COMTECH
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
Annual Report 2019
CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER®Leadership
in growing markets
Comtech is focused on
markets that are highly
dependent on secure,
advanced communications
technologies.
• Satellite Ground Station Technologies
• Public Safety and Location Technologies
• Mission-Critical Technologies
• High-Performance Transmission Technologies
COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT
Our Commercial Solutions segment offers Satellite Ground
Station Technologies (such as modems and amplifiers) and
Public Safety and Location Technologies (such as 911 call
routing and mapping solutions) to commercial customers
and smaller government customers, such as state and
local governments. This segment also serves certain large
government customers (including the U.S. government) that
have requirements for off-the-shelf commercial equipment.
Our Satellite Ground Station Technologies are used in a
wide variety of commercial and government applications,
including the backhaul of satellite-based cellular traffic,
connectivity to High Throughput Satellite (“HTS”) networks
and applications, high definition (“HD”) and ultra-high
definition (“4K”) broadcasting and in-flight connectivity
and entertainment systems. Anchored by our market leading
Single Channel per Carrier (“SCPC”) modems, amplifiers,
converters and network software, including our HeightsTM
networking platform, we offer our customers one-stop-
shopping for satellite ground station technologies. We are also
a leading provider of Public Safety and Location Technologies.
Our next generation (“NG”) solutions enable 911 call
routing via cellular networks and over the Internet (“VoIP”).
In addition to 911 call routing, we provide systems integration,
satellite and location infrastructure terminals and linkage to
NG-911 Emergency Services IP Networks (“ESInet”).
Our Government Solutions segment provides Mission-Critical
Technologies (such as tactical satellite-based networks and
ongoing field support for complicated communication networks)
and High-Performance Transmission Technologies (such as
troposcatter systems and solid-state, high-power amplifiers and
switches). Our Government Solutions segment is a key supplier
of command and control C4ISR products and services to large
government end-users (including those of foreign countries),
large international customers and domestic prime contractors.
Our Mission-Critical Technologies solutions include supply
chain services such as the procurement of satellite-based
space components, satellite-based antenna systems and high
reliability Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (“EEE”)
parts in support of critical space programs. We are recognized
as an industry leader and global supplier of high reliability
products. We also provide a variety of training services to our
customers to help them protect networks from cyber-attacks.
Our High-Performance Transmission Technologies are utilized
in several critical applications, including electronic warfare,
communications, radar, identification friend or foe (“IFF”)
systems and medical applications such as oncology cancer
treatment systems.
FISCAL 2019 REVENUE BY SEGMENT
FISCAL 2019 REVENUE BY CUSTOMER
53.2%
46.8%
40.1%
34.5%
Commercial Solutions
Government Solutions
25.4%
U.S. Government
International
Domestic
1
TO OUR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS
Fiscal 2019 was a successful year for Comtech. We delivered
strong operating results, generating consolidated:
• Net sales of $671.8 million;
• Operating income of $41.4 million;
• Net income of $25.0 million;
• Cash flows from operating activities of $68.0 million; and
• Adjusted EBITDA of $93.5 million.
Fiscal 2019 exceeded our expectations on many fronts and
marked our fourth consecutive year of net sales growth and
third consecutive year of Adjusted EBITDA growth. I believe
Comtech is well-positioned for an even better fiscal 2020. I
also believe it is clear that our long-term business strategies
are paying off.
In fiscal 2019, we completed two acquisitions that complement
our existing businesses. In February 2019, we acquired
Solacom Technologies, Inc. (“Solacom”), a leading provider
of NG-911 solutions for public safety agencies. Solacom has
developed a best-in-class call handling solution marketed
under the Guardian brand name which provides an integrated
text-to-and-from 911 solution on a unified platform. The
solution provides a flexible user interface, is capable of
adapting to varying customer environments and preferences,
provides powerful call conferencing capabilities, enhanced
reporting capabilities and offers geospatial 911 location
call display directly from a customized map. Because of its
advanced features, Solacom allows us to offer an immediate
upgrade path to both new and existing customers, provides
additional recurring revenues and expands our presence
in the public safety solutions market. In April 2019, we
acquired the state and local government NG-911 business
from General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (the
“GD 911 business”), which also strengthened our position in
the growing NG-911 solutions market.
During fiscal 2019, we experienced continued business
momentum
in both our Commercial Solutions and
Government Solutions segments. New orders, or what
we refer to as bookings, were $724.1 million during
fiscal 2019, which translates
into a company-wide
book-to-bill ratio of 1.08. We finished the fiscal year
with a healthy, near record backlog of $683.0 million.
COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS
A large portion of this segment consists of Satellite Ground
Station Technologies such as satellite modems, up-and-down
frequency converters and solid-state and traveling wave tube
power amplifiers. We believe that we continue to be the
leading provider of Single Channel per Carrier (“SCPC”)
satellite earth station modems due to our ability to deliver the
most bandwidth-efficient products.
We continue to invest in research and development to expand
and grow our addressable markets. This includes investments
in our HEIGHTSTM solutions (“Heights”), which experienced
another year of meaningful sales growth in fiscal 2019. Our
pipeline of opportunities remains robust and we continue
to gain traction as we invest in this market, which is much
larger than our traditional SCPC market. For example, in
fiscal 2019, we received a significant follow on Heights order
for equipment to support global mobility services for a satellite
operator. This award is focused on the high-end mobility
maritime market with an emphasis on cruise ships, but with
the capability of supporting other maritime applications.
2
We also announced that Claro Argentina selected our Heights
networking platform to connect rural communities throughout
Argentina with high-speed 2G/3G and LTE backhaul. Capping
it off, in November 2019, our Heights solutions were selected
by Telefonica for a multi-year program to upgrade Vivo Brazil
and Telefonica Argentina mobile networks in support of 2G,
3G and LTE backhaul.
The U.S. government continues to be a key customer for
our satellite ground station products. For example, in fiscal
2019, we were awarded an additional $9.8 million delivery
order against the $59.0 million indefinite delivery/indefinite
quantity (“IDIQ”) contract previously awarded to us by
the U.S. Naval Warfare Systems Command. Our solutions
continue
to support satellite communications and
interoperability across the Navy’s platforms and shore sites.
We are a key supplier of amplifier components to several
major airlines for in-flight connectivity and I believe that this
product line is poised for growth for the next several years as
airlines continue to move to offer higher speed satellite-based
connectivity.
The other significant portion of our Commercial Solutions
segment is our Public Safety and Location Technologies,
which consists of the routing of U.S. wireless 911 calls,
Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) 911 calls and Text-
to-911 messaging. We believe we are also one of two main
companies
the Federal Communications
Commission (“FCC”) requirements for Enhanced 911
(“E911”) call-routing to public safety answering points
(“PSAPs”) for wireless and VoIP network operators. In
fiscal 2019, we continued to provide technology solutions
to Verizon, one of the largest wireless carriers in the U.S.,
and we are the leading provider to Verizon for E911 services
for its nationwide 3G, 4G and 5G networks.
fulfilling
Our Short-Messaging Service (“SMS”) software has been used
by wireless carrier subscribers to send and receive text or data
messages to and from wireless devices for almost two decades.
Our text messaging platforms are used by wireless carriers
to provide SMS to their end-customers and are also used to
communicate with 911 PSAPs through major network operators.
Additionally, we offer Location StudioTM, a complete end-to-
end location services platform for mobile carriers, application
developers, public safety customers and enterprises.
We are focusing our marketing and research and development
efforts in our Public Safety and Location Technologies product
line to meet the system standards for NG-911, which refers
to an IP-based system that allows voice, photos, videos and
text messages to flow seamlessly from the public through
the 911 network and on to emergency responders. Given
our expertise with end-to-end location services platforms
for mobile carriers, we are also addressing the FCC’s
mandate that emergency services must incorporate certain
location technology, like our own, which utilizes more precise
location information.
We believe we are in the early stages of a multi-year period
of growing demand and our acquisitions of Solacom and the
state and local government NG-911 business from General
Dynamics Information Technology, Inc have already made a
positive impact. For example, in connection with our acquisition
of the GD 911 business in fiscal 2019, we announced a five-
year contract award in excess of $100.0 million to develop,
implement and operate a NG-911 emergency communications
system for a northeastern state.
Overall, we have extensive capabilities and experience with
operating 911 applications and are known for innovation
and solving complex problems. In fact, in fiscal 2019, we
were announced as the winner of Frost and Sullivan’s North
American NG-911 Product Line Strategy Leadership Award.
As stated in their report, this award was based on our assembly
and introduction of a comprehensive NG-911 product line
that truly addresses customer needs, reduces complexity and
accelerates the widespread adoption of NG-911.
GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS
Our Government Solutions segment serves large government
end-users, including various agencies of the U.S. Department
of Defense and or international governments, which require
mission-critical technologies and systems. Appropriately
so, we now refer to one of our product lines within this
segment as Mission-Critical Technologies, which provides
tactical, satellite-based technology solutions, field support
services and satellite component supply chain management.
The other product line within this segment is now referred
to as High-Performance Transmission Technologies. This
solution set consists of our RF solid-state high-power
amplifiers and switching technologies and troposcatter
technologies, which are used in sophisticated communication
systems, such as electronic warfare, radar and identification,
friend or foe applications.
Fueled by strong opening backlog plus strong order flow
throughout the year, fiscal 2019 was a stellar year of
performance for our Government Solutions segment. We
continued to execute on our previously announced three-
year $124.2 million contract to provide the U.S. Army with
ongoing sustainment services for the AN/TSC-198A SNAP
(Secret Internet Protocol Router (“SIPR”) and Non-classified
Internet Protocol Router (“NIPR”) Access Point) Very Small
Aperture Terminals (“VSAT”) and received over $41.0
million of orders related to this contract. This work is expected
to continue through fiscal 2020 and, we believe, for many
years ahead.
We also received over $78.0 million of orders to supply
Manpack Satellite Terminals, networking equipment and other
advanced VSAT products to the U.S. Army (which were booked
pursuant to our $223.4 million Global Tactical Advanced
Communication Systems (“GTACS”) contract with the U.S.
Army’s PM Tactical Network). Such contract has a remaining
unfunded contract value of $45.5 million as of July 31, 2019.
In fiscal 2019, our Mission-Critical Technologies product
line also was awarded $11.9 million of orders from a U.S.
Federal government customer for advanced cyber security
training solutions.
Further, in October 2019, we announced we were awarded
a contract with a $98.6 million ceiling from the U.S. Army,
which calls for our Mission-Critical Technologies product line
to provide global field support services for military satellite
communication (“SATCOM”) terminals around the world.
These SATCOM terminals provide inter and intra-theater
network communications with worldwide reach back capability.
The field support contract covers diverse engineering and
technical skills to support these SATCOM terminals, including
logisticians, help desk, network engineering, security
engineering, RF and satellite system engineering and support.
The contract was initially funded at $22.2 million with
additional funding expected to occur across the performance
period, which is expected from award through twelve months.
We are honored to support the U.S. Army and proud to offer
our solutions to the U.S. warfighters.
Business activity remained strong in fiscal 2019 for our High-
Performance Transmission Technologies product line. During
the fiscal year, we made great progress on a $31.0 million order
that we received in the prior year for our Modular Transportable
Transmission System (“MTTS”) troposcatter terminals to be
utilized as part of a deployable communications network for
an Asia Pacific military service. We also executed on a $9.1
million contract that we received in fiscal 2019 to supply
another foreign military with our over-the-horizon troposcatter
microwave systems. And more recently, during our fourth
quarter of fiscal 2019, we received a $4.0 million contract
from the Brazilian military to expand a satellite-based
network for its air traffic control system.
Finally, in our High-Performance Transmission Technologies
product line, for some time now, we have been tracking a
large contract with the U.S. Marine Corps for next-generation
troposcatter (“NGT”) systems and related services. On
November 6, 2019, our prime contractor partner announced
that it was awarded a 10-year, $325.0 million “IDIQ” contract
to provide 172 of these NGT systems and also announced
that it will subcontract the manufacture and delivery of
these NGT systems to Comtech, including the test support,
logistics and training documentation, training execution,
fielding support and sustainment. We are extremely proud to
serve our warfighters and very excited about this multi-year
opportunity, which serves as a validation of Comtech’s market
leading troposcatter technologies and expertise. We will
report more about this opportunity in fiscal 2020.
CONCLUSION
Overall, fiscal 2019 was another year of success for Comtech
and I believe we are well positioned for fiscal 2020 to be
even better. Given our opportunities for future expansion,
both organically and through acquisitions, I remain confident
that Comtech will continue to strengthen its market
leadership positions and grow for many years ahead.
Our many accomplishments in fiscal 2019 would not have
been possible without the contributions and support of our
loyal customers and business partners, dedicated employees
and Business Unit leadership teams, Board of Directors
and shareholders. I thank them all for their support and
dedication as we continue to execute on our short-term and
long-term strategies.
Respectfully,
Fred Kornberg
Chairman, CEO and President
33
3
3
3
C O M M E R C I A L S O L U T I O N S
SATELLITE GROUND STATION TECHNOLOGIES
We believe we are the leading provider of satellite ground
station technologies. Our product offerings include ground-
based equipment such as satellite earth station modems,
traveling wave tube amplifiers, block up converters, power
amplifiers, frequency converters, transceivers, access
devices, voice-gateways, internet protocol encapsulators, and
media routers. We manufacture most of the satellite-based
communication equipment we sell to our customers.
Our satellite-based communication products participate in
the cellular backhaul over satellite and services market. We
remain the undisputed leader of SCPC (single channel per
carrier) modems, driven by our proven ability to deliver the
most bandwidth-efficient modems and highest efficiency
amplifiers to end-users.
Our Heights solutions are the cornerstone of our current
research and development efforts and an increasing focus
of our satellite earth station equipment sales and marketing
efforts. Heights is an advanced networking platform that
combines our most efficient waveforms, compression engines
and the ability to provide dynamic bandwidth and power
management to meet the demands of customers operating
on traditional fixed satellite service systems (“FSS”) while
providing advantages for customers who plan to transition
to LEO, MEO and high throughput satellite (“HTS”) systems
in the future. Heights is ideally suited for cellular backhaul,
universal service obligation networks and other applications
that require high performance in a hub-spoke environment.
Heights is designed to deliver the highest Internet Protocol
bits per Hertz in its class. To-date, Heights has been selected
by large telecommunications operators to support relief
projects, GEO and MEO satellite networks focused on the
high-end mobility maritime market and high-speed 2G/3G
and LTE cellular backhaul services.
4
We believe we are a leader in the traveling wave tube
amplifiers (“TWTA”) market and we differentiate our product
offerings by our ability to develop the most efficient size,
weight and power profile. Our TWTA products are vital to
satellite communication applications such as traditional
broadcast, direct-to-home (“DTH”) broadcast and satellite
newsgathering. We provide solid-state amplifiers that are
also used to amplify signals carrying voice, video or data for
air-to-satellite-to-ground communications. Our amplifiers,
when incorporated into an aircraft satellite communication
system, can provide passengers with email, internet access
and video conferencing. We believe we are a leader in providing
amplifiers for the growing in-flight connectivity market.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND LOCATION TECHNOLOGIES
We develop and deploy public safety grade 911 products
and services aligned with current and evolving industry
standards, federal regulations, and customers’ needs.
We provide thousands of public safety answering points
(“PSAPs”) with both 911 calls and texts from carriers,
serving over 250 million residents nationwide. Carriers and
multi-systems operators (“MSOs”) of all sizes rely on our
portfolio of wireless and VoIP enhanced 911 (“E911”) call
routing, location determination and Text-to-911 services in
order to comply with FCC mandates, supporting over 150
million subscribers and millions of cell site sectors.
For 911 authorities and public safety agencies, we offer the
most comprehensive end-to-end in-house NG911 technical
capabilities as well as a full portfolio of service and system
integration capabilities. Our NG911 solutions include Next
Generation Core Services (“NGCS”), Emergency Services IP
network (“ESInet”), customer premises equipment (“CPE”),
geographic information systems (“GIS”) for real-time
location data, and other key functional elements. Our
unparalleled deployment experience includes eight state-
wide and five regional NGCS deployments covering over 48
million U.S. residents.
In partnering with carriers responsible for delivering 911
calls, and state and local governments responsible for receiving
and handling those calls, Comtech’s services touch nearly
every state and territory across the country. We are committed
to the advancement of 911 technologies and continue to
invest in the public safety industry, as evidenced by our
recent fiscal 2019 acquisitions of Solacom Technologies,
Inc. and the state and local government NG911 business
from General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
We are also a leading global provider of location and
messaging platforms. Leveraging our decades of location-
based technology expertise, our solutions support the
generation and distribution of location information for both
indoor and outdoor environments. We have developed robust
mapping, navigation and geolocation solutions incorporated
by automotive manufacturers and in the Connected Car
environment. Additionally, we provide a compact, high-
capacity, multiprotocol Short-Messaging-Service (“SMS”)
platform for Person-to-Person (“P2P”), Application-to-
Person (“A2P”) and Machine-to-Machine (“M2M”).
Provided to mobile network operators globally, our virtualized
Location-Based Services (“LBS”) platform is a powerful
multi-purpose, end-to-end solution that allows authorized
users to locate and track specific mobile devices and monitor
specific areas of interest. Operators can use this platform
to support a wide variety of use cases including Location
Accuracy Testing, Public Safety, Location Intelligence,
Network Optimization and Big Data Analytics.
Location Studio® is a complete suite of highly accurate, yet
low-power, location and geo-services Application Program
Interfaces (“APIs”) designed for developers building
applications for mobile, automotive or IoT use cases. It
provides positioning, search, enhanced local content, maps,
navigation, geo-fencing and tracking via cross-platform APIs
and software development kits (“SDKs”) supporting all
leading operating systems. Two key components to Location
Studio® are Trusted Open Street Maps (“TOSM”) and our IoT
Location Platform (“ILP”).
Our Trusted Open Street Maps are feature rich and immersive
maps available at a lower cost than most major competitors.
Our IoT Location Platform provides precise and seamless
indoor to outdoor positioning and assistance data services
globally for any connected device.
Our text messaging platforms are used by wireless carriers
to provide SMS to their end-customers and to communicate
with 911 Public Safety Answering Points (“PSAPs”) through
major network operators. For our installed base of systems,
including
we provide ongoing operational support,
administration of system components, system optimization,
and configuration management.
5
G O V E R N M E N T S O L U T I O N S
MISSION CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES
We offer a variety of solutions to help close the security gap
in an era of information-based, network-centric warfare.
Our solutions are primarily sold to the U.S. Department of
Defense (“DoD”). We are a trusted provider of mission-critical
Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (“C4ISR”) solutions that
military, government, and commercial organizations need to
enable seamless, highly secure communications between
fixed, remote and mobile operations under conditions that
demand the highest level of reliability, availability, and
security. We offer integrated satellite equipment and design,
install and operate data networks that integrate computing
and communications (including both satellite and terrestrial
links). In addition, we provide ongoing network operation
and management support services
including project
management, field support and maintenance solutions
related to satellite ground terminals and related systems.
We are a prime contractor under several IDIQ defense
contract vehicles or task orders, including the: (i) U.S. Army’s
Global Tactical Advanced Communications Systems
(“GTACS”) contract, (ii) U.S. Navy’s Seaport Next Generation
(“SeaPort-Nxg”) contract, (iii) Complex Commercial SATCOM
Solutions (“CS3”) contract and (iv) Communications
Electronics Command
(“CECOM”) Responsive Strategic
Sourcing for Services (“RS3”) contract with the U.S.
Army Contracting Command - Abedeen Proving Ground
(“ACC-APG”).
Further, since fiscal 2010, we have provided sustainment
support services for the U.S. Army’s BFT-1 system.
We are recognized as an industry leader and global supplier
of high reliability products and supply chain services for the
U.S. military and aerospace market. These services include
the procurement of space components, antenna systems,
high reliability Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical
(“EEE”) parts in support of critical National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (“NASA”) programs and the design,
development and installation of multiple launch vehicle
tracking stations in the South Pacific for an international
space agency.
6
We also provide a variety of in-class and on-line training
services to our customers to help them protect command
and control networks (and other sophisticated networks) from
cyber-attacks. We provide DoD personnel with curriculum
development and training services to support cybersecurity
workforce development.
Our CYBRScore™ Labs powered by PerformanScore® provide
a quantitative measurement of performance, using practical,
hands-on scenarios to evaluate student competencies. These
training programs provide invaluable insight into students’
strengths and weaknesses, helping to further build strong
competency, increasing students’ job market readiness.
HIGH-PERFORMACE TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES
We offer several unique high-performance transmission
technologies that are used in sophisticated communication
systems, such as electronic warfare, radar and identification
friend or foe (“IFF”) applications.
We have designed, manufactured and sold troposcatter
systems (sometimes referred to as over-the-horizon microwave
products and systems) for over fifty years and believe we
are the leading supplier in this specialized product market.
We believe we offer the only adaptive troposcatter modem
that can operate at 100 megabits per second (“Mbps”).
Troposcatter systems readily transmit digitized voice, video
and data over unfriendly or inaccessible terrain by reflecting
transmitted signals off the troposphere and are an extremely
reliable, secure and cost-effective alternative to satellite
communication.
Our newly introduced next generation troposcatter (“NGT”)
modems provide significant reductions in size, weight and
power as compared to prior models and we believe that these
NGT modems will facilitate further market expansion over the
next several years. For example, commencing in fiscal 2020,
we expect to begin supplying NGT troposcatter solutions in
support of a large multi-year U.S. Marine Corps contract that
was awarded to our prime contractor partner in November
2019. In addition to the manufacturing and delivery of such
NGT systems, we also expect to supply test support, logistics
and training documentation, training execution, fielding
support and sustainment services.
In the electronic warfare marketplace, we support legacy
systems and are participating in the ongoing migration to
platforms that require smaller and lighter amplifiers. Our
solutions increase the flexibility of systems by providing wider
bandwidth capabilities to address communication needs.
Our high power and highly reliable Gallium Nitride (“GaN”)
amplifier technology is increasingly being used to update
existing radar systems for improved sensitivity and range as
well as for new radar installations. In addition to technologies
that enhance performance of primary radars, we also supply
solutions for IFF systems that provide positive identification
of radar targets.
Our amplifiers are also used in oncology treatment systems
that allow physicians to give cancer patients higher doses of
radiation that are more closely focused on cancerous tissue,
thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
7
Traditional end-users of our troposcatter equipment have
included the U.S. and foreign governments that utilize our
systems to, among other things, transmit radar tracking, run
C4ISR applications and connect remote border locations.
Additionally, energy companies use our systems to enable
communication links for offshore oil rigs and other remote
locations, as well as for exploration activities.
Our Modular Tactical Transmission System (“MTTS”), the
first truly modular, rapidly deployable transit case-based
troposcatter system, has been purchased by the U.S. Army,
and is incorporated into the Secret Internet Protocol Router
and Non-classified Internet Router Access Point (“SNAP”)
family of products used by the U.S. military and called
the Tactical Transportable TROPO (“SNAP 3T”) or AN/TRC
198(V3).
S E L E C T E D F I N A N C I A L D A T A
NET SALES
$ in thousands
$671,797
$550,368
$570,589
$411,004
$307,289
ADJUSTED EBITDA(1)
$ in thousands
$93,472
$78,374
$70,705
$51,761 $48,062
2015 2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
REVENUES BY SEGMENT ($ IN THOUSANDS)
COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS
GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS
$357,293
$345,076
$330,867
$248,955
$203,674
$314,504
$225,513
$219,501
$162,049
$103,615
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
(1) A reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
8
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 0-7928
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation /organization)
11-2139466
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
68 South Service Road, Suite 230,
Melville, NY
(Address of principal executive offices)
11747
(Zip Code)
(631) 962-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
Series A Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Stock, par value $0.10 per share
Trading Symbol(s)
CMTL
Name of each exchange on which registered
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every
Interactive Data file required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller
reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller
reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Emerging growth company
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
No
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the
closing sales price as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on January 31, 2019 was approximately $584,329,000.
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding on September 19, 2019 was 24,267,980.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.
Certain portions of the document listed below have been incorporated by reference into the indicated Part of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K:
Proxy Statement for 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders - Part III
INDEX
PART I
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Corporate Strategies
Competitive Strengths
Business Segments
Commercial Solutions Segment
Government Solutions Segment
Acquisitions
Sales, Marketing and Customer Support
Backlog
Manufacturing and Service
Research and Development
Intellectual Property
Competition
Employees
U.S. Government Contracts and Security Clearances
Regulatory Matters
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
PART II
Stock Performance Graph and Cumulative Total Return
Dividends
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Approximate Number of Equity Security Holders
ITEM 6.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
i
1
2
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
10
11
12
12
13
15
38
39
41
41
41
41
42
42
42
42
43
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Critical Accounting Policies
Results of Operations
Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020
Comparison of Fiscal 2019 and 2018
Comparison of Fiscal 2018 and 2017
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
SIGNATURES
45
45
46
51
52
53
61
66
69
72
72
72
73
73
74
74
74
74
74
75
78
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
F - 1
ii
Note: As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms "Comtech," "we," "us," "our" and "our Company" mean Comtech
Telecommunications Corp. and its subsidiaries.
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-K contains "forward-looking statements," including statements concerning the future of our industry, product
development, business strategy, continued acceptance of our products, market growth, and dependence on significant customers.
These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "would,"
"expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," the negative of these terms, or other similar
words or comparable terminology. All statements in this report, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking
information. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary
statements included in this Form 10-K. However, the risks described in this Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional
risks and uncertainties, not currently known to us or that do not currently appear to be material, may also materially adversely
affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results in the future. We describe risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results and events to differ materially in "Risk Factors" (Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K), "Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K) and "Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures about Market Risk" (Part II, Item 7A of this Form 10-K). We do not intend to update or revise publicly any forward-
looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
We are a leading provider of advanced communications solutions for both commercial and government customers worldwide. Our
solutions fulfill our customers’ needs for secure wireless communications in some of the most demanding environments, including
those where traditional communications are unavailable or cost-prohibitive, and in mission-critical scenarios where performance
is crucial. In recent years, we have benefited from an increase in market demand for global voice, video and data usage which has
resulted in our Company growing.
As more fully described throughout this Form 10-K, fiscal 2019 was a successful year for Comtech. It was our fourth consecutive
year of net sales growth and third consecutive year of Adjusted EBITDA (a Non-GAAP financial measure) growth. We achieved
consolidated net sales of $671.8 million, consolidated net income of $25.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $93.5 million. We
also generated $68.0 million of cash flows from operations. We completed two small acquisitions and finished the fiscal year with
solid backlog. We are experiencing strong business momentum in each of our two operating segments and are confident that fiscal
2020 will be even better.
Our Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020 is discussed further in Part II - "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020." For a definition and explanation of Adjusted EBITDA,
see Part II - "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Comparison of
Fiscal 2019 and 2018 - Adjusted EBITDA."
Our Internet website is www.comtechtel.com and we make available on our website: our filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), including annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports and any amendments to those filings. The reference
to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained therein into this Form 10-K.
We also use our website to disseminate other material information to our investors (on the Home Page and in the "Investor Relations"
section). Among other things, we post on our website our press releases and information about our public conference calls (including
the scheduled dates, times and the methods by which investors and others can listen to those calls), and we make available for
replay webcasts of those calls and other presentations for a limited time.
We also use social media channels to communicate with customers and the public about our Company, our products, services and
other issues, and we use social media and the Internet to communicate with investors, including information about our stockholder
meetings. Information and updates about our Annual Meetings will continue to be posted on our website at www.comtechtel.com
in the "Investor Relations" section.
Any materials filed with the SEC may be read and copied by the public at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
We are incorporated in the state of Delaware and were founded in 1967.
1
Corporate Strategies
We intend to manage our business with the following principal corporate strategies:
•
•
Seek leadership positions in markets where we can provide differentiated products and technology solutions;
Identify and participate in emerging technologies that enhance or expand our product portfolio;
• Maximize responsiveness to our customers, including offering more integrated systems and solutions;
• Expand and further penetrate our diversified and balanced customer base; and
•
Pursue acquisitions of complementary businesses and technologies.
Competitive Strengths
The successful execution of our principal corporate strategies is based on our competitive strengths, including the following:
(1) We Have Significant Exposure to Large, Growing End Markets
We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on some of the most significant technology trends occurring worldwide and that
customers around the world will increasingly turn to us to fulfill their needs for secure wireless communications in some of the
most demanding environments, including those where traditional communications are unavailable or cost-prohibitive, and in
mission-critical scenarios where performance is crucial. These important technology trends include growth in global wireless
penetration and consumption, the need for public safety agencies to seamlessly utilize precise location to connect individuals with
first responders, global deployment of in-flight connectivity solutions, the rapidly expanding breadth of High Definition ("HD")
and 4K broadcasting content and the need for governments to have more modern and mobile communications and transmission
equipment to successfully complete mission-critical goals. We believe that all of these trends generate growth in global voice,
video and data usage that, in turn, drives increased demand for the secure wireless communication solutions that we provide.
(2) We Believe We Are a Market Leader in the End-Markets That We Serve
Commercial Solutions Segment
Satellite Ground Station Technologies - We believe we are the leading provider of Single Channel per Carrier ("SCPC") satellite
earth station modems, solid-state amplifiers and traveling wave tube amplifiers. Many of our key satellite earth station modems
incorporate Turbo Product Code ("TPC") forward error correction technology and bandwidth compression technology which
enables our customers to optimize their satellite networks by either reducing their satellite transponder lease costs or increasing
data throughput. Our amplifier products are used to amplify signals carrying voice, video or data for air-to-satellite-to-ground
communications and are vital to satellite communication applications such as traditional broadcast, direct-to-home ("DTH")
broadcast and satellite newsgathering. We differentiate our amplifier product offerings by our ability to develop the most efficient
size, weight and power profile. Certain of our amplifiers are AS-900 (an airborne quality standard) certified and when incorporated
into an aircraft satellite communication system, can provide passengers with email, Internet access and video conferencing. We
believe we are a leader in providing amplifiers for the growing in-flight connectivity market.
Public Safety and Location Technologies - We believe that we are a leader in public safety communication and location technologies
used for routing 911 calls. We believe we have significant market share in the routing of U.S. wireless 911 calls, Voice over Internet
Protocol ("VoIP") 911 calls and Text to 911 messaging. We believe we are one of two companies fulfilling the Federal
Communications Commission ("FCC") requirements for Enhanced 911 ("E911") call-routing to public safety answering points
("PSAPs") for wireless and VoIP network operators. E911 refers to 911 calls for both wireline and wireless telephones that are
enhanced to provide the caller's location information. We are focusing our marketing and research and development efforts to meet
system standards for next generation 911 ("NG-911"), which refers to an Internet Protocol ("IP") based system that allows digital
information (e.g., voice, photos, videos, text messages) to flow seamlessly from the public, through the 911 network and on to
emergency responders. Our Short-Messaging Service ("SMS") Center software has been used by wireless carrier subscribers to
send and receive text or data messages to and from wireless devices for almost two decades. Additionally, we offer Location Studio
TM, a complete end-to-end location services platform for mobile carriers, application developers, public safety customers and
enterprises.
2
Government Solutions Segment
Mission-Critical Technologies - We are a key supplier to large governments (particularly the U.S. government) and large prime
contractors, for mission-critical technologies, primarily tactical satellite-based technology solutions, field support services and
satellite component supply chain management. We are a prime contractor under several indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity
("IDIQ") defense contract vehicles or task orders, including the: (i) U.S. Army’s Global Tactical Advanced Communications
Systems ("GTACS") contract, (ii) U.S. Navy’s Seaport Next Generation (“SeaPort-Nxg”) contract, (iii) Complex Commercial
SATCOM Solutions ("CS3") contract and (iv) Communications Electronics Command ("CECOM") Responsive Strategic Sourcing
for Services ("RS3") contract with the U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground (“ACC-APG”). We provide
field support sustainment services to the U.S. Army’s AN/TSC-198 family of communication systems that are commonly referred
to as "SNAP" (Secret Internet Protocol Router ("SIPR") and Non-secure Internet Protocol Router ("NIPR") Access Point) Very
Small Aperture Terminals ("VSATs"). We also provide sustainment services for the U.S. Army’s Blue Force Tracking-1 ("BFT-1")
system. Our field support services include providing U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD") personnel with curriculum development
and training services to support cybersecurity workforce development. Our satellite component supply chain management services
include the procurement of space components, antenna systems and high reliability Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical
("EEE") parts in support of mission-critical space programs.
High-Performance Transmission Technologies - We are a key supplier of troposcatter and radio frequency ("RF") solid-state, high-
power amplifier and switching technologies. We have designed, manufactured and sold troposcatter systems (sometimes referred
to as over-the-horizon microwave products and systems) for over fifty years and are one of the largest independent suppliers of
solid-state, high-power microwave amplifiers, which reproduce signals with high power and are extremely complex and critical
to the performance of the systems into which they are incorporated. Our adaptive troposcatter modem systems can operate at 100
megabits per second ("Mbps") and our Modular Tactical Transmission System ("MTTS") provides a high capacity, beyond-line-
of-sight modular communications system designed for easy and rapid deployment. Many amplifier power and switching
technologies are produced in-house by large companies; however, our expertise has created a cost-effective and technologically
superior alternative to in-house sourcing. Some of the companies who have outsourced amplifier production to us include Rockwell
Collins, Inc., Thales Group, European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company ("EADS"), Telephonics Corporation, Northrop
Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems PLC and Raytheon Company. Our amplifiers are also used in oncology treatment systems
that allow physicians to give cancer patients higher doses of radiation that are more closely focused on cancerous tissue, thereby
minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
(3) We Believe We Provide Industry Leading Innovation, Capabilities and Solutions
We have established a leading position of technology innovation in our fields through internal and customer-funded research and
development activities, which have yielded significant advances. Examples of our industry-leading innovation include:
Our HeightsTM Networking Platform - Our HeightsTM networking platform ("Heights") is the cornerstone of our current research
and development efforts and is an increasing focus of our satellite earth station equipment sales and marketing efforts. HeightsTM
is an advanced networking platform that combines our most efficient waveforms, compression engines and the ability to provide
dynamic bandwidth and power management to meet the demands of customers operating on traditional fixed satellite service
systems ("FSS") while providing advantages for customers who plan to transition to high throughput satellite ("HTS") systems in
the future. HeightsTM is ideally suited for cellular backhaul, universal service obligation networks and other applications that require
high performance in a hub-spoke environment. HeightsTM solutions are designed to deliver the highest Internet Protocol bits per
Hertz in its class.
Our Solacom Software Solutions - In fiscal 2019, we acquired Solacom Technologies, Inc. (“Solacom”), a leading provider of
NG-911 solutions for public safety agencies. Solacom has developed a best-in-class call handling solution marketed under the
Guardian brand name which provides an integrated text-to-and-from 911 solution on a unified platform. The solution provides a
flexible user interface, is capable of adapting to varying customer environments and preferences, provides powerful call
conferencing capabilities, enhanced reporting capabilities and offers geospatial 911 location call display directly from a customized
map. Because of its advanced features, it allows us to offer an immediate upgrade path to existing and new customers and has
expanded our presence in the public safety solutions market. We intend to continue to invest in product enhancements of the
Guardian software including developing a cloud-based version so that we can offer software as a service (SaaS) type solutions to
our public safety customers.
3
(4) We Have a Diverse Global Customer Base
We have established long-standing relationships with thousands of customers worldwide, including leading system and network
suppliers in the global satellite (such as Intelsat), mobile cellular (such as Verizon Wireless), defense, broadcast and aerospace
industries, as well as the U.S. federal government (such as the U.S. Army and Navy), U.S. state and local governments, and foreign
governments. Our global commercial and government customers are increasingly seeking integrated solutions to meet their
operational needs. We believe that our customers recognize our ability to develop improved technologies and to meet stringent
program requirements.
Our ability to solve complex problems is well known and we believe we a have strong relationships with our customers. We hold
prime positions on a number of key contracts and have had a long history of servicing key programs.
Business Segments
Fundamentally, we offer advanced secure wireless communication technologies with expertise in the satellite communications
and cellular markets. We believe these markets are undergoing a period of significant growth and rapid technological change. We
manage our business through two reportable operating segments: Commercial Solutions and Government Solutions. Our corporate
senior management team supports the business segments by, among other things, actively seeking to exploit potential synergies
that exist between the segments, including in areas such as manufacturing, technology, sales, marketing, customer support and
finance.
The diagram below summarizes our key products, systems and services by our two reportable operating segments:
Commercial Solutions Segment Technologies
(approximately 53.2% of fiscal 2019 net sales)
Government Solutions Segment Technologies
(approximately 46.8% of fiscal 2019 net sales)
Satellite Ground Station
Technologies
Public Safety and Location
Technologies
Mission-Critical
Technologies
High-Performance Transmission
Technologies
• Satellite ground station
• Wireless/VolP 911 service for
• Tactical satellite-based
technologies such as single
channel per carrier and
HeightsTM modems that
facilitate the transmission of
voice, video and data over
satellite links
• Solid-state and traveling
wave tube amplifiers used to
amplify signals from satellite
ground stations
network operators
• NextGen 911 solutions
• ESInet (Emergency Services
IP Network)
• Call Handling applications for
PSAPs
• Software and equipment for
location-based and
messaging infrastructure
communications, field support
and end-to-end integration
• Satellite-based mobile
communications and tracking
systems
• Procurement of satellite-
based space components,
satellite-based antenna
systems, and high reliability
EEE parts
• Over-the-horizon microwave
equipment that can transmit
digitized voice, video and
data over distances from 20
to 200 miles using the
troposphere
• Solid-state, high-power
amplifiers designed for radar,
electronic warfare, jamming,
medical and aviation
applications
Commercial Solutions Segment Representative Customers
Government Solutions Segment Representative Customers
Satellite systems integrators, wireless and other
communication service providers and broadcasters
Domestic and international defense customers, as well as
U.S. and foreign governments, prime contractors and system
suppliers such as L3Harris Technologies, Inc., General
Dynamics Corporation, Raytheon Company and ViaSat, Inc.
Satellite broadcasters, such as The DIRECTV Group and
EchoStar Corporation
End-customers also include Verizon Communications Inc.,
BT Group plc., China Mobile Limited, CenturyLink, Inc., Claro
Argentina, Comcast Corporation, Intelsat, S.A., Speedcast
International Limited, Nokia Corporation, SES S.A., Sprint
Corporation and Qualcomm Incorporated
U.S. Army logistics community, the U.S. Army war-fighter
community, foreign governments, the U.S. Navy, prime
contractors to the U.S. Armed Forces and NATO
Domestic and international defense customers, prime
contractors and system suppliers such as Raytheon Company,
The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation,
Telephonics® Corporation and Thales Group
Medical equipment companies, such as Varian Medical
Systems, Inc., and aviation industry system integrators such
as Collins Aerospace (a subsidiary of United Technology
Corporation)
Foreign government customers in the Middle East, Europe,
North Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific and related prime
contractors and systems integrators.
Oil companies such as Shell Oil Company and PETRONAS
4
Financial information about our business segments, including net sales, operating income, Adjusted EBITDA (a Non-GAAP
financial measure), total assets, and our operations outside the United States, is provided in "Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements - Note (12) Segment Information" included in "Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
The markets and key technologies for each segment are further described below.
Commercial Solutions Segment
Overview
Our Commercial Solutions segment offers satellite ground station technologies (such as modems and amplifiers) and public safety
and location technologies (such as 911 call routing and mapping solutions) to commercial customers and smaller government
customers, such as state and local governments. This segment also serves certain large government customers (including the U.S.
government) that have requirements for off-the-shelf commercial equipment.
Key Markets and Technology Solutions
Satellite Ground Station Technologies
We offer our customers one-stop-shopping for satellite ground station technologies including modems, amplifiers, converters and
network software for customers who utilize satellite communications. Our products are used to modulate, demodulate and amplify
signals, carry voice, video and/or data over networks and are vital to satellite communication applications, including air-to-ground
communications, video broadcasting and the backhaul of cellular traffic. Our Commercial Solutions segment manufactures most
of the satellite ground station equipment we sell to our customers including equipment sold by our Government Solutions segment.
We believe that the overall satellite ground station equipment industry will grow over the next few years. This growth is expected
to occur as a result of widespread deployment and upgrades of ground-based systems, including satellite earth stations, as well as
integration of high-performance amplifiers used for high-performance systems necessary to meet demand for high-performance
applications of satellite communications technologies, such as satellite-based wireless backhaul, DTH, HD and 4K broadcasting
and in-flight connectivity. We believe that Comtech is well positioned to capitalize on this demand through sales of our market
leading satellite ground station technologies.
Examples of end-market applications that are driving demand for our satellite-based communication technologies include:
•
Satellite-Based Cellular Backhaul. Demand for satellite-based cellular backhaul services is anticipated to grow
rapidly as a result of the increased penetration of smart cellular phones and network upgrades to 3G and 4G in
developing regions of the world. Ultimately, as 5G services are deployed, mobile data services will become more
critical. As mobile data penetration expands and mobile data consumption increases, wireless carriers must invest in
their mobile network infrastructure and businesses will require back-up communications. In developing regions of
the world and in remote areas where terrestrial network infrastructure is lacking, wireless network operators often
backhaul, or transport, their wireless data traffic using satellite-based networking technologies. Comtech is well
positioned to serve the high-performance, high availability needs of satellite-based cellular backhaul through sales
of our satellite modems including our HeightsTM networking platform.
• New High Throughput Satellites. There are more than 100 new High Throughput Satellite ("HTS") payloads expected
to launch over the next decade which we believe is expected to lead to increasingly complex satellite networks. As
service providers work to offer connectivity to these high-speed, high-bandwidth satellites and expand their networks
to handle the demand for new HTS applications, we believe our HeightsTM networking platform will be incorporated
into many new installations and necessary upgrades of equipment.
• High Definition and Ultra-High Definition Broadcasting. Reports indicate that in recent years, consumers have
purchased millions of HD televisions and Ultra-High Definition or "4K" televisions. We believe this will require a
significant amount of satellite bandwidth, which will require satellite service providers to upgrade equipment and
find new ways to manage the cost and transmission efficiency of their networks. We believe that these requirements
will drive increased demand for our satellite ground station technologies.
5
•
In-Flight Connectivity. Consumer demand for anytime, anywhere connectivity is rapidly rising. As a result, airlines
worldwide are deploying in-flight connectivity and entertainment systems. The deployment of in-flight connectivity
and entertainment systems by airlines is creating opportunities for us to serve as a key supplier of amplifier components
used for in-flight Ku-band connectivity systems. As airlines continue to move to offer higher speed satellite-based
connectivity, we believe this market will experience solid demand over the next few years.
Public Safety and Location Technologies
We are a leading provider of public safety and location technologies. Our next generation solutions enable 911 call routing via
cellular and over the Internet ("VoIP"). When someone places an emergency call, our technologies can identify the call as an
emergency call, access the user’s location information from the wireless network and route the call to the assigned public safety
jurisdiction. Today, we provide public safety and location technologies to many U.S. telecommunication carriers, the largest of
which is Verizon. In fiscal 2018, we signed a multi-year contract with Verizon to provide their 911 call routing via cellular service,
which we believe led another customer, AT&T, to begin migration of their 911 call routing via cellular service to a competitor.
Given the large market shares of those two carriers, we believe the largest portion of the market for 911 cellular call routing service
is split approximately equally between us and our leading competitor.
In addition to 911 call routing, we provide systems integration, satellite and location infrastructure terminals, and linkage to NG-911
Emergency Services IP Networks ("ESInet"). In fiscal 2019, we expanded our product offerings by acquiring Solacom, a small
innovative company that offers best-in-class 911 call handling solutions. We believe state and local governments have a need to
upgrade existing call handling systems and upgrade old networks to more modern NG-911 systems, including 911 text messaging
services, advanced data, real-time photos and other types of information sharing over IP networks.
As the U.S. adopts upgraded call handling and NG-911 solutions, we believe that other countries will do so as well. Our public
safety and location technology solutions have been deployed since 2006 and are utilized by literally millions of people in more
than 30 states, as well as in Australia. Many of our location technologies (such as mapping and text messaging) are embedded in
our public safety and location technology offerings to help address mapping, routing and geolocations. The Federal Communications
Commission ("FCC") has mandated that emergency services must incorporate certain location technology, like our own, which
utilizes more precise location information. Our text messaging platforms are used by wireless carriers to provide SMS to their
end-customers and are also used to communicate with 911 PSAPs through major network operators.
In order to maximize market growth opportunities, we are repositioning certain location technology solutions (previously called
enterprise technology offerings) to increase our penetration into the public safety space. Although the market is competitive and
the sales cycle is long, we believe demand for our public safety and location technologies are growing and customers are looking
for more of an integrated solution. Our Location StudioTM platform allows customers, including public safety agencies, to build
their own applications with end-customer functionality, such as maps, search, geocoding, routing and navigation, using their brand.
