and, in most cases, upon termination of employment. 29 60 FISCAL 1998AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES The following table sets forth information concerning each exercise of stock options during the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998 by each of the Named Executive Officers and the fiscal year-end value of unexercised options held by such persons: Shares Value of Underlying Unexercised Unexercised in-the-money Options at Options at Fiscal Year- Fiscal Year- Shares Value End (#) End ($) Acquired on Realized Exercisable/ Exercisable/ Name Exercise (#) ($) Unexercisable Unexercisable - ---- ------------ --- ------------- ------------- Peter C. Madsen - - - - $0 $0 Robert C. Abbott - - 55,000 10,000 $0 $0 William A. Flanagan - - 10,000 15,000 $0 $0 Thomas G. Amon - - 10,000 16,667 $0 $0 Edward R. Olson - - 23,333 16,667 $0 $0 Mark H. Rafferty - - 91,667 16,667 $0 $0 Edward C. Bursk - - 37,033 36,667 $0 $0 Richard L. Apel - - 16,667 33,333 $0 $0 William A. Grant - - - 100,000 $0 $0 EMPLOYMENT AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS Effective September 18, 1992, the Company, Mr. Robert N. Dennis and Mr. Edward R. Olson, as the "Current Directors" therein, and Mr. Peter C. Madsen entered into an employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement") regarding the terms of Mr. Madsen's employment by the Company and the scope of the relationships among the parties to the Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, (i) Mr. Madsen was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company for an initial term expiring on January 31, 1995 at an initial base salary of $100,000 per year, (ii) Mr. Madsen was granted an option to purchase up to 425,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $1.09375 per share upon certain terms and conditions, and (iii) Mr. Madsen and Mr. Peter Sommerer were elected directors of the Company to fill two vacancies then existing on the Board of Directors. Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Madsen has been granted full control of and authority over the operations of the Company, subject to the general oversight of the Board, and the Current Directors agreed not to take any action inconsistent with their respective obligations thereunder. The Employment Agreement and the related actions resulted in an effective change in control of the Company away from Mr. Dennis to Mr. Madsen. The agreement, which currently expires on January 31, 1999, is renewable thereafter on a year to year basis. In connection with the acquisition of Comstat, the Company entered into a three year Employment and Non Competition Agreement on February 13, 1997 with Richard Apel. The Agreement provided that Mr. Apel be employed by the Company in a senior management capacity at a salary of $110,000 per annum. The Agreement provided for termination by the Company on six months notice. On June 29, 1998, the Company exercised this termination right. 30 61 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Directors receive no cash compensation for their services as such, however, the Board of Directors has authorized payment of reasonable expenses incurred by non-employee directors in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors. Further, members of the Company's Board of Director are granted options to purchase common shares pursuant to the Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan. During fiscal year 1998, the Company granted options to purchase 10,000 shares of its common stock to both Edward R. Olson and Thomas G. Amon. The Chairman of the Board receives no compensation for serving in such capacity. SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's Common Stock with that of the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Stock Market - US Index ("NASDAQ STOCK MRKT - US") and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index ("NASDAQ TELECOM") for the five year period ended on April 30, 1998. The information below is based on an investment of $100, on April 30, 1993, in the Company's Common Stock, the NASDAQ STOCK MRKT - US and the NASDAQ TELECOM. The Company's Management consistently cautions that the stock price performance shown in the graph below should not be considered indicative of potential future stock price performance. On June 9, 1998, the Company shares were delisted from the National Market System. Effective June 16, 1998, the Company's shares have been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board. Research Data Group Peer Group Total Return Worksheet Fastcomm Communications Corp (FSCX) CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN ------------------------------------------------------------- 4/30/93 4/30/94 4/30/95 4/30/96 4/30/97 4/30/98 Fastcomm Communications Corp FSCX 100 116 69 209 60 22 NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) 100 111 129 104 195 292 NASDAQ TELECOMMUNICATIONS 100 119 124 170 154 295 31 62 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT At July 8, 1998, there were 12,344,739 shares of Common Stock of the Company issued and outstanding. As of such date, options to purchase 1,360,911 shares of Common Stock were outstanding. Each holder of shares of Common Stock, but not holders of unexercised options, is entitled to one vote per share on each matter, which may be presented at a meeting of shareholders. Cumulative voting is not allowed. The Company's Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol "FSCX." On June 9, 1998, the Company's shares were delisted from the National Market System. Effective June 16, 1998, the Company's shares have been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the same symbol. The following table sets forth information regarding ownership of Common Stock of the Company at July 8, 1998, by each person who is known by management of the Company to own beneficially more than five percent of the Common Stock (setting forth the address of each such person), by each director, by the Named Executive Officers of the Company identified beneath "Item 11. Executive Compensation," and by all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. Shares issuable on exercise of warrants or options exercisable within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of persons beneficially owning such warrants or options, but have not been deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons indicated below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as owned by them except as otherwise stated in the notes to the table. Amount and Nature Name and address of Beneficial Owner of Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class - ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ---------------- Peter C. Madsen (1) 813,086 7.09% Sterling, Virginia Robert C. Abbott 252,408 (2) 2.19% Reston, Virginia William A. Flanagan 234,421 (3) 2.04% Sterling, Virginia Edward R. Olson (1) 30,000 (4) 0.26% Reston, Virginia Thomas G. Amon (1) 23,317 (5) 0.20% New York, New York Edward C. Bursk 37,533 (6) 0.33% Centreville, Virginia Mark H. Rafferty (1) 121,754 (7) 1.05% Centreville, Virginia Richard L. Apel 163,250 (8) 1.42% Lawrenceville, Georgia ------------- ------------- 1,675,769 14.58% (1) Director (2) Gives effect to 60,000 options owned by Abbott exercisable within 60 days. (3) Gives effect to 15,000 options owned by Flanagan exercisable within 60 days. 32 63 (4) Gives effect to 30,000 options owned by Olson exercisable within 60 days. (5) Shares are owned by the Thomas G. Amon Pension and Profit Sharing Plans as to which Mr. Amon has no voting or investment power. Gives effect to 16,667 options owned by Amon exercisable within 60 days. (6) Gives effect to 37,033 options owned by Bursk exercisable within 60 days. (7) Gives effect to 91,667 options owned by Rafferty exercisable within 60 days. (8) Gives effect to 16,667 options owned by Apel exercisable within 60 days. (9) Based upon 12,344,739 shares outstanding at July 8, 1998. The Company is unaware of any arrangement the operation of which could at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, the Company sold approximately $13,000 of product under normal terms and conditions to Newbridge Networks Inc. ("Networks") a United States subsidiary of Newbridge Networks Corporation, a Canadian Telecommunications Company ("Newbridge"). FastComm sells to Newbridge Networks Corporation under net 30 day terms with prompt payment discounts. Such terms are consistent with that of similar customers. Title passes on shipment of product. Under the terms of the contract, Newbridge may return purchased and paid for (during the previous six month period) but unused products to FastComm for either warranty revalidation and/or revision level change (hardware or firmware). Peter C. Madsen, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company was a director of Newbridge through June, 1998. The Company paid the law firm of Amon & Sabatini $188,000 in the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998. Thomas G. Amon, a Director of the Company, since December 1994, is a partner of Amon and Sabatini. On February 13, 1997, FastComm entered into an agreement whereby it leased a facility in Georgia that is owned by Richard L Apel. Mr. Apel is a Vice President of the Company. The Company paid $87,000 to Mr. Apel in the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998. Also, in connection with the fiscal 1997 acquisition of Comstat, Mr Apel was loaned $300,000. The loan bears interest at 2 1/2 % above the prime lending rate. The terms of the transactions described above were negotiated at arms length such that the terms were as favorable to the Company as could have been obtained from an unaffiliated third party. The Company has entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers that may require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers. 33 64 PART IV. ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a)(1) and (a)(2) Financial Statements and Schedules. The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules filed as a part of this Report are listed beneath Item 8 of this Report. (a)(3) Exhibits. The exhibits filed as a part of this Report are listed on the Exhibit Index at page 33 of this Report. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed one report on Form 8-K during the quarter ended April 30, 1998 relating to the outcome of the Davison litigation. 34 65 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on August 13, 1998. FASTCOMM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION By: /s/ Peter C. Madsen -------------------- Peter C. Madsen President Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated on August 13, 1998. POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Peter C. Madsen and Mark H. Rafferty, his attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with the exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney- in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. /s/ Peter C. Madsen ----------------------------------------- President (Principal Executive Officer) Peter C Madsen and Director /s/ Mark H. Rafferty ----------------------------------------- Vice President - Finance, Treasurer and Director Mark H. Rafferty (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ Thomas G. Amon ----------------------------------------- Director Thomas G. Amon /s/ Edward R. Olson ----------------------------------------- Director Edward R. Olson 35 66 EXHIBIT INDEX Sequential Exhibit Page No. Description Number - --- ----------- ------ 3.1* Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation 3.2** By-laws, as amended 4.1**** Form of Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and Capital Ventures, International, Nelson Partners, Olympus Securities, Ltd. and CC Investments, LDC. 4.2**** Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Richard L. Apel. 4.3**** Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Capital Ventures, International, Nelson Partners, Olympus Securities, Ltd. and CC Investments, LDC. 4.4**** Form of Convertible Debenture 4.5**** Form of Warrant 4.6**** Proposed Form of Certificate of Designations, Preference and Rights 10.0** Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert C. Abbott 10.1** October 15, 1987 License Agreement between the Company and Data Race, Inc. 10.2*** February 27, 1991 Lease Agreement between the Company and Dulles/Route 28 Limited Partnership with respect to the premises at 45472 Holiday Drive, Sterling, VA 22110 10.3*** Employment Agreement between the Company and William Flanagan 10.4*** Technology Transfer Agreement with Sigma Technology 10.5*** Agreement in Principle with Watch Hill Research 10.6*** Technology License Agreement with Protocom Devices 10.7*** Loan Agreement with Sovran Bank 10.8*** Employment Agreement among the Company, Robert N. Dennis and Edward R. Olson, as the "Current Directors," and Peter C. Madsen. 10.9*** Option Agreement by the Company in favor of Charles L. Deslaurier. 10.10*** Option Agreement by the Company in favor of Rick Sampley. 10.11*** Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert N. Dennis. 10.12* Exclusive Master Distribution Agreement for FastComm Products between FastComm Communications Corporation and Daitel Technologies 10.13* Distribution Agreement for products between FastComm Communications Corporation and C&L Communications, Inc. 10.14* Distributor Agreement for FastComm products between FastComm Communications Corporation and Tadiran, Ltd. 10.15* Distribution Agreement between the Company and Sumitronics, Inc. 10.16* Consulting Agreement between Gary H. Davison and Newbridge Networks Inc. 10.17* Agreement between the Company and ZyBel Microsystems, Inc. 11.0* Statement re: Computation of per share earnings. - ----------- * Filed with revised form 10KA filed August 12, 1994. ** These exhibits are incorporated by reference from the corresponding exhibits to the Company's Form S-18 Registration Statement, SEC File Number 333-19758. *** These exhibits are incorporated by reference from the corresponding exhibits to the Company's Form S-3 Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-43374. **** These exhibits are incorporated by reference from the corresponding exhibits to the Company's Form S-3 Registration Statement, see File No. 333-26459 36