We believe that customers are increasingly looking for an alternative to free mapping services that are subject to change by the
provider and which meet their privacy and security requirements. As such, we are integrating OpenStreetMap technologies into
our solution which will allow our customers to eliminate certain third-party content fees. Our location technology solution enables
the determination of a cell phone’s geospatial position in environments where traditional Global Positioning System ("GPS"),
global navigation satellite systems and cellular technologies do not work well (such as office buildings). For our installed base of
systems, we often provide ongoing operational support, including administration of system components, system optimization and
configuration management. Maintenance services include tracking customer support issues, troubleshooting and developing and
installing maintenance releases.
Government Solutions Segment
Overview
Our Government Solutions segment provides mission-critical technologies (such as tactical satellite-based networks and ongoing
support for complicated communication networks) and high-performance transmission technologies (such as troposcatter systems
and solid-state, high-power amplifiers) to large government end-users (including those of foreign countries), large international
customers and domestic prime contractors.
6
Key Markets and Technology Solutions
Mission-Critical Technologies
With persistent threats from state and non-state actors, governments around the world are increasingly seeking ways to mitigate
vulnerabilities using information and more reliable communication systems to increase decision-makers’ situational awareness.
In response this demand, we offer a variety of mission-critical technologies including the supply and field support of tactical
satellite-based networks (including satellite modems, ruggedized routers and solid-state drives), sustainment services for the AN/
TSC-198A SNAP (Secret Internet Protocol Router ("SIPR") and Non-classified Internet Protocol Router ("NIPR") Access Point),
Very Small Aperture Terminals ("VSATs") and sustainment services for the U.S. Army’s Blue Force Tracking-1 ("BFT-1") system.
Many of our mission-critical technologies are part of integrated communication infrastructure systems such as the U.S. Military
Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (also known as "C4ISR") systems
and similar complicated networks for international governments.
We are recognized as an industry leader and global supplier of high reliability products. Our solutions include supply chain services
such as the procurement of satellite-based space components, satellite-based antenna systems, and high reliability Electrical,
Electronic and Electromechanical ("EEE") parts in support of critical National Aeronautics and Space Administration ("NASA")
programs and for an international space agency. We also provide a variety of in-class and on-line training services to our customers
to help them protect networks from cyber attacks.
High-Performance Transmission Technologies
We offer several unique high-performance transmission technologies that are used in sophisticated communication systems, such
as electronic warfare, radar and identification friend or foe ("IFF"). As our customers push the envelope for mobility, speed and
higher frequency, we believe that demand for high-performance transmission products will grow from current levels.
Our troposcatter technologies (sometimes referred to as over-the-horizon microwave systems) are extremely reliable and secure
and are a cost-effective alternative and compliment to satellite communication as it does not require the leasing of expensive
satellite transponder space with its attendant recurring costs. Our over-the-horizon microwave systems, which include our patented
forward error correction technology, can transmit video and other broadband applications at throughputs of up to 100 Mbps. U.S.
and foreign governments use our over-the-horizon microwave systems to, among other things, transmit radar tracking, run C4ISR
applications and to connect remote border locations. Additionally, energy companies use our systems to enable communication
links for offshore oil rigs and other remote locations, as well as for exploration activities. Our MTTS, the first truly modular,
rapidly deployable transit case-based troposcatter system, has been purchased by the U.S. Army, incorporated into the SNAP family
of products used by the U.S. military and designated the Tactical Transportable TROPO ("SNAP 3T") or AN/TRC 198(V3). Our
newly introduced next generation troposcatter modems provide significant reductions in size, weight and power as compared to
prior models and we believe these next generation modems will facilitate further market expansion.
Our solid-state, high-power amplifiers and related switching technologies are utilized in several critical applications including
electronic warfare, communications, radar, IFF and medical applications such as oncology cancer treatment systems. In the
electronic warfare marketplace, we support a variety of legacy systems and are participating in the ongoing migration to platforms
that require smaller and lighter amplifiers. Our solutions increase the flexibility of systems by providing wider bandwidth
capabilities to address communication needs. We also believe that the desire for increased situational awareness of the airspace
may create increased opportunities for our radar and IFF products, which are used by government customers around the world.
Our high power and highly reliable Gallium Nitride ("GaN") amplifier technology is increasingly used both to update existing
radar systems for improved sensitivity and range as well as for new radar installations. In addition to technologies that enhance
performance of primary radars, we also supply solutions for IFF systems that provide positive identification of radar targets.
Acquisitions
In the past several years we have acquired businesses and enabling technologies.
On February 23, 2016, we acquired TeleCommunication Systems Inc. ("TCS"), a leading provider of commercial solutions (such
as public safety and location technologies) and government solutions (such as mission-critical technologies). The TCS acquisition
had an aggregate purchase price for accounting purposes of $340.4 million (also referred to as the transaction equity value) and
an enterprise value of $423.6 million. The TCS acquisition resulted in Comtech entering complementary markets and expanding
our domestic and international commercial offerings. Our financial results for each of fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 include a full
year of TCS operations and fiscal 2016 includes approximately five months of TCS operations.
7
On February 28, 2019, we completed our acquisition of Solacom, a leading provider of NG-911 solutions for public safety agencies.
Although revenue contributions in fiscal 2019 were nominal, the acquisition of Solacom was a significant step in our strategy of
enhancing our public safety and location technologies solutions and we believe that this acquisition will help us achieve our fiscal
2020 sales target. The Solacom acquisition had an aggregate purchase price for accounting purposes of $32.9 million.
On April 29, 2019, we acquired the state and local government NG-911 business from General Dynamics Information Technology,
Inc. (the "GD NG-911 business") and at the same time announced a five-year contract award in excess of $100.0 million to develop,
implement and operate a NG-911 emergency communications system for a Northeastern state. The contract began on August 4,
2019 (the start of our fiscal 2020). The acquisition strengthened Comtech’s position in the growing NG-911 solutions market and
we have fully integrated this business into our Commercial Solutions segment. Revenue contributions from this business in fiscal
2019 were nominal and we believe that this acquisition will help us achieve our fiscal 2020 sales target. The GD NG-911 business
has a preliminary aggregate purchase price for accounting purposes of $10.0 million.
In order to position ourselves to take advantage of additional growth opportunities and meet our strategic objectives, we have
followed, and will continue to follow, a disciplined approach in identifying, executing and capitalizing on acquisitions.
See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for further discussion of
our recent acquisitions and ongoing acquisition efforts.
Sales, Marketing and Customer Support
Sales and marketing strategies include direct sales through sales, marketing and engineering personnel, indirect sales through
independent representatives, value-added resellers, and sales through a combination of the foregoing. We devote resources to
evaluating and responding to requests for proposals by governmental agencies around the world and, as needed, we employ the
use of specialized consultants to develop our proposals and bids.
We intend to continue to expand international marketing efforts by engaging additional independent sales representatives,
distributors and value-added resellers and by establishing additional foreign sales offices. In addition, we also leverage our
relationships with larger companies (such as prime contractors to the U.S. government and large mobile wireless operators) to
market our technology solutions.
We are pre-qualified as an approved vendor for certain government contracts. We collaborate in sales efforts under various
arrangements with integrators. Our marketing efforts also include advertising, public relations, speaking engagements and attending
and sponsoring industry conferences.
Our management, technical and marketing personnel establish and maintain relationships with customers. Our sales strategies
include a commitment to providing ongoing customer support for our systems and equipment. This support involves providing
direct access to engineering staff or trained technical representatives to resolve technical or operational issues.
Our products and services in many of our product lines have long sales cycles. Once a product is designed into a system, customers
may be reluctant to change the incumbent supplier due to the extensive qualification process and potential redesign required in
using alternative sources. In addition, in recent years, we have found that overall sales cycles for each of our product lines have
significantly increased.
Sales by geography and customer type, as a percentage of related net sales, are as follows:
U.S. government
Domestic
Total U.S.
International
Total
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2019
2017
2018
Government Solutions
2019
2017
2018
Commercial Solutions
19.2% 18.1% 15.1% 63.8% 62.2% 59.2% 40.1% 35.5% 32.7%
53.9% 54.6% 54.4% 12.5% 14.9% 15.5% 34.5% 38.9% 38.9%
73.1% 72.7% 69.5% 76.3% 77.1% 74.7% 74.6% 74.4% 71.6%
2018
Consolidated
2019
2017
26.9% 27.3% 30.5% 23.7% 22.9% 25.3% 25.4% 25.6% 28.4%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
8
Sales to U.S. government customers include sales to the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"), intelligence and civilian agencies,
as well as sales directly to or through prime contractors.
Domestic sales include sales to commercial customers, as well as to U.S. state and local governments. Included in domestic sales,
are sales to Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon"), which represented 10.0% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018. Except
for the U.S. government, there were no customers that represented more than 10.0% of consolidated net sales during fiscal 2019
and 2017.
International sales for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 (which include sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that
are sold to international customers) were $170.6 million, $145.8 million and $156.5 million, respectively. When we sell
internationally, we denominate virtually all of our contracts in U.S. dollars. Some of our sales to international customers are paid
for by letters of credit or on an open account. From time to time, some of our international customers may require us to provide
performance guarantees.
Except for the U.S., no individual country (including sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that are sold to
a foreign country) represented more than 10% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Backlog
Our backlog as of July 31, 2019 was $683.0 million (of which $493.9 million was attributed to the Commercial Solutions segment
and $189.1 million was attributed to the Government Solutions segment). We expect that a significant portion of the backlog as
of July 31, 2019 will be recognized as sales during fiscal 2020.
At July 31, 2019, 65.6% of our backlog consisted of orders for use by U.S. commercial customers, 20.0% consisted of U.S.
government contracts, subcontracts and government funded programs and 14.4% consisted of orders for use by international
customers (including sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that will be sold to international customers).
Our backlog is defined as orders (sometimes also referred to herein as bookings) that we believe to be firm. Backlog that is derived
from U.S. government orders relates to U.S. government contracts that have been awarded, signed and funded. Backlog for our
U.S. government customers also includes amounts appropriated by Congress and allotted to the contract by the procuring
government agency. Our backlog does not include the value of options that may be exercised in the future on multi-year contracts,
nor does it include the value of additional purchase orders that we may receive under indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity ("IDIQ")
contracts or basic ordering agreements. In some cases, such as contracts received from large U.S. based telecommunication
companies, our backlog is computed by multiplying the most recent month’s contract or revenue by the months remaining under
the existing long-term agreements, which we consider to be the best available information for anticipating revenue under those
agreements. When we acquire a company with existing contracts, we only record bookings for those contracts that meet our
definition. Almost all of the contracts in our backlog (including firm orders previously received from the U.S. government) are
subject to modification, cancellation at the convenience of the customer or for default in the event that we are unable to perform
under the contract.
A significant portion of the backlog from our U.S. commercial customers relates to large, multi-year contracts to provide state and
local governments (and their agencies) with public safety and location solutions. Although the contracts themselves represent legal,
binding obligations of these governments, funding is often subject to the approval of budgets (for example, on an annual or bi-
annual basis). Although funding for these multi-year contracts are dependent on future budgets being approved, we include the
full estimated value of these large, multi-year contracts in our backlog given the critical nature of the services being provided and
the positive historical experience of our state and local government customers passing their respective budgets.
There can be no assurance that our backlog will result in actual revenue in any particular period, or at all, or that any contract
included in backlog will be profitable. There is a higher degree of risk in this regard with respect to unfunded backlog. The actual
receipt and timing of any revenue is subject to various contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. The actual recognition
of revenue on contracts included in backlog may never occur or may change because a program schedule could change, the program
could be canceled, a contract could be reduced, modified or terminated early, funding may not be included in future budgets, or
an option that we had assumed would be exercised is not exercised.
9
Variations in backlog from time to time are attributable, in part, to changes in sales mix, the timing of contract proposals, the timing
of contract awards, delivery schedules on specific contracts and new bookings obtained through acquisitions. A large majority of
the solutions in our satellite ground station technologies product line operate under short lead times. Our Government Solutions
segment backlog is highly influenced by the nature and timing of orders received from the U.S. government, which is subject to
unpredictable funding, deployment and technology decisions. As a result, we believe our backlog and orders, at any point in time,
are not necessarily indicative of the total sales anticipated for any future period.
Manufacturing and Service
Our manufacturing operations consist principally of the assembly and testing of electronic products that we design and build from
purchased fabricated parts, printed circuits and electronic components. We consider our facilities to be well maintained and adequate
for current and planned production requirements. All of our manufacturing facilities, including those that serve the military market,
must comply with stringent customer specifications. We employ formal quality management programs and other training programs,
including the International Standard Organization’s quality procedure registration programs.
We operate a high-volume technology manufacturing center located in Tempe, Arizona. This manufacturing center is operated by
our Commercial Solutions segment and can be utilized, in part, by our Government Solutions segment and by third-party commercial
customers, including prime contractors to the U.S. government, who can outsource a portion of their product manufacturing to us.
Increased usage of our high-volume technology manufacturing center allows us to secure volume discounts on key components,
better control the quality of our manufacturing process and maximize the utilization of our manufacturing capacity.
Our ability to deliver products to customers on a timely basis is dependent, in part, upon the availability and timely delivery by
subcontractors and suppliers (including, at times, the U.S. government) of the components and subsystems that we use in
manufacturing our products. Electronic components and raw materials used in our products are generally obtained from independent
suppliers. Some components are standard items and are available from several suppliers. Others are manufactured to our
specifications by subcontractors. Although we obtain certain components and subsystems from a single source or a limited number
of sources, we believe that most components and equipment are available from multiple sources. Certain U.S. government contracts
may require us to incorporate government furnished parts into our products. Delays in receipt of such parts can adversely impact
the timing of our performance on the related contracts.
Research and Development
We have established a leading technology position in our fields through internal and customer-funded research and development
activities.
Internal research and development expenses are reported as research and development expenses for financial reporting purposes
and were $56.4 million, $53.9 million and $54.3 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing 8.4%, 9.4% and
9.9% of total consolidated net sales, respectively, for these periods. Customer-funded research and development activities relate
to the adaptation of our basic technology to specialized customer requirements which is recoverable under contracts and is reflected
in net sales with the related costs included in cost of sales. Certain of our government customers contract with us from time to
time to conduct research on telecommunications software, equipment and systems. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, we were
reimbursed by customers for such activities in the amounts of $14.7 million, $16.9 million and $27.1 million, respectively.
Intellectual Property
We rely upon trade secrets, technical know-how, continuing technological innovation and, with respect to certain technologies,
patents to develop and maintain our competitive position. The products we sell require significant engineering design and
manufacturing expertise. For these technological capabilities that are not protected by patents or licenses, we generally rely on the
expertise of our employees and our learned experiences in both the design and manufacture of our products and the delivery of
our services.
Some of our key Commercial Solutions segment technology is protected by patents that are significant to protecting our proprietary
technology. We have been issued several U.S. patents relating to forward error correction technology that is utilized in our TPC-
enabled satellite modems. Due to our market leadership position, we do not expect that upon expiration of these patents, our future
results will be negatively impacted.
10
We have a portfolio of several hundred patents worldwide relating to wireless location services, text messaging, GPS ephemeris
data, emergency public safety data routing, electronic commerce and other areas. To-date, our strategy has been to avoid offensive
and defensive patent litigation and focus on building meaningful partnerships with other companies through direct licensing, cross
licensing, and other forms of agreements. We do not believe that any single patent or group of patents, patent application or patent
license agreement is material to the Company’s operations.
We have filed additional patent applications for certain apparatus and processes we believe we have invented covering key features
of the location services, wireless text alerts, SMS Center, mobile-originated data and E911 network software. There is no assurance
that any patent application will result in a patent being issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or other patent offices, nor
is there any guarantee that any issued patent will be valid and enforceable. Additionally, foreign patent rights may or may not be
available or pursued in any technology area for which U.S. patent applications have been filed.
Almost all of the products and services we sell to the U.S. government include technology and other technical know-how that we
have internally developed. In past instances where we have provided government-purpose rights, to our knowledge, the U.S.
government has not exercised any of these rights. To the extent that we have provided or will provide government-purpose rights
in the future, we believe that given the rapidly changing nature of our technology, our future success will depend primarily on the
technical competence and creative skill of our personnel, rather than any contractual protection.
Competition
Our businesses are highly competitive and are characterized by rapid technological change. Some of our competitors are
substantially larger, have significantly greater financial, marketing, research and development, technological and operating
resources and broader product lines than we have. Other companies are developing new technologies and the shift towards open
standards such as IP-based satellite networks will likely result in increased competition. A significant technological breakthrough
by others, including new companies, our existing competitors and our customers, could have a material adverse effect on our
business. Our future success depends on, among other things, our ability to keep pace with such changes and developments and
to respond to the increasing variety of electronic equipment users and transmission technologies.
Some large defense-based companies, such as Northrop Grumman Corporation, have subsidiaries or divisions that compete against
us in one or more business segments. In addition, new and potential competitors are always emerging. Certain of our customers,
such as prime contractors who currently outsource their engineering and manufacturing requirements to us, have technological
capabilities in our product areas and could choose to replace our products with products they develop. In some cases, we partner
or team with companies (both large and mid-tier) to compete against other teams for large defense programs. In some cases, these
same companies may be among our competitors.
Listed below, in alphabetical order, are some of our competitors in each of our two business segments:
Commercial Solutions - ACTIA Group, Advantech Wireless Network Co Ltd, Agilis Satcom, AnaCom, Inc., CalAmp
Corp., Codan Limited, CPI International, Inc., Datum Systems, Inc., dB Control Corp. (a subsidiary of HEICO Corp.),
8x8 Inc., ENENSYS Technologies SA, ETM, Inc., Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., Google Inc., Here Technologies,
Honeywell Aerospace, Infinite Convergence Solutions, Inc., Intermap Technologies Corporation, Iridium
Communications Inc., ITS Electronics Inc., KVH Industries Inc., LM Ericsson Telephone Company, L3Harris
Technologies, Inc., Mission Microwave Technologies, LLC., Motorola Solutions, Inc., ND Satcom GmbH, Newtec, Nokia
Networks (a subsidiary of Nokia Corporation), NovelSat, Novra Technologies, Inc., Orbcomm, Inc., Panasonic, Paradise
Datacom LLC (a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies, Inc.), Polarity, Inc., SatixFy Israel Ltd, SatPath Systems, Inc.,
Spacepath Communications Limited, Speedcast International Limited, ST Engineering iDirect, Inc., Telenav, Inc., TMD
Technologies LLC., TomTom N.V., ViaSat Inc. and West Corporation.
Government Solutions - Aethercomm Inc., AMERGINT Technologies, Inc., CACI International Inc., CalAmp Corp.,
Cubic Corporation, dB Control Corp. (a subsidiary of HEICO Corp.), DXC Technology, Empower RF Systems, Inc.,
Envistacom, LLC., Escape Communications, Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, International Datacasting Corporation
(a subsidiary of Novra Technologies, Inc.), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Inc.,
Mercury Systems, Inc., NeuStar, Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation (including the former Orbital ATK, Inc.), Raytheon
Company, Teledyne Technologies, Inc., The KEYW Holding Corporation, Ultra Electronics Holdings plc. and ViaSat
Inc.
11
We believe that competition in all our markets is based primarily on technology innovation, product performance, reputation,
delivery times, customer support and price. Due to our proprietary know-how, we believe we can develop, produce and deliver
products and services on a cost-effective basis faster than many of our competitors.
Employees
At July 31, 2019, we had 2,013 employees (including temporary employees and contractors), 1,189 of whom were engaged in
production and production support, 423 in research and development and other engineering support, and 401 in marketing and
administrative functions. None of our U.S. based employees are represented by a labor union. We believe that our employee
relations are good.
U.S. Government Contracts and Security Clearances
The U.S. government operates on an October-to-September fiscal year. Generally, in February of each year, the President of the
United States presents to the U.S. Congress ("Congress") the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and from February
through September of each year, the appropriations and authorization committees of Congress review the President’s budget
proposals and establish the funding levels for the upcoming fiscal year. Once these levels are enacted into law, the Executive Office
of the President administers the funds to the agencies. Thereafter, we can receive orders pursuant to sole-source or competitively
awarded contracts, which we describe below.
The U.S. government may be unable to complete its budget process before the end of any given government fiscal year and when
the fiscal budget is not approved in a timely manner, the U.S. government is required either to shut down or be funded pursuant
to a so-called "continuing resolution" that authorizes agencies of the U.S. government to continue operations but does not authorize
new spending initiatives, either of which could result in reduced or delayed orders or payments for products and services we
provide.
Sole-source contracts are generally awarded to a single contractor without a formal competition when a single contractor is deemed
to have an expertise or technology superior to that of competing contractors or when there is an urgent need by the U.S. government
that cannot wait for a full competitive process. Potential suppliers compete informally through research and development and
marketing efforts. Competitively-bid contracts are awarded based on a formal proposal evaluation established by the procuring
agency and interested contractors prepare bids. Competitively-bid contracts are awarded after a formal bid and proposal competition
among suppliers.
The U.S. government has a stated policy direction to reduce the number of sole-source contract awards across all procuring agencies.
In addition, the U.S. government is increasing the use of multiple-award IDIQ contracts to increase its procurement options. IDIQ
contracts allow the U.S. government to select a group of eligible contractors for the same program. When the government awards
IDIQ contracts to multiple bidders under the same program, a company that has already competed to be selected as a participant
in the program must subsequently compete for individual delivery orders. As a result of this U.S. government shift toward multiple
award IDIQ contracts, we expect to face greater competition for future U.S. government contracts and, at the same time, greater
opportunities for us to participate in program areas that we do not currently participate in.
As a U.S. government contractor and subcontractor, we are subject to a variety of rules and regulations, such as the Federal
Acquisition Regulations ("FAR"). Individual agencies can also have acquisition regulations. For example, the Department of
Defense implements the FAR through the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation supplement (commonly known as "DFARs").
For all Federal government entities, the FAR regulates the phases of any product or service acquisition, including: acquisition
planning, competition requirements, contractor qualifications, protection of source selection and vendor information, and
acquisition procedures. In addition, the FAR addresses the allowability of supplier costs, while Cost Accounting Standards address
how those costs can be allocated to contracts. The FAR also subjects suppliers to audits and other government reviews. These
reviews cover issues such as cost, performance and accounting practices relating to our contracts. The government may challenge
a supplier's costs and fees. Suppliers are also required to comply with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual
which relates to requirements regarding classified materials and programs. Suppliers who do not comply with these various
regulations may lose and/or become ineligible for facility security clearances and/or participation in classified programs.
Under firm fixed-price contracts, we perform for an agreed-upon price and we can derive benefits from cost savings, but bear the
risk of cost overruns. Our cost-reimbursable type contracts typically provide for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred plus
a negotiated fee. Cost-plus-incentive-fee orders typically provide for sharing with the U.S. government savings accrued from
orders performed for less than the target costs and costs incurred in excess of targets up to a negotiated ceiling price (which is
higher than the target cost), and for the supplier to carry the entire burden of costs exceeding the negotiated ceiling price.
12
In fiscal 2019, $269.2 million or 40.1% of our consolidated net sales were to the U.S. government (including sales to prime
contractors to the U.S. government). Of this amount, firm fixed-price and cost-reimbursable type contracts (including fixed-fee,
incentive-fee and time and material type contracts) accounted for approximately $188.0 million and $81.2 million, respectively.
Regulatory Matters
In addition to the rules and regulations that pertain to us as a U.S. government contractor and subcontractor, we are also subject
to a variety of local, state and federal governmental regulations.
Our products that are incorporated into wireless communications systems must comply with various government regulations,
including those of the FCC. Our manufacturing facilities, which may store, handle, emit, generate and dispose of hazardous
substances that are used in the manufacture of our products, are subject to a variety of local, state and federal regulations, including
those issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Our products are also subject to European Union directives related to the
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.
Our international sales are subject to U.S. and foreign regulations such as the Arms Export Control Act, the International Emergency
Economic Powers Act ("IEEPA"), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"), the Export Administration Regulations
("EAR") and the trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign
Assets Control ("OFAC") as well as other applicable laws relating to trade, export controls and foreign corrupt practices, the
violation of which could adversely affect our operations. We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain necessary export
licenses, and such failure would materially adversely affect our operations. If we are unable to receive appropriate export
authorizations in the future, we may be prohibited from selling our products and services internationally, which may limit our sales
and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We must comply with all applicable
export control laws and regulations of the U.S. and other countries. Certain of our products and systems may require licenses from
U.S. government agencies for export from the U.S., and some of our products are not permitted to be exported. In addition, in
certain cases, U.S. export controls also severely limit unlicensed technical discussions, such as discussions with any persons who
are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. As a result, in cases where we may need an export license, our ability to compete
against a non-U.S. domiciled foreign company that may not be subject to the same U.S. laws may be materially adversely affected.
In addition, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and other local laws that generally bar bribes or
unreasonable gifts to foreign governments or officials. Violations of these laws or regulations could result in significant sanctions,
including disgorgement of profits, fines, and criminal sanctions against us, our officers, our directors, or our employees, more
onerous compliance requirements, more extensive debarments from export privileges or loss of authorizations needed to conduct
aspects of our international business. A violation of any of the regulations enumerated above could materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, changes in regulatory requirements which could further restrict
our ability to deliver services to our international customers, including the addition of a country to the list of sanctioned countries
under the IEEPA or similar legislation could negatively impact our business.
In the past, we have self-reported violations of ITAR to the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
("DDTC") and had an ITAR compliance audit performed by an independent auditor at the request of the DDTC. Although the
audit found no violations of ITAR, we committed to the DDTC that we would enhance and maintain certain policies and procedures
and we have established a company-wide Office of Trade Compliance.
13
In October 2014, we disclosed to OFAC that we learned during a self-assessment of our export transactions that a shipment of
modems sent to a Canadian customer by Comtech EF Data Corp. was incorporated into a communication system, the ultimate end
user of which was the Sudan Civil Aviation Authority. The sales value of this equipment was approximately $288,000. At the time
of shipment, OFAC regulations prohibited U.S. persons from doing business directly or indirectly with Sudan. In late 2015, OFAC
issued an administrative subpoena seeking further information about the disclosed transaction. We have responded to the subpoena,
including alerting OFAC to Comtech’s repair of three modems for a customer in Lebanon who may have rerouted the modems
from Lebanon to Sudan without the required U.S. licensing authorization. In September 2018, Comtech agreed to enter into a
Tolling Agreement with OFAC, which extends the statute of limitations in this matter through December 31, 2019. The Tolling
Agreement was shortly followed by a second administrative subpoena seeking additional information about the disclosed
transaction. In December 2018, Comtech responded to a second administrative subpoena from OFAC, answering the questions it
posed and providing all the documents it sought. U.S. sanctions with respect to Sudan were revoked in 2017. Consistent with the
revocation of the Sudan Sanction Regulations ("SSR"), shipments to the Sudan Civil Aviation Authority by U.S. persons are now
permissible. We are not able to predict whether OFAC will take any enforcement action against us in light of the recent revocation
of the SSR. If OFAC determines that we have violated U.S. trade sanctions, civil and criminal penalties could apply, and we may
suffer reputational harm. Even though we take precautions to avoid engaging in transactions that may violate U.S. trade sanctions,
those measures may not be effective in every instance.
In May 2018, we were informed by the Office of Export Enforcement ("OEE") of the Department of Commerce ("DoC") that it
was forwarding to the DoC's Office of Chief Counsel, the results of its audit of international shipments by Comtech Xicom
Technology, Inc. for further review and possible determination of an administrative penalty. We fully cooperated with the OEE in
their audit and, based on our self-assessment of the approximately 7,800 individual transactions audited, have determined that six
(6) transactions may not have been fully in compliance with the EAR. These six (6) items, for which export licenses were not
obtained, were either spares or repaired power amplifier subassembly components valued at less than $100,000 (in aggregate) and
were shipped to Brazil, Italy, Russia, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The EAR provides an exception to the requirement
to obtain an export license for the replacement of a defective or damaged component. During our self-assessment, we determined
that we inadvertently did not obtain export licenses for the spares or had evidence of the return or destruction of the defective or
damaged components necessary to authorize our use of the export license exception for the replacements. Since discovering this
issue, we have implemented additional controls and procedures and have increased awareness of these specific export requirements
throughout the Company to help avoid similar occurrences in the future. Administrative penalties under the EAR can range from
a warning letter to a denial of export privileges. A civil monetary penalty not to exceed the amount set forth in the Export
Administration Act ("EAA") may be imposed for each violation, and in the event that any provision of the EAR is continued by
any other authority, the maximum monetary civil penalty for each violation shall be that provided by such other authority.
Administrative penalties under the EAR are currently determined pursuant to the IEEPA, which can reach the greater of twice the
amount of the transaction that is the basis of the violation or approximately $300,000 per violation. We have not recorded an
accrual related to a possible administrative penalty and continue to work cooperatively with the OEE.
Our financial reporting, corporate governance, public disclosure and compliance practices are governed by laws such as the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, and rules and regulations issued by the SEC. The SEC has adopted rules
which require, among other things, public companies to conduct certain inquiries to determine whether or not Conflict Minerals
(as that term is defined in the SEC rules) that are necessary to the functionality of their manufactured products or their product's
production processes originated in a Covered Country (as that term is defined in the SEC rules) and ultimately file a report with
the SEC. Conflict Minerals are widely used in many industries, including the telecommunications industry and almost all of our
products include component parts purchased from third-party suppliers and we must rely heavily on information received from
suppliers to determine the origin of those materials. We have implemented a due diligence program consistent with the Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines to collect information concerning the country of origin of Conflict Minerals
and in that regard, have adopted a policy that requires our suppliers (both public and private) to commit to a code of conduct
relating to the responsible sourcing of minerals and to establish a policy to reasonably assure that the products they manufacture
do not contain Conflict Minerals that originated in a Covered Country. Efforts to comply with this SEC rule have resulted in
additional costs to us and, we believe, to our suppliers. As such, the availability of raw materials used in our operations could be
negatively impacted and/or raw material prices could increase. Further, if we are unable to certify that our products are conflict
free, we may face challenges with our customers, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage and could harm our reputation.
14
Laws and regulations have been enacted that affect companies conducting business on the Internet, including the European General
Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"). The GDPR imposes certain privacy related requirements on companies that receive or
process personal data of residents of the European Union that are currently different than those in the United States and include
significant penalties for non-compliance. Similarly, there are several legislative proposals in the United States, at both the federal
and state level, that could impose new obligations in areas affecting our business, such as liability for personal data protection. In
addition, some countries are considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local
storage and processing of data or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services. Our
costs to comply with the GDPR as well any other similar laws and regulations that emerge may negatively impact our business.
Forward-Looking Statements
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following describes major risks to our business and should be considered carefully. Any of these factors could significantly
and negatively affect our business, prospects, financial condition, or operating results, which could cause the trading prices of
our equity securities to decline. The risks described below are not the only risks we may face. Additional risks and uncertainties
not presently known to us, or risks that we currently consider immaterial, could also negatively affect us.
Risks Related to our Business
Our fiscal 2020 business outlook is difficult to forecast and operating results are subject to significant fluctuations and are
likely to be volatile.
Although we currently believe overall market conditions for our business are positive and that our business performance in fiscal
2020 will be better than fiscal 2019, there can be no assurance of such results. Our business outlook is difficult to forecast and
backlog (sometimes referred to herein as orders or bookings), net sales and operating results may vary significantly from period
to period due to a number of factors including: sales mix; fluctuating market demand; price competition; new product introductions
by our competitors; changing customer partnering procurement strategies; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
unexpected changes in the timing of delivery of components or subsystems; the financial performance and impact of acquisitions;
new accounting standards; political instability; regulatory developments; changes in income tax rates or tax credits; the price and
expected volatility of our stock (which will impact, among other items, the amount of stock-based compensation expense we may
record); and general global economic conditions.
We have experienced, and will experience in the future, significant fluctuations in bookings, net sales and operating results from
period to period. For example, a sudden change in global economic conditions could have an immediate impact on a large portion
of our net sales, a large amount of which are derived from products such as satellite ground station technologies, amplifier products
and mission-critical technologies that generally have short order and lead times. Similarly, sales of certain of our public safety and
location technologies are subject to sudden changes in wireless carrier procurement strategies, including decisions to sole-source
such solutions. As a result of any such conditions or changes, bookings and backlog related to these solutions are extremely sensitive
to short-term fluctuations in customer demand.
In addition, a large portion of our Government Solutions segment's net sales are derived in part from large U.S. government
programs or large foreign government opportunities that are subject to lengthy sales cycles (including funding requirements) and
are therefore difficult to predict.
If global economic business and political conditions deteriorate as compared to the current environment, it could have a
material adverse impact on our business outlook and our business, operating results and financial condition.
Although overall current market conditions are strong, many of the end-markets for our products and services have been significantly
impacted in the past by adverse global economic conditions. For example, many of our international end-customers are in emerging
and developing countries that are subject to sweeping economic and political changes. Many governments around the world are
under pressure to reduce their spending. In recent years, global oil and natural gas prices have been volatile and significantly
impaired the ability of certain of our government customers in the oil and gas producing regions of the world to invest in
telecommunications products and infrastructure. Additionally, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar against many international
currencies has negatively impacted the purchasing power for many of our international end-customers because virtually all of our
sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. We generate significant sales from Brazil, Russia, India and China as well as other emerging
and developing countries.
15
The business environment is currently stable; however, a sudden change could result in the immediate suppression of end-market
demand for many of our products such as satellite ground station technologies and other short-lead time products. The timing,
impact, severity and duration of these conditions are impossible to predict. In addition, many of our international customers
(including our Middle Eastern and African customers) rely on European bank financing to procure funding for large systems, many
of which include our equipment. We believe that European financing has been and continues to be difficult to obtain. Volatility of
interest rates may cause our customers to be reluctant to spend funds required to purchase our equipment or projects could be
postponed or canceled.
Currently, the United Kingdom ("U.K.") is attempting to negotiate an exit from the European Union, commonly referred to as
"Brexit." Although we currently do not sell any significant amount of equipment in the U.K. or maintain large operations in the
U.K., adverse consequences concerning Brexit could result in a deterioration in global economic conditions, instability in global
financial markets, political uncertainty, volatility in currency exchange rates, or adverse changes in the cross-border agreements
currently in place, any of which could have an adverse impact on our financial results in the future.
In the past, our overall business has not been immune from adverse economic conditions. If U.S. or global economic conditions
deteriorate, or political conditions become unstable, or additional economic sanctions are imposed on some of our end-customers,
it could adversely impact our business in a number of ways, including:
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Difficulty in forecasting our results of operations - It is difficult to accurately forecast our results of operations during
periods of adverse conditions as we cannot predict the severity or the duration of such conditions or the impact it could
have on our current and prospective customers. If our current or prospective customers materially postpone, reduce or
even forgo purchases of our products and services to a greater extent than we anticipate, our business outlook will prove
to be inaccurate.
Additional reductions in telecommunications equipment and systems spending may occur - In the past, our businesses
have been negatively affected by uncertain economic environments in the overall market and, more specifically, in the
telecommunications sector. Our customers have reduced their budgets for spending on telecommunications equipment
and systems and in some cases postponed or reduced the purchase of our products and systems. In the future, our customers
may again reduce their spending on telecommunications equipment and systems which would negatively impact both of
our operating segments. If this occurs, it would adversely affect our business outlook, net sales, profitability and the
recoverability of our assets, including intangible assets such as goodwill.
Our customers may not be able to obtain financing - Although many of our products are relatively inexpensive when
compared to the total systems or networks that they are incorporated into, our sales are affected by our customers' ability
to obtain the financing they may require to build out their total systems or networks and fund ongoing operations. Many
of our emerging market customers obtain financing for network buildouts from European commercial banks and/or
governments. Our customers' inability to obtain adequate financing would adversely affect our net sales. In addition, if
the economic environment and lack of financing results in insolvencies for our customers, it would adversely impact the
recoverability of our accounts receivable which would, in turn, adversely impact our results of operations.
We have incurred indebtedness under a Credit Facility and may not be able to service that debt in the future and we must
maintain compliance with various covenants that impose restrictions on our business.
On October 31, 2018, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of
lenders, replacing our prior Credit Agreement dated as of February 23, 2016. The new Credit Facility, as amended, provides a
senior secured loan facility of up to $550.0 million consisting of: (i) a revolving loan facility with a borrowing limit of $300.0
million; (ii) an accordion feature allowing us to borrow up to an additional $250.0 million; (iii) a $35.0 million letter of credit
sublimit; and (iv) a swingline loan credit sublimit of $25.0 million. The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by
substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets.
As of July 31, 2019, the amount outstanding under our Credit Facility was $165.0 million, which is reflected in the non-current
portion of long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. At July 31, 2019, we also had $2.7 million of standby letters of
credit outstanding under our Credit Facility related to guarantees of future performance on certain customer contracts.
The Credit Facility matures on October 31, 2023. If we do not have sufficient funds to repay our debt when due, it may be necessary
to refinance our debt through additional debt or equity financings. If, at the time of any refinancing, prevailing interest rates or
other factors result in higher interest rates on such refinancing, increases in interest expense could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Our Credit Facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants that may restrict our ability to, among other things, permit
liens on our property, change the nature of our business, transact business with affiliates and/or merge or consolidate with any
other person or sell or convey certain of our assets to any one person.
As of July 31, 2019, our Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility, as amended) was 1.74x trailing twelve month
("TTM") Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility, as amended) compared to the maximum allowable Leverage
Ratio of 3.75x TTM Consolidated EBITDA. Our Interest Expense Coverage Ratio as of July 31, 2019 was 12.05x TTM Adjusted
EBITDA compared to the Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio of 3.25x TTM Adjusted EBITDA.
Given our expected future business performance, we anticipate maintaining compliance with the terms and financial covenants in
our Credit Facility for the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet such covenants.
Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our control. Failure to comply with these covenants
could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could accelerate our repayment obligations. Our substantial debt
obligations could impede, restrict or delay the implementation of our business strategy or prevent us from entering into transactions
that would otherwise benefit our business. For example:
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we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness,
thereby reducing the availability of our cash flows for other purposes, including business development efforts, capital
expenditures, dividends or strategic acquisitions;
if we are not able to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our substantial debt service obligations or to fund our other
liquidity needs, we may have to take actions such as selling assets or raising additional equity or reducing or delaying
capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and joint ventures, or restructuring our debt;
we may not be able to fund future working capital, capital investments and other business activities;
we may not be able to pay dividends or make certain other distributions;
we may become more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in our business or a worsening of general economic or
industry-specific conditions; and
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry may be limited, thereby placing us at
a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness.
Future acquisitions of companies and investments could prove difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder
value or adversely affect operating results or the market price of our common stock.
As we enter fiscal 2020, we are involved with acquisition efforts to acquire companies that have complimentary solution offerings.
In addition, we expect to continue to evaluate other acquisitions and investments as part of our growth plans. Such efforts may
not result in an acquisition or ultimately be beneficial to us.
Future acquisitions or investments may result in the use of significant amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity
securities, incurrence of large amounts of debt, increases to amortization expense and future write-offs of the acquired intangibles.
Acquisitions and investments involve risks that include failing to:
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properly evaluate the technology;
accurately forecast the financial impact of the transaction, including accounting charges and transaction expenses;
integrate the technologies, products and services, research and development, sales and marketing, support and other
operations;
integrate and retain key management personnel and other key employees;
retain and cross-sell to acquired customers; and
combine potentially different corporate cultures.
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Acquisitions and investments could also:
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divert management’s attention away from the operation of our businesses;
result in significant goodwill and intangibles write-offs in the event an acquisition or investment does not meet
expectations; and
increase expenses, including expenses of managing the growth of such acquired businesses.
There can be no assurance that any future acquisition or investment will be successful within the anticipated time frame, or at all,
will be as valuable as the amount we eventually pay to acquire it, and will not adversely affect our business, results of operations
or financial condition. In addition, if we consummate future acquisitions using our equity securities or securities convertible into
our equity securities, existing stockholders may be diluted, which could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our
common stock.
Our business is highly dependent on the budgetary decisions of our government customers, including the U.S. government
(including prime contractors to the U.S. government), and changes in the U.S. government’s fiscal policies or budgetary
priorities may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
During our fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, sales to the U.S. government (including sales to prime contractors to
the U.S. government) were $269.2 million, $202.7 million and $180.0 million or 40.1%, 35.5% and 32.7% of our consolidated
net sales, respectively. In addition, a large portion of our existing backlog consists of orders related to U.S. government contracts
and our Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020 and beyond depends, in part, on significant new orders from the U.S. government, which
undergoes extreme budgetary pressures from time to time.
We rely on particular levels of U.S. government spending on our communication solutions, and our receipt of future orders depends
in large part on continued funding by the U.S. government for the programs in which we participate. These spending levels are
not generally correlated with any specific economic cycle, but rather follow the cycle of general public policy and political support
for this type of spending. Government contracts are conditioned upon the continuing availability of congressional appropriations
and Congress’s failure to appropriate funds, or Congress’s actions to reduce or delay spending on, or reprioritize its spending away
from, U.S. government programs which we participate in, could negatively affect our results of operations. Because many of the
items we sell to the U.S. government are included in large programs realized over a period of several years, it is difficult, if not
impossible, to determine specific amounts that are or will be appropriated for our products and services. As such, our assessments
relating to the impact of changes in U.S. government spending may prove to be incorrect.
The federal debt limit continues to be actively debated as plans for long-term national fiscal policy are discussed. The outcome of
these discussions could have a significant impact on defense spending broadly and programs we support in particular. The failure
of Congress to approve future budgets and/or increase the debt ceiling of the U.S. on a timely basis could delay or result in the
loss of contracts for the procurement of our products and services and we may be asked or required to continue to perform for
some period of time on certain of our U.S. government contracts, even if the U.S. government is unable to make timely payments.
A decrease in Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security expenditures, the elimination or curtailment of a
material program in which we are involved, or changes in payment patterns of our customers as a result of changes in U.S.
government spending could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Ultimately, the U.S. government may be unable to timely complete its budget process or fully agree upon spending priorities. As
such, it is possible that a shutdown of the U.S. government may occur, or interim budgets may be adopted. As such, we may
experience delayed orders, delayed payments and declines in net sales, profitability and cash flows. We may experience related
supply chain delays, disruptions or other problems associated with financial constraints faced by our suppliers and subcontractors.
All of the aforementioned conditions and factors could, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition. Additionally, cost cutting, efficiency initiatives, reprioritization, other affordability analyses,
and changes in budgetary priorities by our governmental customers, including the U.S. government, could adversely impact both
of our operating segments. We are unable to predict the impact these or similar events could have on our business, financial position,
results of operations or cash flows.
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Our contracts with the U.S. government are subject to unique business, commercial and government audit risks.
We depend on the U.S. government for a significant portion of our revenues. Our contracts with the U.S. government are subject
to unique business and commercial risks, including:
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unexpected contract or project terminations or suspensions;
unpredictable order placements, reductions, accelerations, delays or cancellations;
higher than expected final costs, particularly relating to software and hardware development, for work performed under
contracts where we commit to specified deliveries for a fixed-price; and
unpredictable cash collections of unbilled receivables that may be subject to acceptance of contract deliverables by the
customer and contract close out procedures, including government audit and approval of final indirect rates.
Although we take steps to mitigate our risk with respect to contracts with the U.S. government, we may not be able to do so in
every instance for any of the following reasons, among others:
• Our U.S. government contracts can easily be terminated by the U.S. government - Our U.S. government contracts can
be terminated by the U.S. government for its convenience or upon an event of default by us. Termination for convenience
provisions provide us with little to no recourse related to: our potential recovery of costs incurred or costs committed,
potential settlement expenses and hypothetical profit on work completed prior to termination.
• Our U.S. government contracts are subject to funding by the U.S. Congress - Our U.S. government contracts are conditioned
upon the continuing approval by Congress of the necessary funding. Congress usually appropriates funds for a given
program on a fiscal year basis even though contract performance may take more than one year. Consequently, at the
beginning of a major program, the contract may not be fully funded, and additional monies are normally committed to
the contract only if, and when, appropriations are made by Congress for future fiscal years. Delays or changes in funding
can impact the timing of awards or lead to changes in program content. We obtain certain of our U.S. government contracts
through a competitive bidding process. There can be no assurance that we will win additional contracts or that actual
contracts that are awarded will ultimately be profitable.
• We can be disqualified as a supplier to the U.S. government - As a supplier to the U.S. government, we must comply with
numerous regulations, including those governing security, contracting practices and classified information. Failure to
comply with these regulations and practices could result in fines being imposed against us or our suspension for a period
of time from eligibility for bidding on, or for award of, new government contracts. If we are disqualified as a supplier to
government agencies, we would lose most, if not all, of our U.S. government customers and revenues from sales of our
products would decline significantly.
In addition, all of our U.S. government contracts can be audited by the Defense Contract Audit Agency ("DCAA") and other U.S.
government agencies and we can be subject to penalties arising from post-award contract audits (sometimes referred to as a Truth
in Negotiations Act or "TINA" audit) or cost audits in which the value of our contracts may be reduced. If costs are found to be
improperly allocated to a specific contract, those costs will not be reimbursed, and any such costs already reimbursed would be
required to be refunded. TCS has recently undergone audits by the DCAA for periods prior to Comtech’s fiscal 2016 acquisition
of TCS and the DCAA has informed us that it is proposing retroactive contracts adjustments that, if finalized and issued, would
result in the need for us to provide a refund to the U.S. government of approximately $2.4 million. We disagree with the DCAA’s
assessment and would vigorously protest any adjustment. We have not recorded any reserve related to these audits but ultimately
an adjustment may be issued. Although we record contract revenues based upon costs we expect to realize upon final audit, we
cannot predict the outcome of any such future audits and adjustments, and we may be required to materially reduce our revenues
or profits upon completion and final negotiation of audits. Negative audit findings could also result in termination of a contract,
forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or debarment from U.S. government contracting or
subcontracting for a period of time.
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Our dependence on sales to international customers exposes us to unique business, commercial and export compliance
audit risks.
Sales for use by international customers (including sales to U.S. companies for inclusion in products that will be sold to international
customers) represented approximately 25.4%, 25.6% and 28.4% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended July 31,
2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and we expect that international sales will continue to be a significant portion of our consolidated
net sales for the foreseeable future. These sales expose us to certain risks, including barriers to trade, fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates (which may make our products less price-competitive), political and economic instability, exposure to public health
epidemics, availability of suitable export financing, tariff regulations, and other U.S. and foreign regulations that may apply to the
export of our products. Although we take steps to mitigate our risk with respect to international sales, we may not be able to do
so in every instance for any of the following reasons, among others:
• We may not be able to continue to structure our international contracts to reduce risk - We attempt to reduce the risk of
doing business in foreign countries by seeking subcontracts with large systems suppliers, contracts denominated in U.S.
dollars, advance or milestone payments and irrevocable letters of credit in our favor. However, we may not be able to
reduce the economic risk of doing business in foreign countries in all instances. In such cases, billed and unbilled receivables
relating to international sales are subject to increased collectability risk and may result in significant write-offs, which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, foreign
defense contracts generally contain provisions relating to termination at the convenience of the government.
• We rely on a limited number of international sales agents - In some countries, we rely upon one or a small number of
sales agents, exposing us to risks relating to our contracts with, and related performance of, those agents. We attempt to
reduce our risk with respect to sales agents by establishing additional foreign sales offices where it is practical and by
engaging, where practicable, more than one independent sales representative in a territory. It is our policy to require all
sales agents to operate in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Violations of any of these laws, rules
or regulations, and other business practices that are regarded as unethical, could interrupt the sales of our products and
services, result in the cancellation of orders or the termination of customer relationships, and could damage our reputation,
any of which developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
• We currently price virtually all of our products in U.S. dollars - Today, virtually all of our sales are denominated in U.S.
dollars. Over the last few years, the U.S. dollar has strengthened significantly against many international currencies. As
such, many of our international customers experienced a drop in their purchasing power as it relates to their ability to
purchase our products. To date, we have not materially changed our selling prices and have experienced lower sales
volumes in certain cases. If the U.S. dollar strengthens from current levels against many international currencies, our
customers may reduce their spending or postpone purchases of our products and services to a greater extent than we
currently anticipate which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
• We must comply with all applicable export control laws and regulations of the U.S. and other countries - Certain of our
products and systems may require licenses from U.S. government agencies for export from the U.S., and some of our
products are not permitted to be exported. In addition, in certain cases, U.S. export controls also severely limit unlicensed
technical discussions, such as discussions with any persons who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. As a result,
in cases where we may need a license, our ability to compete against a non-U.S. domiciled foreign company that may
not be subject to the same U.S. laws may be materially adversely affected. U.S. laws and regulations applicable to us
include the Arms Export Control Act, the IEEPA, the ITAR, the EAR and the trade sanctions laws and regulations
administered by the U.S. Treasury Department's OFAC.
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• We must comply with the FCPA and similar laws elsewhere - We are subject to the FCPA and other foreign laws prohibiting
corrupt payments to government officials, which generally bar bribes or unreasonable gifts to foreign governments or
officials. Violations of these laws or regulations could result in significant sanctions, including disgorgement of profits,
fines, criminal sanctions against us, our officers, our directors, or our employees, more onerous compliance requirements,
more extensive debarments from export privileges or loss of authorizations needed to conduct aspects of our international
business. A violation of any of the regulations enumerated above could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance
with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, agents, or subsidiaries will
not violate our policies. Additionally, changes in regulatory requirements which could restrict our ability to deliver services
to our international customers, including the addition of a country to the list of sanctioned countries under the IEEPA or
similar legislation could negatively impact our business. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we
have conducted virtually no business with states designated as sponsors of terrorism.
• We must maintain a company-wide Office of Trade Compliance - In the past, we have self-reported violations of ITAR
to the DDTC and had an ITAR compliance audit performed by an independent auditor at the request of the DDTC.
Although the audit found no violations of ITAR, we committed to the DDTC that we would enhance and maintain certain
policies and procedures and we have established a company-wide Office of Trade Compliance.
In October 2014, we disclosed to OFAC that we learned during a self-assessment of our export transactions that a shipment
of modems sent to a Canadian customer by Comtech EF Data Corp. was incorporated into a communication system, the
ultimate end user of which was the Sudan Civil Aviation Authority. The sales value of this equipment was approximately
$288,000. At the time of shipment, OFAC regulations prohibited U.S. persons from doing business directly or indirectly
with Sudan. In late 2015, OFAC issued an administrative subpoena seeking further information about the disclosed
transaction. We have responded to the subpoena, including alerting OFAC to Comtech’s repair of three modems for a
customer in Lebanon who may have rerouted the modems from Lebanon to Sudan without the required U.S. licensing
authorization. In September 2018, Comtech agreed to enter into a Tolling Agreement with OFAC, which extends the
statute of limitations in this matter through December 31, 2019. The Tolling Agreement was shortly followed by a second
administrative subpoena seeking additional information about the disclosed transaction. In December 2018, Comtech
responded to a second administrative subpoena from OFAC, answering the questions it posed and providing all the
documents it sought. U.S. sanctions with respect to Sudan were revoked in 2017. Consistent with the revocation of the
SSR, shipments to the Sudan Civil Aviation Authority by U.S. persons are now permissible. We are not able to predict
whether OFAC will take any enforcement action against us in light of the recent revocation of the SSR. If OFAC determines
that we have violated U.S. trade sanctions, civil and criminal penalties could apply, and we may suffer reputational harm.
Even though we take precautions to avoid engaging in transactions that may violate U.S. trade sanctions, those measures
may not be effective in every instance.
In May 2018, we were informed by the Office of Export Enforcement ("OEE") of the Department of Commerce ("DoC")
that it was forwarding to the DoC's Office of Chief Counsel, the results of its audit of international shipments by Comtech
Xicom Technology, Inc. for further review and possible determination of an administrative penalty. We fully cooperated
with the OEE in their audit and, based on our self-assessment of the approximately 7,800 individual transactions audited,
have determined that six (6) transactions may not have been fully in compliance with the EAR. These six (6) items, for
which export licenses were not obtained, were either spares or repaired power amplifier subassembly components valued
at less than $100,000 (in aggregate) and were shipped to Brazil, Italy, Russia, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
The EAR provides an exception to the requirement to obtain an export license for the replacement of a defective or
damaged component. During our self-assessment, we determined that we inadvertently did not obtain export licenses for
the spares or have evidence of the return or destruction of the defective or damaged components necessary to authorize
our use of the export license exception for the replacements. Since discovering this issue, we have implemented additional
controls and procedures and have increased awareness of these specific export requirements throughout the Company to
help avoid similar occurrences in the future. Administrative penalties under the EAR can range from a warning letter to
a denial of export privileges. A civil monetary penalty not to exceed the amount set forth in the Export Administration
Act ("EAA") may be imposed for each violation, and in the event that any provision of the EAR is continued by any other
authority, the maximum monetary civil penalty for each violation shall be that provided by such other authority.
Administrative penalties under the EAR are currently determined pursuant to the IEEPA, which can reach the greater of
twice the amount of the transaction that is the basis of the violation or approximately $300,000 per violation. We have
not recorded an accrual related to a possible administrative penalty and continue to work cooperatively with the OEE.
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• We may be subject to future export compliance audits - We continue to implement policies and procedures to ensure that
we comply with all applicable export control laws and regulations. We may be subjected to compliance audits in the future
that may uncover improper or illegal activities that would subject us to material remediation costs, civil and criminal
fines and/or penalties and/or an injunction. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of
impropriety were made against us. Each of these outcomes could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The absence of comparable restrictions on competitors
in other countries may adversely affect our competitive position. In addition, in order to ship our products into and
implement our services in some countries, the products must satisfy the technical requirements of that particular country.
If we were unable to comply with such requirements with respect to a significant quantity of our products, our sales in
those countries could be restricted, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
• We may be affected by the future imposition of tariffs and trade restrictions - The current U.S. administration has signaled
support for, and in some instances has taken action with respect to, major changes to certain trade policies, such as the
imposition of additional tariffs on imported products, the withdrawal from or renegotiation of certain trade agreements
and the imposition of certain export sanctions. Such changes could result in retaliatory actions by the United States’ trade
partners. For example, over the last several months, the U.S. has increased tariffs on certain imports from China, as well
as on steel and aluminum products imported from various countries and imposed export sanctions on certain Chinese
entities. In response, China, the European Union, and several other countries have imposed or proposed additional tariffs
on certain exports from the U.S. Our inability to effectively manage the negative impacts of changing U.S. and foreign
trade policies, including, in connection with our business with customers outside of the United States or with newly
sanctioned entities could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our investments in recorded goodwill and other intangible assets could be impaired as a result of future business conditions,
a deterioration of the global economy or if we change our reporting unit structure.
As of July 31, 2019, goodwill recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet aggregated $310.5 million. Additionally, as of July 31,
2019, net intangibles recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet aggregated $261.9 million.
For purposes of reviewing impairment and the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets, our Government Solutions
and Commercial Solutions segment each constitute a reporting unit and we must make various assumptions in determining their
estimated fair values. Reporting units are defined by how our President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") manages the business,
which includes resource allocation decisions. We may, in the future, change our management approach which in turn may change
the way we define our reporting units, as such term is defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting
Standards Codification ("ASC") 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other." A change to our management approach may require us
to perform an interim goodwill impairment test and possibly record impairment charges in a future period.
In accordance with FASB ASC 350, we perform a goodwill impairment analysis at least annually (in the first fiscal quarter of each
fiscal year), unless indicators of impairment exist in interim periods. If we fail the quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment
("quantitative assessment"), we would be required to recognize an impairment loss equal to the amount that a reporting unit's
carrying value exceeded its fair value; however, any loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to
that reporting unit.
On August 1, 2019 (the first day of our fiscal 2020), we performed our annual quantitative assessment and estimated the fair value
of each of our reporting units using a combination of the income and market approaches. Based on our quantitative evaluation,
we determined that our Commercial Solutions and Government Solutions reporting units had estimated fair values in excess of
their carrying values of at least 29.0% and 122.2%, respectively, and concluded that our goodwill was not impaired and that neither
of our two reporting units was at risk of failing the quantitative assessment. It is possible that, during fiscal 2020 or beyond, business
conditions (both in the U.S. and internationally) could deteriorate from the current state, our current or prospective customers
could materially postpone, reduce or even forgo purchases of our products and services to a greater extent than we currently
anticipate, or our common stock price could decline. A significant decline in our customers' spending that is greater than we
anticipate or a shift in funding priorities may also have a negative effect on future orders, sales, income and cash flows and we
might be required to perform a quantitative assessment during fiscal 2020 or beyond. If assumed net sales and cash flow projections
are not achieved in future periods or our common stock price significantly declines from current levels, our Commercial Solutions
or Government Solutions reporting units could be at risk of failing the quantitative assessment and goodwill and intangibles
assigned to the respective reporting units could be impaired.
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In any event, we are required to perform the next annual goodwill impairment analysis on August 1, 2020 (the start of our fiscal
2021). If our assumptions and related estimates change in the future, or if we change our reporting unit structure or other events
and circumstances change (e.g., a sustained decrease in the price of our common stock (considered on both absolute terms and
relative to peers)), we may be required to record impairment charges when we perform these tests, or in other future periods. In
addition to our impairment analysis of goodwill, we also review net intangibles with finite lives when an event occurs indicating
the potential for impairment. We believe that the carrying values of our net intangibles were recoverable as of July 31, 2019. Any
impairment charges that we may record in the future could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.
We could be negatively impacted by a systems failure, lack of or failure of a redundancy, security breach through cyber
attack, cyber intrusion or otherwise, by other significant disruption of our IT networks or those we operate for certain
customers, or third-party data center facilities, servers and related systems. If such occurs in some cases, we may have to
reimburse our customers for damages that they may have incurred, pay contract penalties, or provide refunds.
Similar to all companies in our industry, we are under constant cyber attack and are subject to an ongoing risk of security breaches
and disruptions of our IT networks and related systems, including third-party data center facilities, whether through actual breaches,
cyber attacks or cyber intrusions via the Internet, malware, computer viruses, attachments to e-mails, persons inside our organization
or persons with access to systems inside our organization. Actual security breaches or disruption, particularly through cyber attack
or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, have increased in recent years and
have become more complex. Our IT network and systems, as well as third-party data center facilities, have been and, we believe,
continue to be under constant attack. We face an added risk of a security breach or other significant disruption to certain of our
equipment used on some of our customer’s IT networks and related systems which may involve managing and protecting information
relating to public safety agencies, wireless carriers as well as national security and other sensitive government functions. Many
of our systems have, or are required to have, system redundancies and back-up; in some cases, we may not have sufficient redundancy
and/or redundancy and/or back-ups may fail. We may incur significant costs to prevent and respond to system failures, failure of
redundancies, actual breaches, cyber attacks and other systems disruptions.
As a communications company, and particularly as a government contractor and a provider of public safety and location technologies
(including 911 hosted systems), we face a heightened risk of a security breach or disruption from actual breaches, cyber attacks
and other threats to gain unauthorized access to our and our customers' proprietary or classified information on our IT networks,
third-party data center facilities and related systems and to certain of our equipment used on some of our customer’s IT networks
and related systems. These types of information and IT networks and related systems are critical to the operation of our business
and essential to our ability to perform day-to-day operations, and, in some cases, are critical to the operations of certain of our
customers. Although we make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of information and IT networks
and related systems, and we have implemented various measures to manage the risk of a security breach or disruption, there can
be no assurance that our security efforts and measures will be effective or that actual security breaches or disruptions will not be
successful or damaging. Even the most well protected information, networks, data centers, systems and facilities remain potentially
vulnerable because security breaches, particularly cyber attacks and intrusions, and disruptions have occurred and will occur again
in the future. Techniques used in such breaches and cyber attacks are constantly evolving and generally are not recognized until
launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected and, in fact, may not be detected. In some cases, the
resources of foreign governments may be behind such attacks. Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or
to implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures, and thus it is virtually impossible for us to entirely mitigate
this risk.
A security breach or other significant disruption (including as a result of a lack of redundancy and/or failure of such redundancy)
involving these types of information and IT networks and related systems could:
• Disrupt the proper functioning of these networks, data center facilities and systems and therefore our operations and/or
those of certain of our customers;
• Result in the unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of proprietary, confidential,
sensitive or otherwise valuable information of ours or our customers, including trade secrets, which others could use to
compete against us or for disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes;
• Compromise national security and other sensitive government functions;
• Require significant management attention and resources to remedy the damage that results;
• Make payments to our customers to reimburse them for damages, or pay them penalties or provide refunds; and
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• Damage our reputation with our customers (particularly agencies of the U.S. government) and the public generally.
In addition, the cost of continually defending against cyber attacks and actual breaches has increased in recent years and future
costs and any or all of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
The measures we have implemented to secure information we collect and store or enable access to may be breached, which
could cause us to breach agreements with our partners and expose us to potential investigation and penalties by authorities
and potential claims for contract breach, product liability damages, credits, penalties or termination by persons whose
information was disclosed.
We take reasonable steps to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of the information we collect and store and to prevent
unauthorized access to third-party data to which we enable access through our products, but there is no guarantee that inadvertent
or unauthorized disclosure will not occur or that third parties will not gain unauthorized access despite our efforts. If such
unauthorized disclosure or access does occur, we may be required to notify persons whose information was disclosed or accessed
under existing and proposed laws. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or
sabotage systems change frequently and are often not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate
these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. We also may be subject to claims of breach of contract for such
disclosure, investigation and penalties by regulatory authorities and potential claims by persons whose information was disclosed.
If there is a security breach or if there is an inappropriate disclosure of any of these types of information, we could be exposed to
investigations, litigation, fines and penalties. Remediation of and liability for loss or misappropriation of end user or employee
personal information could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Even if
we were not held liable for such event, a security breach or inappropriate disclosure of personal, private or confidential information
could harm our reputation and our relationships with current and potential customers and end users. Even the perception of a
security risk could inhibit market acceptance of our products and services. We may be required to invest additional resources to
protect against damage caused by any actual or perceived disruptions of our services. We may also be required to provide information
about the location of an end user’s mobile device to government authorities, which could result in public perception that we are
providing the government with intelligence information and deter some end users from using our services. Any of these
developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our U.S. federal, state and foreign tax returns are subject to audit and a resulting tax assessment or settlement could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Significant judgment is required
in determining the provision for income taxes.
The final determination of tax examinations and any related litigation could be materially different than what is reflected in historical
income tax provisions and accruals.
Our federal income tax returns for fiscal 2017 and 2018 are subject to potential future Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit.
None of our state income tax returns prior to fiscal 2015 are subject to audit. TCS' federal income tax returns for tax year 2015
and the tax period from January 1, 2016 to February 23, 2016, the date we acquired TCS, are subject to potential future IRS audit.
None of TCS' state income tax returns prior to calendar year 2014 are subject to audit. In addition to income tax audits, TCS is
subject to ongoing state excise tax audits by the Washington State Department of Revenue. Although adjustments relating to past
audits of our federal income tax returns were immaterial, a resulting tax assessment or settlement for other periods or other
jurisdictions that may be selected for future audit could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of
operations and financial condition.
We have significant operations in Arizona, Florida, California, Washington State, Maryland, New York and other locations
which could be materially and adversely impacted in the event of a terrorist attack and government responses thereto or
significant disruptions (including natural disasters) to our business.
Terrorist attacks, the U.S. and other governments' responses thereto, and threats of war could materially adversely impact our
business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, our 911 hosted location-based services and satellite teleport
services operations depend on our ability to maintain our computer and equipment and systems in effective working order, and to
protect our systems against damage from fire, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failure, sabotage, unauthorized
access to our system or similar events.
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Although many of our mission-critical systems and equipment are designed with built-in redundancy and security, any unanticipated
interruption or delay in our operations or breach of security could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition. Our property and business interruption insurance may not be adequate to compensate us for any losses
that may occur in the event of a terrorist attack, threat, system failure or a breach of security. Insurance may not be available to us
at all or, if available, may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms.
We operate a high-volume technology manufacturing center located in Tempe, Arizona. We expect intercompany manufacturing
to increase from current levels in future periods and we intend to maximize the use of our high-volume technology manufacturing
center by continuing to seek contracts with third parties to outsource a portion of their manufacturing to us. A terrorist attack or
similar future event may disrupt our operations or those of our customers or suppliers and may affect the availability of materials
needed to manufacture our products or the means to transport those materials to manufacturing facilities and finished products to
customers. If a natural disaster or other business interruption occurred with respect to our high-volume technology manufacturing
center, we do not have immediate access to other manufacturing facilities and, as a result, our business, results of operations and
financial condition would be materially adversely affected.
We design and manufacture our over-the-horizon microwave equipment and systems in Florida, where major hurricanes have
occurred in the past, and amplifiers in Santa Clara, California, an area close to major earthquake fault lines, and also manufacture
amplifiers in Melville, New York, an area subject to hurricanes. Additionally, certain of our Commercial Solutions segment activities
are conducted in Washington State which is also near a fault line. We maintain operations in Maryland near a U.S. Navy facility
which is more prone to a terrorist attack. Our operations in these and other locations (such as in our high-volume technology
manufacturing center located in Tempe, Arizona), could be subject to natural disasters or other significant disruptions, including
hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, fires, water shortages, other extreme weather conditions, medical
epidemics, acts of terrorism, power shortages and blackouts, telecommunications failures, and other natural and man-made disasters
or disruptions.
We cannot be sure that our systems will operate appropriately if we experience hardware or software failure, intentional disruptions
of service by third parties, an act of God or an act of war. A failure in our systems could cause delays in transmitting data, and as
a result we may lose customers or face litigation that could involve material costs and distract management from operating our
business.
In the event of any such disaster or other disruption, we could experience disruptions or interruptions to our operations or the
operations of our suppliers, distributors, resellers or customers; destruction of facilities; and/or loss of life, all of which could
materially increase our costs and expenses and materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be subject to environmental liabilities.
We engage in manufacturing and are subject to a variety of local, state and federal laws and regulations relating to the storage,
discharge, handling, emission, generation, manufacture and disposal of toxic or other hazardous substances used to manufacture
our products. We are also subject to the Restriction of Hazardous Substance ("RoHS") directive which restricts the use of lead,
mercury and other substances in electrical and electronic products. The failure to comply with current or future environmental
requirements could result in the imposition of substantial fines, suspension of production, alteration of our manufacturing processes
or cessation of operations that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, the handling, treatment or disposal of hazardous substances by us or our predecessors may have resulted, or could in
the future result, in contamination requiring investigation or remediation, or lead to other liabilities, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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The success of our business is dependent on compliance with FCC rules and regulations and similar foreign laws and
regulations.
Many of our products are incorporated into wireless communications systems that must comply with various U.S. government
regulations, including those of the FCC, as well as similar international laws and regulations. As a result, our business faces
increased risks including the following:
• We must obtain various licenses from the FCC - We operate FCC licensed teleports that are subject to the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended, or the FCC Act, and the rules and regulations of the FCC. We cannot guarantee that the FCC
will grant renewals when our existing licenses expire, nor are we assured that the FCC will not adopt new or modified
technical requirements that will require us to incur expenditures to modify or upgrade our equipment as a condition of
retaining our licenses. We may, in the future, be required to seek FCC or other government approval if foreign ownership
of our stock exceeds certain specified criteria. Failure to comply with these policies could result in an order to divest the
offending foreign ownership, fines, denial of license renewal and/or license revocation proceedings against the licensee
by the FCC, or denial of certain contracts from other U.S. government agencies.
• We are dependent on the allocation and availability of frequency spectrum - Adverse regulatory changes related to the
allocation and availability of frequency spectrum and in the military standards and specifications that define the current
satellite networking environment, could materially harm our business by: (i) restricting development efforts by us and
our customers, (ii) making our current products less attractive or obsolete, or (iii) increasing the opportunity for additional
competition. The increasing demand for wireless communications has exerted pressure on regulatory bodies worldwide
to adopt new standards and reassign bandwidth for these products and services. The reduced number of available
frequencies for other products and services and the time delays inherent in the government approval process of new
products and services have caused, and may continue to cause, our customers to cancel, postpone or reschedule their
installation of communications systems including their satellite, over-the-horizon microwave, or terrestrial line-of-sight
microwave communication systems. This, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our sales of products to our
customers. Changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations could materially adversely harm
our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
• Our future growth is dependent, in part, on developing NG-911 compliant products - The FCC requires that certain location
information be provided to network operators for public safety answering points when a subscriber makes a 911 call.
Technical failures, greater regulation by federal, state or foreign governments or regulatory authorities, time delays or
the significant costs associated with developing or installing improved location technology could slow down or stop the
deployment of our mobile location products. If deployment of improved location technology is delayed, stopped or never
occurs, market acceptance of our products and services may be materially adversely affected. Because we rely on some
third-party location technology instead of developing all of the technology ourselves, we have little or no influence over
its improvement. The technology employed with NG-911 services generally anticipates a migration to internet-protocol
("IP") based communication. Since many companies are proficient in IP-based communication protocols, the barriers to
entry to providing NG-911 products and services are lower than exist for the traditional switch-based protocols. If we are
unable to develop unique and proprietary solutions that are superior to and/or more cost effective than other market offers,
our 911 business could get replaced by new market entrants, resulting in a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
• Under the FCC’s mandate, our 911 business is dependent on state and local governments - Under the FCC’s mandate,
wireless carriers are required to provide 911 services only if state and local governments request the service. As part of
a state or local government’s decision to request 911, they have the authority to develop cost recovery mechanisms.
However, cost recovery is no longer a condition to wireless carriers’ obligation to deploy the service. If state and local
governments do not widely request that 911 services be provided or we become subject to significant pressures from
wireless carriers with respect to pricing of 911 services, our 911 business would be harmed and future growth of our
business would be reduced.
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Regulation of the mobile communications industry and VoIP is evolving, and unfavorable changes or our failure to comply
with existing and potential new legislation or regulations could harm our business and operating results.
As the mobile communications industry continues to evolve, we believe greater regulation by federal, state or foreign governments
or regulatory authorities is likely and we face certain risks including:
• We must adhere to existing and potentially new privacy rules - We believe increased regulation is likely in the area of
data privacy, and laws and regulations applying to the solicitation, collection, processing or use of personal or consumer
information could affect our customers’ ability to use and share data, potentially reducing our ability to utilize this
information in the resale of certain of our products. In order for mobile location products and services to function properly,
wireless carriers must locate their subscribers and store information on each subscriber’s location. Although data regarding
the location of the wireless user resides only on the wireless carrier’s systems, users may not feel comfortable with the
idea that the wireless carrier knows and can track their location. Carriers will need to obtain subscribers’ permission to
gather and use the subscribers’ personal information, or they may not be able to provide customized mobile location
services which those subscribers might otherwise desire. If subscribers view mobile location services as an annoyance
or a threat to their privacy, that could reduce demand for our products and services and have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Recently, there has been a number of laws and regulations enacted that affect companies conducting business on the
Internet, including the European General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"). The GDPR imposes certain privacy
related requirements on companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Union that are
currently different than those in the United States and include significant penalties for non-compliance. Similarly, there
are a number of legislative proposals in the United States, at both the federal and state level, that could impose new
obligations in areas affecting our business, such as liability for personal data protection. In addition, some countries are
considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and processing
of data or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services. Our costs to comply
with the GDPR as well any other similar laws and regulations that emerge may negatively impact our business.
• We may face increased compliance costs in connection with health and safety requirements for mobile devices - If wireless
handsets pose health and safety risks, we may be subject to new regulations and demand for our products and services
may decrease. Media reports have suggested that certain radio frequency emissions from wireless handsets may be linked
to various health concerns, including cancer, and may interfere with various electronic medical devices, including hearing
aids and pacemakers. Concerns over radio frequency emissions may have the effect of discouraging the use of wireless
handsets, which would decrease demand for our services. In recent years, the FCC and foreign regulatory agencies have
updated the guidelines and methods they use for evaluating radio frequency emissions from radio equipment, including
wireless handsets. In addition, interest groups have requested that the FCC investigate claims that wireless technologies
pose health concerns and cause interference with airbags, hearing aids and other medical devices. There also are some
safety risks associated with the use of wireless handsets while driving. Concerns over these safety risks and the effect of
any legislation that may be adopted in response to these risks could limit our ability to market and sell our products and
services.
• The regulatory environment for VoIP services is developing - The FCC has determined that VoIP services are not subject
to the same regulatory scheme as traditional wireline and wireless telephone services. If the regulatory environment for
VoIP services evolves in a manner other than the way we anticipate, our 911 business would be significantly harmed and
future growth of our business would be significantly reduced. For example, the regulatory scheme for wireless and wireline
service providers requires those carriers to allow service providers such as us to have access to certain databases that
make the delivery of a 911 call possible. No such requirements exist for VoIP service providers, so carriers could prevent
us from continuing to provide VoIP 911 service by denying us access to the required databases.
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All of our business activities are subject to rapid technological change, new entrants, the introduction of other distribution
models and long development and testing periods each of which may harm our competitive position, render our product
or service offerings obsolete and require us to continuously develop technology and/or obtain licensed technology in order
to compete successfully.
We are engaged in business activities characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, frequent new
product announcements and enhancements, and changing customer demands. The introduction of products and services or future
industry standards embodying new technologies, such as multi-frequency time-division multiple access ("MF-TDMA") based
technologies could render any of our products and services obsolete or non-competitive. The successful execution of our business
strategy is contingent upon wireless network operators launching and maintaining mobile location services, our ability to maintain
a technically skilled development and engineering team, our ability to create new network software products and adapt our existing
products to rapidly changing technologies, industry standards and customer needs. As a result of the complexities inherent in our
product offerings, new technologies may require long development and testing periods. Additionally, new products may not achieve
market acceptance or our competitors could develop alternative technologies that gain broader market acceptance than our products.
If we are unable to develop and introduce technologically advanced products that respond to evolving industry standards and
customer needs, or if we are unable to complete the development and introduction of these products on a timely and cost effective
basis, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition or could result in our
technology becoming obsolete.
New entrants seeking to gain market share by introducing new technology and new products may make it more difficult for us to
sell our products and services and could create increased pricing pressure, reduced profit margins, increased sales and marketing
expenses, or the loss of market share or expected market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition. For example, many companies are developing new technologies and the shift towards
open standards such as IP-based satellite networks will likely result in increased competition and some of our products may become
commoditized. Our DoubleTalk® Carrier-in-Carrier® bandwidth compression technology is licensed by us from a third party that
maintains patents associated with the technology. Other competitors have developed similar technologies and some may have also
licensed parts or all of this compression technology.
Our Commercial Solutions segment provides various technologies that are utilized on mobile phones. Applications from competitors
for location-based or text-based messaging platforms may be preloaded on mobile devices by original equipment manufacturers,
or OEMs, or offered by OEMs directly. Increased competition from providers of location-based services which do not rely on a
wireless carrier may result in fewer wireless carrier subscribers electing to purchase their wireless carrier’s branded location-based
services, which could harm our business and revenue. In addition, these location-based or text-based services may be offered for
free or on a one-time fee basis, which could force us to reduce monthly subscription fees or migrate to a one-time fee model to
remain competitive. We may also lose end users or face erosion in our average revenue per user if these competitors deliver their
products without charge to the consumer by generating revenue from advertising or as part of other applications or services.
Our expected growth and our financial position depends on, among other things, our ability to keep pace with such changes and
developments and to respond to the increasing variety of electronic equipment users and transmission technologies. We may not
have the financial or technological resources to keep pace with such changes and developments or be successful in our research
and development and we may not be able to identify and respond to technological improvements made by our competitors in a
timely or cost-effective fashion. Any delays could result in increased costs of development or redirect resources from other projects.
In addition, we cannot provide assurances that the markets for our products, systems, services or technologies will develop as we
currently anticipate. The failure of our products, systems, services or technologies to gain market acceptance could significantly
reduce our net sales and harm our business.
Our business is highly competitive, we are reliant upon the success of our partners, and some of our competitors have
significantly greater resources than we do, which could result in a loss of customers, market share and/or market acceptance.
Our business is highly competitive. We will continue to invest in research and development for the introduction of new and enhanced
products and services designed to improve capacity, data processing rates and features. We must also continue to develop new
features and to improve functionality of our software. Research and development in our industry is complex, expensive and
uncertain. We believe that we must continue to dedicate a significant amount of resources to research and development efforts to
maintain our competitive position. If we continue to expend a significant amount of resources on research and development, but
our efforts do not lead to the successful introduction of product and service enhancements that are competitive in the marketplace,
our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
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Several of our potential competitors are substantially larger than we are and have greater financial, technical and marketing resources
than we do. In particular, larger competitors have certain advantages over us which could cause us to lose customers and impede
our ability to attract new customers, including: larger bases of financial, technical, marketing, personnel and other resources; more
established relationships with wireless carriers and government customers; more funds to deploy products and services; and the
ability to lower prices (or not charge any price) of competitive products and services because they are selling larger volumes.
Furthermore, we cannot be sure that our competitors will not develop competing products, systems, services or technologies that
gain market acceptance in advance of our products, systems, services or technologies, or that our competitors will not develop
new products, systems, services or technologies that cause our existing products, systems, services or technologies to become non-
competitive or obsolete, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our Commercial Solutions segment provides public safety and location technologies to various state and local municipalities and
to a large extent, we are reliant on the success of our wireless partners and distributors to meet our growth objectives. In some
cases, our wireless partners may have different objectives, or our distributors may not be successful. For example, in fiscal 2019,
AT&T informed us that it will move all 911 call routing solutions to a competitor in full by April 2020. We also began an evaluation
and repositioning of certain of our location technology solutions within our Commercial Solutions segment in order to focus on
providing higher margin solution offerings and increase our penetration into the public safety space. To date, we have ceased
offering certain location technology solutions, have worked with customers to wind-down certain legacy contracts and have not
renewed certain contracts. Going forward, we intend to continue to work with our partners and expand our direct and indirect sales
and distribution channels in this area. If we are not successful in doing so, we may not be able to achieve our long-term business
goals.
Contract cost growth on our firm fixed-price contracts, including most of our government contracts, cost reimbursable
type contracts and other contracts that cannot be justified as an increase in contract value due from customers exposes us
to reduced profitability and the potential loss of future business and other risks.
A substantial portion of our products and services are sold under firm fixed-price contracts. Firm fixed-price contracts inherently
have more risk than flexibly priced contracts. This means that we bear the risk of unanticipated technological, manufacturing,
supply or other problems, price increases or other increases in the cost of performance. Future events could result in either upward
or downward adjustments to those estimates which could negatively impact our profitability. Operating margin is materially
adversely affected when contract costs that cannot be billed to the customer are incurred. This cost growth can occur if initial
estimates used for calculating the contract price were incorrect, or if estimates to complete increase. To a lesser extent, we provide
products and services under cost reimbursable type contracts which carry the entire burden of costs exceeding a negotiated contract
ceiling price.
The cost estimation process requires significant judgment and expertise. Reasons for cost growth may include unavailability and
productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of
materials, the effect of any delays in performance, availability and timing of funding from the customer, natural disasters, and the
inability to recover any claims included in the estimates to complete. A significant change in an estimate on one or more programs
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Ongoing compliance with the provisions of securities laws, related regulations and financial reporting standards could
unexpectedly materially increase our costs and compliance related expenses.
Because we are a publicly traded company, we are required to comply with provisions of securities laws, related regulations and
financial reporting standards. Because securities laws, related regulations and financial reporting standards pertaining to our
business are relatively complex, our business faces increased risks including the following:
•
If we identify a material weakness in the future, our costs may unexpectedly increase - Pursuant to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, we are required to furnish a report of management’s assessment of
the effectiveness of our internal controls as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our independent registered public
accountants are required to attest to and provide a separate opinion. To issue our report, we document our internal control
design and the testing processes that support our evaluation and conclusion, and then we test and evaluate the results.
There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to remediate material weaknesses, if any, that may be identified
in future periods, or maintain all of the controls necessary for continued compliance. There likewise can be no assurance
that we will be able to retain sufficient skilled finance and accounting personnel, especially in light of the increased
demand for such personnel among publicly traded companies.
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•
Stock-based compensation accounting standards could negatively impact our stock - Since our inception, we have used
stock-based awards as a fundamental component of our employee compensation packages. We believe that stock-based
awards directly motivate our employees to maximize long-term stockholder value and, through the use of long-term
vesting, encourage employees to remain with us. We apply the provisions of ASC 718, "Compensation - Stock
Compensation," which requires us to record compensation expense in our statement of operations for employee and
director stock-based awards using a fair value method. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we adopted FASB ASU No.
2016-09 which modified certain aspects of ASC 718, including the requirement to recognize excess tax benefits and
shortfalls in the income statement. The ongoing application of this standard will have a significant effect on our reported
earnings, and could adversely impact our ability to provide accurate guidance on our future reported financial results due
to the variability of the factors used to estimate the value of stock-based awards (including long-term performance shares
which are subject to the achievement of three-year goals which are based on several performance metrics). The ongoing
application of this standard could impact the future value of our common stock and may result in greater stock price
volatility. To the extent that this accounting standard makes it less attractive to grant stock-based awards to employees,
we may incur increased compensation costs, change our equity compensation strategy or find it difficult to attract, retain
and motivate employees, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Also the accounting rules and regulations that we must comply with are complex. Accounting rules and regulations are continually
changing in ways that could materially impact our financial statements. As further discussed in "Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements - Note (1) - Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies" included in "Part II - Item 8. - Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we note the following:
• We must maintain compliance with new complex revenue recognition rules - On August 1, 2018 (our first quarter of fiscal
2019), we adopted ASU No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," which replaces numerous
requirements in U.S. GAAP, including industry specific requirements, and provides a single revenue recognition model
for contracts with customers. The ASU applies to all open contracts existing as of August 1, 2018. We adopted this ASU
using the modified retrospective method and there was no material impact on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
• We must maintain compliance with new complex lease accounting rules - In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU
2016 02, "Leases (Topic 842)," to revise existing lease accounting guidance. The update requires most leases to be recorded
on the balance sheet as a lease liability, with a corresponding right of use asset. We adopted Topic 842 on August 1, 2019,
the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2020. Except for recording a total right -of-use asset and corresponding lease
liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, which amount approximates 4.0% of our total consolidated assets at July
31, 2019, our adoption of Topic 842 is not expected to have a material impact to our future statements of operations or
cash flows. We continue to evaluate our adoption of this new standard, as well as our ongoing financial reporting disclosures
requirements.
We must comply with these new rules on a go-forward basis. Because of the uncertainties of the estimates, judgments and
assumptions associated with these new accounting standards, as well as with any future guidance or interpretations related to them,
we may incur additional costs and cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to comply with such complex rules.
Our costs to comply with the aforementioned and other regulations continue to increase and we may have to add additional
accounting staff, engage consultants or change our internal practices, standards and policies which could significantly increase
our costs to comply with ongoing or future requirements. In addition, the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC ("NASDAQ") routinely
changes its requirements for companies, such as us, that are listed on NASDAQ. These changes (and potential future changes)
have increased and may increase our legal and financial compliance costs, including making it more difficult and more expensive
for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance or maintain our current liability coverage. We believe that these new and
proposed laws and regulations could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board of Directors,
particularly to serve on our Audit Committee, and qualified executive officers.
30
Our backlog is subject to customer cancellation or modification and such cancellation could result in a decline in sales and
increased provisions for excess and obsolete inventory.
We currently have a backlog of orders, mostly under contracts that our customers may modify or terminate. Almost all of the
contracts in our backlog (including firm orders previously received from the U.S. government) are subject to cancellation at the
convenience of the customer or for default in the event that we are unable to perform under the contract. A portion of our backlog
is determined based on contracts received from our customers (such as the U.S. government and large wireless carriers) and in
certain cases, is computed by multiplying the most recent month’s contract or revenue by the months remaining under the existing
long-term agreements, which we consider to be the best available information for anticipating revenue under those agreements.
There can be no assurance that our backlog will result in actual revenue in any particular period, or at all, or that any contract
included in backlog will be profitable. As such, there is a higher degree of risk in this regard with respect to backlog. The actual
receipt and timing of any revenue is subject to various contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. The actual receipt
of revenue on contracts included in backlog may never occur or may change because a program schedule could change, the program
could be canceled, a contract could be reduced, modified or terminated early, or an option that we had assumed would be exercised
is not exercised.
A significant portion of the backlog from our U.S. commercial customers relates to large, multi-year contracts to provide state and
local governments (and their agencies) with public safety and location technology solutions. Although the contracts themselves
represent legal, binding obligations of these governments, funding is often subject to the approval of budgets (for example, on an
annual or bi-annual basis). Although funding for these multi-year contracts are dependent on future budgets being approved, we
include the full estimated value of these large, multi-year contracts in our backlog given the critical nature of the services being
provided and the positive historical experience of our state and local government customers passing their respective budgets.
We record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on historical and projected usage trends and other factors, including
the consideration of the amount of backlog we have on hand at any particular point in time. If orders in our backlog are canceled
or modified, our estimates of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated the
provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if we determine that our inventory is overvalued, we will be
required to recognize such costs in our financial statements at the time of such determination. Any such charges could be materially
adverse to our results of operations and financial condition.
We face a number of risks relating to the expected growth of our business. Our business and operating results may be
negatively impacted if we are unable to manage this growth.
These risks include:
•
The loss of key technical and/or management personnel could adversely affect our business - Our future success depends
on the continued contributions of key technical and management personnel. Many of our key and technical management
personnel would be difficult to replace and are not subject to employment or non-competition agreements. We currently
have research and development employees in areas that are located a great distance away from our U.S. headquarters and
some work out of their respective homes. Managing remote product development operations is difficult and we may not
be able to manage the employees in these remote centers successfully. Our expected growth and future success will
depend, in large part, upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified engineering, sales and marketing personnel.
Competition for such personnel from other companies, academic institutions, government entities and other organizations
is intense. Although we believe that we have been successful to-date in recruiting and retaining key personnel, we may
not be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel we will need to grow and operate profitably. Also, the
management skills that have been appropriate for us in the past may not continue to be appropriate if we grow and diversify.
• We may not be able to improve our processes and systems to keep pace with anticipated growth - The future growth of
our business may place significant demands on our managerial, operational and financial resources. In order to manage
that growth, we must be prepared to improve and expand our management, operational and financial systems and controls.
We also need to continue to recruit and retain personnel and train and manage our employee base. We must carefully
manage research and development capabilities and production and inventory levels to meet product demand, new product
introductions and product and technology transitions. If we are not able to timely and effectively manage our growth and
maintain the quality standards required by our existing and potential customers, it could have a material adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
31
• Our markets are highly competitive and there can be no assurance that we can continue to compete effectively - The
markets for our products are highly competitive. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete
successfully on price or other terms, or that our competitors will not develop new technologies and products that are more
effective than our own. We expect the Department of Defense’s increased use of commercial off-the-shelf products and
components in military equipment will encourage new competitors to enter the market. Also, although the implementation
of advanced telecommunications services is in its early stages in many developing countries, we believe competition will
continue to intensify as businesses and foreign governments realize the market potential of telecommunications services.
Many of our competitors have financial, technical, marketing, sales and distribution resources greater than ours. Recently,
we have seen increased requests for proposals from large wireless carriers for sole-source solutions and have responded
to several such requests. In order to induce retention of existing customer contracts and obtain business on a sole-source
basis, we may ultimately agree to adjust pricing on a retroactive basis. If our sole-source proposals are rejected in favor
of a competitor’s proposal, it could result in the termination of existing contracts, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
• We may not be able to obtain sufficient components to meet expected demand - Our dependence on component availability,
government furnished equipment, subcontractors and key suppliers, including the core manufacturing expertise of our
high-volume technology manufacturing center located in Tempe, Arizona, exposes us to risk. Although we obtain certain
components and subsystems from a single source or a limited number of sources, we believe that most components and
subsystems are available from alternative suppliers and subcontractors. During the past year or so, and as a result of
overall increased industry-wide demand, lead times for many components have increased. In addition, threats of or actual
tariffs could limit our ability to obtain certain parts on a cost-effective basis, or at all. A significant interruption in the
delivery of such items could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, if our high-volume technology manufacturing center located in Tempe, Arizona is unable to produce sufficient
product or maintain quality, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
• Our ability to maintain affordable credit insurance may become more difficult - In the normal course of our business, we
purchase credit insurance to mitigate some of our domestic and international credit risk. Although credit insurance remains
generally available, upon renewal, it may become more expensive to obtain or may not be available for existing or new
customers in certain international markets and it might require higher deductibles than in the past. If we acquire a company
with a different customer base, we may not be able to obtain credit insurance for those sales. As such, there can be no
assurance that, in the future, we will be able to obtain credit insurance on a basis consistent with our past practices.
We rely upon various third-party companies and their technology to provide services to our customers and if we are unable
to obtain such services at reasonable prices, or at all, our gross margins and our ability to provide the services of our wireless
applications business could be materially adversely affected.
Risks from our reliance with these third parties include:
• The loss of mapping and third-party content - The wireless data services provided to our customers are dependent on
real-time, continuous feeds from map data, points of interest data, traffic information, gas prices, theater, event and weather
information from vendors and others. Any disruption of this third-party content from our satellite feeds or backup landline
feeds or other disruption could result in delays in our subscribers’ ability to receive information. We obtain this data that
we sell to our customers from companies owned by current and potential competitors, who may act in a manner that is
not in our best interest. If our suppliers of this data or content were to enter into exclusive relationships with other providers
of location-based services or were to discontinue providing such information and we were unable to replace them cost
effectively, or at all, our ability to provide the services of our wireless applications business would be materially adversely
affected. Our gross margins may also be materially adversely affected if the cost of third-party data and content increases
substantially.
32
•
Third-party data centers or third-party networks may fail - Many products and services of our advanced communication
solutions, in particular our public safety and location technology solutions, are provided through a combination of our
servers, which we house at third-party data centers, and the networks of our wireless carrier partners. Certain of our data
centers are currently hosted in cloud-based applications operated by third parties such as Amazon Web Services and
Microsoft or third-party facilities located in Irvine, California, San Francisco, California, Dallas, Texas and Raleigh,
North Carolina, and we may use others as required. We also use third-party data center facilities in the Phoenix, Arizona
area to provide for disaster recovery. As such, our business relies to a significant degree on the efficient and uninterrupted
operation of the third-party data centers we use. Network failures, disruptions or capacity constraints in our third-party
data center facilities or in our servers maintained at their location could affect the performance of the products and services
of our wireless applications and 911 business and harm our reputation and our revenue. The ability of our subscribers to
receive critical location and business information requires timely and uninterrupted connections with our wireless network
carriers. Any disruption from our satellite feeds or backup landline feeds could also result in delays in our subscribers’
ability to receive information.
• We must integrate our technologies and routinely upgrade them - We may not be able to upgrade our location services
platform to support certain advanced features and functionality without obtaining technology licenses from third parties.
Obtaining these licenses may be costly and may delay the introduction of such features and functionality, and these licenses
may not be available on commercially favorable terms, or at all. Problems and delays in development or delivery as a
result of issues with respect to design, technology, licensing and patent rights, labor, learning curve assumptions, or
materials and components could prevent us from achieving contractual obligations. In addition, our products cannot be
tested and proven in all situations and are otherwise subject to unforeseen problems. The inability to offer advanced
features or functionality, or a delay in our ability to upgrade our location-based services platform, may materially adversely
affect demand for our products and services and, consequently, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
• We rely upon "open-source" software - We have incorporated some types of open-source software into our products,
allowing us to enhance certain solutions without incurring substantial additional research and development costs. Thus
far, we have encountered no unanticipated material problems arising from our use of open-source software. However, as
the use of open-source software becomes more widespread, certain open-source technology could become competitive
with our proprietary technology, which could cause sales of our products to decline or force us to reduce the fees we
charge for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
Indemnification provisions in our contracts could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations,
financial position, or cash flows.
In the ordinary course of business, we include indemnification provisions in certain of our customer contracts. Pursuant to these
agreements, we have agreed to indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by
the indemnified party, including but not limited to losses related to third-party intellectual property claims. Some customers seek
indemnification under their contractual arrangements with the Company for claims and other costs associated with defending
lawsuits alleging infringement of patents through their use of our products and services, and the use of our products and services
in combination with products and services of other vendors.
In some cases, we have agreed to assume the defense of the case. In others, the Company will negotiate with these customers in
good faith because the Company believes its technology does not infringe the cited patents or due to specific clauses within the
customer contractual arrangements that may or may not give rise to an indemnification obligation. It is not possible to determine
the maximum potential amount the Company may spend under these agreements due to the unique facts and circumstances involved
in each particular agreement.
The Company's assessments related to indemnification provisions are based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed
reasonable by management, but that may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate, and unanticipated events and circumstances may
occur that might cause the Company to change those estimates and assumptions. Therefore, it is possible that an unfavorable
resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements
in a future fiscal period.
33
We are, from time to time, and could become a party to additional litigation or subject to claims, including product liability
claims, relating to our software, government investigations and other proceedings that could cause us to incur unanticipated
expenses and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are, from time to time, involved in commercial disputes and civil litigation relating to our businesses. Our agreements with
customers may require us to indemnify such customers. Direct claims against us or claims against our customers may relate to
defects in or non-conformance of our products, or our own acts of negligence and non-performance. Occasionally, we are called
upon also to provide information in connection with litigation involving other parties or government investigations. Product liability
and other forms of insurance are expensive and may not be available in the future. We cannot be sure that we will be able to
maintain or obtain insurance coverage at acceptable costs or in sufficient amounts or that our insurer will not disclaim coverage
as to a future claim. In many cases, we are unable to obtain insurance and are self-insured. Any such claim could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
For example, a customer that purchased a TCS 911 call handling software solution in December 2014 (which was more than one
year prior to our acquisition of TCS) (the "TCS Legacy Customer") informed us that it experienced several network outages and
that it would seek indemnification for any claims made against it as a result of such outages. Settlement conversations were had
with this customer for several months and a mutual agreement was not reached. In September 2019, this customer filed a lawsuit
which has accused us of committing fraud because, among other things, we failed to provide them with supposedly promised
redundancy. We vigorously contest that we violated any contractual obligations, much less committed fraud, and have submitted
notification to our insurance carriers of the lawsuit for review and consideration of coverage for potential liability that may arise
from this lawsuit. We are also reviewing with counsel our multiple counter claims against this TCS Legacy Customer. For additional
information related to this lawsuit, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (13)(b) - Commitments and
Contingencies - Legal Proceedings and Other Matters" included in "Part II - Item 8.- Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Because our software may contain defects or errors, and our hardware products may incorporate defective components,
our sales could decrease if these defects or errors adversely affect our reputation or delay shipments of our products.
Products as complex as ours are likely to contain undetected errors or defects, especially when first introduced or when new
versions are released. Our products may not be error or defect free after delivery to customers, which could damage our reputation,
cause revenue losses, result in the rejection of our products or services, divert development resources and increase service and
warranty costs, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Software products, such as our 911 call handling software solutions, must meet stringent customer technical requirements and we
must satisfy our warranty obligations to our customers. TCS had a call handling software solution developed more than ten years
ago and was licensed to customers prior to our acquisition of TCS. Older versions of this software solution remain deployed by
certain end-customers. In fiscal 2016, AT&T, a distributor of this small TCS product line, informed us that they did not believe
we met certain contractual specifications related to performance and usability of the software solution. During fiscal 2018, we
entered into a full and final warranty settlement with AT&T, pursuant to which we issued thirty-six credits to AT&T of $0.2 million,
which AT&T can apply on a monthly basis to purchases of solutions from us, beginning October 2017 through September 2020.
For additional information related to this warranty settlement, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (6) - Accrued
Expenses and Other Current Liabilities" included in "Part II - Item 8.- Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our current accrued warranty obligations at July 31, 2019 include $4.0 million of warranty
obligations for the legacy TCS 911 call handling software solution. Our warranty liability associated with this issue was determined
based on a review of contractual obligations, estimates of costs to enhance the software and include the terms of settlement with
AT&T. We believe our customer support plan, which includes an intention to continue to support end-customers in exchange for
an annual customer support fee, has mitigated the negative reputational impact of this issue. In fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, sales
related to the legacy TCS 911 call handling software solution were $6.6 million, $7.0 million and $5.5 million, respectively. A
significant portion of such sales were derived from our relationship with AT&T. Sales in fiscal 2020 for this old product line are
expected to decline to virtually zero. Ultimately, our estimated warranty costs for this product may not be sufficient.
Our hardware products are also subject to warranty obligations and integrate a wide variety of components from different vendors.
34
Protection of our intellectual property is limited and pursuing infringers of our patents and other intellectual property
rights can be costly.
Our businesses rely, in large part, upon our proprietary scientific and engineering know-how and production techniques. We rely
on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, service mark, trade secret and unfair competition laws, restrictions in licensing
agreements, confidentiality provisions and various other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property and related
proprietary rights, but these legal means provide only limited protection. Although a number of patents have been issued to us and
we have obtained a number of other patents as a result of our acquisitions, we cannot assure you that our issued patents will be
upheld if challenged by another party. Additionally, with respect to any patent applications which we have filed, we cannot assure
you that any patents will be issued as a result of these applications.
The departure of any of our key management and technical personnel, the breach of their confidentiality and non-disclosure
obligations to us or the failure to achieve our intellectual property objectives could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to compete successfully and achieve future revenue growth will depend,
in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary technology and operate without infringing upon the rights of others. We may fail
to do so. In addition, the laws of certain countries in which our products are or may be sold may not protect our products or
intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S.
Our ability to protect our intellectual property rights is also subject to the terms of future government contracts. We cannot assure
you that the federal government will not demand greater intellectual property rights or restrict our ability to disseminate intellectual
property. We are also a member of standards-setting organizations and have agreed to license some of our intellectual property to
other members on fair and reasonable terms to the extent that the license is required to develop non-infringing products.
Pursuing infringers of our proprietary rights could result in significant litigation costs, and any failure to pursue infringers could
result in our competitors utilizing our technology and offering similar products, potentially resulting in loss of a competitive
advantage and decreased revenues. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, existing patent, copyright, trademark and
trade secret laws afford only limited protection. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights
to the same extent as do the laws of the U.S. Protecting our know-how is difficult especially after our employees or those of our
third-party contract service providers end their employment or engagement. Attempts may be made to copy or reverse-engineer
aspects of our products or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. Accordingly, we may not be able to prevent
the misappropriation of our technology or prevent others from developing similar technology. Furthermore, policing the
unauthorized use of our products is difficult and expensive. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual
property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. The costs and diversion of resources could
significantly harm our business. If we fail to protect our intellectual property, we may not receive any return on the resources
expended to create the intellectual property or generate any competitive advantage based on it.
Third parties may claim we are infringing their intellectual property rights and we could be prevented from selling our
products, or suffer significant litigation expense, even if these claims have no merit.
Our competitive position is driven in part by our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. Third parties, however, may
claim that we, our products, operations or any products or technology we obtain from other parties are infringing their intellectual
property rights, and we may be unaware of intellectual property rights of others that may impact some of our assets, technology
and products. From time to time we receive letters from third parties who allege we are infringing their intellectual property and
ask us to license such intellectual property. We review the merits of each such letter and respond as we deem appropriate.
From time to time our customers are parties to allegations of intellectual property infringement claims based on our customers’
incorporation and use of our products and services, which may lead to demands from our customers for us to indemnify them for
costs in defending those allegations. Any litigation regarding patents, trademarks, copyrights or intellectual property rights, even
those without merit, and the related indemnification demands of our customers, can be costly and time consuming, and divert our
management and key personnel from operating our business. The complexity of the technology involved, and inherent uncertainty
and cost of intellectual property litigation increases our risks. If any third party has a meritorious or successful claim that we are
infringing its intellectual property rights, we may be forced to change our products or enter into licensing arrangements with third
parties, which may be costly or impractical. This also may require us to stop selling our products as currently engineered, which
could harm our competitive position. We also may be subject to significant damages or injunctions that prevent the further
development and sale of certain of our products or services and may result in a material loss of revenue.
35
From time to time, there have been claims challenging the ownership of open source software against companies that incorporate
open source software into their products. As a result, we could be subject to suits by parties claiming ownership of what we believe
to be open source software. Some open source licenses contain requirements that we make available source code for modifications
or derivative works under the terms of a particular open source license or other license granting third parties certain rights of further
use. If we combine our proprietary software products with open source software in a certain manner, we could under certain of
the open source licenses, be required to release our proprietary source code. Open source license terms may be ambiguous and
many of the risks associated with usage of open source software cannot be eliminated, and could if not properly addressed, negatively
affect our business. If we were found to have inappropriately used open source software, we may be required to release our
proprietary source code, re-engineer our products and client applications, discontinue the sale of our products or services in the
event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis or take other remedial action that may divert resources away from
our development efforts, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
A change in our relationship with our large wireless carrier customers could have a material adverse effect.
Although we have a long history of providing services to many of our wireless carrier partners, a change in purchasing or procurement
strategies by a wireless carrier partner could result in the loss of business from that partner. Additionally, from time to time, we
routinely perform services without a multi-period contract while we negotiate new and extended contract terms and pricing. These
negotiations are complex and may take long periods of time. Even when we successfully negotiate a multi-period contract, our
wireless carrier contracts, such as the ones with Verizon which accounted for 9.1% of our sales in fiscal 2019, provide for terminations
with notice and provide a mechanism for the wireless carrier to renegotiate lower fees and/or change services. Fee pressure from
these carriers are constant and ongoing. Thus, even when we obtain a multi-period contract term, our revenues could be suddenly
and materially reduced.
Competitors offer technology that has functionality similar to ours for free, under different business models. Competition from
such free offerings may reduce our revenue and harm our business. If our wireless carrier partners can offer such technology to
their subscribers for free, they may elect to cease their relationships with us, alter or reduce the manner or extent to which they
market or offer our services or require us to substantially reduce our subscription fees or pursue other business strategies that may
not prove successful for us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Potential future business combinations among wireless network operators could result in a loss of revenue for our business.
The telecommunications industry generally is currently undergoing a consolidation phase. For example, T-Mobile US, Inc. ("T-
Mobile") and Sprint Corporation have announced a merger. We currently generate several million dollars of revenue from both of
these companies and we are uncertain of the impact that this merger may have on us in the future. Many of our customers, specifically
wireless carrier customers of our Commercial Solutions segment, have or may become the target of acquisitions. If the number of
our customers is significantly reduced as a result of this consolidation trend, or if the resulting companies do not utilize our product
offerings, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
If our wireless carrier partners change the pricing and other terms by which they offer our products to their end-customers
or do not continue to provide our services at all or renegotiate lower fees with us, our business, results of operations, and
financial condition could be suddenly and materially adversely affected.
We generate a significant portion of our revenue from customers that are wireless carriers, such as Verizon which accounted for
9.1% of our revenues in fiscal 2019. In addition, a portion of our revenue is derived from subscription fees that we receive from
our wireless carrier partners for end-users who subscribe to our service on a standalone basis or in a bundle with other services.
Future revenue will depend on the pricing and quality of those services and subscriber demand for those services, which may vary
by market, and the level of subscriber turnover experienced by our wireless carrier partners. If subscriber turnover increases more
than we anticipate, our financial results could be materially adversely affected.
Poor performance in or disruptions of the services included in our advanced communication solutions could harm our reputation,
delay market acceptance of our services and subject us to liabilities (including breach of contract claims brought by our customers
and third-party damages claims brought by end-users). Our wireless carrier agreements and certain customers require us to meet
specific requirements including operational uptime requirements or be subject to penalties.
If we are unable to meet contractual requirements with our wireless carrier partners, such as Verizon, they could terminate our
agreements or we may be required to refund a portion of monthly subscriptions fees they have paid us.
36
Risks Related to our Common Stock
Our stock price is volatile.
The stock market in general and the stock prices of technology-based companies, in particular, experience extreme volatility that
often is unrelated to the operating performance of any specific public company. The market price of our common stock has fluctuated
significantly in the past and is likely to fluctuate significantly in the future as well. Factors that could have a significant impact on
the market price of our stock include, among others:
•
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•
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strategic transactions, such as acquisitions and divestures;
our ability to successfully integrate and manage recent acquisitions;
issuance of potentially dilutive equity or equity-type securities;
issuance of debt;
future announcements concerning us or our competitors;
receipt or non-receipt of substantial orders for products and services;
quality deficiencies in services or products;
results of technological innovations;
new commercial products;
changes in recommendations of securities analysts;
government regulations;
changes in the status or outcome of government audits;
proprietary rights or product or patent litigation;
changes in U.S. government policies;
changes in economic conditions generally, particularly in the telecommunications sector;
changes in securities market conditions, generally;
changes in the status of litigation and legal matters (including changes in the status of export matters);
cyber attacks;
energy blackouts;
acts of terrorism or war;
inflation or deflation; and
rumors or allegations regarding our financial disclosures or practices.
Shortfalls in our sales or earnings in any given period relative to the levels expected by securities analysts could immediately,
significantly and adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
Future issuances of our shares of common stock could dilute a stockholder's ownership interest in Comtech and reduce
the market price of our shares of common stock.
In the future, we may issue additional securities to raise capital. We may also acquire interests in other companies by using a
combination of cash and our common stock or just our common stock. We may also issue securities convertible into our common
stock. Any of these events may dilute a stockholder's ownership interest in Comtech and have an adverse impact on the price of
our common stock.
Provisions in our corporate documents and Delaware law could delay or prevent a change in control of Comtech.
We have taken a number of actions that could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition
involving Comtech that our stockholders may consider favorable.
For example, we have a classified board and the employment contract with our President and CEO, and agreements with other of
our executive officers, provide for substantial payments in certain circumstances or in the event of a change of control of Comtech.
In the future, we may adopt a stockholder rights plan which could cause substantial dilution to a stockholder, and substantially
increase the cost paid by a stockholder who attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our Board of Directors.
In addition, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In
general, this statute provides that, except in certain limited circumstances, a corporation shall not engage in any "business
combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person
became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
37
A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested
stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, for purposes of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an "interested
stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates, owns, or within three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation's voting
stock. This provision could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of Comtech.
A disruption in our dividend program could negatively impact our stock price.
We have paid quarterly dividends every quarter since September 2010.
Our ability to continue to pay quarterly dividends will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations in
the future and maintain compliance with our Credit Facility, as amended. This ability may be subject to certain economic, financial,
competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. Future dividends remain subject to compliance with financial covenants
under the Company's Credit Facility, as amended, as well as Board approval. Our Board of Directors may, at its discretion, decrease
the targeted annual dividend amount or entirely discontinue the payment of dividends at any time.
Additionally, our ability to declare and pay dividends and make other distributions with respect to our capital stock may also be
restricted by the terms of our Credit Facility, as amended, and may be restricted by the terms of financing arrangements that we
enter into in the future.
None.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
38
Historically, we have not owned any material properties or facilities and have relied upon a strategy of leasing. The following table
lists our primary leased facilities at July 31, 2019:
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Location
Commercial Solutions Segment
Tempe, Arizona
Seattle, Washington
Santa Clara, California
Various facilities
Westwood, Massachusetts
Lake Forest, California
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Gatineau, Canada
Moscow, Idaho
Annapolis, Maryland
Fremont, California
Germantown, Maryland
Government Solutions Segment
Orlando, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Melville, New York
Cypress, California
Germantown, Maryland
Various facilities
Richardson, Texas
Annapolis, Maryland
Corporate
Annapolis, Maryland
Melville, New York
Total Square Footage
Property Type
Square Footage Lease Expiration
(A) Manufacturing and Engineering
(B)
Network Operations, R&D,
Engineering and Sales
(C) Manufacturing and Engineering
Engineering and General Office
(D)
Network Operations
(E)
R&D and Engineering
(F)
Network Operations
(F)
Network Operations, R&D,
(G)
Engineering, Sales and General
Office
Support, Engineering and Sales
Support, Engineering and Sales
(H)
(F)
(H)
(I)
(J)
(J)
Support, Engineering and Sales
Engineering and General Office
Manufacturing and Engineering
Manufacturing (Currently
Vacated)
(K) Manufacturing and Engineering
(F)
(I)
(L)
(F)
(F)
(F)
(M)
Support, Engineering and Sales
Engineering and General Office
Support, Engineering and Sales
R&D and Engineering
Support, Engineering and Sales
General Office and Common
Areas
Corporate Headquarters and
General Office
152,000
57,000
February 2021
December 2022
April 2026
Various
March 2023
July 2023
July 2020
April 2023
February 2025
July 2026
April 2020
May 2025
April 2026
April 2020
December 2021
July 2025
May 2025
Various
July 2020
July 2026
July 2026
August 2027
47,000
35,000
19,000
18,000
17,000
15,000
13,000
11,000
10,000
6,000
400,000
99,000
46,000
45,000
28,000
26,000
14,000
13,000
6,000
277,000
2,000
9,600
11,600
688,600
(A) Although primarily used for our satellite earth station product lines, which are part of the Commercial Solutions segment,
both of our business segments utilize, from time to time, our high-volume technology manufacturing facilities located in
Tempe, Arizona. These manufacturing facilities utilize state-of-the-art design and production techniques, including analog,
digital and RF microwave production, hardware assembly and full service engineering. Our leases for these facilities
expire from fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2021.
(B) Our office in Seattle, Washington is used primarily for servicing and hosting our wireless and VoIP E911 public safety
support services.
39
(C) Our Commercial Solutions segment manufactures certain amplifiers in a leased manufacturing facility located in Santa
Clara, California. Our Commercial Solutions segment also operates a small office in the United Kingdom with a lease
that expires in October 2021.
(D) Our Commercial Solutions segment also leases an additional twelve facilities, three of which are located in the U.S. The
U.S. facilities aggregate 7,000 square feet and are primarily utilized for engineering and general office use. Our Commercial
Solutions segment also operates nine small offices in Brazil, Canada, China, India, Singapore, Australia and the United
Kingdom, all of which aggregate 28,000 square feet and are primarily utilized for customer support, engineering and
sales.
(E) Our Commercial Solutions segment maintains office space in Westwood, Massachusetts used primarily for servicing and
hosting our wireless and VoIP E911 public safety support services.
(F) We have leases for facilities in Annapolis, Maryland; Lake Forest, California and Greenwood Village, Colorado used
primarily for the design and development of our software-based systems and applications and network operations. Major
manufacturing and engineering facilities for our Government Solutions segment include Orlando, Florida, Cypress,
California and Richardson, Texas.
(G) Our Commercial Solutions segment maintains office space in Gatineau, Canada that is utilized for network operations,
R&D, engineering and sales of our public safety and location technology solutions.
(H) Our offices in Moscow, Idaho and Fremont, California are primarily used for research and development, engineering and
sales of our satellite earth station products.
(I) Our Government Solutions segment leases a 32,000 square foot facility located in Germantown, Maryland, which is
primarily used to support the U.S. Army's BFT-1 sustainment activities and certain cyber training activities. Our
Government Solutions segment occupies 26,000 feet of the facility with the remainder utilized by our Commercial
Solutions segment.
(J) Our Government Solutions segment engineers and manufactures our over-the-horizon microwave systems and tactical-
based satellite equipment in a leased facility in Orlando, Florida. This segment also leases a small office in North Africa.
As part of our cost reduction initiatives in our Government Solutions segment, we migrated our manufacturing and
engineering activities from our Tampa, Florida facility to our Orlando, Florida facility. As the lease on Tampa, Florida
facility expires in fiscal 2020, we are seeking opportunities to sublease the space for the duration of the lease.
(K) Our Government Solutions segment manufactures certain of our solid-state, high-power amplifiers in a 45,000 square
foot engineering and manufacturing facility on more than two acres of land in Melville, New York and an 8,000 square
foot facility in Topsfield, Massachusetts. We lease the New York facility from a partnership controlled by our President
and CEO. The lease provides for our use of the premises as they exist through December 2021 with an option to renew
for an additional ten-year period. We have a right of first refusal in the event of a sale of the facility. Our Massachusetts
lease is currently on a month-to-month basis.
(L) Our Government Solutions segment also leases an additional four facilities located in the U.S. that are primarily used for
engineering, sales and software development. Of these facilities, we are currently subleasing 6,000 square foot of the
Suwanee, GA facility through August 2020. Our leases for these facilities expire from fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2023.
(M) Our corporate headquarters are located in an office building complex in Melville, New York. The lease provides for our
use of the premises through August 2027.
The terms for all of our leased facilities are generally for multi-year periods and we believe that we will be able to renew these
leases or find comparable facilities elsewhere.
40
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated herein by reference to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
– Note (13)(b) - Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Proceedings and Other Matters" included in "Part II - Item 8.- Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Stock Performance Graph and Cumulative Total Return
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the
S&P’s 500 Index and the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index for each of the last five fiscal years ended July 31, assuming an
investment of $100 at the beginning of such period and the reinvestment of any dividends. The comparisons in the graphs below
are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of our common stock.
Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "CMTL."
41
The following table shows the quarterly range of the high and low sale prices for our common stock as reported by the NASDAQ.
Such prices do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions.
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2018
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2019
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Dividends
Common Stock
High
Low
$
$
22.90
23.90
32.94
35.38
36.94
30.43
27.50
30.29
17.11
19.30
20.62
29.36
27.15
22.80
20.94
20.98
Since September 2010, we have paid quarterly dividends. On September 26, 2018, December 6, 2018, March 6, 2019 and June 5,
2019, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per common share, which were paid on November 16, 2018, February 15,
2019, May 17, 2019 and August 16, 2019, respectively. On September 24, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of
$0.10 per common share, payable on November 15, 2019 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 16, 2019.
The Board of Directors is currently targeting fiscal 2020 quarterly dividend payments of $0.10 per common share. Future dividends
remain subject to compliance with financial covenants under our Credit Facility, as amended, as well as Board approval.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On February 28, 2019, in connection with the completion of our acquisition of Solacom Technologies Inc. ("Solacom") for cash
and shares of our common stock, we issued 208,669 shares of common stock at a volume weighted average price of $26.86 per
share. The shares of our common stock issued in connection with the acquisition were issued in reliance upon Section 3(a)(10) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which exempts from the registration requirements any security that is issued in exchange
for one or more bona fide outstanding securities where the terms and conditions of such issuance and exchange are approved, after
a hearing upon the fairness of such terms and conditions at which all persons to whom it is proposed to issue securities in such
exchange shall have the right to appear, by any court expressly authorized by law to grant such approval. The exchange of shares
of Comtech’s common stock as part of the total consideration for shares of Solacom was approved by the Superior Court of Canada,
Province of Quebec, District of Montreal. See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (2) - Acquisitions" included in
"Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further
information concerning the acquisition.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
We did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019. As of July 31, 2019 and September 23,
2019, we were authorized to repurchase up to an additional $8.7 million of our common stock, pursuant to a $100.0 million stock
repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors. The $100.0 million stock repurchase program has no time
restrictions and repurchases may be made in open-market or privately negotiated transactions and may be made pursuant to SEC
Rule 10b5-1 trading plans.
Approximate Number of Equity Security Holders
As of September 19, 2019, there were approximately 824 holders of our common stock. Such number of record owners was
determined from our stockholder records and does not include beneficial owners whose shares of our common stock are held in
the name of various security holders, dealers and clearing agencies.
42
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table shows selected historical consolidated financial data for our Company.
Detailed historical financial information is included in the audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2019, 2018 and
2017.
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Expenses:
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
$
671,797
424,357
247,440
570,589
346,648
223,941
550,368
332,183
218,185
411,004
239,767
171,237
307,289
168,405
138,884
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Amortization of intangibles
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Acquisition plan expenses
128,639
56,407
18,320
(3,204)
5,871
206,033
113,922
53,869
21,075
—
—
188,866
116,080
54,260
22,823
(12,020)
—
181,143
94,932
42,190
13,415
—
21,276
62,680
35,916
6,211
—
—
171,813
104,807
Operating income (loss)
41,407
35,075
37,042
(576)
34,077
Other expenses (income):
Interest expense
Write-off of deferred financing costs
Interest (income) and other
9,245
3,217
35
10,195
11,629
—
254
—
(68)
7,750
—
(134)
479
—
(405)
Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from)
income taxes
28,910
24,626
25,481
(8,192)
34,003
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
3,869
(5,143)
9,654
(454)
10,758
Net income (loss)
$
25,041
29,769
15,827
(7,738)
23,245
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
1.04
1.03
1.25
1.24
0.68
0.67
(0.46)
(0.46)
1.43
1.42
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding – basic
24,124
23,825
23,433
16,972
16,203
Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted
24,302
24,040
23,489
16,972
16,418
43
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
(In thousands)
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Other Consolidated Operating Data:
Backlog at period-end
New orders
Research and development expenditures - internal
and customer funded
Adjusted EBITDA
$
682,954
724,056
71,086
93,472
630,695
755,054
70,793
78,374
446,230
512,593
81,310
70,705
484,005
451,278
59,622
48,062
117,744
291,621
45,144
51,761
As of July 31,
(In thousands)
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets
Working capital
Debt, including capital leases and other obligations
Other liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
$
887,711
134,967
165,757
18,822
535,082
845,157
114,477
167,899
4,117
505,684
832,063
96,833
195,802
2,655
480,150
921,196
119,493
258,649
4,105
470,401
473,877
236,419
—
3,633
401,409
Non-GAAP Financial Data
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains a Non-GAAP financial metric for the Company titled Adjusted EBITDA, which
represents earnings (loss) before income taxes, interest (income) and other expense, write-off of deferred financing costs, interest
expense, amortization of stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles, depreciation expense, estimated contract
settlement costs, settlement of intellectual property litigation, acquisition plan expenses, facility exit costs and strategic alternatives
analysis expenses and other. In future periods, we expect to incur expenses similar to the aforementioned items and investors
should not infer from our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA that these costs are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. These items,
while periodically affecting our results, may vary significantly from period to period and may have a disproportionate effect in a
given period, thereby affecting the comparability of results.
Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial measure used by management in assessing Comtech’s operating results. Although
closely aligned, Comtech's definition of Adjusted EBITDA is different than the Consolidated EBITDA (as such term is defined in
our Credit Facility, as amended) utilized for financial covenant calculations and also may differ from the definition of EBITDA
or Adjusted EBITDA used by other companies and therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other
companies. Our Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure frequently requested by Comtech’s investors and analysts. We believe that
investors and analysts may use Adjusted EBITDA, along with other information contained in our SEC filings, in assessing our
performance and comparability of our results with other companies.
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool as they exclude the financial impact of transactions necessary
to conduct our business, such as the granting of equity compensation awards, and are not intended to be an alternative to financial
measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a
substitute for or superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Investors are advised to carefully review
the GAAP financial results that are disclosed in our SEC filings.
44
The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA:
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
(In thousands)
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income (loss)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Interest (income) and other
Write-off of deferred financing costs
Interest expense
Amortization of stock-based compensation
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation
Estimated contract settlement costs
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Acquisition plan expenses
Strategic alternatives analysis and other
Facility exit costs
$
25,041
3,869
35
3,217
9,245
11,427
18,320
11,927
6,351
(3,204)
5,871
—
1,373
Adjusted EBITDA
$
93,472
29,769
(5,143)
254
—
10,195
8,569
21,075
13,655
—
—
—
—
—
78,374
15,827
9,654
(68)
—
11,629
8,506
22,823
14,354
—
(12,020)
—
—
—
70,705
(7,738)
(454)
(134)
—
7,750
4,117
13,415
9,830
—
—
21,276
—
—
48,062
23,245
10,758
(405)
—
479
4,363
6,211
6,525
—
—
—
585
—
51,761
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We are a leading provider of advanced communications solutions for both commercial and government customers worldwide. Our
solutions fulfill our customers' needs for secure wireless communications in some of the most demanding environments, including
those where traditional communications are unavailable or cost-prohibitive, and in mission-critical and other scenarios where
performance is crucial.
We manage our business through two reportable operating segments:
•
•
Commercial Solutions - offers satellite ground station technologies (such as modems and amplifiers), public safety and
location technologies (such as 911 call routing and mapping solutions) to commercial customers and smaller government
customers, such as state and local governments. This segment also serves certain large government customers (including
the U.S. government) that have requirements for off-the-shelf commercial equipment.
Government Solutions - provides mission-critical technologies (such as tactical satellite-based networks and ongoing
support for complicated communication networks) and high-performance transmission technologies (such as troposcatter
systems and solid-state, high-power amplifiers) to large government end-users (including those of foreign countries),
large international customers and domestic prime contractors.
In fiscal 2020, we have rebranded our operating segment product groups to better align with our end markets. Prior descriptions
of these product lines were updated to reflect such changes.
45
Our Quarterly Financial Information
Quarterly and period-to-period sales and operating results may be significantly affected by either short-term or long-term contracts
with our customers. In addition, our gross profit is affected by a variety of factors, including the mix of products, systems and
services sold, production efficiencies, estimates of warranty expense, price competition and general economic conditions. Our
gross profit may also be affected by the impact of any cumulative adjustments to contracts that are accounted for over time.
Our contracts with the U.S. government can be terminated for convenience by it at any time and orders are subject to unpredictable
funding, deployment and technology decisions by the U.S. government. Some of these contracts are indefinite delivery/indefinite
quantity ("IDIQ") contracts and, as such, the U.S. government is not obligated to purchase any equipment or services under these
contracts. We have, in the past, experienced and we continue to expect significant fluctuations in sales and operating results from
quarter-to-quarter and period-to-period. As such, comparisons between periods and our current results may not be indicative of a
trend or future performance.
Critical Accounting Policies
We consider certain accounting policies to be critical due to the estimation process involved in each.
Revenue Recognition. On August 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)"
or "ASC 606" applying the modified retrospective transition method. Except for new presentation or disclosure requirements, the
impact of adoption was not material to our business, results of operations or financial condition. As a practical expedient, we
adopted the new standard only for existing contracts as of August 1, 2018. All periods prior to August 1, 2018 will continue to be
reported under the accounting standards in effect in those periods.
The core principle of ASC 606 is that revenue should be recorded in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect
to be entitled in exchange for goods or services promised to customers. Under ASC 606, we follow a five-step model to: (1) identify
the contract with our customer; (2) identify our performance obligations in our contract; (3) determine the transaction price for
our contract; (4) allocate the transaction price to our performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue using one of the following
two methods:
•
Over time - We recognize revenue using the over time method when there is a continuous transfer of control to the customer
over the contractual period of performance. This generally occurs when we enter into a long-term contract relating to the
design, development or manufacture of complex equipment or technology platforms to a buyer’s specification (or to
provide services related to the performance of such contracts). Continuous transfer of control is typically supported by
contract clauses which allow our customers to unilaterally terminate a contract for convenience, pay for costs incurred
plus a reasonable profit and take control of work-in-process. Revenue recognized over time is generally based on the
extent of progress toward completion of the related performance obligations. The selection of the method to measure
progress requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services provided. In certain instances, typically
for firm fixed-price contracts, we use the cost-to-cost measure because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer
which occurs as we incur costs on our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure, the extent of progress toward completion
is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion, including warranty
costs. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Costs to fulfill
generally include direct labor, materials, subcontractor costs, other direct costs and an allocation of indirect costs. When
these contracts are modified, the additional goods or services are generally not distinct from those already provided. As
a result, these modifications form part of an existing contract and we must update the transaction price and our measure
of progress for the single performance obligation and recognize a cumulative catch-up to revenue and gross profits.
For over time contracts using a cost-to-cost measure of progress, we have an estimate at completion ("EAC") process in
which management reviews the progress and execution of our performance obligations. This EAC process requires
management judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract revenue and costs, and making assumptions for
schedule and technical issues. Since certain contracts extend over a long period of time, the impact of revisions in revenue
and or cost estimates during the progress of work may impact current period earnings through a cumulative adjustment.
Additionally, if the EAC process indicates a loss, a provision is made for the total anticipated loss in the period that it
becomes evident. Contract revenue and cost estimates for significant contracts are generally reviewed and reassessed at
least quarterly.
46
The cost-to-cost method is principally used to account for contracts in our mission-critical technologies and high-
performance transmission technologies product lines and, to a lesser extent, certain location-based and messaging
infrastructure contracts in our public safety and location technologies product line. For service-based contracts in our
public safety and location technologies product line we recognize revenue over time. These services are typically
recognized as a series of services performed over the contract term using the straight-line method or based on our customers’
actual usage of the networks and platforms which we provide.
• Point in time - When a performance obligation is not satisfied over time, we must record revenue using the point in time
accounting method which generally results in revenue being recognized upon shipment or delivery of a promised good
or service to a customer. This generally occurs when we enter into short term contracts or purchase orders where items
are provided to customers with relatively quick turn-around times. Modifications to such contracts and or purchase orders,
which typically provide for additional quantities or services, are accounted for as a new contract because the pricing for
these additional quantities or services are based on standalone selling prices.
Point in time accounting is principally applied to contracts in our satellite ground station technologies product line (which
includes satellite modems, solid-state and traveling wave tube amplifiers) and certain contracts for our amplifiers in our
high-performance transmission technologies product line. Point in time accounting is also applied to certain contracts in
our mission-critical technologies product line. The contracts related to these product lines do not meet the requirements
for over time revenue recognition because our customers cannot utilize the equipment for its intended purpose during
any phase of our manufacturing process; customers do not simultaneously receive and or consume the benefits provided
by our performance; customers do not control the asset (i.e., prior to delivery, customers cannot direct the use of the asset,
sell or exchange the equipment, etc.); and, although many of our contracts have termination for convenience clauses and
or an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, our performance creates an asset with an alternative
use through the point of delivery.
In determining that our equipment has alternative use, we considered the underlying manufacturing process for our
products. In the early phases of manufacturing, raw materials and work in process (including subassemblies) consist of
common parts that are highly fungible among many different types of products and customer applications. Finished
products are either configured to our standard configuration or based on our customers’ specifications. Finished products,
whether built to our standard specification or to a customers’ specification, can be sold to a variety of customers and
across many different end use applications with minimal rework, if needed, and without incurring a significant economic
loss.
When identifying a contract with our customer, we consider when it has approval and commitment from both parties, if the rights
of the parties are identified, if the payment terms are identified, if it has commercial substance and if collectability is probable.
When identifying performance obligations, we consider whether there are multiple promises and how to account for them. In our
contracts, multiple promises are separated if they are distinct, both individually and in the context of the contract. If multiple
promises in a contract are highly interrelated or comprise a series of distinct services performed over time, they are combined into
a single performance obligation. In some cases, we may also provide the customer with an additional service-type warranty, which
we recognize as a separate performance obligation. Service-type warranties do not represent a significant portion of our consolidated
net sales. When service-type warranties represent a separate performance obligation, the revenue is deferred and recognized ratably
over the extended warranty period. Our contracts, from time-to-time, may also include options for additional goods and services.
To date, these options have not represented material rights to the customer as the pricing for them reflects standalone selling prices.
As a result, we do not consider options we offer to be performance obligations for which we must allocate a portion of the transaction
price. In many cases, we provide assurance-type warranty coverage for some of our products for a period of at least one year from
the date of delivery.
When identifying the transaction price, we typically utilize the contract's stated price as a starting point. The transaction price in
certain arrangements may include estimated amounts of variable consideration, including award fees, incentive fees or other
provisions that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. We estimate variable consideration as the amount to which
we expect to be entitled, and we include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant
reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the estimation uncertainty is resolved. The estimation of this
variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an
assessment of our anticipated performance and all information (e.g., historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available
to us.
47
When allocating the contract’s transaction price, we consider each distinct performance obligation. For contracts with multiple
performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the
standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. We determine standalone selling price based on the price
at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions,
we estimate the standalone selling price taking into account available information such as market conditions, including geographic
or regional specific factors, competitive positioning, internal costs, profit objectives and internally approved pricing guidelines
related to the performance obligations.
Almost all of our contracts with customers are denominated in U.S. dollars and typically are either firm fixed-price or cost
reimbursable type contracts (including fixed-fee, incentive-fee and time-and-material type contracts). In almost all of our contracts
with customers, we are the principal in the arrangement and report revenue on a gross basis. Transaction prices for contracts with
U.S. domestic and international customers are usually based on specific negotiations with each customer and in the case of the
U.S. government, sometimes based on estimated or actual costs of providing the goods or services in accordance with applicable
regulations.
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and collections results in receivables, unbilled receivables and contract liabilities on
our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Under typical payment terms for our contracts accounted for over time, amounts are billed as
work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals (e.g., monthly) or upon achievement
of contractual milestones. For certain contracts with provisions that are intended to protect customers in the event we do not satisfy
our performance obligations, billings occur subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in what we have historically presented
as unbilled receivables. Under ASC 606, unbilled receivables constitute contract assets. On large long term contracts, and for
contracts with international customers that do not do business with us regularly, payment terms typically require advanced payments
and deposits. Under ASC 606, payments received from customers in excess of revenue recognized to date results in a contract
liability. These contract liabilities are not considered to represent a significant financing component of the contract because we
believe these cash advances and deposits are generally used to meet working capital demands which can be higher in the earlier
stages of a contract. Also, advanced payments and deposits provide us with some measure of assurance that the customer will
perform on its obligations under the contract. Under the typical payment terms for our contracts accounted for at a point in time,
costs are accumulated in inventory until the time of billing, which generally coincides with revenue recognition.
We recognize the incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the
asset is one year or less. Incremental costs to obtain or fulfill contracts with an amortization period greater than one year were not
material.
As commissions payable to our internal sales and marketing employees or contractors are contingent upon multiple factors, such
commissions are not considered direct costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and are expensed as incurred in selling,
general and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As for commissions payable to our third-party
sales representatives related to large long-term contracts, we do consider these types of commissions both direct and incremental
costs to obtain and fulfill such contracts. Therefore, such types of commissions are included in total estimated costs at completion
for such contracts and expensed over time through cost of sales on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of firm orders for which work has not been performed as of
the end of a fiscal period. Remaining performance obligations, which we refer to as backlog, exclude unexercised contract options
and potential orders under indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity ("IDIQ") contracts.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As of July 31, 2019, total goodwill recorded on our Consolidated Balance
Sheet aggregated $310.5 million (of which $251.3 million relates to our Commercial Solutions segment and $59.2 million relates
to our Government Solutions segment). Additionally, as of July 31, 2019, net intangibles recorded on our Consolidated Balance
Sheet aggregated $261.9 million (of which $223.5 million relates to our Commercial Solutions segment and $38.4 million relates
to our Government Solutions segment). Each of our two operating segments constitutes a reporting unit and we must make various
assumptions in determining their estimated fair values.
In accordance with FASB ASC 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other," we perform a goodwill impairment analysis at least
annually (in the first quarter of each fiscal year), unless indicators of impairment exist in interim periods. If we fail the quantitative
assessment of goodwill impairment ("quantitative assessment"), we would be required to recognize an impairment loss equal to
the amount that a reporting unit's carrying value exceeded its fair value; however, any loss recognized should not exceed the total
amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
48
On August 1, 2019 (the first day of our fiscal 2020), we performed our annual quantitative assessment using market participant
assumptions to determine if the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded its carrying value. In making this
assessment, we considered, among other things, expectations of projected net sales and cash flows, assumptions impacting the
weighted average cost of capital, trends in trading multiples of comparable companies, changes in our stock price and changes in
the carrying values of our reporting units with goodwill. We also considered overall business conditions.
In performing the quantitative assessment, we estimated the fair value of each of our reporting units using a combination of the
income and market approaches. The income approach, also known as the discounted cash flow ("DCF") method, utilizes the present
value of cash flows to estimate fair value. The future cash flows for our reporting units were projected based on our estimates, at
that time, of future revenues, operating income and other factors (such as working capital and capital expenditures). For purposes
of conducting our impairment analysis, we assumed revenue growth rates and cash flow projections that are below our actual long-
term expectations. The discount rates used in our DCF method were based on a weighted-average cost of capital ("WACC")
determined from relevant market comparisons, adjusted upward for specific reporting unit risks (primarily the uncertainty of
achieving projected operating cash flows). A terminal value growth rate was applied to the final year of the projected period, which
reflects our estimate of stable, perpetual growth. We then calculated a present value of the respective cash flows for each reporting
unit to arrive at an estimate of fair value under the income approach. Under the market approach, we estimated a fair value based
on comparable companies' market multiples of revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and
factored in a control premium. Finally, we compared our estimates of fair values to our August 1, 2019 total public market
capitalization and assessed implied control premiums based on our common stock price of $29.54 as of August 1, 2019.
Based on our quantitative evaluation, we determined that our Commercial Solutions and Government Solutions reporting units
had estimated fair values in excess of their carrying values of at least 29.0% and 122.2%, respectively, and concluded that our
goodwill was not impaired and that neither of our two reporting units was at risk of failing the quantitative assessment. It is possible
that, during fiscal 2020 or beyond, business conditions (both in the U.S. and internationally) could deteriorate from the current
state, our current or prospective customers could materially postpone, reduce or even forgo purchases of our products and services
to a greater extent than we currently anticipate, or our common stock price could decline. A significant decline in our customers'
spending that is greater than we anticipate or a shift in funding priorities may also have a negative effect on future orders, sales,
income and cash flows and we might be required to perform a quantitative assessment during fiscal 2020 or beyond. If assumed
net sales and cash flow projections are not achieved in future periods or our common stock price significantly declines from current
levels, our Commercial Solutions and Government Solutions reporting units could be at risk of failing the quantitative assessment
and goodwill and intangibles assigned to the respective reporting units could be impaired.
In any event, we are required to perform the next annual goodwill impairment analysis on August 1, 2020 (the start of our fiscal
2021). If our assumptions and related estimates change in the future, or if we change our reporting unit structure or other events
and circumstances change (e.g., a sustained decrease in the price of our common stock (considered on both absolute terms and
relative to peers)), we may be required to record impairment charges when we perform these tests, or in other future periods. In
addition to our impairment analysis of goodwill, we also review net intangible assets with finite lives when an event occurs
indicating the potential for impairment. We believe that the carrying values of our net intangible assets were recoverable as of
July 31, 2019. Any impairment charges that we may record in the future could be material to our results of operations and financial
condition.
Provision for Warranty Obligations. We provide warranty coverage for most of our products, including products under long-
term contracts, for a period of at least one year from the date of shipment. We record a liability for estimated warranty expense
based on historical claims, product failure rates and other factors. Costs associated with some of our warranties that are provided
under long-term contracts are incorporated into our estimates of total contract costs. There exist inherent risks and uncertainties
in estimating warranty expenses, particularly on larger or longer-term contracts. If we do not accurately estimate our warranty
costs, any changes to our original estimates could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.
Accounting for Income Taxes. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between
financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and applying enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in
which we expect the differences to reverse. Our provision for income taxes is based on domestic (including federal and state) and
international statutory income tax rates in the tax jurisdictions where we operate, permanent differences between financial reporting
and tax reporting and available credits and incentives. We recognize potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions
in income tax expense. The U.S. federal government is our most significant income tax jurisdiction.
49
Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and tax positions. We may be challenged upon review by
the applicable taxing authority and positions taken by us may not be sustained. We recognize all or a portion of the benefit of
income tax positions only when we have made a determination that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained
upon examination, based upon the technical merits of the position and other factors. For tax positions that are determined as more
likely than not to be sustained upon examination, the tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of benefit that is greater than
50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The development of valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and reserves
for income tax positions requires consideration of timing and judgments about future taxable income, tax issues and potential
outcomes, and are subjective critical estimates. A portion of our deferred tax assets consist of federal research and experimentation
tax credit carryforwards, most of which was acquired in connection with our acquisition of TCS. No valuation allowance has been
established on these deferred tax assets based on our evaluation that our ability to realize such assets has met the criteria of "more
likely than not." We continuously evaluate additional facts representing positive and negative evidence in determining our ability
to realize these deferred tax assets. In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome of exposures and risks involves significant
uncertainties. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on our results of operations
and financial condition.
On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Reform") was enacted in the U.S. Tax Reform
significantly revised the U.S. tax code and lowered the amount of our current and future income tax expense primarily due to the
reduction in the U.S. statutory income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%. This provision went into effect on January 1, 2018 and
required us to remeasure our deferred tax assets and liabilities. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018, we remeasured our
deferred tax assets and liabilities. The remeasurement was recorded pursuant to ASC 740 "Income Taxes" and SEC Staff Accounting
Bulletin ("SAB") 118. All amounts recorded were based on available guidance on interpretation of Tax Reform and what we
believed to be reasonable approaches to estimating its impact. See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (10) -
Income Taxes" included in "Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K, for further information on the provisions of Tax Reform and its expected impact on our business.
Our federal income tax returns for fiscal 2017 and 2018 are subject to potential future IRS audit. None of our state income tax
returns prior to fiscal 2015 are subject to audit. TCS's federal income tax returns for tax year 2015 and the tax period from January
1, 2016 to February 23, 2016, the date we acquired TCS, are subject to potential future IRS audit. None of TCS's state income tax
returns prior to calendar year 2014 are subject to audit. Future tax assessments or settlements could have a material adverse effect
on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Research and Development Costs. We generally expense all research and development costs. Research and development expenses
include payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, and other personnel-related expenses associated with
product development. Research and development expenses also include third-party development and programming costs. Costs
incurred internally in researching and developing software to be sold are charged to expense until technological feasibility has
been established for the software. Judgment is required in determining when technological feasibility of a product is established.
Technological feasibility for our advanced communication software solutions is generally reached after all high-risk development
issues have been resolved through coding and testing. Generally, this occurs shortly before the products are released to customers
and when we are able to validate the marketability of such product. Once technological feasibility is established, all software costs
are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. To date, capitalized internally developed software
costs were not material.
Provisions for Excess and Obsolete Inventory. We record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on historical and
projected usage trends. Other factors may also influence our provision, including decisions to exit a product line, technological
change and new product development. These factors could result in a change in the amount of excess and obsolete inventory on
hand. Additionally, our estimates of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated
or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if we determine that our inventory was
overvalued, we would be required to recognize such costs in our financial statements at the time of such determination. Any such
charge could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We perform credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon customer
payment history and current creditworthiness, as determined by our review of our customers’ current credit information. Generally,
we will require cash in advance or payment secured by irrevocable letters of credit before an order is accepted from an international
customer that we do not do business with regularly. In addition, we seek to obtain insurance for certain domestic and international
customers.
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We monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our historical
experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. In light of ongoing tight credit market conditions,
we continue to see requests from our customers for higher credit limits and longer payment terms. Because of our strong cash
position and the nominal amount of interest we are earning on our cash and cash equivalents, we have, on a limited basis, approved
certain customer requests.
We continue to monitor our accounts receivable credit portfolio. Our overall credit losses have historically been within our
expectations of the allowances established; however, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss
rates that we have in the past. Measurement of credit losses requires consideration of historical loss experience, including the need
to adjust for changing business conditions, and judgments about the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present
economic conditions such as delinquency rates and the financial health of specific customers. Changes to the estimated allowance
for doubtful accounts could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain income and expense items expressed as a percentage of our
consolidated net sales:
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2018
2019
2017
Gross margin
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Acquisition plan expenses
Amortization of intangibles
Operating income
Interest expense (income) and other
Write-off of deferred financing costs
Income before provision for income taxes
Net income
Adjusted EBITDA (a Non-GAAP measure)
36.8 %
19.1 %
8.4 %
(0.5)%
0.9 %
2.7 %
6.2 %
1.4 %
0.5 %
4.3 %
3.7 %
13.9 %
39.2%
20.0%
9.4%
—%
—%
3.7%
6.2%
1.8%
—%
4.3%
5.2%
13.7%
39.6 %
21.1 %
9.9 %
(2.2)%
— %
4.1 %
6.7 %
2.1 %
— %
4.6 %
2.9 %
12.8 %
For a definition and explanation of Adjusted EBITDA, see "Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data - Non-GAAP Financial
Data" and "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Comparison of
Fiscal 2019 and 2018 - Adjusted EBITDA."
51
Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2019 exceeded our expectations, we finished the year with strong financial results across the board and generated
consolidated:
•
•
•
•
•
Net sales of $671.8 million;
Operating income of $41.4 million;
Net income of $25.0 million;
Cash flows from operating activities of $68.0 million; and
Adjusted EBITDA (a Non-GAAP financial measure discussed below) of $93.5 million.
We achieved a fiscal 2019 consolidated book-to-bill ratio (a measure defined as bookings divided by net sales) of 1.08 and ended
the year with consolidated backlog of $683.0 million. Our backlog (sometimes referred to herein as orders or bookings) are more
fully defined in "Part I - Item 1. Business" included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the total value of multi-year contracts
that we have received is substantially higher than our reported backlog. As of July 31, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents were
$45.6 million and our total debt outstanding (including capital leases and other obligations) was $165.8 million.
Anchored by our fiscal 2019 financial performance, we have strong backlog, lots of optimism and we have good business
momentum. As such, we have established the following consolidated financial targets:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Net sales are expected to be in a range of approximately $710.0 million to $730.0 million with year-over-year growth in
both our Commercial Solutions and Government Solutions segments and the achievement of a consolidated book-to-bill
ratio in excess of 1.0.
Total depreciation expense is expected to approximate $13.0 million.
Total amortization of intangible assets is expected to approximate $21.0 million.
Total amortization of stock-based compensation expense is expected to range from approximately $12.0 million to $14.0
million.
GAAP operating income, as a percentage of net sales, is expected to approximate 7.0% as compared to the 6.2% we
achieved in fiscal 2019.
Our interest expense rate (including amortization of deferred financing costs) is expected to approximate 4.6% with total
interest expense of approximately $7.5 million in fiscal 2020. Our current cash borrowing rate is approximately 4.0%.
Our effective income tax rate (excluding discrete tax items) is expected to approximate 23.0%.
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in a range of approximately $98.0 million to $102.0 million or approximately 14.0%.
Like Comtech's business cycle for the past several years, our financial performance in the second half of fiscal 2020 is anticipated
to be higher than the first half, with our first quarter of fiscal 2020 being the lowest in terms of consolidated net sales and Adjusted
EBITDA. GAAP operating income in our first quarter of fiscal 2020 is expected to be lower than the $7.3 million we achieved
during our first quarter in fiscal 2019, primarily due to incremental amortization of intangible assets associated with our fiscal
2019 acquisitions. In addition, in order to take advantage of additional growth opportunities and meet our strategic objectives, our
GAAP operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 is expected to reflect approximately $1.5 million of acquisition plan
expenses for companies whose offerings are complementary to our business. Based on all of the aforementioned, we expect our
first quarter consolidated net sales to approximate $168.0 million with Adjusted EBITDA at $18.1 million or slightly better than
the $160.8 million of consolidated net sales and $18.0 million of Adjusted EBITDA we achieved in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
For the remaining quarters of fiscal 2020, we do expect consolidated net sales and Adjusted EBITDA to be better than the comparative
quarters of fiscal 2019 with the fourth quarter being the peak quarter of the year. Regardless of timing, fiscal 2020 is expected to
be a better year than fiscal 2019.
52
Except as discussed, the aforementioned fiscal 2020 financial targets do not include the impact of any acquisitions or the impact
of any other expense we may incur in order to achieve our strategic objectives. Total acquisition plan expenses in fiscal 2020 may
ultimately be higher than the $1.5 million we expect to incur in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. If order flow remains strong and
we can achieve all of our fiscal 2020 business goals, it is possible that net sales and Adjusted EBITDA could be higher than our
targeted amounts.
Our Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020 depends, in large part, on timely deliveries and the receipt of, and performance on, orders
from our customers and could be adversely impacted if orders and/or deliveries are delayed, business conditions deteriorate, or
our current or prospective customers materially postpone, reduce or even forgo purchases of our products and services. Additionally,
we continue to evaluate cost reduction initiatives in our business, including in connection with the repositioning of our location
technology solutions offerings. Our updated fiscal 2020 financial targets do not consider the financial impact of any additional
future actions we may take in this regard.
On September 24, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per common share, payable on November 15, 2019
to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 16, 2019. Future dividends remain subject to compliance with financial
covenants under our Credit Facility, as amended, as well as Board approval.
Additional information related to our Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020 and a definition and explanation of Adjusted EBITDA is
included in the below section "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
- Comparison of Fiscal 2019 and 2018."
Comparison of Fiscal 2019 and 2018
Net Sales. Consolidated net sales were $671.8 million and $570.6 million for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, representing a
significant increase of $101.2 million, or 17.7%. The significant period-over-period increase in net sales reflects higher net sales
in both our Commercial and Government Solutions segments. Net sales by operating segment are discussed below.
Commercial Solutions
Net sales in our Commercial Solutions segment were $357.3 million for fiscal 2019, as compared to $345.1 million for fiscal 2018,
an increase of $12.2 million, or 3.5%. Our Commercial Solutions segment represented 53.2% of consolidated net sales for fiscal
2019 as compared to 60.5% for fiscal 2018. As further discussed below, demand for our products appears strong and looking
forward, we believe this segment will grow in fiscal 2020.
Bookings in our Commercial Solutions segment for fiscal 2019 were strong and our book-to-bill ratio (a measure defined as
bookings divided by net sales) for this segment was 1.25. Period-to-period fluctuations in bookings is normal for this segment.
Net sales of our satellite ground station technologies during fiscal 2019 were slightly lower than fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2019, we
experienced significant growth in sales to international customers as well as incremental demand from U.S. government customers.
This strength was offset by order delays and lower sales for inflight communication amplifiers sold primarily to a U.S. domestic
customer. Our HeightsTM solutions continue to gain traction and both bookings and sales of these products were significantly higher
than the amounts achieved in fiscal 2018. Based on the anticipated increase in the number of high-throughput satellites and low
earth orbit and medium earth orbit satellites expected to be launched, and the migration of networks from 3G to 4G and ultimately
5G technologies in emerging countries, we believe that we are in the early stages of a multi-year period of growing demand for
satellite ground station technologies which are used to backhaul cellular traffic. Sales to U.S. government customers in fiscal 2020
are also expected to remain strong with a small amount of year-to-year growth anticipated. As a result, we expect fiscal 2020 to
be a year of net sales growth for our satellite earth station product line.
Net sales for fiscal 2019 of our public safety and location technology solutions were significantly higher as compared to the net
sales we achieved in fiscal 2018. During fiscal 2019, we benefited from incremental sales to key wireless customers for 911 call
routing and incremental sales to state and local agencies for our next-generation 911 products. The impact of the February 28,
2019 acquisition of Solacom on fiscal 2019 sales was nominal. Sales of our location technology solutions were significantly lower
in fiscal 2019 as we repositioned this product line to focus on providing higher margin solutions offerings to our customers, ceased
offering certain solutions and have not renewed certain contracts. Our public safety and location technology solutions have long
sales cycles and are subject to difficult-to-predict changes in the overall procurement strategies of wireless carrier customers, but
we believe we are positioned well. Overall market conditions remain favorable; as such, we expect fiscal 2020 to be another year
of growth for our public safety and location technology solutions.
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Bookings, sales and profitability in our Commercial Solutions segment can fluctuate from period-to-period due to many factors,
including changes in the general business environment. As such, period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be indicative
of a trend or future performance.
Government Solutions
Net sales in our Government Solutions segment were $314.5 million for fiscal 2019 as compared to $225.5 million for fiscal 2018,
a significant increase of $89.0 million or 39.5%. Our Government Solutions segment represented 46.8% of consolidated net sales
for fiscal 2019, as compared to 39.5% for fiscal 2018. As further discussed below, our business in fiscal 2019 was strong and
demand for our products still appears robust. Looking forward, we believe that sales in our Government Solutions segment will
be similar or slightly higher than the level we achieved in fiscal 2019 with the ultimate level largely determined by the timing of
orders and sales.
Bookings in our Government Solutions segment for fiscal 2019 were solid and our book-to-bill ratio (a measure defined as bookings
divided by net sales) in this segment for fiscal 2019 was 0.88. Period-to-period fluctuations in bookings is normal for this segment.
Net sales of our mission-critical technologies during fiscal 2019 were significantly higher as compared to fiscal 2018. Revenue
growth during fiscal 2019 was driven by our successful execution on many key orders including: (i) over $78.0 million of orders
to supply Manpack Satellite Terminals, networking equipment and other advanced VSAT products to the U.S. Army (which were
booked pursuant to our $223.4 million Global Tactical Advanced Communication Systems ("GTACS") contract with the U.S.
Army's PM Tactical Network, which has a remaining unfunded contract value of $45.5 million as of July 31, 2019); (ii) $41.4
million of orders to provide ongoing sustainment services to the U.S. Army for the AN/TSC-198A SNAP (Secret Internet Protocol
Router ("SIPR") and Non-classified Internet Protocol Router ("NIPR") Access Point), Very Small Aperture Terminals ("VSATs");
(iii) $11.9 million of orders for cyber security training solutions; (iv) a $3.5 million follow-on satellite service order from a major
national security solutions provider; and (v) $3.0 million of orders for antenna feeds to be incorporated into portable and inflatable
1.2-meter and 2.4-meter SATCOM terminals. In addition, we shipped $11.7 million of mobile satellite transceivers to support the
U.S. Army’s Blue Force Tracking-2 program (which we do not expect to repeat in fiscal 2020).
Net sales of our high-performance transmission technologies in fiscal 2019 were significantly higher than fiscal 2018 driven by
increased deliveries in fiscal 2019 of troposcatter technologies (including our Modular Transportable Transmission System
("MTTS") troposcatter terminals to two foreign militaries) and an increase in both orders and sales of solid-state, high-power
amplifiers and related switching technologies.
Bookings, sales and profitability in our Government Solutions segment can fluctuate dramatically from period-to-period due to
many factors, including unpredictable funding, deployment and technology decisions by our U.S. and international government
customers. As such, period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be indicative of a trend or future performance.
Geography and Customer Type
Sales by geography and customer type, as a percentage of related sales, for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018 are as
follows:
U.S. government
Domestic
Total U.S.
International
Total
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2019
2018
Commercial Solutions
2019
2018
Government Solutions
19.2%
53.9%
73.1%
26.9%
100.0%
18.1%
54.6%
72.7%
27.3%
100.0%
63.8%
12.5%
76.3%
23.7%
100.0%
62.2%
14.9%
77.1%
22.9%
100.0%
2019
2018
Consolidated
40.1%
34.5%
74.6%
25.4%
100.0%
35.5%
38.9%
74.4%
25.6%
100.0%
Sales to U.S. government customers include sales to the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"), intelligence and civilian agencies,
as well as sales directly to or through prime contractors.
Domestic sales include sales to commercial customers, as well as to U.S. state and local governments. Included in domestic sales,
are sales to Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon"). Sales to Verizon were 10.0% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018.
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International sales for fiscal 2019 and 2018 (which include sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that are
sold to international customers) were $170.6 million and $145.8 million, respectively. Except for the U.S., no individual country
(including sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that are sold to a foreign country) represented more than
10% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2019 and 2018.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $247.4 million and $223.9 million for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase of $23.5
million reflects higher sales in both of our segments, as discussed above.
Gross profit, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, for fiscal 2019 was 36.8% as compared to 39.2% for fiscal 2018. This
decrease was almost entirely driven by product mix changes as a result of the significant year-to-year increase in net sales in our
Government Solutions segment. This segment historically achieves lower gross margins than our Commercial Solutions segment.
Gross profit in fiscal 2018 also reflects a benefit from a $0.7 million favorable warranty settlement and a $1.0 million favorable
sales and use tax settlement, both of which are reflected in our unallocated segment. Gross profit, as a percentage of related segment
net sales, is further discussed below.
Our Commercial Solutions segment's gross profit, as a percentage of related segment net sales, for fiscal 2019 declined in comparison
to fiscal 2018. The decrease in gross profit percentage in fiscal 2019 primarily reflects changes in products and services mix,
including a significant increase in fiscal 2019 net sales of our HeightsTM solutions which currently have lower gross margins than
our traditional satellite ground station technologies. Looking forward, we expect our gross profit as a percentage of this segment's
net sales in fiscal 2020 to be slightly lower than the amount achieved in fiscal 2019, primarily due to anticipated mix changes,
including higher sales of HeightsTM solutions and the cessation of sales to AT&T for 911 wireless call routing.
Our Government Solutions segment's gross profit, as a percentage of related segment net sales, for fiscal 2019 declined slightly
in comparison to fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2019, we completed shipments of relatively lower margin MT-2025 satellite transceivers
to the U.S. Army. As noted above, we do not expect shipments of these transceivers in fiscal 2020. Based on the mix and anticipated
timing of shipments and performance related to orders currently in our backlog and the mix and timing of expected new orders
and related sales, gross profit for this segment, as a percentage of related segment net sales, for fiscal 2020 is expected to be similar
or slightly lower than the level achieved in fiscal 2019.
Included in consolidated cost of sales for fiscal 2019 and 2018 are provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of $6.0 million
and $5.6 million, respectively. As discussed in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Provisions for Excess and Obsolete Inventory," we regularly review our inventory
and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on historical and projected usage trends.
Because our consolidated gross profit, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, depends on the volume of sales, sales mix and
related gross profit for each individual segment, it is inherently difficult to forecast. Nevertheless, based on expected bookings,
expected timing of our performance on orders and the anticipated mix of net sales between our Commercial Solutions and
Government Solutions segments, we currently expect our consolidated gross profit, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, for
fiscal 2020 to be the same or slightly lower than the percentage we achieved in fiscal 2019.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $128.6 million and $113.9
million for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, representing an increase of $14.7 million, or 12.9%. As a percentage of consolidated
net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 19.1% and 20.0% for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease,
as a percentage of consolidated net sales, is primarily attributable to the significant increase in our consolidated net sales.
In fiscal 2019, we began a repositioning in our Commercial Solutions segment of certain of our location technology solutions
(previously called enterprise technology solutions) to increase our penetration into the public safety space. In connection with this
repositioning, we ceased offering certain solutions, have worked with customers to wind-down certain legacy contracts and have
not renewed certain contracts; and in doing so, we incurred $6.4 million of estimated contract settlement costs that were recorded
as selling, general and administrative expenses. Additionally, we took and continue to take steps to reduce our facility footprint
and we incurred $1.4 million of facility exit costs in our Government Solutions segment. Excluding such costs, our selling, general
and administrative expenses for fiscal 2019 would have been $120.8 million, or 18.0% of consolidated net sales.
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses was $9.3 million in
fiscal 2019 as compared to $6.9 million in fiscal 2018. Amortization in fiscal 2018 includes the benefit of a $0.4 million reversal
of stock-based compensation expense related to certain performance shares previously expected to be earned. Amortization of
stock-based compensation is not allocated to our two reportable operating segments.
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Based on our current spending plans, we expect total fiscal 2020 selling, general and administrative expenses, in dollars, in fiscal
2020 to be higher and, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, to be slightly lower than the 19.1% recorded in fiscal 2019.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were $56.4 million and $53.9 million for fiscal 2019
and 2018, respectively, representing an increase of $2.5 million, or 4.6%. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, research and
development expenses were 8.4% and 9.4% for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.
For fiscal 2019 and 2018, research and development expenses of $48.2 million and $46.0 million, respectively, related to our
Commercial Solutions segment, and $7.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively, related to our Government Solutions segment.
The remaining research and development expenses of $1.0 million and $0.9 million in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, related
to the amortization of stock-based compensation expense.
Whenever possible, we seek customer funding for research and development to adapt our products to specialized customer
requirements. During fiscal 2019 and 2018, customers reimbursed us $14.7 million and $16.9 million, respectively, which is not
reflected in the reported research and development expenses but is included in net sales with the related costs included in cost of
sales.
We continue to invest in enhancements to existing products as well as in new products across almost all our product lines. Based
on our current spending plans, we expect fiscal 2020 research and development expenses, in dollars, to be higher and, as a percentage
of consolidated net sales, to be slightly lower than the 8.4% achieved in fiscal 2019.
Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization relating to intangible assets with finite lives was $18.3 million (of which $14.9 million
was for the Commercial Solutions segment and $3.4 million was for the Government Solutions segment) for fiscal 2019 and $21.1
million (of which $17.7 million was for the Commercial Solutions segment and $3.4 million was for the Government Solutions
segment) for fiscal 2018. The decrease from $21.1 million to $18.3 million was largely the result of certain intangible assets in
our Commercial Solutions segment that became fully amortized in fiscal 2018.
Our Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020 assumes total annual amortization of intangible assets of approximately $21.0 million which
reflects a full year's estimate of amortization of intangibles related to our fiscal 2019 acquisitions.
Settlement of Intellectual Property Litigation. In fiscal 2019, we recorded a $3.2 million benefit in our Unallocated segment as
a result of a favorable ruling issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit related to a legacy TCS intellectual property
matter. There was no comparable adjustment in fiscal 2018.
Acquisition Plan Expenses. During fiscal 2019, we incurred $5.9 million of total acquisition plan expenses. These expenses are
recorded in our Unallocated segment and primarily related to our fiscal 2019 acquisitions of Solacom and the GD NG-911 business,
as discussed above.
In order to position ourselves to take advantage of additional growth opportunities and meet our strategic objectives, during the
first quarter of fiscal 2020, we expect to incur approximately $1.5 million of acquisition plan expenses for companies whose
solution offerings are complementary to our business. There is no certainty that our acquisition plan efforts will be successful and
total acquisition plan expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 may ultimately be higher.
Operating Income. Operating income for fiscal 2019 was $41.4 million as compared $35.1 million for fiscal 2018. Operating
income by reportable segment is shown in the table below:
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
($ in millions)
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
Operating income (loss)
$ 36.1
$ 40.8
$ 29.0
$ 11.0
$
Percentage of related net sales
10.1%
11.8%
9.2%
4.9%
56
Unallocated
(23.6) $
NA
Consolidated
(16.7) $ 41.4
$ 35.1
NA
6.2%
6.2%
The decrease in our Commercial Solutions segment’s operating income for fiscal 2019, both in dollars and as a percentage of
related segment net sales, was driven by the $6.4 million of estimated contract settlement costs, as discussed above. Excluding
such charge, operating income in our Commercial Solutions segment for fiscal 2019 would have been $42.5 million, or 11.9% of
related segment net sales which was slightly higher than the amount we achieved in fiscal 2018. Looking forward, given expected
sales and product mix assumptions, as discussed above, we expect fiscal 2020 operating income, both in dollars and as a percentage
of related segment net sales, to be slightly higher than the 11.9% achieved in fiscal 2019.
The significant increase in our Government Solutions segment’s operating income for fiscal 2019, both in dollars and as a percentage
of related segment net sales, was primarily due to significantly higher net sales in this segment, offset in part by $1.4 million of
facility exit costs, as discussed above. Excluding such costs, operating income in our Government Solutions segment for fiscal
2019 would have been $30.4 million, or 9.7% of related segment net sales, which was significantly higher than the amount we
achieved in fiscal 2018. Looking forward, given expected sales and product mix assumptions, as discussed above, we expect fiscal
2020 operating income, in dollars, to be comparable to the amount achieved in fiscal 2019, and as a percentage of related segment
net sales, to be slightly lower than the 9.2% achieved in fiscal 2019.
The increase in unallocated expenses in fiscal 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018 is primarily due to increased business and sales
activity, acquisition plan expenses and an increase in amortization of stock-based compensation, offset in part by the benefit related
to a legacy TCS intellectual property matter, as discussed above. In addition, unallocated operating expenses for fiscal 2018 include
the benefit of the warranty settlement and the sales and use tax settlement, as discussed above. Amortization of stock-based
compensation was $11.4 million and $8.6 million, respectively, for fiscal 2019 and 2018. Amortization of stock-based compensation
for fiscal 2018 reflects a reversal of $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense related to certain performance shares that
were previously expected to be earned.
Excluding net costs of $10.5 million, consisting of $6.4 million of estimated contract settlement costs, $1.4 million of facility exit
costs, $5.9 million of acquisition plan expenses and a $3.2 million benefit related to a legacy TCS intellectual property matter (all
of which are discussed above), consolidated operating income for fiscal 2019 would have been $51.8 million, or 7.7% of consolidated
net sales. Excluding the aforementioned $1.7 million of favorable adjustments in fiscal 2018, consolidated operating income for
fiscal 2018 would have been $33.4 million, or 5.9% of consolidated net sales. The increase from 5.9% to 7.7% reflects the benefit
of incremental sales growth and changes in overall spending, as discussed above.
Our Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020 assumes, similar to the prior three fiscal years, that we will continue to pay certain annual
non-equity incentive awards in the form of fully-vested share units. Amortization of stock-based compensation can fluctuate from
period-to-period based on the type and timing of stock-based awards, estimated forfeitures and the achievement of applicable
performance goals. If we do not achieve our fiscal 2020 business goals, amortization of stock-based compensation expense would
be lower than our current expected fiscal 2020 range.
Looking forward, unallocated operating expenses in fiscal 2020 are expected to be higher than the $23.6 million incurred in fiscal
2019. The increase in unallocated expenses is expected to be driven by: (i) increased amortization of stock-based compensation
(which is not allocated to our two reportable segments) which, in fiscal 2020, is expected to range from $12.0 million to $14.0
million; (ii) increased compensation costs, including incremental costs for additional personnel to support our anticipated growth;
(iii) the absence of a $3.2 million benefit from the aforementioned legacy TCS intellectual property matter; and (iv) other increased
spending as a result of increased business activity assumed in fiscal 2020.
Overall, our fiscal 2020 GAAP consolidated operating income (in dollars) is anticipated to be higher than the $41.4 million we
achieved in fiscal 2019, and as a percentage of consolidated net sales, to approximate 7.0% as compared to the 6.2% we achieved
in fiscal 2019. Total GAAP consolidated operating income in fiscal 2020 could be further impacted by additional acquisition plan
expenses other than the estimated $1.5 million anticipated to be incurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
Interest Expense and Other. Interest expense was $9.2 million and $10.2 million for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our
effective interest rate (including amortization of deferred financing costs) in fiscal 2019 was approximately 5.3%. Our current
cash borrowing rate (which excludes the amortization of deferred financing costs) approximates 4.0%.
Based on the type, terms, amount of outstanding debt (including capital leases and other obligations) and current interest rates,
our effective interest rate (including amortization of deferred financing costs) in fiscal 2020 is anticipated to approximate 4.6%.
Total interest expense in fiscal 2020 is expected to approximate $7.5 million.
57
Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs. In connection with the establishment of our new Credit Facility in fiscal 2019, we wrote-
off $3.2 million of deferred financing costs which primarily related to the term loan portion of our prior credit facility. See "Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (8) - Credit Facility" included in "Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further information. There was no comparable charge in
fiscal 2018.
Interest (Income) and Other. Interest (income) and other for both fiscal 2019 and 2018 was nominal. All of our available cash
and cash equivalents are currently invested in bank deposits and money market deposit accounts which, at this time, are currently
yielding an immaterial interest rate.
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $3.9 million for fiscal 2019 as compared to a
benefit of $5.1 million for fiscal 2018. Our effective tax rate (excluding discrete tax items) for fiscal 2019 was 23.25% and for
2018 was 27.0%.
During fiscal 2019, we recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $2.9 million, primarily related to: (i) the favorable resolution of the
IRS' audit of our fiscal 2016 federal income tax return; (ii) discrete tax benefits for stock-based awards that were settled during
fiscal 2019; and (iii) the reversal of tax contingencies no longer required due to the expiration of applicable statutes of limitation.
During fiscal 2018, we recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $11.8 million which, as a result of Tax Reform, primarily related to
the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities associated with non-deductible amortization related to intangible assets and discrete
tax benefits associated with stock-based awards that were settled in fiscal 2018. These benefits were offset, in part, by the finalization
of certain tax deductions in connection with the filing of our federal and state tax returns for fiscal 2017. The decrease from 27.0%
to 23.25% is principally attributable to the passage of Tax Reform which reduced the statutory income tax rate from 35.0% to
21.0%. Such decrease was partially offset by non-deductible transaction costs related to the acquisition of Solacom and lower tax
deductions for certain executive compensation expenses as a result of Tax Reform.
Our federal income tax returns for fiscal 2017 and 2018 are subject to potential future IRS audit. None of our state income tax
returns prior to fiscal 2015 are subject to audit. TCS's federal income tax returns for tax year 2015 and the tax period from January
1, 2016 to February 23, 2016, the date we acquired TCS, are subject to potential future IRS audit. None of TCS's state income tax
returns prior to calendar year 2014 are subject to audit. Future tax assessments or settlements could have a material adverse effect
on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Looking forward, our fiscal 2020 effective tax rate, before discrete tax items is expected to approximate 23.0%.
Net Income. During fiscal 2019, consolidated net income was $25.0 million as compared to $29.8 million during fiscal 2018.
58
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA (both in dollars and as a percentage of related net sales) for both fiscal 2019 and 2018 are
shown in the table below (numbers in the table may not foot due to rounding):
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
($ in millions)
Net income (loss)
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes
Interest (income) and other
Write-off of deferred financing
costs
Interest expense
Amortization of stock-based
compensation
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation
Estimated contract settlement
costs
Settlement of intellectual
property litigation
Acquisition plan expenses
Facility exit costs
Adjusted EBITDA
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
$ 35.9
40.3
29.0
10.8
—
0.1
—
0.1
—
14.9
9.3
6.4
—
—
—
0.3
0.2
—
0.1
—
17.7
9.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3.4
1.9
—
—
—
1.4
—
0.1
—
—
—
3.4
3.1
—
—
—
—
$ 66.6
68.0
35.6
17.4
Percentage of related net sales
18.6%
19.7%
11.3%
7.7%
Unallocated
(39.9)
(21.4) $ 25.0
Consolidated
3.9
—
3.2
9.2
11.4
—
0.8
—
(3.2)
5.9
—
(8.8)
NA
(5.4)
—
—
10.1
8.6
—
1.1
—
—
—
3.9
—
3.2
9.2
11.4
18.3
11.9
6.4
(3.2)
5.9
—
1.4
(7.1) $ 93.5
NA
13.9%
29.8
(5.1)
0.3
—
10.2
8.6
21.1
13.7
—
—
—
—
78.4
13.7%
The increase in consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, both in dollars and as a percentage of consolidated net sales, during fiscal 2019
as compared to fiscal 2018 is primarily attributable to higher consolidated net sales and operating income, as discussed above.
The decrease in our Commercial Solutions segment's Adjusted EBITDA, both in dollars and as a percentage of related segment
net sales, primarily reflects the lower gross profit percentage we achieved in fiscal 2019 and higher research and development
expenses, as discussed above.
The significant increase in our Government Solutions segment's Adjusted EBITDA, both in dollars and as a percentage of related
segment net sales, was primarily driven by significantly higher net sales, as discussed above.
Because our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, depends on the volume of sales, sales mix
and related gross profit for each individual segment as well as unallocated spending, it is inherently difficult to forecast. In addition,
our Business Outlook for Fiscal 2020 includes several items, the timing of which can still shift and impact our expected quarterly
financial performance. Looking forward, based on the mix and anticipated timing of shipments and performance related to orders
currently in our backlog and the mix and timing of expected new orders and related sales, we are targeting consolidated Adjusted
EBITDA (in dollars) to be higher in fiscal 2020 as compared to the $93.5 million we achieved in fiscal 2019. As a percentage of
consolidated net sales, Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be similar to the 13.9% achieved in fiscal 2019. If order flow remains
strong and we are able to achieve all of our fiscal 2020 business goals, it is possible that our fiscal 2020 Adjusted EBITDA could
be higher than our targeted amount.
59
Reconciliations of our GAAP consolidated operating income, net income and net income per diluted share for fiscal 2019 and
2018 to the corresponding non-GAAP measures are shown in the tables below (numbers and per share amounts in the table may
not foot due to rounding):
($ in millions, except for per share amount)
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings:
GAAP measures, as reported
Estimated contract settlement costs
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Facility exit costs
Acquisition plan expenses
Write-off of deferred financing costs
Net discrete tax benefit
Non-GAAP measures
($ in millions, except for per share amount)
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings:
GAAP measures, as reported
Net discrete tax benefit
Non-GAAP measures
Fiscal 2019
Operating
Income
Net
Income
Net Income
per
Diluted Share
$ 41.4
6.4
(3.2)
1.4
5.9
—
—
$ 51.8
$ 25.0
4.9
(2.5)
1.1
4.5
2.5
(2.9)
$ 32.6
$ 1.03
0.20
(0.10)
0.04
0.19
0.10
(0.12)
$ 1.34
Fiscal 2018
Operating
Income
Net
Income
Net Income
per
Diluted Share
$ 35.1
—
$ 35.1
$ 29.8
(11.8)
$ 18.0
$ 1.24
(0.49)
$ 0.75
Our Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP measure that represents earnings (loss) before income taxes, interest (income) and other,
write-off of deferred financing costs, interest expense, amortization of stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles,
depreciation expense, estimated contract settlement costs, settlement of intellectual property litigation, acquisition plan expenses,
facility exit costs, and strategic alternatives analysis expenses and other. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from the
definition of EBITDA used by other companies and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other
companies. Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure frequently requested by our investors and analysts. We believe that investors and
analysts may use Adjusted EBITDA, along with other information contained in our SEC filings, in assessing our performance and
comparability of our results with other companies. Our Non-GAAP measures for consolidated operating income, net income and
net income per diluted share reflect the GAAP measures as reported, adjusted for certain items as described. These Non-GAAP
financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool as they exclude the financial impact of transactions necessary to conduct
our business, such as the granting of equity compensation awards, and are not intended to be an alternative to financial measures
prepared in accordance with GAAP. These measures are adjusted as described in the reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP in the
above tables, but these adjustments should not be construed as an inference that all of these adjustments or costs are unusual,
infrequent or non-recurring. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or
superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Investors are advised to carefully review the GAAP financial
results that are disclosed in our SEC filings. We have not quantitatively reconciled our fiscal 2020 Adjusted EBITDA target to the
most directly comparable GAAP measure because items such as stock-based compensation, adjustments to the provision for income
taxes, amortization of intangible assets and interest expense, which are specific items that impact these measures, have not yet
occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be predicted. For example, quantification of stock-based compensation expense requires
inputs such as the number of shares granted and market price that are not currently ascertainable. Accordingly, reconciliations to
the Non-GAAP forward looking metrics are not available without unreasonable effort and such unavailable reconciling items could
significantly impact our financial results.
60
Comparison of Fiscal 2018 and 2017
Net Sales. Consolidated net sales were $570.6 million and $550.4 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing an
increase of $20.2 million, or 3.7%. The period-over-period increase in net sales was due to higher net sales in both our Commercial
Solutions and Government Solutions segments. Net sales by operating segment are discussed below.
Commercial Solutions
Net sales in our Commercial Solutions segment were $345.1 million for fiscal 2018, as compared to $330.9 million for fiscal 2017,
an increase of $14.2 million, or 4.3%. Our Commercial Solutions segment represented 60.5% of consolidated net sales for fiscal
2018 as compared to 60.1% for fiscal 2017.
Our book-to-bill ratio (a measure defined as bookings divided by net sales) in this segment for fiscal 2018 was 1.33.
Net sales of our satellite ground station technologies in fiscal 2018 were higher than fiscal 2017, as we experienced significant
growth in our sales to U.S. government customers. We experienced lower sales to international customers in fiscal 2018 as compared
to fiscal 2017. Our HeightsTM solutions experienced year-over-year revenue growth in fiscal 2018.
Net sales in fiscal 2018 of public safety and location technology solutions were higher as compared to the net sales we achieved
in fiscal 2017.
Bookings, sales and profitability in our Commercial Solutions segment can fluctuate from period-to-period due to many factors,
including changes in the general business environment. As such, period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be indicative
of a trend or future performance.
Government Solutions
Net sales in our Government Solutions segment were $225.5 million for fiscal 2018 as compared to $219.5 million for fiscal 2017,
an increase of $6.0 million or 2.7%. Our Government Solutions segment represented 39.5% of consolidated net sales for fiscal
2018, as compared to 39.9% for fiscal 2017.
The increase in net sales primarily reflects significantly higher net sales of our mission-critical technologies offset, in part, by
significantly lower net sales of high-performance transmission technologies and the absence of $6.7 million of BFT-1 intellectual
property license fees in fiscal 2018.
Our book-to-bill ratio (a measure defined as bookings divided by net sales) in this segment for fiscal 2018 was 1.31.
As of July 31, 2018, backlog for this segment was at the highest level since our acquisition of TCS in February 2016.
Bookings, sales and profitability in our Government Solutions segment can fluctuate dramatically from period-to-period due to
many factors, including unpredictable funding, deployment and technology decisions by our U.S. and international government
customers. As such, period-to-period comparisons of our results may not be indicative of a trend or future performance.
Geography and Customer Type
Sales by geography and customer type, as a percentage of related sales, for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2018 and 2017 are as
follows:
U.S. government
Domestic
Total U.S.
International
Total
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2017
2018
Commercial Solutions
2017
2018
Government Solutions
18.1%
54.6%
72.7%
27.3%
100.0%
15.1%
54.4%
69.5%
30.5%
100.0%
62.2%
14.9%
77.1%
22.9%
100.0%
59.2%
15.5%
74.7%
25.3%
100.0%
2018
2017
Consolidated
35.5%
38.9%
74.4%
25.6%
100.0%
32.7%
38.9%
71.6%
28.4%
100.0%
61
Sales to U.S. government customers include sales to the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"), intelligence and civilian agencies,
as well as sales directly to or through prime contractors.
Domestic sales include sales to commercial customers, as well as to U.S. state and local governments. Included in domestic sales,
are sales to Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon"), which represented 10.0% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018. There
were no customers that represented more than 10% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2017.
International sales for fiscal 2018 and 2017 (which include sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that are
sold to international customers) were $145.8 million and $156.5 million, respectively. Except for the U.S., no individual country
(including sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that are sold to a foreign country) represented more than
10% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018 and 2017.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $223.9 million and $218.2 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase of $5.7
million in gross profit dollars was largely driven by higher net sales and increased gross margins in our Commercial Solutions
segment, partially offset by lower gross profit contributions from the Government Solutions segment. Gross profit in fiscal 2018
also benefited from a $0.7 million favorable warranty settlement and a $1.0 million favorable sales and use tax settlement, both
of which are reflected in our unallocated segment. Gross profit, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, for fiscal 2018 was 39.2%
(or 38.9% when excluding the aforementioned favorable settlements), which was slightly lower than the 39.6% achieved in fiscal
2017. This decrease was primarily driven by lower gross margins in our Government Solutions segment that was partially offset
by an improvement in gross margins in our Commercial Solutions segment and the aforementioned favorable settlements. Gross
profit, as a percentage of related segment net sales, is further discussed below.
Our Commercial Solutions segment's gross profit, as a percentage of related segment net sales, for fiscal 2018 was higher than
fiscal 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher net sales and overall favorable product mix changes.
Our Government Solutions segment's gross profit, as a percentage of related segment net sales, for fiscal 2018 was lower than
fiscal 2017. The decrease was primarily driven by significantly lower net sales of high-performance transmission technologies
and the absence of $6.7 million of BFT-1 intellectual property license fees.
Included in consolidated cost of sales for fiscal 2018 and 2017 are provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of $5.6 million
and $2.9 million, respectively. As discussed in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Provisions for Excess and Obsolete Inventory," we regularly review our inventory
and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on historical and projected usage trends.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $113.9 million and $116.1
million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing a decrease of $2.2 million. As a percentage of consolidated net sales,
selling, general and administrative expenses were 20.0% and 21.1% (or 22.1% in fiscal 2017 when excluding $5.5 million of
favorable adjustments related to a recovery of legal expenses from a third party and adjustments related to reserves associated
with the TCS acquisition that were no longer required). There were no comparable adjustments in fiscal 2018.
The decrease in fiscal 2018 spending, both in dollars and as a percentage of consolidated net sales, is primarily attributable to the
benefit of cost reduction actions previously initiated and, to a lesser extent, higher consolidated net sales during fiscal 2018, as
discussed above.
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses was $6.9 million in
fiscal 2018 as compared to $7.1 million in fiscal 2017. Amortization in fiscal 2018 includes the benefit of a $0.4 million reversal
of stock-based compensation expense related to certain performance shares previously expected to be earned.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were $53.9 million and $54.3 million for fiscal 2018
and 2017, respectively, representing a decrease of $0.4 million, or 0.7%. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, research and
development expenses were 9.4% and 9.9% for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.
For fiscal 2018 and 2017, research and development expenses of $46.0 million and $44.7 million, respectively, related to our
Commercial Solutions segment, and $7.0 million and $8.9 million, respectively, related to our Government Solutions segment.
The remaining research and development expenses of $0.9 million and $0.7 million in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively, related
to the amortization of stock-based compensation expense.
62
Whenever possible, we seek customer funding for research and development to adapt our products to specialized customer
requirements. During fiscal 2018 and 2017, customers reimbursed us $16.9 million and $27.1 million, respectively, which is not
reflected in the reported research and development expenses but is included in net sales with the related costs included in cost of
sales.
Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization relating to intangible assets with finite lives was $21.1 million (of which $17.7 million
was for the Commercial Solutions segment and $3.4 million was for the Government Solutions segment) for fiscal 2018 and $22.8
million (of which $17.7 million was for the Commercial Solutions segment and $5.1 million was for the Government Solutions
segment) for fiscal 2017. The decrease in fiscal 2018 amortization was the result of certain intangibles in our Government Solutions
segment that became fully amortized in fiscal 2017.
Settlement of Intellectual Property Litigation. In fiscal 2017, we recorded favorable adjustments to operating income of $12.0
million, net of estimated legal fees, to reflect lower losses than originally estimated for TCS intellectual property matters which
were settled during that period. There were no comparable adjustments in fiscal 2018.
Operating Income. Operating income for fiscal 2018 was $35.1 million as compared $37.0 million for fiscal 2017. Operating
income by reportable segment is shown in the table below:
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
($ in millions)
Operating income (loss)
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
$ 40.8
$ 33.2
$ 11.0
$
9.4
$
Percentage of related net sales
11.8%
10.0%
4.9%
4.3%
Unallocated
(16.7) $
NA
Consolidated
(5.6) $ 35.1
NA
6.2%
$ 37.0
6.7%
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
The increase in our Commercial Solutions segment’s operating income, in dollars and as a percentage of related segment net sales,
was primarily due to higher net sales, overall favorable product mix changes and the benefit of cost reduction actions previously
initiated, as discussed above.
The increase in our Government Solutions segment’s operating income, in dollars and as a percentage of related segment net sales,
was primarily due to lower operating expenses (including lower amortization of intangibles) that was partially offset by lower
gross profit contributions, as discussed above.
Unallocated operating expenses for fiscal 2018 were $16.7 million and were offset by a $0.7 million favorable warranty settlement
and a $1.0 million favorable sales and use tax settlement, as discussed above. Excluding these adjustments, unallocated operating
expenses for fiscal 2018 would have been $18.4 million. Unallocated operating expenses for fiscal 2017 were $5.6 million and
were offset by a number of items that aggregated $18.8 million and included: (i) a $12.0 million favorable adjustment related to
the settlement of certain TCS intellectual property matters; (ii) $5.5 million of favorable adjustments which related to a recovery
of legal expenses from a third party and reserves associated with the TCS acquisition that were no longer required; and (iii) a $1.3
million benefit (as compared to fiscal 2016) associated with our decision to pay certain fiscal 2017 incentive compensation awards
in the form of share units. Excluding these adjustments, unallocated operating expenses for fiscal 2017 would have been $24.4
million. The decrease to $18.4 million in fiscal 2018 from the $24.4 million in fiscal 2017 primarily relates to lower spending.
Unallocated expenses for fiscal 2018 and 2017 include amortization of stock-based compensation of $8.6 million and $8.5 million,
respectively.
Excluding the aforementioned $1.7 million and $18.8 million of favorable adjustments in fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively,
consolidated operating income for fiscal 2018 and 2017 would have been $33.4 million, or 5.9% of consolidated net sales, and
$18.2 million, or 3.3% of consolidated net sales, respectively. This improvement from 3.3% to 5.9% is largely due to the benefit
of cost reductions made and changes in gross profit mix and operating expenses, as discussed above.
Interest Expense and Other. Interest expense was $10.2 million and $11.6 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. The
decline in interest expense primarily reflects lower total indebtedness (excluding unamortized deferred financing costs), which
declined from $200.6 million as of July 31, 2017 to $171.3 million as of July 31, 2018. Interest expense for both periods primarily
reflects interest on our prior Credit Agreement dated as of February 23, 2016 (as amended by that certain First Amendment, dated
as of June 6, 2017).
63
Interest (Income) and Other. Interest (income) and other for both fiscal 2018 and 2017 was nominal. All of our available cash
and cash equivalents are currently invested in bank deposits and money market deposit accounts which, as of July 31, 2018, were
yielding a blended annual interest rate of approximately 0.6%.
(Benefit from) Provision for Income Taxes. The benefit from income taxes was $5.1 million for fiscal 2018 as compared to a tax
provision of $9.7 million for fiscal 2017.
During fiscal 2018, we recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $11.8 million which, as a result of Tax Reform, primarily related to
the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities associated with non-deductible amortization related to intangible assets and discrete
tax benefits associated with stock-based awards that were settled in fiscal 2018. These benefits were offset, in part, by the finalization
of certain tax deductions in connection with the filing of our federal and state income tax returns for fiscal 2017. Excluding discrete
tax items for fiscal 2018, our effective tax rate was 27.0%.
During fiscal 2017, we recorded a net discrete tax expense of $0.5 million, primarily related to the finalization of certain tax
deductions in connection with the filing of our federal and state income tax returns for fiscal 2016, offset, in part, by the reversal
of tax contingencies no longer required due to the settlement of the fiscal 2014 federal income tax audit and the expiration of
applicable statutes of limitation. Our effective tax rate excluding discrete tax items for fiscal 2017 was 35.75%.
The decrease from 35.75% to 27.0% is principally attributable to the passage of Tax Reform which reduced the statutory income
tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, or a blended income tax rate of approximately 27.0%.
Our federal income tax returns for fiscal 2017 and 2018 are subject to potential future IRS audit. None of our state income tax
returns prior to fiscal 2015 are subject to audit. TCS's federal income tax returns for tax year 2015 and the tax period from January
1, 2016 to February 23, 2016, the date we acquired TCS, are subject to potential future IRS audit. None of TCS's state income tax
returns prior to calendar year 2014 are subject to audit. Future tax assessments or settlements could have a material adverse effect
on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Net Income. During fiscal 2018, consolidated net income was $29.8 million as compared to $15.8 million during fiscal 2017.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA (both in dollars and as a percentage of related net sales) for both fiscal 2018 and 2017 are
shown in the table below (numbers in the table may not foot due to rounding):
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
2018
2017
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
$ 40.3
32.9
10.8
Unallocated
(21.4)
(26.5) $ 29.8
Consolidated
($ in millions)
Net income (loss)
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes
Interest (income) and other
Interest expense
Amortization of stock-based
compensation
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation
Settlement of intellectual
property litigation
9.4
—
—
—
—
5.1
2.9
—
0.1
—
—
3.4
3.1
0.3
0.2
0.1
—
17.7
9.5
—
0.3
(0.1)
0.2
—
17.7
9.9
—
60.9
(5.4)
—
10.1
8.6
—
1.1
—
(7.1)
NA
9.4
0.1
11.4
8.5
—
1.5
(5.1)
0.3
10.2
8.6
21.1
13.7
15.8
9.7
(0.1)
11.6
8.5
22.8
14.4
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 68.0
Percentage of related net sales
19.7%
18.4%
7.7%
8.0%
—
17.4
—
17.5
(12.0)
—
(7.6) $ 78.4
NA
13.7%
(12.0)
70.7
12.8%
The increase in consolidated Adjusted EBITDA during fiscal 2018 as compared to fiscal 2017 is primarily attributable to higher
net sales and overall favorable product mix changes in our Commercial Solutions segment (which historically achieves higher
gross margins than our Government Solutions segment), the benefit of cost reduction actions previously taken and the $1.7 million
of benefits in fiscal 2018 that resulted from the favorable warranty and sales and use tax settlements, as discussed above.
64
The increase in our Commercial Solutions segment's Adjusted EBITDA, in dollars and as a percentage of related segment net
sales, was primarily attributable to higher net sales, overall favorable product mix changes and the benefit of cost reduction actions
previously initiated, as discussed above.
The decrease in our Government Solutions segment's Adjusted EBITDA, in dollars and as a percentage of related segment net
sales, was primarily driven by significantly lower net sales of high-performance transmission technologies and the absence of $6.7
million of BFT-1 intellectual property license fees, as discussed above.
Reconciliations of our GAAP consolidated operating income, net income and net income per diluted share for fiscal 2018 and
2017 to the corresponding non-GAAP measures are shown in the tables below (numbers and per share amounts in the table may
not foot due to rounding):
($ in millions, except for per share amount)
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings:
GAAP measures, as reported
Net discrete tax benefit
Non-GAAP measures
($ in millions, except for per share amount)
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings:
GAAP measures, as reported
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Non-GAAP measures
Fiscal 2018
Operating
Income
Net
Income
Net Income
per
Diluted Share
$ 35.1
—
$ 35.1
$ 29.8
(11.8)
$ 18.0
Fiscal 2017
$ 1.24
(0.49)
$ 0.75
Operating
Income
Net
Income
Net Income
per
Diluted Share
$ 37.0
(12.0)
$ 25.0
$ 15.8
(7.7)
$ 8.1
$ 0.67
(0.33)
$ 0.34
Our Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP measure that represents earnings (loss) before income taxes, interest (income) and other,
write-off of deferred financing costs, interest expense, amortization of stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles,
depreciation expense, estimated contract settlement costs, settlement of intellectual property litigation, acquisition plan expenses,
facility exit costs, and strategic alternatives analysis expenses and other. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from the
definition of EBITDA used by other companies and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other
companies. Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure frequently requested by our investors and analysts. We believe that investors and
analysts may use Adjusted EBITDA, along with other information contained in our SEC filings, in assessing our performance and
comparability of our results with other companies. Our Non-GAAP measures for consolidated operating income, net income and
net income per diluted share reflect the GAAP measures as reported, adjusted for certain items as described. These Non-GAAP
financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool as they exclude the financial impact of transactions necessary to conduct
our business, such as the granting of equity compensation awards, and are not intended to be an alternative to financial measures
prepared in accordance with GAAP. These measures are adjusted as described in the reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP in the
above tables, but these adjustments should not be construed as an inference that all of these adjustments or costs are unusual,
infrequent or non-recurring. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or
superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Investors are advised to carefully review the GAAP financial
results that are disclosed in our SEC filings.
65
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our cash and cash equivalents increased to $45.6 million at July 31, 2019 from $43.5 million at July 31, 2018, an increase of $2.1
million. The increase in cash and cash equivalents during fiscal 2019 was driven by the following:
•
•
•
Net cash provided by operating activities was $68.0 million for fiscal 2019 as compared to $50.3 million for fiscal 2018.
The period-over-period increase in cash flow from operating activities reflects overall changes in net working capital
requirements, principally the timing of shipments, billings and payments.
Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2019 was $44.7 million as compared to $8.6 million for fiscal 2018. During
fiscal 2019, we paid $35.9 million of cash in connection with our fiscal 2019 acquisitions, net of cash acquired. The
remaining portion of net cash used in both periods primarily represented expenditures relating to ongoing equipment
upgrades and enhancements.
Net cash used in financing activities was $21.3 million for fiscal 2019 as compared to $40.1 million for fiscal 2018.
During fiscal 2019, we entered into a new Credit Facility and repaid in full the outstanding borrowings under our Prior
Credit Facility. During fiscal 2019 and 2018, we paid $9.8 million and $9.5 million, respectively, in cash dividends to
our stockholders. We also made $5.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of payments to remit employees' statutory
tax withholding requirements related to the net settlement of stock-based awards during fiscal 2019 and 2018.
The Credit Facility is discussed below and in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (8) - Credit Facility" included
in "Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our investment policy relating to our cash and cash equivalents is intended to minimize principal loss while at the same time
maximize the income we receive without significantly increasing risk. To minimize risk, we generally invest our cash and cash
equivalents in money market mutual funds (both government and commercial), certificates of deposit, bank deposits, and U.S.
Treasury securities. Many of our money market mutual funds invest in direct obligations of the U.S. government, bank securities
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, certificates of deposit and commercial paper and other securities issued
by other companies. While we cannot predict future market conditions or market liquidity, we believe our investment policies are
appropriate in the current environment. Ultimately, the availability of our cash and cash equivalents is dependent on a well-
functioning liquid market.
As of July 31, 2019, our material short-term cash requirements primarily consist of: (i) estimated interest payments under our
Credit Facility; (ii) payments related to lease commitments; (iii) our ongoing working capital needs, including income tax payments;
and (iv) payment of accrued quarterly dividends. We continue to focus on acquisitions to supplement our expected organic growth.
If our acquisition plan is successful, we may be required to pay for such acquisition primarily with existing cash and cash equivalents
and increased borrowings under our Credit Facility.
In December 2018, we filed a $400.0 million shelf registration statement with the SEC for the sale of various types of securities,
including debt. The shelf registration statement was declared effective by the SEC as of December 14, 2018.
As of July 31, 2019 and September 24, 2019, we were authorized to repurchase up to an additional $8.7 million of our common
stock, pursuant to our current $100.0 million stock repurchase program. Our stock repurchase program has no time restrictions
and repurchases may be made in open-market or privately negotiated transactions and may be made pursuant to SEC Rule 10b5-1
trading plans. There were no repurchases of our common stock during fiscal 2019 and 2018.
On September 26, 2018, December 6, 2018, March 6, 2019 and June 5, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10
per common share, which was paid on November 16, 2018, February 15, 2019, May 17, 2019 and August 16, 2019, respectively.
On September 24, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per common share, payable on November 15, 2019
to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 16, 2019. Future dividends remain subject to compliance with financial
covenants under our Credit Facility, as amended, as well as Board approval.
Our material long-term cash requirements primarily consist of mandatory interest payments pursuant to our Credit Facility and
lease commitments.
66
We have historically met both our short-term and long-term cash requirements with funds provided by a combination of cash and
cash equivalent balances, cash generated from operating activities and cash generated from financing transactions. Based on our
anticipated level of future sales and operating income, we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalent balances, our cash
generated from operating activities and amounts potentially available under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet both our
currently anticipated short-term and long-term operating cash requirements.
Although it is difficult in the current economic and credit environment to predict the terms and conditions of financing that may
be available in the future, should our short-term or long-term cash requirements increase beyond our current expectations, we
believe that we would have sufficient access to credit from financial institutions and/or financing from public and private debt and
equity markets.
Credit Facility
On October 31, 2018, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of
lenders, replacing our prior Credit Agreement dated as of February 23, 2016 (as amended by that certain First Amendment, dated
as of June 6, 2017 (the "Prior Credit Facility")).
The new Credit Facility provides a senior secured loan facility of up to $550.0 million consisting of: (i) a revolving loan facility
("Revolving Loan Facility") with a borrowing limit of $300.0 million; (ii) an accordion feature allowing us to borrow up to an
additional $250.0 million; (iii) a $35.0 million letter of credit sublimit; and (iv) a swingline loan credit sublimit of $25.0 million.
The Credit Facility matures on October 31, 2023 (the "Revolving Maturity Date"). If we issue new unsecured debt in excess of
$5.0 million with a maturity date that is less than 91 days from October 31, 2023, the Revolving Maturity Date would automatically
accelerate so that it would be 91 days earlier than the maturity date of the new unsecured debt.
The proceeds of the new Credit Facility were used, in part, to repay in full the outstanding borrowings under the Prior Credit
Facility, and additional proceeds of the Credit Facility are expected to be used by us for working capital and other general corporate
purposes. As of July 31, 2019, the amount outstanding under our Credit Facility was $165.0 million, which is reflected in the non-
current portion of long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. At July 31, 2019, we had $2.7 million of standby letters of
credit outstanding under our Credit Facility related to our guarantees of future performance on certain customer contracts and no
outstanding commercial letters of credit. Since October 31, 2018, we had outstanding balances under the new Credit Facility,
ranging from $150.0 million to $184.0 million. In addition, we had outstanding balances under the Revolving Loan Facility of the
Prior Credit Facility, ranging from $34.9 million to $63.8 million during the three months ended October 31, 2018.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility shall be either: (i) Alternate Base Rate borrowings, which bear interest from the applicable
borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to (x) the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate (as defined) in effect on such day, (b) the Federal
Funds Effective Rate (as defined) in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1.00% per annum and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined)
on such day (or, if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day) plus 1.00% per annum, plus (y) the
Applicable Rate (as defined), or (ii) Eurodollar borrowings, which bear interest from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per
annum equal to (x) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such interest period plus (y) the Applicable Rate. Determination of the Applicable
Rate is based on a pricing grid that is dependent upon our Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined) as of the end of each fiscal quarter
for which consolidated financial statements have been most recently delivered.
The Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. The Credit Facility also contains
customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions, including but not limited to: (i) liens, (ii) investments, (iii)
indebtedness, (iv) significant corporate changes, including mergers and acquisitions, (v) dispositions, (vi) restricted payments,
including stockholder dividends, and (vii) certain other restrictive agreements. The Credit Facility also contains certain financial
covenants and customary events of default (subject to grace periods, as appropriate), such as payment defaults, cross-defaults to
other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency, the occurrence of a defined change in control and the failure to observe
the negative covenants and other covenants related to the operation of our business. In addition, under certain circumstances, we
may be required to enter into amendments to the Credit Facility in connection with any further syndication of the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility provides for, among other things: (i) no scheduled payments of principal until maturity; (ii) a maximum Secured
Leverage Ratio of 3.75x trailing twelve months ("TTM") Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
("Adjusted EBITDA") and a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio of 4.50x TTM Adjusted EBITDA, each with no step downs; and (iii)
a Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio of 3.25x TTM Adjusted EBITDA.
67
As of July 31, 2019, our Secured Leverage Ratio was 1.74x TTM Adjusted EBITDA compared to the maximum allowable Secured
Leverage Ratio of 3.75x TTM Adjusted EBITDA. Our Interest Expense Coverage Ratio as of July 31, 2019 was 12.05x TTM
Adjusted EBITDA compared to the Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio of 3.25x TTM Adjusted EBITDA. Given our
expected future business performance, we anticipate maintaining compliance with the terms and financial covenants in our Credit
Facility for the foreseeable future.
The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). As collateral
security under the Credit Facility and the guarantees thereof, we and the Guarantors have granted to the administrative agent, for
the benefit of the lenders, a lien on, and first priority security interest in, substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets.
On December 6, 2018, we entered into the first amendment to the Credit Facility. The purpose of the amendment is to provide for
a mechanism to replace the LIBO Rate for Eurodollar borrowings with an alternative benchmark interest rate, should the LIBO
Rate generally become unavailable in the future on an other-than-temporary basis.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth for such terms in the Credit Facility and the Prior Credit
Facility, which have been documented and filed with the SEC.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of July 31, 2019, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.
Commitments
In the normal course of business, other than as discussed below, we routinely enter into binding and non-binding purchase obligations
primarily covering anticipated purchases of inventory and equipment. We do not expect that these commitments, as of July 31,
2019, will materially adversely affect our liquidity.
At July 31, 2019, cash payments due under long-term obligations (including estimated interest expense on our Credit Facility),
excluding purchase orders that we entered into in our normal course of business, are as follows:
Obligations Due by Fiscal Years or Maturity Date (in thousands)
Total
2020
Credit Facility - principal payments
$
165,000
Credit Facility - interest payments
Operating lease commitments
Capital lease and other obligations
Net contractual cash obligations
31,423
44,214
789
$
241,426
—
7,397
11,812
789
19,998
2021
and
2022
2023
and
2024
—
165,000
14,793
16,066
—
9,233
9,206
—
30,859
183,439
After
2024
—
—
7,130
—
7,130
As discussed further in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (8) - Credit Facility" included in "Part II - Item 8. -
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, on October 31, 2018, we entered
into a new Credit Facility, replacing our Prior Credit Facility dated as of February 23, 2016. The new Credit Facility provides a
senior secured loan facility of up to $550.0 million consisting of: (i) a revolving loan facility ("Revolving Loan Facility") with a
borrowing limit of $300.0 million; (ii) an accordion feature allowing us to borrow up to an additional $250.0 million; (iii) a $35.0
million letter of credit sublimit; and (iv) a swingline loan credit sublimit of $25.0 million. The Credit Facility matures on October 31,
2023 (the "Revolving Maturity Date"). In addition, if we issue new unsecured debt in excess of $5.0 million with a maturity date
that is less than 91 days from October 31, 2023, the Revolving Maturity Date would automatically accelerate so that it would be
91 days earlier than the maturity date of the new unsecured debt.
As discussed further in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (16) - Stockholders’ Equity" included in "Part II - Item
8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, on September 24, 2019, our
Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per common share, payable on November 15, 2019 to stockholders of record at
the close of business on October 16, 2019. Future dividends remain subject to compliance with financial covenants under our
Credit Facility, as amended, as well as Board approval.
At July 31, 2019, we have approximately $2.7 million of standby letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Facility related to
our guarantees of future performance on certain customer contracts. Such amounts are not included in the above table.
68
In fiscal 2018, we entered into a full and final warranty settlement with AT&T, the largest customer/distributor of a small product
line that we refer to as the TCS 911 call handling software solution. As discussed in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- Note (6) - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities," included in "Part II - Item 8.- Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, pursuant to the settlement agreement, we issued thirty-six credits to AT&T
of $0.2 million which AT&T can apply on a monthly basis to purchases of solutions from us, beginning October 2017 through
September 2020. As of July 31, 2019, the total present value of these monthly credits is $2.0 million, of which $1.7 million is
included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $0.3 million is reflected in other liabilities (non-current) on our
Consolidated Balance Sheet. These amounts are not shown in the above commitment table.
As discussed in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (7) - Cost Reduction Actions," included in "Part II - Item 8.-
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the three months ended
October 31, 2018, we exited our Government Solutions segment's manufacturing facility located in Tampa, Florida and recorded
a related charge of $1.4 million in selling, general and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statement of Operations. As
of July 31, 2019, the remaining estimated facility exit costs was $0.6 million which is included in "accrued expenses and other
current liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Such amounts are not shown in the above commitment table.
In the ordinary course of business, we include indemnification provisions in certain of our customer contracts. Pursuant to these
agreements, we have agreed to indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse the indemnified party for certain losses suffered or incurred
by the indemnified party, including but not limited to losses related to third-party intellectual property claims. It is not possible to
determine the maximum potential amount under these agreements due to a history of nominal claims in the Comtech legacy
business and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. As discussed further in "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (13) - Commitments and Contingencies," included in "Part II - Item 8.- Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, TCS is subject to a number of indemnification
demands and we are incurring ongoing legal expenses in connection with these matters. Our insurance policies may not cover the
cost of defending indemnification claims or providing indemnification. As a result, pending or future claims asserted against us
by a party that we have agreed to indemnify could result in legal costs and damages that could have a material adverse effect on
our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
We have change in control agreements, severance agreements and indemnification agreements with certain of our executive officers
and certain key employees. All of these agreements may require payments by us, in certain circumstances, including, but not
limited to, a change in control of our Company or an involuntary termination of employment without cause.
Our Consolidated Balance Sheet at July 31, 2019 includes total liabilities of $7.2 million for uncertain tax positions, including
interest, any or all of which may result in a cash payment. The future payments related to uncertain tax positions have not been
presented in the table above due to the uncertainty of the amounts and timing of any potential cash settlement with the taxing
authorities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We are required to prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") which is the source for all authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles, which is commonly referred to as "GAAP." The FASB ASC is subject to updates by the FASB, which are known as
Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs").
As further discussed in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (1)(o) - Adoption of Accounting Standards and Updates"
included in "Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K,
during fiscal 2019, we adopted:
• FASB ASU No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." See "Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements - Note (1)(d) - Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies - Revenue Recognition," included
in "Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K,
for further information.
69
• FASB ASU No. 2016-16, issued in October 2016, which eliminates a prior exception and now requires an entity to
recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory (for example,
intellectual property and property, plant and equipment) when the transfer occurs. We adopted this ASU on August 1,
2018. There was no material impact to our consolidated financial statements (including any cumulative effect
adjustment) and disclosures upon such adoption.
• FASB ASU No. 2019-07, issued in June 2019, which amends various SEC guidance pursuant to the issuance of SEC
Final Rule Release No. 33-10532, 33-10231, and 33-10442. This ASU clarifies or improves the disclosure and
presentation requirements of a variety of Codification Topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations, eliminating
redundancies, and making the Codification easier to apply. There was no material impact to our consolidated financial
statements and related disclosures upon such adoption.
In addition, the following FASB ASUs have been issued and incorporated into the FASB ASC and have not yet been adopted by
us as of July 31, 2019:
•
•
FASB ASU No. 2016-02, issued in February 2016 "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize the following
for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease
payments arising from a lease, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments; and (ii) a right-of-use asset,
which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use a specified asset for the lease term. In January 2018, FASB ASU
No. 2018-01 was issued to permit an entity to elect an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate under Topic
842 land easements that exist or expired before the entity’s adoption of Topic 842. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU
Nos. 2018-10 and 2018-11, which provide further codification improvements and relieves the requirement to present
prior comparative year results when adopting the new lease standard. Instead, companies can choose to recognize the
cumulative effect of applying the new standard to leased assets and liabilities as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.
In December 2018, FASB ASU No. 2018-20 was issued to simplify the implementation of Topic 842 for lessors as it
relates to sales taxes, lessor costs paid directly by the lessee and recognition of variable payments for contracts with lease
and non-lease components. In March 2019, FASB ASU No. 2019-01 was issued, which addresses: (i) determining the
fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers; (ii) presentation of sales types and direct
financing leases on the statement of cash flows; and (iii) transition disclosures related to Topic 250, "Accounting Changes
and Error Corrections." This latest ASU specifically provides an exception to the paragraph 250-10-50-3 that would
otherwise have required interim disclosures in the period of an accounting change including the effect of that change on
income from continuing operations, net income, any other financial statement line item and any affected per-share amounts.
As further discussed in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note (1)(c)- Summary of Significant Accounting
and Reporting Policies - Adoption of New Leasing Standard” included in Part II - Item 8. - Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data, on August 1, 2019, we adopted the new leasing standard using the modified retrospective approach.
In addition, we elected certain practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard.
Except for recording a total right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, which
amount approximates 4.0% of our total consolidated assets at July 31, 2019, our adoption of Topic 842 is not expected
to have a material impact to our future statements of operations or cash flows.
FASB ASU No. 2016-13 issued in June 2016 and ASU No. 2018-19 issued in November 2018, which require the
measurement of expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date to be based on historical experience,
current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. In April 2019, FASB ASU No. 2019-04 was issued to provide
clarification guidance in the following areas: (i) accrued interest; (ii) recoveries; (iii) projections of the interest rate
environment; (iv) consideration of prepayments; and (v) other topics. In May 2019, FASB ASU No. 2019-05 was issued
to provide entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option applied on an instrument by instrument basis
for eligible instruments. These ASUs are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year
beginning on August 1, 2020), including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may adopt the amendments
in this ASU earlier as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal
years. Except for a prospective transition approach required for debt securities for which an other-than-temporary
impairment had been recognized before the effective date, an entity will apply the amendments in this ASU through a
cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance
is effective (that is, on a modified-retrospective approach). We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated
financial statements and disclosures.
70
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
FASB ASU No. 2017-11, issued in July 2017, which provides guidance on the accounting for certain financial instruments
with embedded features that result in the strike price of the instrument or embedded conversion option being reduced on
the basis of the pricing of future equity offerings (commonly referred to as "down round" features). On August 1, 2019,
we adopted this ASU. Our adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and
disclosures, as we did not have any financial instruments with such "down round" features.
FASB ASU No. 2017-12, issued in August 2017, which expands and refines hedge accounting for both non-financial and
financial risk components and simplifies and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument
and the hedged item in the financial statements. On August 1, 2019, we adopted this ASU. Our adoption of this ASU did
not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures, as we are currently not a party to any such
hedging transactions.
FASB ASU No. 2018-07, issued in June 2018, which expands the scope of Topic 718 to include certain share-based
payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. On August 1, 2019, we adopted this ASU.
Our adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures, as we currently
do not have any outstanding share-based awards with nonemployees that require remeasurement.
FASB ASU No. 2018-13, issued in August 2018, which modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements
in Topic 820. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December
15, 2019 (our fiscal year beginning on August 1, 2020). Upon the effective date, certain provisions are to be applied
prospectively, while others are to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. An entity is permitted to early adopt
any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until
their effective date. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statement disclosures.
FASB ASU No. 2018-15, issued in August 2018, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs
incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs
incurred to develop or obtain internal use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license).
The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the amendments
in this ASU. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year beginning on
August 1, 2020), and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any
interim period. This ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred
after the date of adoption. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and
disclosures.
FASB ASU No. 2018-16, issued in October 2018, which expands the list of eligible U.S. benchmark interest rates permitted
in the application of hedge accounting due to broad concerns about the long-term sustainability of the LIBO Rate. This
ASU adds the Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") rate, based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), as an
eligible U.S. benchmark interest rate. On August 1, 2019, we adopted this ASU. Our adoption of this ASU did not have
any impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures, as we are currently not a party to any such hedging
transactions.
FASB ASU No. 2018-17, issued in October 2018, which requires entities to consider indirect interests held through related
parties under common control on a proportional basis, rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety when
determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year beginning on August 1, 2020) and for interim periods therein, with early adoption
permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures; however,
we do not expect the adoption to have any effect given that we currently do not have any indirect interests held through
related parties in common control.
FASB ASU No. 2018-18, issued in November 2018, which clarifies when certain transactions between collaborative
arrangement participants should be accounted for under ASC 606 and incorporates unit-of-account guidance consistent
with ASC 606 to aid in this determination. The ASU also precludes entities from presenting consideration from transactions
with a collaborator that is not a customer together with revenue recognized from contracts with customers. This ASU is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal year beginning on August 1, 2020) and for interim
periods therein, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial
statements and disclosures; however, we do not expect the adoption to have any effect given that we are currently not
engaged in such collaborative arrangement transactions.
71
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates primarily from borrowings under our Credit
Facility. Based on the amount of outstanding debt under our Credit Facility, a hypothetical change in interest rates by 10% would
change interest expense by $0.7 million over a one-year period. Although we do not currently use interest rate derivative instruments
to manage exposure to interest rate changes, we may choose to do so in the future in connection with our Credit Facility.
Our earnings and cash flows are also subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates on our investment of available cash
balances. As of July 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $45.6 million, which consisted of cash and highly-liquid money
market deposit accounts. Many of these investments are subject to fluctuations in interest rates, which could impact our results.
Based on our investment portfolio balance as of July 31, 2019, a hypothetical change in interest rates of 10% would have a nominal
impact on interest income over a one-year period. Ultimately, the availability of our cash and cash equivalents is dependent on a
well-functioning liquid market.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements and Related Financial Schedule are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule annexed
hereto.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
72
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures was carried out by us under the supervision and with the participation of our
management, including our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation,
our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by the report to provide reasonable assurance that the information
required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated
to management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A system of controls, no matter how well
designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met, and no evaluation
of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how
well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable
assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to
future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2019. In making this
assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO")
in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment, we determined that, as of July 31, 2019, our internal
control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
Deloitte and Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has performed an audit of our internal control over
financial reporting as of July 31, 2019 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by
the COSO. This audit is required to be performed in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Our independent auditors were given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data. Deloitte’s
audit reports appear on pages F-2 and F-3 of this annual report.
Changes In Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the
Exchange Act that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely
to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Not applicable.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
73
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Certain information concerning directors and officers is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no more than 120 days
after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission no more than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans and certain information regarding security
ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement, which will be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission no more than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS,
AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement, which
will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no more than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement, which will be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no more than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
74
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
(1) The Registrant’s financial statements together with a separate index are annexed hereto.
(2) The Financial Statement Schedule listed in a separate index is annexed hereto.
(3) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed below.
Exhibit
Number
3(a)(i)
Description of Exhibit
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant
Incorporated By
Reference to Exhibit
Exhibit 3(a)(i) to the Registrant’s 2006
Form 10-K
3(a)(ii)
Third Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, as of
September 26, 2017
Exhibit 3(a)(ii) to the Registrant’s 2017
Form 10-K
10(a)(1)*
Sixth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
November 18, 2016, between the Registrant and Fred Kornberg
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q,
filed December 7, 2016
10(a)(2)* Amendment to Sixth Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement, dated June 6, 2017, between the Registrant and Fred
Kornberg
Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed June 7, 2017
10(a)(3)*
Lease agreement, dated September 23, 2011, on the Melville,
New York Facility
Exhibit 10(s) to the Registrant's 2011 Form
10-K
10(b)*
Second Amended and Restated 2001 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan
Exhibit A to the Registrant’s Proxy
Statement, filed November 16, 2018
10(c)*
2000 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated, Effective
March 6, 2018
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q,
filed June 6, 2018
10(d)(1)*
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(f)(7) to the Registrant’s 2005
Form 10-K
10(d)(2)*
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Non-employee Directors
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(f)(8) to the Registrant’s 2006
Form 10-K
10(e)(1)*
Form of Performance Share Agreement pursuant to the 2000
Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(s) to the Registrant’s 2012 Form
10-K
10(e)(2)*
Form of Performance Share Agreement (eligible for dividend
equivalents) (Auto Deferral) pursuant to the 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(z) to the Registrant's 2013 Form
10-K
10(f)(1)*
Form of Long-Term Performance Share Award Agreement
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan - 2017
Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Form 8-K,
filed June 7, 2017
10(f)(2)*
Form of Long-Term Performance Share Award Agreement
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan - 2018
10(g)(1)*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Employees pursuant to
the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(y) to the Registrant’s 2016 Form
10-K
10(g)(2)*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-employee Directors
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(ab) to the Registrant’s 2016
Form 10-K
75
Exhibit
Number
10(g)(3)*
10(h)(1)*
Description of Exhibit
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (eligible for dividend
equivalents) for Non-employee Directors pursuant to the 2000
Stock Incentive Plan - 2019
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Employees
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan - 2017
Incorporated By
Reference to Exhibit
Exhibit 10(h)(1) to the Registrant’s 2017
Form 10-K
10(h)(2)*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Employees
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan - 2016
Exhibit 10(z) to the Registrant’s 2016 Form
10-K
10(h)(3)*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Employees
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan - 2013
Exhibit 10(w) to the Registrant's 2013
Form 10-K
10(h)(4)*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-employee
Directors pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q,
filed June 7, 2012
10(h)(5)*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (eligible for dividend
equivalents) for Non-employee Directors pursuant to the 2000
Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(aa) to the Registrant’s 2016
Form 10-K
10(h)(6)*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (eligible for dividend
equivalents) for Non-employee Directors pursuant to the 2000
Stock Incentive Plan - 2013
Exhibit 10(x) to the Registrant's 2013 Form
10-K
10(i)(1)*
Form of Stock Unit Agreement for Non-employee Directors
pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q,
filed June 7, 2012
10(i)(2)*
Form of Stock Unit Agreement (eligible for dividend equivalents)
for Non-employee Directors pursuant to the 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10(v) to the Registrant's 2013 Form
10-K
10(j)(1)*
Form of Share Unit Agreement (eligible for dividend equivalents)
for Employees pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q,
filed December 9, 2013
10(j)(2)*
Form of Share Unit Agreement (eligible for dividend equivalents)
for Employees pursuant to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan - 2018
Exhibit 10(j)(2) to the Registrant's 2018
Form 10-K
10(k)*
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and
the Named Executive Officers and Certain Other Executive
Officers
Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed
on March 8, 2007
10(l)(1)*
Form of Change-in-Control Agreement (Tier 2) between the
Registrant and Named Executive Officers (other than the CEO)
and Certain Other Executive Officers
Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed June 7, 2017
10(l)(2)*
Form of Change-in-Control Agreement (Tier 2) between the
Registrant and Named Executive Officers (other than the CEO)
and Certain Other Executive Officers (California Employees)
Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed June 7, 2017
10(l)(3)*
10(l)(4)*
Form of Change-in-Control Agreement (Tier 2) between the
Registrant and Named Executive Officers (other than the CEO)
and Certain Other Executive Officers (Divisional/Subsidiary
Presidents)
Form of Change-in-Control Agreement (Tier 2) between the
Registrant and Named Executive Officers (other than the CEO)
and Certain Other Executive Officers (California Divisional/
Subsidiary Presidents)
Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed June 7, 2017
Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed June 7, 2017
76
Exhibit
Number
10(l)(5)*
10(m)*
10(n)(1)*
21
Description of Exhibit
Form of Change-in-Control Agreement (Tier 3) between the
Registrant and Certain Non-Executive Officers
Incorporated By
Reference to Exhibit
Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed June 7, 2017
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 22, 2015,
among Comtech Telecommunications Corp., Typhoon
Acquisition Corp. and TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed November 23, 2015
First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
October 31, 2018, among Comtech Telecommunications Corp.,
the lenders party thereto and Citibank N.A., as administrative
agent, issuing bank and swingline lender.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K,
filed November 5, 2018
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Certification of President, CEO and Chairman pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of President, CEO and Chairman pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
77
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
September 24, 2019
(Date)
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
By: /s/Fred Kornberg
Fred Kornberg, Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer and 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 and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
September 24, 2019
(Date)
/s/Fred Kornberg
Fred Kornberg
Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
September 24, 2019
(Date)
/s/Michael A. Bondi
Michael A. Bondi
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
September 24, 2019
(Date)
/s/Edwin Kantor
Edwin Kantor
September 24, 2019
(Date)
/s/Ira S. Kaplan
Ira S. Kaplan
September 24, 2019
(Date)
/s/Robert G. Paul
Robert G. Paul
Director
Director
Director
September 24, 2019
(Date)
/s/Dr. Yacov A. Shamash
Dr. Yacov A. Shamash
Director
September 24, 2019
(Date)
/s/Lawrence J. Waldman
Lawrence J. Waldman
Director
78
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2019 and 2018
Statements of Operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31,
2019
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended
July 31, 2019
Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31,
2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Additional Financial Information Pursuant to the Requirements of Form 10-K:
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are either not applicable or the required
information has been provided elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Page
F - 2
F - 4
F - 5
F - 6
F - 7
F - 9
S- 1
F - 1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.
Melville, New York
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. and subsidiaries (the "Company")
as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the three
years in the period ended July 31, 2019, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the
“financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company
as of July 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31,
2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated September
24, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud,
and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Jericho, New York
September 24, 2019
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
F - 2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.
Melville, New York
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as
of July 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued
by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended July 31, 2019, of the Company and our
report dated September 24, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.
Basis for Opinion
The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our
audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in
accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our
audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Jericho, New York
September 24, 2019
F - 3
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of July 31, 2019 and 2018
Assets
2019
2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Intangibles with finite lives, net
Deferred financing costs, net
Other assets, net
Total assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Dividends payable
Contract liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of capital lease and other obligations
Interest payable
Total current liabilities
Non-current portion of long-term debt, net
Non-current portion of capital lease and other obligations
Income taxes payable
Deferred tax liability, net
Long-term contract liabilities
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share; shares authorized and unissued 2,000,000
Common stock, par value $.10 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued
39,276,161 shares and 38,860,571 shares at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Less:
Treasury stock, at cost (15,033,317 shares at July 31, 2019 and 2018)
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
45,576,000
145,032,000
74,839,000
14,867,000
280,314,000
28,026,000
310,489,000
261,890,000
3,128,000
3,864,000
$ 887,711,000
$
24,330,000
78,584,000
2,406,000
38,682,000
—
757,000
588,000
145,347,000
165,000,000
—
325,000
12,481,000
10,654,000
18,822,000
352,629,000
43,484,000
147,439,000
75,076,000
13,794,000
279,793,000
28,987,000
290,633,000
240,796,000
2,205,000
2,743,000
845,157,000
43,928,000
65,034,000
2,356,000
34,452,000
17,211,000
1,836,000
499,000
165,316,000
148,087,000
765,000
2,572,000
10,927,000
7,689,000
4,117,000
339,473,000
—
—
3,928,000
552,670,000
420,333,000
976,931,000
3,886,000
538,453,000
405,194,000
947,533,000
(441,849,000)
535,082,000
$ 887,711,000
(441,849,000)
505,684,000
845,157,000
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F - 4
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Fiscal Years Ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative
Research and development
Amortization of intangibles
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Acquisition plan expenses
2019
$ 671,797,000
424,357,000
247,440,000
2018
2017
570,589,000
346,648,000
223,941,000
550,368,000
332,183,000
218,185,000
128,639,000
56,407,000
18,320,000
(3,204,000)
5,871,000
206,033,000
113,922,000
53,869,000
21,075,000
—
—
188,866,000
116,080,000
54,260,000
22,823,000
(12,020,000)
—
181,143,000
Operating income
41,407,000
35,075,000
37,042,000
Other expenses (income):
Interest expense
Write-off of deferred financing costs
Interest (income) and other
9,245,000
3,217,000
35,000
10,195,000
11,629,000
—
254,000
—
(68,000)
Income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
28,910,000
3,869,000
24,626,000
(5,143,000)
25,481,000
9,654,000
Net income
Net income per share:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
25,041,000
29,769,000
15,827,000
1.04
1.03
1.25
1.24
0.68
0.67
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
24,124,000
23,825,000
23,433,000
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding – diluted
24,302,000
24,040,000
23,489,000
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F - 5
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6
-
F
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Fiscal Years Ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
2019
2018
2017
$
25,041,000
29,769,000
15,827,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment
Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives
Amortization of stock-based compensation
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Estimated contract settlement costs
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Write-off of deferred financing costs
Changes in other liabilities
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Excess income tax benefit from stock-based award exercises
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisition:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Contract liabilities
Other liabilities, non-current
Interest payable
Income taxes payable
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for acquisition of Solacom Technologies Inc., net of cash acquired
Payment for acquisition of the GD NG-911 business
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings of long-term debt under Credit Facility
Repayment of debt under Term Loan portion of Prior Credit Facility
Net payments under Revolving Loan portion of Prior Credit Facility
Cash dividends paid
Remittance of employees' statutory tax withholdings for stock awards
Repayment of principal amounts under capital lease and other obligations
Payment of deferred financing costs
Proceeds from issuance of employee stock purchase plan shares
Proceeds from exercises of stock options
Payment of shelf registration costs and equity issuance costs
Excess income tax benefit from stock-based award exercises
Net cash used in financing activities
F - 7
11,927,000
18,320,000
11,427,000
1,099,000
6,351,000
(3,204,000)
3,217,000
(1,056,000)
144,000
1,136,000
6,015,000
4,283,000
—
6,315,000
(3,787,000)
915,000
102,000
(21,290,000)
3,554,000
(127,000)
(84,000)
151,000
(2,418,000)
68,031,000
(25,883,000)
(10,000,000)
(8,785,000)
(44,668,000)
165,000,000
(120,121,000)
(48,603,000)
(9,789,000)
(5,042,000)
(1,906,000)
(1,813,000)
935,000
216,000
(148,000)
—
(21,271,000)
13,655,000
21,075,000
8,569,000
2,196,000
—
—
—
—
79,000
573,000
5,628,000
(6,379,000)
—
(24,578,000)
(20,065,000)
787,000
(140,000)
13,728,000
(3,374,000)
9,143,000
(682,000)
234,000
126,000
50,344,000
—
—
(8,642,000)
(8,642,000)
—
(18,960,000)
(8,800,000)
(9,538,000)
(1,143,000)
(2,802,000)
—
855,000
326,000
—
—
(40,062,000)
14,354,000
22,823,000
8,506,000
1,977,000
—
(12,020,000)
—
—
(126,000)
497,000
2,900,000
9,056,000
(82,000)
25,508,000
7,812,000
(956,000)
666,000
(4,472,000)
(21,796,000)
(2,431,000)
(1,442,000)
(1,039,000)
1,355,000
66,917,000
—
—
(8,150,000)
(8,150,000)
—
(33,567,000)
(26,500,000)
(18,872,000)
(262,000)
(3,592,000)
(1,085,000)
694,000
—
(626,000)
82,000
(83,728,000)
(Continued)
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
Fiscal Years Ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
2,092,000
1,640,000
(24,961,000)
2019
2018
2017
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
43,484,000
41,844,000
66,805,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
45,576,000
43,484,000
41,844,000
Supplemental cash flow disclosure
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest
Income taxes, net
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued remittance of employees' statutory tax withholdings for fully-vested
share units
Cash dividends declared but unpaid (including accrual of dividend
equivalents)
Capital lease and other obligations incurred
Accrued additions to property, plant and equipment
Issuance (forfeiture) of restricted stock
Common stock issued for acquisition of Solacom Technologies Inc.
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,669,000
2,005,000
7,291,000
10,424,000
1,112,000
(758,000)
1,787,000
2,963,000
—
2,733,000
2,656,000
2,616,000
—
1,306,000
68,000
902,000
719,000
1,221,000
1,000
(1,000)
14,000
5,606,000
—
—
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F - 8
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies
(a) Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. and
its subsidiaries ("Comtech," "we," "us," or "our"), all of which are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
(b) Nature of Business
We design, develop, produce and market innovative products, systems and services for advanced communications
solutions. We conduct our business through two reportable operating segments: Commercial Solutions and Government
Solutions.
Our business is highly competitive and characterized by rapid technological change. Our growth and financial position
depends on our ability to keep pace with such changes and developments and to respond to the sophisticated requirements
of an increasing variety of secure wireless communications technology users, among other things. Many of our competitors
are substantially larger, and have significantly greater financial, marketing and operating resources and broader product
lines than our own. A significant technological or sales breakthrough by others, including smaller competitors or new
companies, could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, certain of our customers have technological
capabilities in our product areas and could choose to replace our products with their own.
International sales expose us to certain risks, including barriers to trade, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
(which may make our products less price competitive), political and economic instability, availability of suitable export
financing, export license requirements, tariff regulations, and other United States ("U.S.") and foreign regulations that
may apply to the export of our products, as well as the generally greater difficulties of doing business abroad. We attempt
to reduce the risk of doing business in foreign countries by seeking contracts denominated in U.S. dollars, advance or
milestone payments, credit insurance and irrevocable letters of credit in our favor.
(c) Adoption of New Leasing Standard
On August 1, 2019 (the start of our first quarter of fiscal 2020), we adopted ASU No. 2016-02 "Leases (Topic 842),"
which requires lessees to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): (i) a lease liability,
which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, initially measured at the present value of the
lease payments; and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use a specified asset for
the lease term. In January 2018, FASB ASU No. 2018-01 was issued to permit an entity to elect an optional transition
practical expedient to not evaluate under Topic 842 land easements that exist or expired before the entity’s adoption of
Topic 842. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU Nos. 2018-10 and 2018-11, which provide further codification
improvements and relieves the requirement to present prior comparative year results when adopting the new lease standard.
Instead, companies can choose to recognize the cumulative effect of applying the new standard to leased assets and
liabilities as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. In December 2018, FASB ASU No. 2018-20 was issued to
simplify the implementation of Topic 842 for lessors as it relates to sales taxes, lessor costs paid directly by the lessee
and recognition of variable payments for contracts with lease and non-lease components. In March 2019, FASB ASU No.
2019-01 was issued, which addresses: (i) determining the fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not
manufacturers or dealers; (ii) presentation of sales types and direct financing leases on the statement of cash flows; and
(iii) transition disclosures related to Topic 250, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections." This latest ASU specifically
provides an exception to the paragraph 250-10-50-3 that would otherwise have required interim disclosures in the period
of an accounting change including the effect of that change on income from continuing operations, net income, any other
financial statement line item and any affected per-share amounts. On August 1, 2019, we adopted the new leasing standard
using the modified retrospective approach. In addition, we elected certain practical expedients permitted under the
transition guidance within the new standard. Except for recording a total right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability
on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, which amount approximates 4.0% of our total consolidated assets at July 31, 2019,
our adoption of Topic 842 is not expected to have a material impact to our future statements of operations or cash flows.
F - 9
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(d) Revenue Recognition
On August 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" or "ASC 606"
applying the modified retrospective transition method. Except for new presentation or disclosure requirements, the impact
of adoption, both as of August 1, 2018 and for fiscal 2019, was not material to our business, results of operations or
financial condition. As a practical expedient, we adopted the new standard only for existing contracts as of August 1,
2018. All periods prior to August 1, 2018 will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect in those
periods. As a result of ASC 606, we made the following adjustments to our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of August 1,
2018:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(1)
Contract liabilities, current and non-current(2)
$
65,034,000
42,141,000
$
(2,079,000) $
2,079,000
As reported at
July 31, 2018
Adoption of
ASC 606
Balance at
August 1, 2018
62,955,000
44,220,000
(1) See Note (6) - "Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities" for further discussion of reclassification.
(2) Formerly presented on the face of our Consolidated Balance Sheet as "Customer advances and deposits, current and
non-current" prior to our adoption of ASC 606.
The core principle of ASC 606 is that revenue should be recorded in an amount that reflects the consideration to which
we expect to be entitled in exchange for goods or services promised to customers. Under ASC 606, we follow a five-step
model to: (1) identify the contract with our customer; (2) identify our performance obligations in our contract; (3) determine
the transaction price for our contract; (4) allocate the transaction price to our performance obligations; and (5) recognize
revenue using one of the following two methods:
•
Over time - We recognize revenue using the over time method when there is a continuous transfer of control to
the customer over the contractual period of performance. This generally occurs when we enter into a long-term
contract relating to the design, development or manufacture of complex equipment or technology platforms to
a buyer’s specification (or to provide services related to the performance of such contracts). Continuous transfer
of control is typically supported by contract clauses which allow our customers to unilaterally terminate a contract
for convenience, pay for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of work-in-process. Revenue
recognized over time is generally based on the extent of progress toward completion of the related performance
obligations. The selection of the method to measure progress requires judgment and is based on the nature of
the products or services provided. In certain instances, typically for firm fixed-price contracts, we use the cost-
to-cost measure because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as we incur costs on
our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure, the extent of progress toward completion is measured based on
the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion, including warranty costs. Revenues,
including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Costs to fulfill generally
include direct labor, materials, subcontractor costs, other direct costs and an allocation of indirect costs. When
these contracts are modified, the additional goods or services are generally not distinct from those already
provided. As a result, these modifications form part of an existing contract and we must update the transaction
price and our measure of progress for the single performance obligation and recognize a cumulative catch-up
to revenue and gross profits.
For over time contracts using a cost-to-cost measure of progress, we have an estimate at completion ("EAC")
process in which management reviews the progress and execution of our performance obligations. This EAC
process requires management judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract revenue and costs, and
making assumptions for schedule and technical issues. Since certain contracts extend over a long period of time,
the impact of revisions in revenue and or cost estimates during the progress of work may impact current period
earnings through a cumulative adjustment. Additionally, if the EAC process indicates a loss, a provision is made
for the total anticipated loss in the period that it becomes evident. Contract revenue and cost estimates for
significant contracts are generally reviewed and reassessed at least quarterly.
F - 10
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The cost-to-cost method is principally used to account for contracts in our mission-critical technologies and
high-performance transmission technologies product lines and, to a lesser extent, certain location-based and
messaging infrastructure contracts in our public safety and location technologies product line. For service-based
contracts in our public safety and location technologies product line, we recognize revenue over time. These
services are typically recognized as a series of services performed over the contract term using the straight-line
method, or based on our customers’ actual usage of the networks and platforms which we provide.
•
Point in time - When a performance obligation is not satisfied over time, we must record revenue using the point
in time accounting method which generally results in revenue being recognized upon shipment or delivery of a
promised good or service to a customer. This generally occurs when we enter into short term contracts or purchase
orders where items are provided to customers with relatively quick turn-around times. Modifications to such
contracts and or purchase orders, which typically provide for additional quantities or services, are accounted for
as a new contract because the pricing for these additional quantities or services are based on standalone selling
prices.
Point in time accounting is principally applied to contracts in our satellite ground station technologies product
line (which includes satellite modems, solid-state and traveling wave tube amplifiers) and certain contracts for
our solid-state, high-power amplifiers in our high-performance transmission technologies product line. Point in
time accounting is also applied to certain contracts in our mission-critical technologies product line. The contracts
related to these product lines do not meet the requirements for over time revenue recognition because our
customers cannot utilize the equipment for its intended purpose during any phase of our manufacturing process;
customers do not simultaneously receive and or consume the benefits provided by our performance; customers
do not control the asset (i.e., prior to delivery, customers cannot direct the use of the asset, sell or exchange the
equipment, etc.); and, although many of our contracts have termination for convenience clauses and or an
enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, our performance creates an asset with an
alternative use through the point of delivery.
In determining that our equipment has alternative use, we considered the underlying manufacturing process for
our products. In the early phases of manufacturing, raw materials and work in process (including subassemblies)
consist of common parts that are highly fungible among many different types of products and customer
applications. Finished products are either configured to our standard configuration or based on our customers’
specifications. Finished products, whether built to our standard specification or to a customers’ specification,
can be sold to a variety of customers and across many different end use applications with minimal rework, if
needed, and without incurring a significant economic loss.
When identifying a contract with our customer, we consider when it has approval and commitment from both parties, if
the rights of the parties are identified, if the payment terms are identified, if it has commercial substance and if collectability
is probable.
When identifying performance obligations, we consider whether there are multiple promises and how to account for them.
In our contracts, multiple promises are separated if they are distinct, both individually and in the context of the contract.
If multiple promises in a contract are highly interrelated or comprise a series of distinct services performed over time,
they are combined into a single performance obligation. In some cases, we may also provide the customer with an additional
service-type warranty, which we recognize as a separate performance obligation. Service-type warranties do not represent
a significant portion of our consolidated net sales. When service-type warranties represent a separate performance
obligation, the revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the extended warranty period. Our contracts, from time-
to-time, may also include options for additional goods and services. To-date, these options have not represented material
rights to the customer as the pricing for them reflects standalone selling prices. As a result, we do not consider options
we offer to be performance obligations for which we must allocate a portion of the transaction price. In many cases, we
provide assurance-type warranty coverage for some of our products for a period of at least one year from the date of
delivery.
F - 11
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
When identifying the transaction price, we typically utilize the contract's stated price as a starting point. The transaction
price in certain arrangements may include estimated amounts of variable consideration, including award fees, incentive
fees or other provisions that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. We estimate variable consideration as
the amount to which we expect to be entitled, and we include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it
is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the estimation uncertainty
is resolved. The estimation of this variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in
the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of our anticipated performance and all information (e.g., historical,
current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us.
When allocating the contract’s transaction price, we consider each distinct performance obligation. For contracts with
multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using our
best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. We determine standalone
selling price based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is
not observable through past transactions, we estimate the standalone selling price taking into account available information
such as market conditions, including geographic or regional specific factors, competitive positioning, internal costs, profit
objectives and internally approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.
Almost all of our contracts with customers are denominated in U.S. dollars and typically are either firm fixed-price or
cost reimbursable type contracts (including fixed-fee, incentive-fee and time-and-material type contracts). In almost all
of our contracts with customers, we are the principal in the arrangement and report revenue on a gross basis. Transaction
prices for contracts with U.S. domestic and international customers are usually based on specific negotiations with each
customer and in the case of the U.S. government, sometimes based on estimated or actual costs of providing the goods
or services in accordance with applicable regulations. Sales by geography and customer type, as a percentage of
consolidated net sales, are as follows:
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2018
2017
2019
United States
U.S. government
Domestic
Total United States
International
Total
40.1%
34.5%
74.6%
25.4%
100.0%
35.5%
38.9%
74.4%
25.6%
100.0%
32.7%
38.9%
71.6%
28.4%
100.0%
Sales to U.S. government customers include sales to the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"), intelligence and civilian
agencies, as well as sales directly to or through prime contractors. Domestic sales include sales to commercial customers,
as well as to U.S. state and local governments. Included in domestic sales are sales to Verizon Communications Inc.
("Verizon"). Sales to Verizon were 10.0% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018. Except for the U.S. government, there
were no customers that represented more than 10.0% of consolidated net sales during fiscal 2019 and 2017. International
sales for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 (which include sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that are
sold to international customers) were $170,607,000, $145,784,000 and $156,483,000, respectively. Except for the U.S.,
no individual country (including sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that are sold to a foreign
country) represented more than 10% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017.
F - 12
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The following tables summarize our disaggregation of revenue consistent with information reviewed by our chief operating
decision-maker ("CODM") for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019. We believe these categories best depict how the nature,
amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors which impact our business:
Geographical region and customer type
U.S. government
Domestic
Total United States
International
Total
Contract type
Firm fixed-price
Cost reimbursable
Total
Transfer of control
Point in time
Over time
Total
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2019
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
68,534,000
192,516,000
261,050,000
96,243,000
357,293,000
200,708,000
39,432,000
240,140,000
74,364,000
314,504,000
350,850,000
6,443,000
231,400,000
83,104,000
357,293,000
314,504,000
177,090,000
180,203,000
357,293,000
176,067,000
138,437,000
314,504,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
269,242,000
231,948,000
501,190,000
170,607,000
671,797,000
582,250,000
89,547,000
671,797,000
353,157,000
318,640,000
671,797,000
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and collections results in receivables, unbilled receivables and contract
liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Under typical payment terms for our contracts accounted for over time,
amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals (e.g.,
monthly) or upon achievement of contractual milestones. For certain contracts with provisions that are intended to protect
customers in the event we do not satisfy our performance obligations, billings occur subsequent to revenue recognition,
resulting in what we have historically presented as unbilled receivables. Contract assets increased $3,331,000 due to
business combinations discussed in Note (2) - "Acquisitions." Under ASC 606, unbilled receivables constitute contract
assets. There were no material impairment losses recognized on contract assets during the fiscal year ended 2019. On
large long-term contracts, and for contracts with international customers that do not do business with us regularly, payment
terms typically require advanced payments and deposits. Under ASC 606, payments received from customers in excess
of revenue recognized to-date results in a contract liability. These contract liabilities are not considered to represent a
significant financing component of the contract because we believe these cash advances and deposits are generally used
to meet working capital demands which can be higher in the earlier stages of a contract. Also, advanced payments and
deposits provide us with some measure of assurance that the customer will perform on its obligations under the contract.
Under the typical payment terms for our contracts accounted for at a point in time, costs are accumulated in inventory
until the time of billing, which generally coincides with revenue recognition. Contract liabilities increased $5,411,000
due to business combinations discussed in Note (2) - "Acquisitions." Of the total contract liabilities at August 1, 2018,
$33,139,000 was recognized as revenue during fiscal 2019.
We recognize the incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period
of the asset is one year or less. Incremental costs to obtain or fulfill contracts with an amortization period greater than
one year were not material.
As commissions payable to our internal sales and marketing employees or contractors are contingent upon multiple factors,
such commissions are not considered direct costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and are expensed as
incurred in selling, general and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As for commissions
payable to third-party sales representatives related to large long-term contracts, we do consider these types of commissions
both direct and incremental costs to obtain and fulfill such contracts. Therefore, such types of commissions are included
in total estimated costs at completion for such contracts and expensed over time through cost of sales on our Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
F - 13
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of firm orders for which work has not been performed
as of the end of a fiscal period. Remaining performance obligations, which we refer to as backlog, exclude unexercised
contract options and potential orders under indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity ("IDIQ") contracts. As of July 31,
2019, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $682,954,000
(which represents the amount of our consolidated backlog). We expect that a significant portion of our remaining
performance obligations at July 31, 2019 will be completed and recognized as revenue during the next twelve-month
period. During fiscal 2019, revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied, or partially satisfied, in previous
periods (for example due to changes in the transaction price) was not material.
(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash
and have insignificant risk of change in value as a result of changes in interest rates. Our cash and cash equivalents, as
of July 31, 2019 and 2018, amounted to $45,576,000 and $43,484,000, respectively, and primarily consist of bank deposits
and money market deposit accounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Cash equivalents are carried
at cost, which approximates fair value.
(f) Inventories
Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, the latter of which is defined as the estimated
selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.
Our inventories are reduced to their estimated net realizable value by a charge to cost of sales in the period such excess
costs are determined. Our inventories are principally recorded using either average or standard costing methods.
Work-in-process (including our contracts-in-progress) and finished goods inventory reflect all accumulated production
costs, which are comprised of direct production costs and overhead, and is reduced by amounts recorded in cost of sales
as the related revenue is recognized. Indirect costs relating to long-term contracts, which include expenses such as general
and administrative, are charged to expense as incurred and are not included in our cost of sales or work-in-process
(including our contracts-in-progress) and finished goods inventory.
(g) Long-Lived Assets
Our machinery and equipment, which are recorded at cost, are depreciated or amortized over their estimated useful lives
(three to eight years) under the straight-line method. Capitalized values of properties and leasehold improvements under
leases are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated life of the asset, whichever is less.
Goodwill represents the excess cost of a business acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. In accordance
with FASB ASC 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" goodwill is not amortized. We periodically, at least on an annual
basis in the first quarter of each fiscal year, review goodwill, considering factors such as projected cash flows and revenue
and earnings multiples, to determine whether the carrying value of the goodwill is impaired. If we fail the quantitative
assessment of goodwill impairment ("quantitative assessment"), we would be required to recognize an impairment loss
equal to the amount that a reporting unit's carrying value exceeded its fair value; however, any loss recognized should
not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We define our reporting units to be the same as
our operating segments.
We performed our annual goodwill impairment assessment for fiscal 2020 on August 1, 2019 (the first day of our fiscal
2020). See Note (14) - "Goodwill" for more information. Unless there are future indicators that the fair value of a reporting
unit is more likely than not less than its carrying value, such as a significant adverse change in our future financial
performance, our next impairment assessment for goodwill will be performed and completed in the first quarter of fiscal
2021. Any impairment charges that we may record in the future could be material to our results of operations and financial
condition.
F - 14
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of our other long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets
with finite useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may
not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of such assets based upon the expectations of undiscounted cash flows
from such assets. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the
asset, a loss would be recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount.
(h) Research and Development Costs
We charge research and development costs to operations as incurred, except in those cases in which such costs are
reimbursable under customer funded contracts. In fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, we were reimbursed by customers for such
activities in the amount of $14,679,000, $16,924,000 and $27,050,000, respectively. These amounts are not reflected in
the reported research and development expenses in each of the respective periods but are included in net sales with the
related costs included in cost of sales in each of the respective periods.
(i) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change
in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We determine the uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns in accordance with the
provisions of FASB ASC 740-10-25 "Income Taxes," which prescribes a two-step evaluation process for tax positions.
The first step is recognition based on a determination of whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be
sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical
merits of the position. The second step is to measure a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold. The
tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is
not recognized in the financial statements. Our policy is to recognize potential interest and penalties related to uncertain
tax positions in income tax expense.
(j) Earnings Per Share
Our basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares (including
vested but unissued stock units, share units, performance shares and restricted stock units ("RSUs")), outstanding during
each respective period. Our diluted EPS reflects the dilution from potential common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise
of equity-classified stock-based awards, if dilutive, outstanding during each respective period. Pursuant to FASB ASC
260 "Earnings Per Share," equity-classified stock-based awards that are subject to performance conditions are not
considered in our diluted EPS calculations until the respective performance conditions have been satisfied. When
calculating our diluted earnings per share, we consider the amount an employee must pay upon assumed exercise of
stock-based awards and the amount of stock-based compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized.
As a result of our adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 on August 1, 2017 (the start of our first quarter of fiscal 2018), the
amount of excess tax benefits assuming exercise of in-the-money stock-based awards is no longer included in the
calculation of diluted earnings per share on a prospective basis and the denominator for our diluted calculation could
increase in the future as compared to prior calculations. See Note (11) - “Stock-Based Compensation” for more information
on the impact of adopting ASU No. 2016-09.
There were no repurchases of our common stock during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. See Note
(16) - "Stockholders’ Equity" for more information.
Weighted average stock options, RSUs and restricted stock outstanding of 1,347,000, 1,739,000 and 1,986,000 shares
for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were not included in our diluted EPS calculation because their effect would
have been anti-dilutive.
F - 15
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Our EPS calculations exclude 243,000, 258,000 and 228,000 weighted average performance shares outstanding for fiscal
2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as the performance conditions have not yet been satisfied. However, net income (the
numerator) for EPS calculations for each respective period, is reduced by the compensation expense related to these
awards.
The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations:
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2018
2017
2019
Numerator:
Net income for basic calculation
Numerator for diluted calculation
$ 25,041,000
$ 25,041,000
29,769,000
29,769,000
15,827,000
15,827,000
Denominator:
Denominator for basic calculation
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based awards
Denominator for diluted calculation
24,124,000
23,825,000
23,433,000
178,000
24,302,000
215,000
24,040,000
56,000
23,489,000
(k) Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
Using the fair value hierarchy described in FASB ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," we valued our
cash and cash equivalents using Level 1 inputs that were based on quoted market prices.
We believe that the carrying amounts of our other current financial assets (such as accounts receivable) and other current
liabilities (including accounts payable, accrued expenses and the current portion of our favorable AT&T warranty
settlement) approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. We believe the fair value of our current portion
of capital lease and other obligations, which currently has a blended interest rate of approximately 7.0%, would not be
materially different than its carrying value as of July 31, 2019.
The fair value of our Credit Facility that we entered into on October 31, 2018 approximates its carrying amount due to
its variable interest rate and pricing grid that is dependent upon our leverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter.
The fair value of the non-current portion of our favorable AT&T warranty settlement would not be materially different
than its carrying value as of July 31, 2019, given our belief that the present value of such liability reflects market
participants' assumptions for a similar junior, unsecured debt instrument. See Note (6) - "Accrued Expenses and Other
Current Liabilities" for further discussion of the favorable AT&T warranty settlement.
As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, other than the financial instruments discussed above, we had no other significant assets
or liabilities included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets recorded at fair value, as such term is defined by FASB ASC
820.
(l) Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the consolidated financial statements
and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reported period. We make significant estimates in many
areas of our accounting, including but not limited to the following: long-term contracts, stock-based compensation,
intangible assets and liabilities including goodwill, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, allowance for doubtful
accounts, warranty obligations and income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
F - 16
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(m) Comprehensive Income
In accordance with FASB ASC 220 "Comprehensive Income," we report all changes in equity during a period, except
those resulting from investment by owners and distribution to owners, for the period in which they are recognized.
Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all other non-owner changes in equity (or other comprehensive
income) such as unrealized gains/losses on securities classified as available-for-sale, foreign currency translation
adjustments and minimum pension liability adjustments. Comprehensive income was the same as our net income in fiscal
2019, 2018 and 2017.
(n) Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported consolidated financial statements to conform to the fiscal
2019 presentation.
(o) Adoption of Accounting Standards and Updates
We are required to prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards
Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") which is the source for all authoritative U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles, which are commonly referred to as "GAAP." The FASB ASC is subject to updates by the
FASB, which are known as Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs"). During fiscal 2019, we adopted:
•
•
•
FASB ASU No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." See Note (1)(d) - "Revenue
Recognition" for further information.
FASB ASU No. 2016-16 "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory," which eliminates a prior exception
and now requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than
inventory (for example, intellectual property and property, plant and equipment) when the transfer occurs. We adopted
this ASU on August 1, 2018. There was no material impact to our consolidated financial statements (including any
cumulative effect adjustment) and related disclosures upon such adoption.
FASB ASU No. 2019-07, issued in June 2019, which amends various SEC guidance pursuant to the issuance of recent
SEC Final Rule Release No. 33-10532, 33-10231, and 33-10442. This ASU clarifies or improves the disclosure and
presentation requirements of a variety of Codification Topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations, eliminating
redundancies, and making the Codification easier to apply. There was no material impact to our consolidated financial
statements and related disclosures upon such adoption.
(2) Acquisitions
Solacom Technologies Inc.
On February 28, 2019, we completed our acquisition of Solacom Technologies Inc. ("Solacom"), pursuant to the
Arrangement Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2019, by and among Solacom, Comtech and Solar Acquisition Corp., a
Canadian corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Comtech. Solacom is a leading provider of Next Generation
911 ("NG-911") solutions for public safety agencies. The acquisition of Solacom was a significant step in our strategy of
enhancing our public safety and location technologies.
The acquisition has an aggregate purchase price for accounting purposes of $32,934,000, of which $27,328,000 was
settled in cash and $5,606,000 was settled with the issuance of 208,669 shares of Comtech’s common stock at a volume
weighted average stock price of $26.86. The fair value of consideration transferred in connection with this acquisition
was $31,489,000, which was net of $1,445,000 of cash acquired. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded
principally through borrowings under our Credit Facility.
F - 17
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
We are accounting for the acquisition of Solacom under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB
ASC 805, "Business Combinations" ("ASC 805"). The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed, based on their preliminary fair value as of February 28, 2019, pursuant to the business combination accounting
rules. Acquisition plan expenses were not included as a component of consideration transferred and were expensed in the
period incurred. Our Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2019 includes a nominal amount of revenue and
contribution from Solacom. Pro forma financial information is not disclosed, as the acquisition is not material.
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection
with the Solacom acquisition:
Preliminary
Purchase Price
Allocation (1)
Measurement
Period
Adjustments
Purchase Price
Allocation
(as adjusted)
$
$
$
Settled in cash
Settled in common stock issued by
Comtech
Aggregate purchase price at fair value
Allocation of aggregate purchase price:
Cash and cash equivalents
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets, non-current
Accrued warranty obligations
Current liabilities
Contract liabilities, non-current
Net tangible assets at preliminary fair value $
Identifiable intangibles, deferred taxes and
goodwill:
Technology
Customer relationships
Trade name
Deferred tax liabilities
Goodwill
$
27,328,000
— $
27,328,000
5,606,000
32,934,000
1,445,000
9,425,000
777,000
5,374,000
(1,431,000)
(4,477,000)
(1,604,000)
9,509,000
6,779,000
7,007,000
1,828,000
(4,153,000)
11,964,000
—
— $
5,606,000
32,934,000
— $
471,000
—
(315,000)
—
—
—
156,000
$
1,445,000
9,896,000
777,000
5,059,000
(1,431,000)
(4,477,000)
(1,604,000)
9,665,000
Estimated Useful Lives
— $
6,779,000
10 years
—
—
—
(156,000)
7,007,000
20 years
1,828,000
(4,153,000)
11,808,000
20 years
Indefinite
Allocation of aggregate purchase price
$
32,934,000
— $
32,934,000
(1) As initially reported in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2019.
The acquired identifiable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis, which we believe approximates
the pattern in which the assets are utilized over their estimated useful lives. The fair value of customer relationships and
backlog was estimated primarily based on the value of the discounted cash flows that the related intangible asset could
be expected to generate in the future. The fair value of technology and trade name was estimated based on the discounted
capitalization of royalty expense saved because we now own the assets. Among the factors contributing to the recognition
of goodwill, as a component of the purchase price allocation, were synergies in products and technologies and the addition
of a skilled, assembled workforce. This goodwill has been assigned to our Commercial Solutions segment based on
specific identification and is generally not deductible for income tax purposes.
The allocation of the aggregate purchase price shown in the above table was based upon a valuation and estimates and
assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the acquisition
date). The primary areas of the purchase price allocation not yet finalized include a final assessment of income taxes and
residual goodwill.
F - 18
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
GD NG-911 Business
On April 29, 2019, we completed the acquisition of a state and local government NG-911 business pursuant to the Asset
Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2019, by and among General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., Comtech
and Comtech NextGen LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Comtech.
The acquisition of this NG-911 business from GD (the "GD NG-911 business") has a preliminary cash purchase price of
$10,000,000 (which is subject to a working capital adjustment). In connection with this acquisition, we also announced
an award of a five-year contract to develop, implement and operate a NG-911 emergency communications system for a
Northeastern state. Immediately after our announcement of this acquisition, we hired approximately sixty GD NG-911
employees and completed the integration of this business into our Commercial Solutions segment’s public safety and
location technologies product line. The acquisition, contract award and hiring of talented employees are expected to
strengthen Comtech’s position in the growing NG-911 solutions market.
We are accounting for the acquisition of this business under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with
FASB ASC 805. The purchase price, which is subject to a pending closing date balance sheet adjustment process under
the purchase agreement, was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their preliminary fair value
as of April 29, 2019, pursuant to the business combination accounting rules. Acquisition plan expenses were not included
as a component of consideration transferred and were expensed in the period incurred. Our Consolidated Statements of
Operatons for fiscal 2019 include a nominal amount of revenue and contribution from the GD NG-911 business. Pro
forma financial information is not disclosed, as the acquisition is not material.
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection
with the acquisition of the GD NG-911 business:
Aggregate purchase price at fair value
Allocation of aggregate purchase price:
Preliminary
Purchase
Price
Allocation (1)
$ 10,000,000
Measurement
Period
Adjustments
Purchase Price
Allocation
(as adjusted)
— $
10,000,000
Current assets
$
5,790,000
(1,330,000) $
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets, non-current
Accrued warranty obligations
Current liabilities
646,000
3,292,000
(5,000,000)
(3,960,000)
Net tangible assets at preliminary fair value $
768,000
Identifiable intangibles, deferred taxes and
goodwill:
—
134,000
—
798,000
(398,000) $
4,460,000
646,000
3,426,000
(5,000,000)
(3,162,000)
370,000
Estimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships
$ 20,300,000
$
— $
20,300,000
10 years
Technology
Other liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Goodwill
3,500,000
(21,700,000)
(518,000)
7,650,000
—
—
—
398,000
3,500,000
(21,700,000)
(518,000)
8,048,000
15 years
Indefinite
Allocation of aggregate purchase price
$ 10,000,000
— $
10,000,000
(1) As initially reported in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2019.
F - 19
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The acquired identifiable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis, which we believe approximates
the pattern in which the assets are utilized over their estimated useful lives. The fair value of customer relationships was
estimated based on the value of the discounted cash flows that the related intangible asset could be expected to generate
in the future. The fair value of technology was estimated based on the discounted capitalization of royalty expense saved
because we now own the assets. The preliminary fair value of other liabilities was based on the difference in discounted
cash flows related to remaining performance obligations under a certain acquired contract as compared to current market
terms for similar arrangements that a market participant would expect. Other liabilities will be credited against cost of
sales over the remaining performance of the contract, which was 5.25 years as of the acquisition date.
Among the factors contributing to the recognition of goodwill, as a component of the purchase price allocation, were
synergies in solution offerings and the addition of a skilled, assembled workforce. We currently estimate that approximately
$7,300,000 of goodwill resulting from the acquisition will be tax deductible. This goodwill has been assigned to our
Commercial Solutions segment based on specific identification.
We are currently finalizing a working capital adjustment, pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement. In August
2019, the seller proposed and requested an approximate $2,900,000 upward adjustment to the preliminary purchase price.
We do not agree with their proposed adjustment and believe that we are entitled to a reduction of approximately $890,000
to the preliminary purchase price. We expect to reach an amicable resolution.
The allocation of the preliminary purchase price shown in the above table was based on a valuation and estimates and
assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the acquisition
date). The primary areas of the purchase price allocation not yet finalized include the purchase price (due to a pending
closing date balance sheet adjustment process under the purchase agreement), a final assessment of accrued warranty
obligations, income taxes and residual goodwill.
(3) Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist of the following at July 31, 2019 and 2018:
Receivables from commercial and international customers
$
85,556,000
Unbilled receivables from commercial and international customers
Receivables from the U.S. government and its agencies
Unbilled receivables from the U.S government and its agencies
20,469,000
38,856,000
2,018,000
2019
2018
83,411,000
19,731,000
26,251,000
19,807,000
Total accounts receivable
Less allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable, net
146,899,000
149,200,000
1,867,000
1,761,000
$ 145,032,000
147,439,000
Unbilled receivables as of July 31, 2019 relate to contracts-in-progress for which revenue has been recognized, but for
which we have not yet earned the right to bill the customer for work performed to-date. Under ASC 606, which we adopted
on August 1, 2018 (see Note (1)(d) - "Revenue Recognition"), unbilled receivables constitute contract assets. Management
estimates that substantially all amounts not yet billed at July 31, 2019 will be billed and collected within one year.
As of July 31, 2019, except for the U.S. government (and its agencies), which represented 27.8% of total accounts
receivable, there were no other customers which accounted for greater than 10.0% of total accounts receivable. As of
July 31, 2018, the U.S. government (and its agencies) and Verizon represented 30.9% and 10.1%, respectively, of total
accounts receivable.
F - 20
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(4) Inventories
Inventories consist of the following at July 31, 2019 and 2018:
Raw materials and components
Work-in-process and finished goods
Total inventories
Less reserve for excess and obsolete inventories
Inventories, net
2019
53,959,000
40,576,000
94,535,000
19,696,000
74,839,000
$
$
2018
53,649,000
38,854,000
92,503,000
17,427,000
75,076,000
As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the amount of inventory directly related to long-term contracts (including contracts-in-
progress) was $4,053,000 and $1,249,000, respectively, and the amount of inventory related to contracts from third-party
commercial customers who outsource their manufacturing to us was $1,513,000 and $1,310,000, respectively.
(5) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at July 31, 2019 and 2018:
Machinery and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
2019
2018
$ 159,882,000
154,556,000
14,265,000
13,807,000
174,147,000
168,363,000
146,121,000
139,376,000
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
28,026,000
28,987,000
Depreciation and amortization expense on property, plant and equipment amounted to $11,927,000, $13,655,000 and
$14,354,000 for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(6) Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at July 31, 2019 and 2018:
Accrued wages and benefits
Accrued contract costs
Accrued warranty obligations
Accrued legal costs
Accrued commissions and royalties
Other
2019
$
23,295,000
15,007,000
15,968,000
2,835,000
5,114,000
16,365,000
2018
23,936,000
10,016,000
11,738,000
6,179,000
4,654,000
8,511,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$
78,584,000
65,034,000
On August 1, 2018, in connection with our adoption of ASC 606, $2,079,000 of accrued expenses and other current
liabilities were reclassified to contract liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Of this total amount, $1,679,000
and $400,000, respectively, was reclassified from the "accrued warranty obligations" and "other" categories presented
in the above table to contract liabilities, as they represented deferred revenue related to service-type warranty performance
obligations. See Note (1)(d) - "Revenue Recognition" for further discussion of our adoption of ASC 606. Accrued expenses
and other current liabilities as of July 31, 2019 includes the amounts from our acquisitions of Solacom and the GD NG-911
business, as discussed in Note (2) "Acquisitions."
F - 21
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Accrued wages and benefits as of July 31, 2019 and 2018 include $1,787,000 and $2,963,000, respectively, of accrued
remittance of employees' statutory tax withholdings related to the net settlement of fully-vested share units, as discussed
in more detail in Note (11) - "Stock-Based Compensation."
Accrued contract costs represent direct and indirect costs on contracts as well as estimates of amounts owed for invoices
not yet received from vendors or reflected in accounts payable.
Accrued legal costs as of July 31, 2018 included $3,372,000 related to estimated costs associated with a certain
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. ("TCS") intellectual property matter. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019, this
matter was resolved in our favor. As a result, we reduced such accrued legal costs and recorded a $3,204,000 benefit in
the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note (13)(b) - "Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Proceedings and
Other Matters" for additional information.
Other accrued expenses as of July 31, 2019 include $568,000 for the current portion of facility exit costs related to the
closure of a manufacturing facility, as discussed in more detail in Note (7) - "Cost Reduction Actions."
Accrued warranty obligations as of July 31, 2019 relate to estimated liabilities for assurance type warranty coverage that
we provide to our customers. We generally provide warranty coverage for some of our products for a period of at least
one year from the date of delivery. We record a liability for estimated warranty expense based on historical claims, product
failure rates, a consideration of contractual obligations, future costs to resolve software issues and other factors. Some
of our product warranties are provided under long-term contracts, the costs of which are incorporated into our estimates
of total contract costs.
Changes in our accrued warranty obligations during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
Balance at beginning of year
$
Reclass to contract liabilities as of August 1, 2018
Provision for warranty obligations
Additions (in connection with acquisitions)
Charges incurred
Warranty settlement and reclass (see below)
Balance at end of year
2019
11,738,000
(1,679,000)
3,902,000
6,431,000
(6,151,000)
1,727,000
$
15,968,000
2018
17,617,000
—
5,055,000
—
(8,244,000)
(2,690,000)
11,738,000
Our current accrued warranty obligations at July 31, 2019 and 2018 include $3,999,000 and $4,650,000, respectively, of
warranty obligations for a small product line that we refer to as the TCS 911 call handling software solution. This solution
was licensed to customers prior to our acquisition of TCS. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018, we entered into a
full and final warranty settlement with AT&T, the largest customer/distributor of this product line, pursuant to which we
issued thirty-six credits to AT&T of $153,000 which AT&T can apply on a monthly basis to purchases of solutions from
us, beginning October 2017 through September 2020. As of July 31, 2019, the total present value of these monthly credits
is $2,029,000, of which $1,727,000 is included in our current accrued warranty obligations and $302,000 is reflected in
other liabilities (non-current) on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. In connection with this favorable settlement, during
the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018, we recorded a benefit to cost of sales of $660,000.
In connection with our acquisition of Solacom and the GD NG-911 business, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019,
we assumed warranty obligations related to certain contracts acquired. See Note (2) - "Acquisitions" for further information
pertaining to these acquisitions.
(7) Cost Reduction Actions
During the three months ended October 31, 2018, we took steps to improve our future operating results and successfully
consolidated our Government Solutions segment’s manufacturing facility located in Tampa, Florida with another facility
that we maintain in Orlando, Florida. In doing so, we accrued $1,373,000 of facility exit costs, which were recorded in
selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
F - 22
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
During the fiscal year ended 2019, we made cash payments of $805,000 related to such facility exit cost accrual. As of
July 31, 2019, the remaining estimated facility exit costs amounted to $568,000, which is included in accrued expenses
on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. To-date, we have incurred an immaterial amount of severance and retention costs
related to our Florida facilities consolidation.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we began an evaluation and repositioning of our public safety and location
technologies solutions in order to focus on providing higher margin solution offerings. This evaluation and repositioning
continued throughout the remainder of fiscal 2019 and is ongoing. To date, we have ceased offering certain solutions,
have worked with customers to wind-down certain legacy contracts and have not renewed certain contracts. In connection
with this ongoing repositioning, we recorded $6,351,000 of estimated contract settlement costs in our Commercial
Solutions segment during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019.
(8) Credit Facility
On October 31, 2018, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") with a
syndicate of lenders, replacing our prior Credit Agreement dated as of February 23, 2016 (as amended by that certain
First Amendment, dated as of June 6, 2017 (the "Prior Credit Facility")). In connection with the establishment of our new
Credit Facility, during the three months ended October 31, 2018, we wrote-off $3,217,000 of deferred financing costs
primarily related to the Term Loan Facility portion of our Prior Credit Facility and capitalized deferred financing costs
of $1,813,000 related to the new Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility provides a senior secured loan facility of up to $550,000,000 consisting of: (i) a revolving loan facility
("Revolving Loan Facility") with a borrowing limit of $300,000,000; (ii) an accordion feature allowing us to borrow up
to an additional $250,000,000; (iii) a $35,000,000 letter of credit sublimit; and (iv) a swingline loan credit sublimit of
$25,000,000.
The Credit Facility matures on October 31, 2023 (the "Revolving Maturity Date"). If we issue new unsecured debt in
excess of $5,000,000 with a maturity date that is less than 91 days from October 31, 2023, the Revolving Maturity Date
would automatically accelerate so that it would be 91 days earlier than the maturity date of the new unsecured debt.
The proceeds of the new Credit Facility were used, in part, to repay in full the outstanding borrowings under the Prior
Credit Facility, and additional proceeds of the Credit Facility are expected to be used by us for working capital and other
general corporate purposes. As of July 31, 2019, the amount outstanding under our Credit Facility was $165,000,000
which is reflected in the non-current portion of long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. At July 31, 2019, we
had $2,686,000 of standby letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Facility related to guarantees of future performance
on certain customer contracts and no outstanding commercial letters of credit. Since October 31, 2018, we had outstanding
balances under the new Credit Facility ranging from $150,000,000 to $184,000,000.
As of July 31, 2019, total net deferred financing costs related to the Credit Facility were $3,128,000 and are being amortized
over the term of our Credit Facility through October 31, 2023.
Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, recorded during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019,
2018 and 2017 was $8,859,000, $9,614,000 and $11,106,000, respectively. The amount for the most recent fiscal year
relates to both our Prior Credit Facility and new Credit Facility; whereas, the amount in the prior fiscal years relates to
our Prior Credit Facility. Our blended interest rate approximated 5.25%, 5.40% and 4.90% for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
F - 23
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Borrowings under the Credit Facility shall be either: (i) Alternate Base Rate borrowings, which bear interest from the
applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to (x) the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate (as defined) in effect on such
day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined) in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1.00% per annum and (c) the
Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined) on such day (or, if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business
day) plus 1.00% per annum, plus (y) the Applicable Rate (as defined), or (ii) Eurodollar borrowings, which bear interest
from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to (x) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such interest period plus
(y) the Applicable Rate. Determination of the Applicable Rate is based on a pricing grid that is dependent upon our Secured
Leverage Ratio (as defined) as of the end of each fiscal quarter for which consolidated financial statements have been
most recently delivered.
The Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. The Credit Facility also
contains customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions, including but not limited to: (i) liens, (ii)
investments, (iii) indebtedness, (iv) significant corporate changes, including mergers and acquisitions, (v) dispositions,
(vi) restricted payments, including stockholder dividends, and (vii) certain other restrictive agreements. The Credit Facility
also contains certain financial covenants and customary events of default (subject to grace periods, as appropriate), such
as payment defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency, the occurrence of a defined
change in control and the failure to observe the negative covenants and other covenants related to the operation of our
business. In addition, under certain circumstances, we may be required to enter into amendments to the Credit Facility
in connection with any further syndication of the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility provides for, among other things: (i) no scheduled payments of principal until maturity; (ii) a maximum
Secured Leverage Ratio of 3.75x trailing twelve months ("TTM") Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation
and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") and a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio of 4.50x TTM Adjusted EBITDA, each
with no step downs; and (iii) a Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio of 3.25x TTM Adjusted EBITDA.
As of July 31, 2019, our Secured Leverage Ratio was 1.74x TTM Adjusted EBITDA compared to the maximum allowable
Secured Leverage Ratio of 3.75x TTM Adjusted EBITDA. Our Interest Expense Coverage Ratio as of July 31, 2019 was
12.05x TTM Adjusted EBITDA compared to the Minimum Interest Expense Coverage Ratio of 3.25x TTM Adjusted
EBITDA. Given our expected future business performance, we anticipate maintaining compliance with the terms and
financial covenants in our Credit Facility for the foreseeable future.
The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). As
collateral security under the Credit Facility and the guarantees thereof, we and the Guarantors have granted to the
administrative agent, for the benefit of the lenders, a lien on, and first priority security interest in, substantially all of our
tangible and intangible assets.
On December 6, 2018, we entered into the first amendment to the Credit Facility. The purpose of the amendment is to
provide for a mechanism to replace the LIBO Rate for Eurodollar borrowings with an alternative benchmark interest rate,
should the LIBO Rate generally become unavailable in the future on an other-than-temporary basis.
The Prior Credit Facility was a $400,000,000 secured credit facility and comprised of a senior secured term loan A facility
of $250,000,000 (the "Term Loan Facility") and a secured revolving loan facility of up to $150,000,000, including a
$25,000,000 letter of credit sublimit (the "Revolving Loan Facility"). The proceeds of the Prior Credit Facility were
primarily used to finance our acquisition of TCS, including the repayment of certain existing indebtedness of TCS. During
the three months ended October 31, 2018, we had outstanding balances under the Revolving Loan Facility, ranging from
$34,904,000 to $63,804,000.
F - 24
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
As of July 31, 2018, the net amount outstanding under the Prior Credit Facility was as follows:
Term Loan Facility
Less unamortized deferred financing costs related to Term Loan Facility
Term Loan Facility, net
Revolving Loan Facility
Amount outstanding under Secured Credit Facility, net
Less current portion of long-term debt
Non-current portion of long-term debt
$
$
2018
120,121,000
3,427,000
116,694,000
48,604,000
165,298,000
17,211,000
148,087,000
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth for such terms in the Credit Facility and the
Prior Credit Facility, which have been documented and filed with the SEC.
(9) Capital Lease and Other Obligations
We lease certain equipment under capital leases. As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, the net book value of the leased assets which
collateralize the capital lease and other obligations was $864,000 and $2,547,000, respectively, and consisted primarily of
machinery and equipment. Depreciation of leased assets is included in depreciation expense.
As of July 31, 2019, our capital lease and other obligations reflect a blended interest rate of approximately 7.00%. Our capital
leases generally contain provisions whereby we can purchase the equipment at the end of the lease for a one dollar buyout.
Future minimum payments under capital lease and other obligations consisted of the following at July 31, 2019:
Fiscal 2020
Total minimum lease payments
Less: amounts representing interest
Present value of net minimum lease payments
Current portion of capital lease and other obligations
Non-current portion of capital lease and other obligations
$
$
789,000
789,000
32,000
757,000
757,000
—
(10) Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Reform"), was enacted in the U.S. Tax
Reform significantly lowered the amount of our current and future income tax expense primarily due to the reduction
in the U.S. statutory income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%. This provision went into effect on January 1, 2018 and
required us to remeasure our deferred tax assets and liabilities. In connection with Tax Reform, during fiscal 2018, we
recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $11,792,000, primarily related to the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities
associated with non-deductible amortization related to intangible assets. This remeasurement was recorded pursuant to
ASC 740 "Income Taxes" and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118, using estimates based on reasonable and
supportable assumptions and available information as of such reporting date. In the event the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") issues clarifying or interpretive guidance related to Tax Reform, it may result in a change to our estimated income
tax. In fiscal 2019 and beyond, Tax Reform will result in the loss of our ability to take the domestic production activities
deduction, which has been repealed, and is also likely to result in lower tax deductions for certain executive compensation
expenses.
For fiscal 2019, we were subject to a U.S. statutory income tax rate of 21.0%. For fiscal 2018, we were subject to a
35.0% statutory income tax rate with respect to the period August 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and a 21.0%
statutory income tax rate with respect to the period January 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018, or a blended U.S. statutory
income tax rate for fiscal 2018 of approximately 27.0%. As such, our effective tax rate for accounting purposes in fiscal
2018, excluding discrete items, was 27.0%.
F - 25
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:
U.S.
Foreign
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2018
22,243,000
2,383,000
24,626,000
2019
28,813,000
97,000
28,910,000
2017
23,732,000
1,749,000
25,481,000
$
$
The provision for (benefit from) income taxes included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations
consists of the following:
Federal – current
Federal – deferred
State and local – current
State and local – deferred
Foreign – current
Foreign – deferred
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2018
2017
2019
$
(2,190,000)
4,782,000
367,000
(7,499,000)
(441,000)
8,399,000
1,715,000
(321,000)
62,000
(179,000)
440,000
1,115,000
429,000
5,000
(5,143,000)
608,000
659,000
413,000
16,000
9,654,000
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
$
3,869,000
The provision for (benefit from) income taxes differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal
income tax rate as a result of the following:
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2019
2018
2017
Amount
Rate
Amount
Rate
Amount
Rate
Computed "expected" tax expense
$
6,071,000
21.0%
6,615,000
27.0 %
8,919,000
35.0%
Increase (reduction) in income taxes
resulting from:
State and local income taxes, net
of federal benefit
Stock-based compensation
Research and experimentation
credits
Foreign-derived intangible
income deduction
Nondeductible transaction costs
Nondeductible executive
compensation
Audit settlements
Tax Reform remeasurement of
deferred taxes
Foreign income taxes
Other, net
967,000
(44,000)
3.3
(0.1)
1,193,000
4.8
1,257,000
(1,112,000)
(4.5)
78,000
4.9
0.3
(1,129,000)
(3.9)
(678,000)
(2.8)
(919,000)
(3.6)
(632,000)
394,000
330,000
(2,081,000)
—
5,000
(12,000)
(2.2)
1.4
1.1
(7.2)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(22,000)
(0.1)
88,000
—
—
(11,317,000)
(46.0)
—
—
—
—
0.3
—
—
(221,000)
(0.9)
(151,000)
(0.6)
399,000
1.5
382,000
1.6
Provision for (benefit from) income
taxes
$
3,869,000
13.4%
(5,143,000)
(21.0)%
9,654,000
37.9%
F - 26
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities
at July 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below:
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory and warranty reserves
Compensation and commissions
Contract liabilities
Federal, state and foreign research and experimentation credits
Federal alternative minimum tax credit
Stock-based compensation
Acquisition-related contingent liabilities
Federal, state and foreign net operating losses
Other
Less: valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment
Intangibles
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
2019
2018
$
7,318,000
3,548,000
5,331,000
18,183,000
1,800,000
5,817,000
1,250,000
6,248,000
7,651,000
(12,568,000)
44,578,000
(1,362,000)
(54,612,000)
(55,974,000)
(11,396,000)
$
5,089,000
3,511,000
—
18,816,000
3,243,000
5,092,000
2,477,000
7,349,000
4,672,000
(11,854,000)
38,395,000
(1,155,000)
(48,167,000)
(49,322,000)
(10,927,000)
At July 31, 2019, our net deferred tax liability of $11,396,000 includes $1,085,000 of foreign net deferred tax assets that
were recorded as other assets, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. At July 31, 2018, the entire $10,927,000 of net
deferred tax liabilities were recorded as deferred tax liability, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We provide for income taxes under the provisions of FASB ASC 740 "Income Taxes." FASB ASC 740 requires an asset
and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of them will not be realized. If
management determines that it is more likely than not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized, a
valuation allowance will be recorded against such deferred tax assets.
At July 31, 2019, we had federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $1,800,000, which are available to
offset future federal income taxes. We have federal research and experimentation credits of $8,725,000 that will begin
to expire in 2027. The timing and manner in which we may utilize tax credits in future tax years will be limited by the
amounts and timing of future taxable income and by the application of the ownership change rules under Section 383
of the Internal Revenue Code.
We have state net operating loss carryforwards available of $3,808,000 which expire through 2038, utilization of which
will be limited by the amounts and timing of future taxable income and by the application of the ownership change rules
under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain
state net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation
allowance of $3,746,000 on the deferred tax assets relating to these state net operating loss carryforwards. We have state
research and experimentation credit carryforwards of $7,032,000 expiring through 2038. We believe that it is more likely
than not that the benefit from certain state research and experimentation credits will not be realized. In recognition of
this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $6,820,000 on the deferred tax assets relating to these state credits.
F - 27
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
At July 31, 2019, we had foreign deferred tax assets relating to net operating loss carryforwards of $2,440,000. These
losses were generated by Solacom prior to being acquired by Comtech and will begin to expire in 2023. We believe that
it is more likely than not that a portion of these net operating loss carryforwards may not be realized. In recognition of
this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $656,000 on the deferred tax assets relating to these net operating
loss carryforwards. We have foreign deferred tax assets relating to research and experimentation credits of $2,426,000
that will begin to expire in 2019. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain foreign research
and experimentation credits may not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of
$539,000 on the deferred tax assets relating to foreign research and experimentation credits. At July 31, 2018, our foreign
deferred tax assets relating to research and experimentation credits have been offset by a valuation allowance as they
may not be utilized in a future period. Our foreign earnings and profits are insignificant and, as such, we have not recorded
any deferred tax liability on unremitted foreign earnings.
We must generate $197,600,000 of taxable income in the future to fully utilize our net deferred tax assets as of July 31,
2019. Management believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable
income to realize the net deferred tax assets.
At July 31, 2019 and 2018, total unrecognized tax benefits were $7,215,000 and $9,339,000, respectively, including
interest of $12,000 and $202,000, respectively. At July 31, 2019 and 2018, $325,000 and 2,572,000, respectively, of our
unrecognized tax benefits were recorded as non-current income taxes payable on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The
remaining unrecognized tax benefits of $6,890,000 and $6,767,000 at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were
presented as an offset to the associated non-current deferred tax assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of the total
unrecognized tax benefits, $6,670,000 and $8,563,000 at July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, net of the reversal of the
federal benefit recognized as a deferred tax asset relating to state reserves, would favorably impact our effective tax rate,
if recognized. Unrecognized tax benefits result from income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on our income
tax returns for which a tax benefit has not been recorded in our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect that
there will be any significant changes to our total unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
Our policy is to recognize potential interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The
following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017
(excluding interest):
2019
2018
2017
Balance at beginning of period
$
9,137,000
Increase related to current period
Increase related to prior periods
Expiration of statute of limitations
Decrease related to prior periods
Balance at end of period
$
893,000
17,000
(394,000)
(2,450,000)
7,203,000
8,586,000
645,000
49,000
(81,000)
(62,000)
9,137,000
9,108,000
587,000
86,000
(404,000)
(791,000)
8,586,000
Our federal income tax returns for fiscal 2017 and 2018 are subject to potential future IRS audit. None of our state
income tax returns prior to fiscal 2015 are subject to audit. TCS's federal income tax returns for tax year 2015 and the
tax period from January 1, 2016 to February 23, 2016, the date we acquired TCS, are subject to potential future IRS
audit. None of TCS's state income tax returns prior to calendar year 2014 are subject to audit. Future tax assessments
or settlements could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
F - 28
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(11) Stock-Based Compensation
Overview
We issue stock-based awards to certain of our employees and our Board of Directors pursuant to our 2000 Stock Incentive
Plan, as amended, (the "Plan") and our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") and recognize related stock-
based compensation in our consolidated financial statements. The Plan provides for the granting to employees and
consultants of Comtech (including prospective employees and consultants): (i) incentive and non-qualified stock options,
(ii) restricted stock units ("RSUs"), (iii) RSUs with performance measures (which we refer to as "performance shares"),
(iv) restricted stock, (v) stock units (reserved for issuance to non-employee directors) and share units (reserved for issuance
to employees) (collectively, "share units") and (vi) stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), among other types of awards. Our
non-employee directors are eligible to receive non-discretionary grants of stock-based awards, subject to certain
limitations.
On August 1, 2017 (the start of our first quarter of fiscal 2018), we adopted ASU No. 2016-09, which amended several
aspects of the accounting for and reporting of our share-based payment transactions, including:
Excess tax benefits and shortfalls - ASU No. 2016-09 requires that all tax effects related to our share-based
awards be recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. ASU No. 2016-09 also removed the prior
requirement to delay recognition of excess tax benefits until it reduces current taxes payable; instead, we are
now required to recognize excess tax benefits as discrete items in the interim period in which they occur, subject
to normal valuation allowance considerations. As ASU No. 2016-09 eliminated the concept of accumulated
hypothetical tax benefits, excess tax benefits and shortfalls are no longer recognized in stockholders’ equity. As
a result, ASU No. 2016-09 is expected to result in future volatility of our income tax expense (as the future tax
effects of share-based awards will be dependent on the price of our common stock at the time of settlement).
Additionally, on a prospective basis, excess income tax benefits from the settlement of share-based awards are
presented as a cash inflow from operating activities in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Diluted earnings per share - Prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, in addition to considering the amount
an employee must pay upon assumed exercise of stock-based awards and the amount of stock-based compensation
cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized, when calculating our diluted earnings per share, the
assumed proceeds also included the amount of excess tax benefits, if any, that would have been credited to
additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of in-the-money stock-based awards. Effective with our adoption
of ASU No. 2016-09, excess tax benefits are to be excluded from the calculation on a prospective basis. As a
result, the denominator for our diluted calculations could increase in the future as compared to prior calculations.
Forfeitures - As permitted by ASU No. 2016-09, we elected to continue to estimate forfeitures of share-based
awards.
Statutory Tax Withholding Requirements - ASU No. 2016-09 now allows us, when net settling share-based
awards, to withhold an amount up to the employees’ maximum individual tax rate in the relevant jurisdiction,
without resulting in liability classification of the award. To qualify, we must have at least some withholding
obligation. This aspect of adopting ASU No. 2016-09 did not have any material impact on us. However, with
respect to cash payments that we make to taxing authorities on behalf of employees for such shares withheld,
on a retrospective basis, we are required to present such payments as a cash outflow from financing activities
in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (as opposed to operating activities).
As of July 31, 2019, the aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be issued, pursuant to the Plan, may
not exceed 10,362,500. Stock options granted may not have a term exceeding ten years or, in the case of an incentive
stock award granted to a stockholder who owns stock representing more than 10.0% of the voting power, no more than
five years. We expect to settle all outstanding awards under the Plan and employee purchases under the ESPP with the
issuance of new shares of our common stock.
As of July 31, 2019, we had granted stock-based awards pursuant to the Plan representing the right to purchase and/or
acquire an aggregate of 8,546,187 shares (net of 3,989,425 expired and canceled awards), of which an aggregate of
6,035,956 have been exercised or settled.
F - 29
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
As of July 31, 2019, the following stock-based awards, by award type, were outstanding:
Stock options
Performance shares
RSUs and restricted stock
Share units
Total
July 31, 2019
1,555,555
261,336
432,550
260,790
2,510,231
Our ESPP provides for the issuance of up to 1,050,000 shares of our common stock. Our ESPP is intended to provide our
eligible employees the opportunity to acquire our common stock at 85% of fair market value at the date of issuance.
Through July 31, 2019, we have cumulatively issued 787,051 shares of our common stock to participating employees in
connection with our ESPP.
Stock-based compensation for awards issued is reflected in the following line items in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations:
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Stock-based compensation expense
before income tax benefit
Estimated income tax benefit
Net stock-based compensation expense
$
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2018
2019
$
1,047,000
9,336,000
1,044,000
11,427,000
(2,553,000)
8,874,000
758,000
6,866,000
945,000
8,569,000
(2,005,000)
6,564,000
2017
760,000
7,071,000
675,000
8,506,000
(3,065,000)
5,441,000
Stock-based compensation for equity-classified awards is measured at the date of grant, based on an estimate of the fair
value of the award and is generally expensed over the vesting period of the award. At July 31, 2019, unrecognized stock-
based compensation of $7,714,000, net of estimated forfeitures of $869,000, is expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 2.8 years. Total stock-based compensation capitalized and included in ending inventory at both July 31,
2019 and 2018 was $48,000. There are no liability-classified stock-based awards outstanding as of July 31, 2019 or 2018.
Stock-based compensation expense, by award type, is summarized as follows:
Stock options
Performance shares
RSUs and restricted stock
ESPP
Share units
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax
benefit
Estimated income tax benefit
Net stock-based compensation expense
$
$
2019
Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
2018
1,089,000
739,000
1,554,000
2,149,000
215,000
6,770,000
1,013,000
1,458,000
205,000
4,804,000
2017
1,400,000
1,607,000
829,000
162,000
4,508,000
11,427,000
(2,553,000)
8,874,000
8,569,000
(2,005,000)
6,564,000
8,506,000
(3,065,000)
5,441,000
ESPP stock-based compensation expense primarily relates to the 15% discount offered to participants in the ESPP. During
the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded benefits of $130,000 and $62,000, respectively, which primarily
represents the recoupment of certain share units.
F - 30
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The estimated income tax benefit as shown in the above table was computed using income tax rates expected to apply
when the awards are settled. Such deferred tax asset was recorded net as part of our non-current deferred tax liability on
our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 31, 2019 and 2018. The actual income tax benefit recognized for tax reporting
is based on the fair market value of our common stock at the time of settlement and can significantly differ from the
estimated income tax benefit recorded for financial reporting.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes the Plan's activity:
Outstanding at July 31, 2016
Expired/canceled
Outstanding at July 31, 2017
Expired/canceled
Exercised
Outstanding at July 31, 2018
Expired/canceled
Exercised
Outstanding at July 31, 2019
Exercisable at July 31, 2019
Awards
(in Shares)
2,256,679
(400,804)
1,855,875
(72,190)
(114,710)
1,668,975
(32,490)
(80,930)
1,555,555
1,389,895
Vested and expected to vest at July 31, 2019
1,538,930
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
28.87
$
30.15
28.60
27.58
27.44
28.72
30.11
28.18
28.72
$
$
$
28.73
28.75
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
3.54 $
2,512,000
3.26 $
2,186,000
3.51 $
2,460,000
Stock options outstanding as of July 31, 2019 have exercise prices ranging from $20.90 - $33.94, representing the fair
market value of our common stock on the date of grant, a contractual term of five or ten years and a vesting period of
three or five years. The total intrinsic value relating to stock options exercised during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019
and 2018 was $576,000 and $469,000, respectively. There were no stock options exercised during the fiscal year ended
2017.
During fiscal 2019 and 2018, at the election of certain holders of vested stock options, 72,830 and 101,610 stock options,
respectively, were net settled upon exercise. As a result, 9,345 and 8,706 net shares of our common stock were issued
during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, after reduction of shares retained to satisfy the exercise
price and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements.
F - 31
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Performance Shares, RSUs, Restricted Stock and Share Unit Awards
The following table summarizes the Plan's activity relating to performance shares, RSUs, restricted stock and share units:
Outstanding at July 31, 2016
Granted
Settled
Forfeited
Outstanding at July 31, 2017
Granted
Settled
Canceled/Forfeited
Outstanding at July 31, 2018
Granted
Settled
Canceled/Forfeited
Outstanding at July 31, 2019
Vested at July 31, 2019
Vested and expected to vest at July 31, 2019
Awards
(in Shares)
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
217,213
705,241
(61,462)
(30,795)
830,197
473,005
(354,822)
(129,942)
818,438
442,363
(275,619)
(30,506)
954,676
321,702
914,082
$
$
$
$
28.32
14.31
26.63
17.13
16.95
22.45
17.66
17.26
19.78
29.76
26.05
25.52
22.40
$ 28,411,000
25.82
$
9,574,000
22.55
$ 27,203,000
The total intrinsic value relating to fully-vested awards settled during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
was $8,772,000, $10,473,000 and $1,039,000 respectively.
The performance shares granted to employees since fiscal 2014 principally vest over a three-year performance period, if
pre-established performance goals are attained, or as specified pursuant to the Plan and related agreements. As of July 31,
2019, the number of outstanding performance shares included in the above table, and the related compensation expense
prior to consideration of estimated pre-vesting forfeitures, assume achievement of the pre-established goals at a target
level.
RSUs and restricted stock granted to non-employee directors have a vesting period of three years and are convertible into
shares of our common stock generally at the time of termination, on a one-for-one basis for no cash consideration, or
earlier under certain circumstances. RSUs granted to employees have a vesting period of five years and are convertible
into shares of our common stock generally at the time of vesting, on a one-for-one basis for no cash consideration.
Share units granted prior to July 31, 2017 were vested when issued and are convertible into shares of our common stock,
generally at the time of termination, on a one-for-one basis for no cash consideration, or earlier under certain circumstances.
Share units granted on or after July 31, 2017 were granted to certain employees in lieu of non-equity incentive compensation
and are convertible into shares of our common stock on the one-year anniversary of the respective grant date.
On July 31, 2019, 257,608 fully vested share units were granted to certain employees in lieu of fiscal 2019 non-equity
incentive compensation. Also, on July 31, 2019, 146,410 fully vested share units (previously granted in lieu of fiscal 2018
non-equity incentive compensation) were settled by delivery of 90,928 shares of our common stock after reduction of
share units retained to satisfy employees’ statutory tax withholding requirements. Cumulatively, through July 31, 2019,
421,966 share units granted have been settled.
F - 32
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The fair value of performance shares, RSUs, restricted stock and share units is determined using the closing market price
of our common stock on the date of grant, less the present value of any estimated future dividend equivalents such awards
are not entitled to receive and an applicable estimated discount for any post-vesting transfer restrictions. RSUs,
performance shares and restricted stock granted since fiscal 2013 are entitled to dividend equivalents unless forfeited
before vesting occurs. Share units granted since fiscal 2014 are entitled to dividend equivalents while the underlying
shares are unissued.
Dividend equivalents are subject to forfeiture, similar to the terms of the underlying stock-based awards, and are payable
in cash generally at the time of settlement of the underlying award. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, we accrued
$327,000, $300,000 and $273,000, respectively, of dividend equivalents (net of forfeitures) and paid out $263,000,
$141,000 and $176,000, respectively. Accrued dividend equivalents were recorded as a reduction to retained earnings.
As of July 31, 2019 and 2018, accrued dividend equivalents were $777,000 and $713,000, respectively.
With respect to the actual settlement of stock-based awards for income tax reporting, during the fiscal years ended July 31,
2019 and 2018 we recorded income tax benefits of $479,000 and $1,193,000, respectively, which primarily represent the
net excess income tax benefits upon settlement of stock-based awards during each of the respective periods. During fiscal
2017, net income tax shortfalls from similar items totaled $670,000 and, pursuant to prior GAAP, were recorded as a
reduction to additional paid-in capital.
Subsequent Events
In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, our Board of Directors authorized the issuance of stock-based awards with a total
unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, of approximately $5,632,000.
(12) Segment Information
Reportable operating segments are determined based on Comtech’s management approach. The management approach,
as defined by FASB ASC 280 "Segment Reporting" is based on the way that the CODM organizes the segments within
an enterprise for making decisions about resources to be allocated and assessing their performance. Our CODM, for
purposes of FASB ASC 280, is our Chief Executive Officer and President.
Our Commercial Solutions segment offers satellite ground station technologies (such as modems and amplifiers) and
public safety and location technologies (such as 911 call routing and mapping solutions) to commercial customers and
smaller government customers, such as state and local governments. This segment also serves certain large government
customers (including the U.S. government) that have requirements for off-the-shelf commercial equipment.
Our Government Solutions segment provides mission-critical technologies (such as tactical satellite-based networks and
ongoing support for complicated communications networks) and high-performance transmission technologies (such as
troposcatter systems and solid-state, high-power amplifiers) to large government end-users (including those of foreign
countries), large international customers and domestic prime contractors.
Our CODM primarily uses a metric that we refer to as Adjusted EBITDA to measure an operating segment’s performance
and to make decisions about resources to be allocated. Our Adjusted EBITDA metric for the Commercial Solutions and
Government Solutions segments do not consider any allocation of indirect expenses, or any of the following: income
taxes, interest (income) and other, write-off of deferred financing costs, interest expense, amortization of stock-based
compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation expense, estimated contract settlement costs, settlement of
intellectual property litigation, acquisition plan expenses, facility exit costs or strategic alternatives analysis expenses
and other expenses that relate to our Unallocated segment. These items, while periodically affecting our results, may vary
significantly from period to period and may have a disproportionate effect in a given period, thereby affecting the
comparability of results. Any amounts shown in the Adjusted EBITDA calculation for our Commercial Solutions and
Government Solutions segments are directly attributable to those segments. Our Adjusted EBITDA is also used by our
management in assessing the Company's operating results. Although closely aligned, the Company's definition of Adjusted
EBITDA is different than the Consolidated EBITDA (as such term is defined in our Credit Facility) utilized for financial
covenant calculations and also may differ from the definition of EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA used by other companies
and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
F - 33
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Operating segment information, along with a reconciliation of segment net income (loss) and consolidated net income
to Adjusted EBITDA is presented in the tables below:
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2019
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Net income (loss)
Provision for income taxes
Interest (income) and other
Write-off of deferred financing costs
Interest expense
Amortization of stock-based compensation
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation
Estimated contract settlement costs
Settlement of intellectual property litigation
Acquisition plan expenses
Facility exit costs
Adjusted EBITDA
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Long-lived assets acquired in connection with
acquisitions
Commercial
Solutions
$ 357,293,000
Government
Solutions
314,504,000
36,053,000
28,997,000
35,888,000
19,000
75,000
—
71,000
—
14,944,000
9,265,000
6,351,000
—
—
—
29,029,000
—
(41,000)
—
9,000
—
3,376,000
1,891,000
—
—
—
1,373,000
66,613,000
35,637,000
Unallocated
Total
— $ 671,797,000
(23,643,000) $ 41,407,000
(39,876,000) $ 25,041,000
3,869,000
35,000
3,850,000
1,000
3,217,000
9,165,000
11,427,000
—
771,000
—
(3,204,000)
5,871,000
3,217,000
9,245,000
11,427,000
18,320,000
11,927,000
6,351,000
(3,204,000)
5,871,000
—
1,373,000
(8,778,000) $ 93,472,000
6,293,000
1,902,000
590,000
$
8,785,000
60,693,000
—
— $ 60,693,000
$
$
$
$
$
Total assets at July 31, 2019
$ 662,580,000
186,438,000
38,693,000
$ 887,711,000
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2018
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
Unallocated
Total
$ 345,076,000
40,837,000
$
225,513,000
10,950,000
— $ 570,589,000
35,075,000
(16,712,000) $
Net income (loss)
$
40,297,000
10,835,000
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
Interest (income) and other
Interest expense
Amortization of stock-based compensation
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation
Adjusted EBITDA
270,000
151,000
119,000
—
17,699,000
9,479,000
—
112,000
3,000
—
3,376,000
3,088,000
$
68,015,000
17,414,000
(21,363,000) $
(5,413,000)
(9,000)
10,073,000
8,569,000
—
1,088,000
(7,055,000) $
29,769,000
(5,143,000)
254,000
10,195,000
8,569,000
21,075,000
13,655,000
78,374,000
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Total assets at July 31, 2018
$
7,151,000
$ 610,166,000
901,000
195,924,000
590,000
39,067,000
$
8,642,000
$ 845,157,000
F - 34
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Net sales
Operating income (loss)
Net income (loss)
Provision for income taxes
Interest (income) and other
Interest expense
Amortization of stock-based compensation
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation
Settlement of intellectual property
litigation
Adjusted EBITDA
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2017
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
Unallocated
Total
$ 330,867,000
33,234,000
$
219,501,000
9,393,000
— $ 550,368,000
37,042,000
(5,585,000) $
$
$
$
32,871,000
258,000
(108,000)
213,000
—
17,698,000
9,938,000
9,421,000
—
(34,000)
6,000
—
5,125,000
2,938,000
(26,465,000) $
9,396,000
74,000
11,410,000
8,506,000
—
1,478,000
15,827,000
9,654,000
(68,000)
11,629,000
8,506,000
22,823,000
14,354,000
—
—
60,870,000
17,456,000
(12,020,000)
(7,621,000) $
(12,020,000)
70,705,000
7,007,000
1,046,000
97,000
$
8,150,000
Total assets at July 31, 2017
$ 606,436,000
185,234,000
40,393,000
$ 832,063,000
Unallocated expenses result from corporate expenses such as executive compensation, accounting, legal and other
regulatory compliance related costs and also includes all of our amortization of stock-based compensation. During fiscal
2019, unallocated expenses also include $5,871,000 of acquisition plan expenses. In addition, offsetting unallocated
expenses in fiscal 2019 is a $3,204,000 benefit resulting from a favorable ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit related to a legacy TCS intellectual property matter. See Note (13)(b)- "Commitments and Contingencies
- Legal Proceedings and Other Matters" for further information. Unallocated expenses reflect favorable adjustments to
operating income related to: (i) warranty and sales and use tax settlements in fiscal 2018; and (ii) settlement of certain
legacy TCS intellectual property matters in fiscal 2017.
Interest expense in the tables above relate to our Prior Credit Facility and new Credit Facility, and includes the amortization
of deferred financing costs. In addition, during fiscal 2019, we recorded a $3,217,000 loss from the write-off of deferred
financing costs primarily related to the Term Loan Facility portion of our Prior Credit Facility. See Note (8) - "Credit
Facility" for further discussion. There were no comparable losses recorded in fiscal 2018 and 2017.
Intersegment sales in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 by the Commercial Solutions segment to the Government Solutions
segment were $17,371,000, $9,630,000 and $12,492,000, respectively. There were nominal sales by the Government
Solutions segment to the Commercial Solutions segment for these fiscal periods. All intersegment sales are eliminated
in consolidation and are excluded from the tables above.
Unallocated assets at July 31, 2019 consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, income taxes receivable, corporate
property, plant and equipment and deferred financing costs. Substantially all of our long-lived assets are located in the
U.S.
F - 35
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(13) Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Operating Leases
At July 31, 2019, future minimum lease payments, net of subleases, under non-cancelable operating lease agreements
are as follows:
Fiscal Year:
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total
$
$
11,812,000
8,723,000
7,343,000
5,776,000
3,430,000
7,130,000
44,214,000
Lease expense charged to operations was $11,953,000, $12,733,000 and $13,270,000 in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
We lease our Melville, New York production facility from a partnership controlled by our President, CEO and Chairman.
Lease payments made in fiscal 2019 were $636,000. The current lease provides for our use of the premises as they exist
through December 2021 with an option for an additional 10 years. The annual rent of the facility for calendar year 2020
is $657,000 and is subject to customary adjustments. We have a right of first refusal in the event of a sale of the facility.
(b) Legal Proceedings and Other Matters
Legacy TCS Intellectual Property Matter - Vehicle IP
In December 2009, Vehicle IP, LLC ("Vehicle IP") filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the
District of Delaware (the "District Court"), seeking monetary damages, fees and expenses and other relief from, among
others, our customer Verizon Wireless ("Verizon") based on the VZ Navigator product. TCS defended Verizon against
Vehicle IP. In January 2019, we received a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upholding the
District Court's claim construction in our favor. Consequently, we and Vehicle IP filed a joint stipulation requesting a
judgment of non-infringement, which judgment was entered on March 5, 2019. As a result of the Federal Circuit Court’s
decision, this matter is now closed and during the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we reduced our accrued legal costs related
to this matter and recorded a $3,204,000 benefit in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note (6) - "Accrued
Expenses and Other Current Liabilities" for additional information.
Legacy TCS 911 Call Handling Software Matter
A customer that purchased a TCS 911 call handling software solution in December 2014 (which was more than one year
prior to our acquisition of TCS) (the "TCS Legacy Customer") informed us in fiscal 2019 that it experienced several
network outages and that it would seek indemnification for any claims made against it as a result of such outages.
In connection with these outages, the TCS Legacy Customer informed us that it believed certain communication failover
redundancies promised to it by former senior management of TCS were never completed and had originally demanded
that we refund to it all amounts previously paid to us under the contract, which through July 31, 2019 exceeded
$14,000,000. In response to such claim, we engaged legal counsel to review the claims made by our customer.
Settlement conversations were had with this customer for several months and a mutual agreement was not reached. In
September 2019, this customer filed a lawsuit in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of the State of South Dakota and has
accused us of committing fraud because, among other things, we failed to provide them with certain redundancy. We
believe that TCS has complied with its contractual requirements and that the customer is not entitled to any such
reimbursement. Our contract to provide services to this customer expires in December 2019 and the amount of annual
revenue we generate from this customer is immaterial.
F - 36
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
We vigorously contest that we violated any contractual obligations, much less committed fraud, and have submitted
notification to our insurance carriers of the lawsuit for review and consideration of coverage for potential liability that
may arise from this lawsuit. We are also reviewing with counsel our multiple counter claims against this TCS Legacy
Customer.
We also filed a lawsuit in March 2019 against a former employee and her new employer arising from such former
employee's violation of her obligation to TCS of confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation of customers,
including the TCS Legacy Customer. The former employee has responded with her own lawsuit against us.
The ultimate resolution of these matters could vary and have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of
operations, financial position or cash flows in future periods.
Other Matters
In October 2014, we disclosed to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") that
we learned during a self-assessment of our export transactions that a shipment of modems sent to a Canadian customer
by Comtech EF Data Corp. was incorporated into a communication system, the ultimate end user of which was the Sudan
Civil Aviation Authority. The sales value of this equipment was approximately $288,000. At the time of shipment, OFAC
regulations prohibited U.S. persons from doing business directly or indirectly with Sudan. In late 2015, OFAC issued an
administrative subpoena seeking information about the disclosed transaction. We responded to the subpoena, including
alerting OFAC to Comtech’s repair of three modems for a customer in Lebanon who may have rerouted the modems
from Lebanon to Sudan without the required U.S. licensing authorization. In September 2018, Comtech agreed to enter
into a Tolling Agreement with OFAC, which extends the statute of limitations in this matter through December 31, 2019.
The Tolling Agreement was shortly followed by a second administrative subpoena seeking additional information about
the disclosed transaction. In December 2018, Comtech responded to a second administrative subpoena from OFAC,
answering the questions it posed and providing all the documents it sought. U.S. sanctions with respect to Sudan were
revoked in 2017. Consistent with the revocation of the Sudan Sanction Regulations ("SSR"), shipments to the Sudan
Civil Aviation Authority by U.S. persons are now permissible. We are not able to predict whether OFAC will take any
enforcement action against us in light of the revocation of the SSR. If OFAC determines that we have violated U.S. trade
sanctions, civil and criminal penalties could apply, and we may suffer reputational harm. Even though we take precautions
to avoid engaging in transactions that may violate U.S. trade sanctions, those measures may not be effective in every
instance.
In May 2018, we were informed by the Office of Export Enforcement ("OEE") of the Department of Commerce ("DoC")
that it was forwarding to the DoC's Office of Chief Counsel, the results of its audit of international shipments by Comtech
Xicom Technology, Inc. for further review and possible determination of an administrative penalty. We fully cooperated
with the OEE in their audit and, based on our self-assessment of the approximately 7,800 individual transactions audited,
have determined that six (6) transactions may not have been fully in compliance with the Export Administration
Regulations ("EAR"). These six (6) items, for which export licenses were not obtained, were either spares or repaired
power amplifier subassembly components valued at less than $100,000 (in aggregate) and were shipped to Brazil, Italy,
Russia, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The EAR provides an exception to the requirement to obtain an export
license for the replacement of a defective or damaged component. During our self-assessment, we determined that we
inadvertently did not obtain export licenses for the spares or evidence of the return or destruction of the defective or
damaged components necessary to authorize our use of the export license exception for the replacements. Since discovering
this issue, we have implemented additional controls and procedures and have increased awareness of these specific export
requirements throughout the Company to help avoid similar occurrences in the future. Administrative penalties under
the EAR can range from a warning letter to a denial of export privileges. A civil monetary penalty not to exceed the
amount set forth in the Export Administration Act ("EAA") may be imposed for each violation, and in the event that any
provision of the EAR is continued by any other authority, the maximum monetary civil penalty for each violation shall
be that provided by such other authority. Administrative penalties under the EAR are currently determined pursuant to
the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ("IEEPA"), which can reach the greater of twice the amount of the
transaction that is the basis of the violation or approximately $300,000 per violation. We have not recorded an accrual
related to a possible administrative penalty and continue to work cooperatively with the OEE.
F - 37
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
In the ordinary course of business, we include indemnification provisions in certain of our customer contracts to indemnify,
hold harmless and reimburse such customers for certain losses, including but not limited to losses related to third-party
claims of intellectual property infringement arising from the customer’s use of our products or services. We may also,
from time to time, receive indemnification requests from customers related to third-party claims that 911 calls were
improperly routed during an emergency. We evaluate such claims as and when they arise. We do not always agree with
customers that they are entitled to indemnification and in such cases reject their claims. Despite maintaining that we have
properly carried out our duties, we may seek coverage under our various insurance policies; however, we cannot be sure
that we will be able to maintain or obtain insurance coverage at acceptable costs or in sufficient amounts or that our
insurer will not disclaim coverage as to such claims. Accordingly, pending or future claims asserted against us by a party
that we agree to indemnify could result in legal costs and damages that could have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
There are certain other pending and threatened legal actions which arise in the normal course of business. Although the
ultimate outcome of litigation is difficult to accurately predict, we believe that the outcome of these other pending and
threatened actions will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
(c) Employment Change of Control and Indemnification Agreements
We have an employment agreement with our CEO and President. The employment agreement generally provides for an
annual salary and bonus award. We have also entered into change of control agreements with certain of our executive
officers and certain key employees. All of these agreements may require payments by us, in certain circumstances,
including, but not limited to, a change in control of our Company.
(14) Goodwill
The following table represents goodwill by reportable operating segment, including the changes in the net carrying
value of goodwill during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019:
Balance as of July 31, 2018
$ 231,440,000
59,193,000
$ 290,633,000
Addition resulting from Solacom acquisition
Addition resulting from the GD NG-911 acquisition
11,808,000
8,048,000
—
—
11,808,000
8,048,000
Balance as of July 31, 2019
$ 251,296,000
59,193,000
$ 310,489,000
Commercial
Solutions
Government
Solutions
Total
As discussed further in Note (2) -"Acquisitions," the goodwill resulting from the acquisitions of Solacom and the GD
NG-911 business was based upon valuation and estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase
price allocation period (generally one year from the acquisition date).
In accordance with FASB ASC 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other," we perform a goodwill impairment analysis at
least annually (in the first quarter of each fiscal year), unless indicators of impairment exist in interim periods. If we fail
the quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment ("quantitative assessment"), we would be required to recognize an
impairment loss equal to the amount that a reporting unit's carrying value exceeded its fair value; however, any loss
recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
On August 1, 2019 (the first day of our fiscal 2020), we performed our annual quantitative assessment using market
participant assumptions to determine if the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded its carrying
value. In making this assessment, we considered, among other things, expectations of projected net sales and cash flows,
assumptions impacting the weighted average cost of capital, trends in trading multiples of comparable companies, changes
in our stock price and changes in the carrying values of our reporting units with goodwill. We also considered overall
business conditions.
F - 38
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
In performing the quantitative assessment, we estimated the fair value of each of our reporting units using a combination
of the income and market approaches. The income approach, also known as the discounted cash flow ("DCF") method,
utilizes the present value of cash flows to estimate fair value. The future cash flows for our reporting units were projected
based on our estimates, at that time, of future revenues, operating income and other factors (such as working capital and
capital expenditures). For purposes of conducting our impairment analysis, we assumed revenue growth rates and cash
flow projections that are below our actual long-term expectations. The discount rates used in our DCF method were based
on a weighted-average cost of capital ("WACC") determined from relevant market comparisons, adjusted upward for
specific reporting unit risks (primarily the uncertainty of achieving projected operating cash flows). A terminal value
growth rate was applied to the final year of the projected period, which reflects our estimate of stable, perpetual growth.
We then calculated a present value of the respective cash flows for each reporting unit to arrive at an estimate of fair value
under the income approach. Under the market approach, we estimated a fair value based on comparable companies' market
multiples of revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and factored in a control premium.
Finally, we compared our estimates of fair values to our August 1, 2019 total public market capitalization and assessed
implied control premiums based on our common stock price of $29.54 as of August 1, 2019.
Based on our quantitative evaluation, we determined that our Commercial Solutions and Government Solutions reporting
units had estimated fair values in excess of their carrying values of at least 29.0% and 122.2%, respectively, and concluded
that our goodwill was not impaired and that neither of our two reporting units was at risk of failing the quantitative
assessment. It is possible that, during fiscal 2020 or beyond, business conditions (both in the U.S. and internationally)
could deteriorate from the current state, our current or prospective customers could materially postpone, reduce or even
forgo purchases of our products and services to a greater extent than we currently anticipate, or our common stock price
could decline. A significant decline in our customers' spending that is greater than we anticipate or a shift in funding
priorities may also have a negative effect on future orders, sales, income and cash flows and we might be required to
perform a quantitative assessment during fiscal 2020 or beyond. If assumed net sales and cash flow projections are not
achieved in future periods or our common stock price significantly declines from current levels, our Commercial Solutions
and Government Solutions reporting units could be at risk of failing the quantitative assessment and goodwill assigned
to the respective reporting units could be impaired.
In any event, we are required to perform the next annual goodwill impairment analysis on August 1, 2020 (the start of
our fiscal 2021). If our assumptions and related estimates change in the future, or if we change our reporting unit structure
or other events and circumstances change (e.g., a sustained decrease in the price of our common stock (considered on
both absolute terms and relative to peers)), we may be required to record impairment charges when we perform these
tests, or in other future periods. Any impairment charges that we may record in the future could be material to our results
of operations and financial condition.
F - 39
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(15) Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with finite lives as of July 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:
July 31, 2019
Weighted Average
Amortization Period
20.5
12.7
16.7
Weighted Average
Amortization Period
21.0
12.8
16.4
Customer relationships
Technologies
Trademarks and other
Total
Customer relationships
Technologies
Trademarks and other
Total
$
Gross Carrying
Amount
276,834,000
92,649,000
31,026,000
400,509,000
$
Accumulated
Amortization
66,484,000
59,522,000
12,613,000
138,619,000
Net Carrying
Amount
$ 210,350,000
33,127,000
18,413,000
$ 261,890,000
July 31, 2018
Gross Carrying
Amount
249,831,000
82,370,000
28,894,000
361,095,000
$
$
Accumulated
Amortization
55,350,000
54,386,000
10,563,000
120,299,000
Net Carrying
Amount
$ 194,481,000
27,984,000
18,331,000
$ 240,796,000
The weighted average amortization period in the above table excludes fully amortized intangible assets.
Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $18,320,000, $21,075,000 and
$22,823,000, respectively.
As further discussed in Note (2) -"Acquisitions," intangible assets as of July 31, 2019 include recently acquired intangibles
resulting from the acquisitions of Solacom and the GD NG-911 business.
The estimated amortization expense consists of the following for the fiscal years ending July 31:
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
$ 20,700,000
19,563,000
18,322,000
18,322,000
17,631,000
We review net intangible assets with finite lives for impairment when an event occurs indicating the potential for
impairment. No such event has occurred during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019. We believe that the carrying values
of our net intangible assets were recoverable as of July 31, 2019. Any impairment charges that we may record in the
future could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.
F - 40
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(16) Stockholders’ Equity
Sale of Common Stock
In December 2018, we filed a $400,000,000 shelf registration with the SEC for the sale of various types of securities,
including debt. The shelf registration was declared effective by the SEC as of December 14, 2018. To-date, we have not
issued any securities related to our $400,000,000 shelf registration.
Stock Repurchase Program
As of July 31, 2019 and September 24, 2019, we were authorized to repurchase up to an additional $8,664,000 of our
common stock, pursuant to our current $100,000,000 stock repurchase program. Our stock repurchase program has no
time restrictions and repurchases may be made in open-market or privately negotiated transactions and may be made
pursuant to SEC Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. There were no repurchases made during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019
or 2018.
Dividends
Since September 2010, we have paid quarterly dividends pursuant to an annual targeted dividend amount that was
established by our Board of Directors. On September 26, 2018, December 6, 2018, March 6, 2019 and June 5, 2019, our
Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per common share, which were paid on November 16, 2018, February 15,
2019, May 17, 2019 and August 16, 2019, respectively. On September 24, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a dividend
of $0.10 per common share, payable on November 15, 2019 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 16,
2019.
Future dividends remain subject to compliance with financial covenants under our Credit Facility as well as Board
approval.
F - 41
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(17) Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly operating results:
Fiscal 2019
Net sales
Gross profit
Net income
Diluted income per share
First Quarter
$ 160,844,000
57,769,000
3,468,000
0.14
Second Quarter
164,133,000
61,245,000
7,826,000
0.32
Third Quarter
170,448,000
64,416,000
7,612,000
0.31
Fourth Quarter
176,372,000
64,010,000
6,135,000
0.25
Total
$ 671,797,000
247,440,000
25,041,000
1.03 *
Fiscal 2018
Net sales
Gross profit
Net (loss) income
Diluted (loss) income
per share
Fiscal 2017
Net sales
Gross profit
Net (loss) income
Diluted (loss) income
per share
First Quarter
$ 121,569,000
47,716,000
(1,660,000)
Second Quarter
133,731,000
50,801,000
15,761,000
Third Quarter
147,854,000
62,436,000
8,210,000
Fourth Quarter
167,435,000
62,988,000
7,458,000
Total
$ 570,589,000
223,941,000
29,769,000
(0.07)
0.66
0.34
0.31
1.24 *
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Total
$ 135,786,000
139,028,000
127,792,000
147,762,000
$ 550,368,000
52,108,000
(2,489,000)
53,204,000
52,461,000
60,412,000
218,185,000
6,585,000
4,417,000
7,314,000
15,827,000
(0.11)
0.28
0.19
0.31
0.67 *
* The per share information is computed independently for each quarter and the full year based on the respective weighted average
number of common shares outstanding. Therefore, income per share information for the full fiscal year may not equal the total of
the quarters within the year.
F - 42
Schedule II
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Fiscal Years Ended July 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Column A
Column B
Column C Additions
Column D
Column E
Balance at
beginning of
period
Charged to
cost and
expenses
Charged to
other
accounts
- describe
Transfers
(deductions)
- describe
Balance at
end of
period
Description
Allowance for doubtful
accounts receivable:
Year ended July 31,
2019
2018
2017
Inventory reserves:
Year ended July 31,
$ 1,761,000
1,300,000
1,029,000
1,136,000
573,000
497,000
(A)
(A)
(A)
2019
2018
2017
$ 17,427,000
16,019,000
16,198,000
6,015,000
5,628,000
2,900,000
(C)
(C)
(C)
Valuation allowance for
deferred tax assets:
Year ended July 31,
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,030,000)
(112,000)
(226,000)
(B)
(B)
(B)
$ 1,867,000
1,761,000
1,300,000
(3,746,000)
(4,220,000)
(3,079,000)
(D)
(D)
(D)
$ 19,696,000
17,427,000
16,019,000
2019
2018
2017
$ 11,854,000
8,633,000
9,624,000
58,000
3,221,000
324,000
(E)
(E)
(E)
656,000
(F)
—
$ 12,568,000
—
121,000
(F)
—
(1,436,000)
11,854,000
(F)
8,633,000
(A) Provision for doubtful accounts.
(B) Write-off of uncollectible receivables.
(C) Provision for excess and obsolete inventory.
(D) Write-off of inventory.
(E) Change in valuation allowance.
(F) Acquisition related valuation allowance charged to (deducted from) goodwill.
S- 1
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C O R P O R A T E I N F O R M A T I O N
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fred Kornberg (1) (5)
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President
Edwin Kantor (1) (3) (4)
Lead Independent Director
Executive Director of Colony S2K
Partners LLC
Ira Kaplan (3) (4) (5)
Private Investor
Robert G. Paul (2) (4)
Private Investor
Dr. Yacov A. Shamash (2) (5)
Professor of Electrical and Computer
Engineering at Stony Brook University
Lawrence J. Waldman (1) (2) (3)
Senior Advisor
First Long Island Investors, LLC
(1) Executive Committee
(2) Audit Committee
(3) Executive Compensation Committee
(4) Nominating and Governance Committee
(5) Science and Technology Committee
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Jericho, New York 11753
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ
Stock Market LLC under the stock
symbol CMTL
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
American Stock Transfer and Trust Co.
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11219
COMMON STOCK PRICE RANGE
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT
Fred Kornberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael D. Porcelain
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Michael A. Bondi
Chief Financial Officer
SUBSIDIARY MANAGEMENT
John Branscum
Senior Vice President; President of Comtech
EF Data Corp. and Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc.
Kent Hellebust
President of Safety and Security Technologies
Pierre Plangger
President of Comtech Solacom Technologies
Jay F. Whitehurst
President, Comtech Location Technologies
Michael V. Hrybenko
President of Comtech PST Corp.
Rich Luhrs
President of Comtech Systems, Inc.
Michael Atcheson
President of Mission-Critical Technologies
Lajuana Johnson
Senior Vice President of Mobile Datacom
Managed Services
Mike Scott
Senior Vice President of Space and
Component Technology
Roger Seaton
Senior Vice President of Tactical Communications
Alan Gush
Vice President of Cyber Solutions
John Warrick
Vice President of Cyber Services
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2019
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
High
Low
$ 36.94
30.43
27.50
30.29
$ 27.15
22.80
20.94
20.98
INVESTOR RELATIONS AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Visit us at www.comtechtel.com or call (631) 962-7000. A copy of the Form 10-K Annual
Report, exhibits and other reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are
available to shareholders. Requests for information should be made by submitting an email to
info@comtechtel.com or by writing to us at Comtech Telecommunications Corp., Attention:
Corporate Secretary, 68 South Service Road, Suite 230, Melville, NY 11747.
68 South Service Road, Suite 230
Melville, New York 11747
Tel: (631) 962-7000 • Fax: (631) 962-7001
www.comtechtel.com